Does anyone have experience with the Miller DS5 system? Feedback? Thanks.

Well i have very limited experience with the ds10 system, and i think it is freaking fantastic for the money. I live in australia where they are made, and they are sure a hell of a lot cheaper than the imports (manfrotto ect.) here, and they are just fantastic to work with.

Nice and big, not bulky or heavy though, always feels solid and under control, the pan and tilt is very smooth if controlled by a good operator, and it comes together in seconds from bag to level to shooting.

kermie

ps. you didn't mention which camera you were going to use with it, i use an xl1s with it.

Thanks. I'm going to try and take a look at one soon. I'm just using small hand-helds and 1 big SVHS unit. I know Millers are great for the money (unless you buy from the USA). I've only looked over some of their larger pods. The DS5 is meant for small cams.

ds5 is meant for around 2.5kg of weigh ontop. the DS10 is for 5kg.

I prob could have got away with a DS5 but the prices are so close i just went the one up.

kermie

I've got the catalog here, and it says the DS5 system is for small, hand-held cams up to VX2000 size. I'm going to try later today, to look and check the price.

What are the prices in Australia (in AU Dollars) for these DS5 kits?

1) 825
2) 826
3) 822

I'll second Kermie's remarks. I've had a DS-10 with mid-level spreader for a year and think it's an excellent tripod/head for the XL1s and even the GL2. Quick set-up, easy to level, shoulder strap on legs for easy schlepping, well-designed soft case, relatively lightweight, smooth head drag adjustment, etc. The DS-10 was designed specifically with the XL1s in mind.

Since Miller reduced their prices (right after I bought mine, thank you very much) the DS series became among the best values in their class.

I have the #828 set, with the bag and all, it was around $1350 AUD, i am not sure how good that pricing is.

For the prices on the other sets you will have to wait until monday when i go into the store.

kermie

Considering currency exchange, that's about 1/2 the cost from what the Canadian Distributer's retail price is. I just got the local prices today. So I'll have to maybe consider buying from Australia, or just forgetting the whole thing.

No to get some AU quotes....

Thanks!

Frank if can get you intouch with the people i got it off, maybe u could get a ds10 #828 set for a good price i would buy that and future proof yourself a bit if u want a heavier camera in the future. A good tripod is a life investment.

kermie

I'm going to do that. But what I think I'm going to do exactly, is order the head only, from Australia. In Canada, most of the money is with this head, not the legs, spreader, strap and case. This way the shipping costs to Vancouver will be a lot cheaper.

Kermie, can you suggest an Australian Miller dealer for me? (with their e-mail/website). Thanks.

The only one i know of for sure is where i purchased my camera,

www.tasmanav.com.au

they gave me that price too.

kermie

Thanks. I'll go to that site right now to find their e-mail.

Frank, I also need a tripod (still!), I'd be interested in purchasing with you, maybe they'd offer a discount if we managed to move a few tripods. Seems to be a solid system, maybe we can get a group buy? I live in Ontario, so each unit would have to be shipped seperately.

People - Christmas is coming, surely someone you love could use a Miller tripod system :D

I'll try and e-mail them shortly for pricing. It's only about 2 PM there right now. I don't have there e-mail, so I'll try sales@tasmanav.com.au

I couldn't find their e-mail on their address!

Kermie, would you happen to know www.tasmanav.com.au 's e-mail address? I sent an e-mail using sales, then support, but I haven't heard back from them.

Perhaps I'll try cameraaction.com.au to see if they can get them or they know a good dealer who sells them.

Yeah tasman can be stupidly lazy.


try http://www.videoguys.com.au i have dealt with them now because a lot of my equipment was stolen so i am replacing bits and pieces, and they seem really nice.

kermie

Oh! Okay. I know them. I just forgot. Yes, they answer their e-mails. They even sell the Panasonic MX line! Thanks!

Do you know their e-mail?

I tried, sales@, support@, info@, and store@. They all got bounced back.

I have one email here,

production@tasmanav.com.au

that is on one of the cards a sales rep gave me i just found.

kermie

Thanks. I'll try that one.

Frank, are you still interested in the Miller system?...

Yes. But I don't want to buy it in Canada. I just got 1 reply with an Aussie price:

DS5 w/ legs, cordura case & mid level spreader
RRP: $1095.00 AU.

That's 1/2 the going Canadian price! The only problem with this dealer is that they won't ship outside of Australia. I'll keep e-mailing around.

Perhaps there is an australian DVi member who'd be gracious enough to purchase them, and ship them to us? There needs to be a great level of trust for something like this however...

I'm more interested in the DS10 for my XL1s, unless real-world users can speak for the 'lesser' DS5 being able to handle a loaded XL1s?...

Yes, don't go for a DS5 for your loaded XL1. I just have small cams, so the DS5 is what I'm looking for.

If you get someone to buy it for you in AU, they have to pay the tax (GST), and there might even be another tax---I'm not sure.

My brother-in-law lives in Sydney, he would do it, but there's the tax. It's better to find a dealer who is set-up to ship out of country. When I get some positive responses, I'll post here.

Also, I'm not in a rush to buy, because I already have a great tripod/head for my cams...I just want something better, and lighter: the Miller DS5.

I'm going to be sending out serveral more e-mails tonight, and hopefully I will have some results in a couple of days.

Frank,

Have you tried emailing Miller and asking them who their dealers are? Do they list them on their web site?

Jeff

I haven't tried that. If I e-mailed them, they'd probably reply with Leo's Photo (in Vancouver). They are the Canadian distributor for Miller as well as a dealer.

I'm still waiting to hear back from

production@tasmanav.com.au

along with from a couple of other places.

I did go and have a look at the DS5, and found that for my small cams, it's perfect. However, it's too over priced here.

To be honest, i think the only way to deal with them is to call, find a world time website and ring between 10-5 during a weekday, i think there is some deals for like 10 minutes for a dollar, a dollar spent on a call is a lot less than $1000 more in price.

best i can do now.

kermie

Funny. When I e-mail http://www.cameraaction.com.au - they reply in 30 minutes or less. I have a link to a clock on my website. It can be handy!

I'm going to go with these guys, in January. The prices quoted are in Australian Dollars.

http://www.tasmanav.com.au

Re: enquiry re a Miller DS5 tripod head.

Tasman AV is the Victoria & Tasmania representative for AV Central, the premium dealer network for Sony professional and Miller tripods / accessories.

The DS 5 tripod head RRP: $770.00

DS5 w/ single stage Aluminium legs RRP: $990.00

DS5 w/ legs, cordura case & mid level spreader RRP: $1095.00

Robert McKenzie

Manager
Broadcast & Professional Sales
Tasman AV
Tel: 03 9416 2255
Fax: 03 9419 7041
Email: production@tasmanav.com.au

$1095 Australian is less than $600 US. Of course, there is shipping cost, but at that price, well, you just can't beat that in Canada and the USA.

I followed up with Tasman as well, here are the prices:

DS10 Models: 10lbs load

828 Kit - single stage aluminum, mid-spreader, feet, pan handle, strap, soft case. - $1353.00 (AUS Dollars)

832 Kit - two-stage aluminum, mid-spreader, feet, pan handle, strap, soft case. - $1650.00 (AUS Dollars)

DS20 Models: 20 lbs load

842 Kit - single stage aluminum, mid-spreader, feet, pan handle, strap, soft case. - $1635.00 (AUS Dollars)

850 Kit - two-stage carbon fibre, mid spreader, feet, pan handle, strap, softcase. - $1830.00 (AUS Dollars)


I'll add Freight charges when Robert (salesrep) gets back to me. I'll also inquire about a group buy discount incase there's an interest from anyone else.

Andrew-
have you gotten a setup yet from them? I'm looking at going through them too for an 850 kit. did they ever get back to you with shipping?

Just want to add..., Millers are about 15 to even 20% cheaper in Canada.

http://www.leoscamera.com is the Canadian distr., and also a dealer.

But "Down-Under" it's almost 1/2 price compared with the Canadian price---taking into consideration the lower Aussie Dollar.

If Leos is the distributer and reseller, you'd think they'd list Miller on the web site... I do believe you though.

Matt - no, I have not received an answer regarding shipping. I'll shoot another email off today.

Any followup on this, especially shipping? I'm quite interested to know.

I'd just like to point out that I got a Miller DS-5 the other day and WOW! This thing is incredible. Pans, tilts, everything.... so incredibly smooth. The attention to detail is amazing and build quality is A++. This is my first tripod so sadly i cannot compare it to anything else, but I am extremely satisfied with this one. I own a DVX100 and strongly urge you to invest some cash in this thing; you wont regret it!

Congratulations on the purchase Dan, you're gonna love the DS-5. Unlike you, I used a Manfrotto 501 head for several years before getting my DS-5. The first time I used it my comment was the same.... "WOW"

It really is a huge upgrade from the less expensive Bogen/Manfrotto heads, but of course one would expect an $800 tripod to be a big improvement over a $250 tripod...

I am a newbie when it comes to video. I used to be into still photography years ago, even worked in a camera shop. Tripods for still work are not very demanding and are really easy to understand but I am finding that video is a completely new ballgame.

A few short weeks ago, I started with set of Bogen 3051 legs and a 3130 head. The head did not balance with my VX2100 and the friction knobs had to be cranked down real tight to keep the cam from moving. Then, of course, the tilts were too stiff.

So, I traded the 3130 for a 501. The 501 had the stiction problems that I had read about. I decided that only a true fluid head would do. The least expensive true fluid head seemed to be the Cartoni Action Pro 10 or 11. I called B&H and asked them if this could be adapted to the 3051 legs and they said "No...well, yes....ah, no." I could not find info on websites as to whether or not the ball mount heads could be converted to a flat mount so I gave up on the idea. I decided to return the 3051 legs and get a fluid head kit.

Since I had read posts saying that the Cartoni AP head was not in the same league as their other heads (nor Miller DS5), I decided that I would get a DS5. I ordered the Solo pod with the DS5 head. I got it today.

The kit was not in perfect condition. The zipper was broken on the bag and the QR plate had been abused. The rubber strips on the plate had been a little chewed up as if a cam had been mounted on it and twisted. I will be returning this kit. Still, this is not the disappointing part!

I decided to go ahead and check out the pod, so I mounted my VX on it. I cannot seem to get the camera balanced. When I do a tilt, the cam will slowly wander off. If I balance it to tilt down without wandering, it wanders when I tilt up and vice-versa. It continues going, never stops. I can engage the tilt lock but it is not like the friction knob on the Bogen, it seems to be a tilt lock only. There is not a lot of travel and variation.

In addition to that, there is backlash. Tilt up, let go and the camera rebounds in a downward direction (and vice-versa). The same thing happens with a pan. Pan left, let go, the cam rebounds to the right (and vice-versa). I tried holding the position for a couple of seconds before releasing the handle, hoping it would "settle-in" or something. Nope.

I thought Miller was not supposed to do this. Is this my fault? Tell me it is because I thought I was spending too much when I paid $400 for the Bogen kit. I thought I was *crazy* when I spent $1100 for the Solo kit. Do I have to spend $2000 on a Vinten to get a tripod that actually works as one would expect?

The Miller DS5 head should not do this. Did you buy it used?

I'm not familiar with the Miller's, but are you adjusting the counter balance in any way? Most of the better heads (Vinten, Sachtler, Miller, O'Connor etc.) will have a control to adjust the amount of force the counter balance (usually a spring) will have. The Vinten Vision 3 even has replaceable springs so that the head can be adjusted for different weight cameras and cameras with different center of gravities.

Jeff, the DS-5 doesn't have this sort of adjustment, I think you need to go up to a DS-10 for that. However I have never experienced a problem like Nick describes with my DS-5 and it's also very odd that it has the damage he mentions. Did it come from B&H? Was it used?

It sounds like it has been used, you might want to contact the retailer and explain ASAP.

Also, if it is a used item you might be stuck with it depending on where you bought it?

I own the DS-5 and I'm happy with it. It's not the greatest tripod in the world, but you can definately get things done with it and no one would know you didn't use the greatest.

Murph

I bought this tripod as new from a reputable online dealer. I called them immediately after I got it and explained the problem. They were very understanding and will be exchanging it for me.

The kit appeared to be sealed in a Miller factory box. Other than the damage that I mentioned, everything else looked perfect, not even dusty. The zipper damage was very unusual. It has two pull tabs. One of the tabs looked like it had been cut off with wire cutters or something yet the bag itself looked absolutely new.

Now, what I am concerned about is that if I exchange it, I will still have the problems with the head that I discussed in my original post -- inability to balance it and backlash.

Frank says it is not characteristic of the DS5, do you agree or disagree?

Should I exchange it or just return it and get something else?

Thanks for your help, guys...

Nick,
I've never used the DS-5. The DS-10 also does not have a counterbalance adjustment, per se. It just has drag adjustments for pan and tilt. The tilt drag is the main mechanism for simultaneously adjusting balance.

FWIW my DS-10 seems very well matched for my GL2, which is approximately the same physical configuration and weight as your VX2100. I think that the DS-5 head may designed for smaller, more compact cameras (such as Boyd's PDX10). You should consider exchanging the DS-5 for the 10 if the budget can bear it.

But, again, I am admittedly inexperienced with the DS-5.

Ken,

Ok, I am glad to hear that you have no problems with balancing for tilts on the DS10.

Do you have any problems with backlash (or rebound) or whatever it is called, either on tilts or pans?

I blew the budget a long time ago, if the DS10 works, I will get it. However, if it suffers the same problems as the DS5, I have to explore other options.

BTW, just for everyone's general information, the Miller website recommends the DS5 for a GL2 and either the DS5 or DS10, for a PD150. They do no list the VX2100 for some reason.

For balancing, the DS5 has a sliding QR plate with approx. one inch of travel. It does not have any springs or drag.

The DS-10, like all pro heads, also features a sliding plate to adjust the moment arm of the camera's mass on the head.

Pans are, of course, completely free of any rebound and are silky smooth.

The DS-10's counterbalance spring can, indeed, handle a heavier load than the GL2. So if the tilt drag is set to zero the head will level the camera (i.e. rebound). However, this is a trivial matter to eliminate. You simply adjust the tilt drag a bit to compensate for the lighter load and, voila, you'll get rebound-free, ice-smooth tilts. The camera will travel like it was on air and will stay where you put it.

Sorry about that budget, Nick. But i doubt that you'll even remember what the budget was after you work with the DS-10 for a day or two with your GL2.

A new report on Miller DS-5 tripod.

One of my colleagues purchased a Miller DS-5 about a year and
a half ago. He came into our gear check out facility yesterday and asked
about a tripod. I asked why he wasn't using his Miller as it is a much
better unit than our bogans.

The leg set knobs have ALL cracked and are now broken off rendering the
tripod useless. He has to send it back and wait for repair . . . ugh.

My guess is that Miller used crummy plastic.

A bummer considering he paid close to a grand for it.

Bummer. I bought a DS-5 a year ago and it's holding up great with no signs of this problem, in fact I've been very happy all around with it. I wonder if his was exposed to some environmental extremes, like freezing or hot sun? Or maybe in 6 months mine will also fall apart?!! :-0