Hi guys,

I'm trying to decide on a tripod purchase for a DSLR kitted out with rails, FF, external recorder etc. and was wondering if anyone could share their thoughts on how the Cartoni focus and Vinten Vision Blue compare?

I have a little over $1000 to spend.

I've heard rave reviews for the Vinten, but am a but concerned that I'll start pushing the head's weight limit with the camera fully kitted out. The Cartoni can handle double the weight, but how does it compare performance-wise?

I've seen a couple of the Cartoni heads for sale used, so that seems like a viable option too.

Any thoughts, suggestions or alternatives would be much appreciated.

I'm also getting a slider and small jib, so something that could handle the extra weight without requiring a second tripod/head would be preferable. If need be I might expand my tripod budget to accodomate the other support gear with the single tripod/head combo.

Cheers

I have a Cartoni focus on a set of Bogen Art524 legs all on a bogen dolly. It's my big rig. I like the Cartoni. It's a side mount head as compared to the Vinten slide mount. Once you have a side mount, you won't want to go back. Like the Vinten, the Cartoni has a lighted level.