HI all,

I am selling my two tripods since I need one in-between and am looking for a lightweight solution and fast setup for my quick paced shooing.

Selling Miller DS 20 with carbon solo sticks. OK for smaller cameras but I never really used this system.

Also selling Vinten Vision 100 with Carbon Fibertec sticks. This was a go to when I used F800, Red One and other full size eng cameras. But now I am going to FS7. This really is an amazing setup but I fly about 150 flights a year and stopped taking it along due to too much weight.

So I have been all over the place searching and like the Sachtler DV12SB fluid head. As for sticks I am looking at the Sachtler CF-100eng 2CF but read some bad reviews. And then also the 100mm Miller solo Carbon legs.

I do need to get low at times and that leads me to the Miller legs.

Be interested in some input.

G'day, Paul...........

The 100mm Solo's certainly are versatile, no doubt about it, BUT......... those three concentric twist locks per leg would drive me nuts in pretty short order. That's a mind numbing 18 twists from collapsed to collapsed!

I'm currently re- tasking a set of Sachtler 75 CF Speedlocks ( Speed Lock 75 CF - Sachtler (http://www.sachtler.com/products/tripods/speed-lock-75-cf-2/)) from very average video platform to bees knees lightweight super quick stills rig - one (1) latch per leg! Yay.

Not everything in the garden is rosy, the non detachable spreader sucks, but as it's main purpose is landscape and not macro bug hunting, I can live with it.

Mated with a Manfrotto 520Ball (520BALL 75Mm Bowl With Knob 520BALL - Others | Manfrotto (http://www.manfrotto.com/520ball-75mm-bowl-with-knob)) and a MXPRO 3 way head (X-PRO 3-Way Head With Retractable Levers & Friction Controls MHXPRO-3W - 3 Way Adjustable Heads | Manfrotto (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/24329.1108711.31708.1108714.0/MHXPRO-3W/_/X-PRO_3-Way_Head_with_retractable_levers_%26_friction_controls)) it works very well indeed.

With that in mind, have you given any thought to something like the Sachtler 100mm Speed Lock CF's (Speed Lock CF - Sachtler (http://www.sachtler.com/products/tripods/speed-lock-cf/)) or, hernia notwithstanding, the gut busting Speed Lock CF HD's (Speed Lock CF HD - Sachtler (http://www.sachtler.com/products/tripods/speed-lock-cf-hd/))

For those "bite the dust" low shots maybe a high hat with the Sachtler SpeedLevel clamp, it appears to be shorter than the standard one (I'd link it but it won't let me).

Just some food for thought.


CS

Thanks Chris for the input.

Your still rig looks nice. For stills I use Really Right Stuff tripod and head and have been very happy.

I am going for light and feel that is a very important factor. If it is too heavy is just won't come along. So the Sachtler DV20 might even be too heavy for my FS7 rig. I do not use long glass in my work very often. But to match the DV20 I was looking at these sticks from Sachtler:
ENG 2 CF - Sachtler (http://www.sachtler.com/products/tripods/100-mm-tripods/eng-2-cf/)

I might go 75mm but I have to look over the weights load capacity on the head to know if that makes sense. The FS7 is a light rig.

I also use RRS gear for stills. Have you looked at the RRS FH-350 video fluid head? As a package, with CF legs and a leveling base, the total package weight is just under 10 lbs, and the fluid head load rating should be plenty sufficient for an FS7 setup.

I have no direct experience with the RRS fluid head, but it appears that Philip Bloom has been using it.

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the input, I did not know RRS had a fluid head that could handle 20lbs plus. Will go check it out now.

Update post:
I just checked on RRS site and sent them an email going over my weight requirements. The head looks great and I have the heavy duty carbon sticks they make and they are excellent. Will return with their response.

Here is the response from RRS. Too bad that might have been a great options if it was designed for 10-15 lb rigs

Hi Paul,

It's important to note what those two ratings are referring to. The 50lb load capacity refers to the tilt axis lock, which can hold about 50lbs of low-CG weight. This would obviously be less for taller rigs.

The 10lb recommendation refers to the counter-balance spring system, which will only counter-balance up to 10lbs at about 5 inches above the til axis. This means that beyond that weight/height, you will see diminished performance of the counter-balance system, and the head will require more input from you to prevent the head from tilting fore or aft under such load.

The head will certainly work with setups over 10lbs, but the handling will be less than ideal in the tilt axis if you rely heavily on the counter-balance for smooth tilts.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Paul:

Interesting. On the Philip Bloom BTS photos from the CNN project, it looks like Philip had an F55 on the RRS fluid head.

Another thought - Sachtler FSB-8 head on Gitzo or RRS CF tripod legs with a 75mm bowl. I have two such set-ups (with smaller FSB heads), but my payloads are a bit less than what you will have. Either the Gitzo or RRS legs are far more rigid than the Sachtler CF 75 Speedlock legs, in my experience. I got rid of the Sachtler legs.

A F55 on the RRS head far exceeding what they told me to use. I guess if you keep the tilt minimum it would be OK. They are talking about doing a bigger head since the success of the 350.

Great idea using the FSB-8 on the RRS sticks I own. Nice savings and a really light setup. How do you connect to RRS sticks? Do you use their leveling base and screw on the FSB-8? And what is the difference between the FSB-8 and FSB-8T?

Great input on the legs. I have not read great reviews on the Sachtler 75mm Speedlock legs.

If you have an RRS Series 3 tripod, there is a direct 75mm bowl adapter that replaces the top "shelf" of the RRS tripod, and the Sachtler FSB-8 head goes straight into the 75 mm bowl.

If you have an RRS Series 4 tripod, there is another adapter that allows the use of the aforementioned 75mm bowl adapter for Series 3 tripods.

The good folks at RRS should be able to provide you all the details.

For RRS Series 3 tripods, the RRS part you need is TA-3-VB, called Versa Series 3 Video bowl.

For RRS Series 4 tripods, you need the TA-3-VB, plus a TA-4-AA3, called a Series 4 to Series 3 Tripod Apex adapter.

Thank You Richard,

You had just the information I was looking for and opened my eyes to the RRS option.

I just ordered the TA-3-VB. Friday I will order the FSB-8 head since I have to wait till next year.

You are most welcome. I have no affiliation with RRS, other than as a customer.

I just bought from them a rail and a QR clamp. My DSLR's, which I use for both stills and video, have RRS plates, which I prefer to leave on the bodies. My latest DSLR is a Sony a7S, which has the RRS custom plate. The rail and QR clamp from RRS allows me to rapidly switch between:

1) hand-held
2) tripod use for stills with a ball head
3) tripod use with a video fluid head.

The trick is that the base plates on the camera bodies are perpendicular to the alignment of the tripod quick release plates. The RRS rail fits perfectly into a Kessler Qwik receiver, and the clamp solves the perpendicular problem. I will do a separate post with photos, likely after the upcoming weekend. This issue is better explained with photos.

Yes, their quick release plates are great. I have one on their 55 heads for my still work and have plates for Olympus OMD EM1 camera, Canon 1DX, and 5D MKIII. All the plates are setup to use the camera horizontal or vertical, and as you said Richard, a nice quick lock.

Also do not work with RRS just a very happy customer. And a company that makes it all in the US and designs it in the US.

Now with one pair of sticks I have two tripods.

Ahem............

I'm tempted to post my original here, stripped of extraneous waffle, and see if you can find any reference to me suggesting that you use Sachtler 75 CF's for your set up. I didn't and would't.

The whole reason the 75 CF's have been RE - TASKED to stills is that they are an exceedingly poor video platform, because of their propensity to wind up like a rubber band during moderate to high drag panning, a direct result of their novel but pathetic 2:1:1 format construction.

For stills such wind up is irrelevant, as there should never be any reason for them to experience such forces whilst performing their tasked function (unless you have a 3 foot lens mounted in a howling gale, even a block of concrete wouldn't solve that problem).

Of the options I actually put forward the SpeedLock CF had the best spec with regard to your requirements, it is at least a 2:2:1 design and over 1.5 kilos heavier than the 75 CF's, so should be infinitely better with regard to wind up. It's still only 3.5 kilos from memory and has the major advantage of only ONE lock per leg, not PER SEGMENT.

I take it from previous posts, you have opted for a total 1:1:1 etc approach, the most inferior solution for video purposes, good luck with that, you'll need it. Stills sticks ain't video sticks but the reverse can happen. If you want lightweight solution and fast setup you ain't gonna get it with concentric locks on each single leg segment, which is where I started my original post.

Whatever, hope whatever you decide works for you.


CS

Chris, I did not say you told me to use the 75 CF. There are others on this site and through email that have recommended the 75 CF and some have said don't get near any Sachtler tripods only the heads.

I am going to give my RRS tripod a try and see if it works when I need to travel very light. It cost me $55 to give it a try with the FSB8 head which I think will also be a nice light travel head. Great size between my Miller and Vinten which is what I am searching to find.

When I do not have a tripod which was most of last year when I traveled, I have 40 lbs on my back. And these days can be 14 hrs with 3-5 days in a row. So for me to add a tripod when I need a quick steady shot or a small pan and tilt I need to make the tripod system very light or I will just do it by hand. And I have gotten very good at doing it by hand with 350 videos last year all by hand.

If I want rock solid I would keep, and I still think about keeping my Vinten Vision 100 with the Fibertech Sticks. That system is excellent but to add that to my load, won't happen.

I owned the Sachtler CF 75 Speedlock legs, and got rid of them at the earliest opportunity.

Paul - I think you will be very pleased with the Sachtler FSB-8 head and the RRS CF legs. The FSB-8 head should be a good fit for your payload range, and the head is well-rated and smooth. You are already familiar with the "solidness" of the legs. With various FSB heads and Gitzo Series 3 CF legs I have had zero problems with "windup" or "backlash". They are rock solid, and so are the RRS legs. You have to experience it in person to get a full appreciation - just looking at photos will lead to wrong conclusions.

The added benefit is the ability to spead the legs and set up for low angle shots.

The other added benefit is the (relatively) low total weight of the head and the legs.

Thanks Richard,

I agree and have taken the first step. The FSB 8 head will be ordered on Friday, waiting for the next year.

As for the RRS legs they are a step above the Miller's. I have had them fully extended using a 500mm lens shooting stills on a breezy breakwater for surfing shots, and they were excellent. After 18 months of use for stills I really recommend them.

Just thought I would write back in and give a quick overview of what I purchased and kept.

Here are my two tripod systems that fit my business well.

1. My new light weight system that I can now pack in my Think Tank Roller bag with other grip gear. Really Right Stuff carbon legs and 75mm bowl.
TVC-34L Versa Series 3 Tripod (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Carbon-Fiber-Tripods/TVC-34L-Versa-series-3-4-sections-leg-long.html)

Sachtler FSB-8 head. All fits in my RRS bag for carry on the job. All up weight is 10 lbs. The FSB-8 is very nice and smooth and the legs work well for their weight. Will let me carry a tripod when I would not in the past.
FSB 8 - Sachtler (http://www.sachtler.com/products/fluid-heads/75-mm/fsb-8/)

2. The work horse: My Vinten Vision 100 head and Vinten Fibertec sticks. I have had this for years and put it on the market and realized, "Paul, do not sell this system". It is rock solid no matter what camera setup I put on the head and the sticks are also rock solid. Head supports 44 lbs and stick 99 lbs. But to carry this around, ugh it is heavy. So when I need solid and the client will pay for my PortaBrace tripod bag to come along as extra luggage and when using long glass this is the one.

Vinten | Vision 100 pan and tilt head | Vision 100 pan and tilt headwww.vinten.com (http://www.vinten.com/en/product/vision-100-pan-and-tilt-head)

DV Info Net Review: Vinten FiberTec Video Tripod by Chris Soucy, Part 2 of 5 (http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camsupport/fibertec2.php)
(great review by Chris Soucy that pushed me to buy this setup)

Porta Brace TS-41B Tripod Shell Case (Black) TSB-41B B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=487893&gclid=CKGx_d2QlsMCFRRcfgodDK0ARw&is=REG&A=details&Q=)
(just an amazing tripod, booms, light stand case)

So thanks for the input and help to help dial me in.

In classified I have Miller DS20 head with carbon legs, and bag for sale if any one is interested.

Paul, Richard,
Thanks for the heads up with the RRS tripods. i had no idea they even had a tripod that could be used with a half bowl head.
I am still trying to work out a good system for use with my GH4. Looks like i will go for one of the RRS tripods with a Sachtler FSB-4. This should cover the weight ranges that i have with this setup.
I love the feel of the Sachtler heads, but i'm a little concerned about going to the Ace range. I'm just not sure they will give me the same feeling i'm used to. I think the RRS tripod should be equivalent to my Gitzo but it's made in the U.S. so i don't have to worry about duties.
Again,
Thanks for the info.
Bryce

Paul: Glad you new lightweight system worked out. Using Sachtler FSB fluid heads on Gitzo or RRS carbon fiber legs is something you have to use to fully appreciate. Just looking at photos will lead you to the wrong conclusions.

Bryce: The folks at RRS are helpful. You might want to call them or e-mail them to help you pick the best legs for use with an FSB-4 fluid head and your payload requirements.

Hey Richard,
I totally agree with you on the combination of the Sachtler heads on Gitzo sticks. I have a Gitzo series 5 with a Sachtler 10SB head & it is a pure joy to use.
I am looking at the TVC 43 tripod from RRS. I think that should do the job perfectly for what i need. I will however, take your advice & give them a call to see what they would recommend.
Regards,
Bryce

After four months and flying to dozens of jobs I have to say this is an excellent setup for my Sony FS7 and PL glass. Fast easy to use and the weight is light enough that I now add other POV poles and defuse stands in the tripod bag and am always under weight. Worth every penny and my Vinten has been in the studio ever since and might just go back on the market.

Hi Guys,

I'm a little late to this party but have a couple of impressions to share. I pre ordered the RRS fluid head and it is a typically high quality RRS product. When I ordered it I didn't know there was going to be an FS/7 in my future. The 7 felt too big for the RRS head and I was botching pans and tilts right and left. I'm relatively new at all of this so I blamed what I was feeling on my inexperience, but began searching out information and reviews. Chris's post on Sachtler demo policy motivated me to try their gear. They sent me a DV10 and a set of ENG 2CF sticks which I have been working with for a couple of weeks. B&H has been closed for a religious holiday, but I have a DV10, ENG 2CF with feet and a mid level spreader in my cart ready to pull the trigger in the morning.

I'm selling my RRS 350, it doesn't compare to the DV10 in functionality with the FS/7 mounted up. If RRS had the demo program that Sachtler does, I'd have saved $1,800 on that item. I like the 100mm ENG 2 CF sticks, but wonder if I should bite the weight bullet and go up to the HD version for another $300. The HD's look a lot beefier, weigh an additional 4 pounds, but add more than double the weight bearing capacity.

You all have so much more experience in this field than I do, if you see a mistake in any of this please let me know. The Sachtler demo went a long way in making me feel comfortable with the equipment choice. I never would have known about the opportunity had it not been for the brain trust here, thank you!

Well, hello JRW Sr. Glad to see you on DVinfo.

Yours is the eternal question: Go for the (relative) superior rigidity of sheer grunt and weight or put up with the foibles of a lighter rig.

No easy answer.

If every shot has to be a money (making) shot then it's easier, you can't easily make the trade off, too many money shots to screw up. If it's BIG money you get some other poor bastard to carry it.

If this is for sheer personal pleasure why bust your whatsits for perfect shots when the viewing audience wouldn't know a goodun from a badun, except you, of course.

Bottom line it depends on money and the state of your spine:

No money, why bother. Big money, hmm.

Spine: The Sr. in the title tells me you're possibly no spring chicken, those really chunky supports like the FiberTecs and the HD ENG 2 sticks are sodding heavy.

I had an easy out as I blew my L4/ L5 disc a few years ago and that, as they say, was that. No more video for you, chum ( much as humping 150 kilos [300+lbs] of video gear was tearing my spine to shreds on my solo shoots, it was the innocuous fitting of a bed duvet cover which terminated my career in video in very short order. You simply couldn't make this shit up).

Hence why I have reverted to stills with the lightest rig I can contrive.

That said, I still have my FiberTecs (and a shed load of other gear) and my missus reckons I'll be buried with them, tho' I really couldn't be that mean - someones got to make use of them.

Good luck with your eventual decision.

Regards,


CS

Thanks Chris! Sorry about your back, that's no fun at all. You guessed it, I'm 66, but pretty fit from 35 years of commercial shooting and the blessing of good genes. No reason to destroy that with my version of your fitted sheet story though. The 2CF seems stable and I suppose one could really make up the difference with a sandbag if the wind was howling. 5 lbs doesn't seem like much, but over and over it is.

I use a Gitzo carbon fiber for my still work, still have the Gitzo Studex that I used to use for my Sinar 4x5, what a beast! Budget isn't much of a consideration, but I'll be schlepping my own sticks most of the time I imagine, so I'll most likely go with the lighter 2CF sticks.

Thank you again for your insights!

Well in the end I erred on the side of stability, and I'm very glad I did. My Sachtler rig is composed of the 2CF HD ENG and the DV10 head, topped off with rubber feet and the midlevel spreader. The rig is a joy to work with. Thanks again to all here who shared their experience, it made my decision a lot easier and with no buyer's remorse.