What Are the Lightest, Smallest Legs with a 100mm Bowl? at DVinfo.net

Eric Pascarelli · December 18th, 2007, 07:26 PM

I have a Cartoni Focus head, and the legs it comes with are nice, but very heavy to lug around while traveling.

I'm looking for some small, light legs that are reasonably rigid, that will hold and level the 100mm ball.

I'm using it with a Sony EX1, so weight is not a big issue.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Jack D. Hubbard · December 18th, 2007, 09:38 PM

Carbon legs; they are a little pricey, but very good and very durable. I them with a 503 Manfrotto fluid head. No spreader, which is good for me using a Z1 because I set up on uneven terrain. It is the Gitzo 1327 Mountaineer: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Gitzo-G1327-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Review.aspx[/url]

Tim Le · December 19th, 2007, 12:21 AM

Good call on the Gitzo carbon legs. I'd recommend the same thing if you're looking for the lightest weight. But you probably don't want the G1327, which has a non-removable center column. You want one from the "Systematic" line which lets you to take out the center plate and put in a G1424 100mm bowl adapter. So check out these tripods:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

Jack Walker · December 19th, 2007, 04:52 AM

Here's the 100mm bowl interface for Gitzo Series 3, 4 and 5 tripods:
http://www.amazon.com/Gitzo-G1424-10.../dp/B0002PC13M

There is also a 75mm one. This fits the Gitzo Studex tripods -- but some these are also listed as the systematic tripods.

I have a small one of the Gitzo tripods, and I'm about to buy a large one. I have a Cartoni Alpha head with a 100mm half ball. (before the focus) and the legs are big and heavy. I also have the Gitzo head with a 75mm half ball.

I need a heavy duty, tall, very lightweight tripod that I can use either head on. I also need to pack it in a regular suitcase. The Gitzo 3540XLS fits my needs.

I have been looking at everything around for almost 2 years and nothing else meets all these my requirements.

If you haven't seen the Gitzo tripods, you should try to find a store that carries them so you can understand first hand how they operate, the weight and the basic size of the different series.

Eric Pascarelli · December 19th, 2007, 05:57 AM

Thanks.

Does anyone have any experience with the Miller Solo VJ?

Not quite as light as the Gitzos but folds a bit smaller and comes with a bowl.

Any downsides compared to the Gitzo?

Jack Walker · December 19th, 2007, 12:13 PM

I just saw one of the Solo tripods in the store (perhaps a different model) a couple of days ago, and they are very nice... though I have never used one.

The Solo legs have pads on the top section. If you only need a 100mm bowl, they might be fine. (There are 100mm to 75mm bowl adapters that work on some tripds.)

The Solo and Gitzo legs are different in ways that are hard to describe. Perhaps you can see them somewhere.

Vidar Vedaa · December 19th, 2007, 12:52 PM

hi Eric

Ther is a Sachler light weit 1,9kg carbon min hide 17cm max 63cm.
100mm bowl,I think it`s a realy stabil one.

Weblink http://www.sachtler.com/index.php?id...exp_pid=273#40

VJV

________________

Jack Walker · December 19th, 2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vidar Vedaa

hi Eric

Ther is a Sachler light weit 1,9kg carbon min hide 17cm max 63cm.
100mm bowl,I think it`s a realy stabil one.

Weblink http://www.sachtler.com/index.php?id...exp_pid=273#40

VJV

________________

That looks like a very nice tripod. The only things I might be concerned about are how bulky it is, though it only ways 4 lbs. and collapses to 20 inches.

Also, it only extends to 28.3 inches tall. It also requires a spreader which will add 1.7 to 3.6 lbs. depending on which one you use. (The spreader also adds another $400-600 to the $1400 price.)

Here is the tripod at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...bon_Fiber.html

Vidar Vedaa · December 19th, 2007, 02:41 PM

hi Jack

I also locing for a light trifod,fond a Gizo GT3530S did you now if a sachtler
dv4 head ,fit on this gizo 75mm bowl.

VJV

Weblink http://web.mac.com/vidarjohannesveda...Info-home.html

_______________

Toenis Liivamaegi · December 19th, 2007, 04:16 PM

Those Gitzo legs http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...6X_Carbon.html are the lightest and tallest and lowest around those are the uber legs by the specs. One thing to consider is that Gitzo legs will possibly bite your hand while changing the leg angle and Miller`s Solo legs won`t. Miller VJ legs are certainly more beefier and therefore 3kg in weight and not 2kg like the Gitzo GT-3540XLS but add the bowl to the G and it will weight 300g more.

Alright, I just recently got my Solo VJ legs and at first I wasn`t blown away by the windup of this type of legs - just pan with a heavier head and it will bounce back a little when you release the bar because of the lateral torsion accumulated to the legs of that type. BUT if you are aware that you simply can not get the same performance from single tube legs at 2m height as you would with 5kg 1,5m double tubed legs. Those one tube designs are very stable at their middle leg spread that is not at the max height and at the mid diameter leg spread.

Actually I just came back from a live event and it was fantastic with the VJ llegs at that height or at the low angles, ahh...

Just what I´ve experienced,
T

Jack Walker · December 19th, 2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vidar Vedaa

hi Jack

I also locing for a light trifod,fond a Gizo GT3530S did you now if a sachtler
dv4 head ,fit on this gizo 75mm bowl.

VJV

Weblink http://web.mac.com/vidarjohannesveda...Info-home.html

_______________

I don't see why not. However, I am going to call a Sacthler rep tomorrow about something else, and I'll ask him.

Jack Walker · December 19th, 2007, 05:03 PM

The Gitzo legs you post a link to -- GT-3540XLS -- are the ones I am planning to buy.

I seen them and they are very nice. Between the Gitzo and the Solo, I don't know which will twist less. But for traveling, for the height and weight (and versatility... flat, 75mm bowl or 100mm) nothing compares.

The Solo have the padded uppler section, but this padding can also be added to a Gitzo.

Since the bowl is built into the Solo, this part of the tripod might end up being lighter than the Gitzo. However, I believe the Carbon Fiber Gitzo legs are a bit lighter than the Solo, so in the end its probably a wash.

Here's a pad available for Gitzo's:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...rotectors.html

Toenis Liivamaegi · December 19th, 2007, 06:06 PM

About the padding, I don`t think it`s that essential for CF legs as it would be for cold catching aluminum ones really, I`ve had many AL and CF legs for photography and the padding is only any good in cold temperatures or when you houl your pod on the shoulder. But by any means the Miller VJ seems more solid than the Gitzo`s offering at the same class but that`s only my visio-physical inspection so far.
And actually all those Miller SOLO legs(only) are (about) identical with Velbon CF photography legs (Velbon Sherpa Pro 840 for VJ) that I´ve used and even the strap included with Miller Solos is separately available as Aircell brand from South-Korea at eBay rendering the Gitzo somewhat more trustworthy, tell me about "Made in AU".

Other than the pure facts I`m really pleased in practice with my Solo VJ legs, only if I got more heads to choose from for different applications, or one with perfect balance system.

Cheers,
T

Eric Pascarelli · December 21st, 2007, 01:21 AM

I ended up getting the Miller Solo VJ legs and my first impression is that they are very good. They seem indestructible and very rigid, and about as light as you would want them to be lest the slip around when you pan or get blown away by the wind.

Never got a chance to play with the Gitzos but I liked the idea of the 100mm bowl being an integral part of the Miller legs as purchased.

I did have to drive by Ste-Man (the USA Cartoni distributor) in North Hollywood today and get a new locking nut. The hole in the Miller bowl is larger than in the Cartoni bowl and the nut supplied with the Focus head slips through it.

The gentlemen at Ste-Man were very helpful and swapped mine out for a larger diameter free of charge.

December 18th, 2007, 07:26 PM	#1
Eric Pascarelli Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 498	What Are the Lightest, Smallest Legs with a 100mm Bowl? I have a Cartoni Focus head, and the legs it comes with are nice, but very heavy to lug around while traveling. I'm looking for some small, light legs that are reasonably rigid, that will hold and level the 100mm ball. I'm using it with a Sony EX1, so weight is not a big issue. Any suggestions? Thanks.

December 18th, 2007, 09:38 PM	#2
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	Gitzo Carbon legs; they are a little pricey, but very good and very durable. I them with a 503 Manfrotto fluid head. No spreader, which is good for me using a Z1 because I set up on uneven terrain. It is the Gitzo 1327 Mountaineer: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Gitzo-G1327-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Review.aspx[/url]

December 19th, 2007, 12:52 PM	#7
Vidar Vedaa Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: bergen norway Posts: 235	Light Tripod hi Eric Ther is a Sachler light weit 1,9kg carbon min hide 17cm max 63cm. 100mm bowl,I think it`s a realy stabil one. Weblink http://www.sachtler.com/index.php?id...exp_pid=273#40 VJV ________________

December 19th, 2007, 12:21 AM	#3
Tim Le Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 350	Good call on the Gitzo carbon legs. I'd recommend the same thing if you're looking for the lightest weight. But you probably don't want the G1327, which has a non-removable center column. You want one from the "Systematic" line which lets you to take out the center plate and put in a G1424 100mm bowl adapter. So check out these tripods: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

December 19th, 2007, 04:52 AM	#4
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	Here's the 100mm bowl interface for Gitzo Series 3, 4 and 5 tripods: http://www.amazon.com/Gitzo-G1424-10.../dp/B0002PC13M There is also a 75mm one. This fits the Gitzo Studex tripods -- but some these are also listed as the systematic tripods. I have a small one of the Gitzo tripods, and I'm about to buy a large one. I have a Cartoni Alpha head with a 100mm half ball. (before the focus) and the legs are big and heavy. I also have the Gitzo head with a 75mm half ball. I need a heavy duty, tall, very lightweight tripod that I can use either head on. I also need to pack it in a regular suitcase. The Gitzo 3540XLS fits my needs. I have been looking at everything around for almost 2 years and nothing else meets all these my requirements. If you haven't seen the Gitzo tripods, you should try to find a store that carries them so you can understand first hand how they operate, the weight and the basic size of the different series.

December 19th, 2007, 05:57 AM	#5
Eric Pascarelli Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 498	Thanks. Does anyone have any experience with the Miller Solo VJ? Not quite as light as the Gitzos but folds a bit smaller and comes with a bowl. Any downsides compared to the Gitzo?

December 19th, 2007, 12:13 PM	#6
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	I just saw one of the Solo tripods in the store (perhaps a different model) a couple of days ago, and they are very nice... though I have never used one. The Solo legs have pads on the top section. If you only need a 100mm bowl, they might be fine. (There are 100mm to 75mm bowl adapters that work on some tripds.) The Solo and Gitzo legs are different in ways that are hard to describe. Perhaps you can see them somewhere.

December 19th, 2007, 02:41 PM	#9
Vidar Vedaa Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: bergen norway Posts: 235	hi Jack I also locing for a light trifod,fond a Gizo GT3530S did you now if a sachtler dv4 head ,fit on this gizo 75mm bowl. VJV Weblink http://web.mac.com/vidarjohannesveda...Info-home.html _______________

December 19th, 2007, 04:16 PM	#10
Toenis Liivamaegi Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tartu, Estonia Posts: 579	Those Gitzo legs http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...6X_Carbon.html are the lightest and tallest and lowest around those are the uber legs by the specs. One thing to consider is that Gitzo legs will possibly bite your hand while changing the leg angle and Miller`s Solo legs won`t. Miller VJ legs are certainly more beefier and therefore 3kg in weight and not 2kg like the Gitzo GT-3540XLS but add the bowl to the G and it will weight 300g more. Alright, I just recently got my Solo VJ legs and at first I wasn`t blown away by the windup of this type of legs - just pan with a heavier head and it will bounce back a little when you release the bar because of the lateral torsion accumulated to the legs of that type. BUT if you are aware that you simply can not get the same performance from single tube legs at 2m height as you would with 5kg 1,5m double tubed legs. Those one tube designs are very stable at their middle leg spread that is not at the max height and at the mid diameter leg spread. Actually I just came back from a live event and it was fantastic with the VJ llegs at that height or at the low angles, ahh... Just what I´ve experienced, T

December 19th, 2007, 05:03 PM	#12
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	The Gitzo legs you post a link to -- GT-3540XLS -- are the ones I am planning to buy. I seen them and they are very nice. Between the Gitzo and the Solo, I don't know which will twist less. But for traveling, for the height and weight (and versatility... flat, 75mm bowl or 100mm) nothing compares. The Solo have the padded uppler section, but this padding can also be added to a Gitzo. Since the bowl is built into the Solo, this part of the tripod might end up being lighter than the Gitzo. However, I believe the Carbon Fiber Gitzo legs are a bit lighter than the Solo, so in the end its probably a wash. Here's a pad available for Gitzo's: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...rotectors.html

December 19th, 2007, 06:06 PM	#13
Toenis Liivamaegi Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tartu, Estonia Posts: 579	About the padding, I don`t think it`s that essential for CF legs as it would be for cold catching aluminum ones really, I`ve had many AL and CF legs for photography and the padding is only any good in cold temperatures or when you houl your pod on the shoulder. But by any means the Miller VJ seems more solid than the Gitzo`s offering at the same class but that`s only my visio-physical inspection so far. And actually all those Miller SOLO legs(only) are (about) identical with Velbon CF photography legs (Velbon Sherpa Pro 840 for VJ) that I´ve used and even the strap included with Miller Solos is separately available as Aircell brand from South-Korea at eBay rendering the Gitzo somewhat more trustworthy, tell me about "Made in AU". Other than the pure facts I`m really pleased in practice with my Solo VJ legs, only if I got more heads to choose from for different applications, or one with perfect balance system. Cheers, T

December 21st, 2007, 01:21 AM	#14
Eric Pascarelli Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 498	I ended up getting the Miller Solo VJ legs and my first impression is that they are very good. They seem indestructible and very rigid, and about as light as you would want them to be lest the slip around when you pan or get blown away by the wind. Never got a chance to play with the Gitzos but I liked the idea of the 100mm bowl being an integral part of the Miller legs as purchased. I did have to drive by Ste-Man (the USA Cartoni distributor) in North Hollywood today and get a new locking nut. The hole in the Miller bowl is larger than in the Cartoni bowl and the nut supplied with the Focus head slips through it. The gentlemen at Ste-Man were very helpful and swapped mine out for a larger diameter free of charge.