EX1 Tripod selection

Laszlo Horvath · January 11th, 2008, 08:12 PM

Bob, I just post it one DV-6SB with Speed Lock on CF legs at the "classified" forum. Spanking new.

Laszlo

Mike Beckett · January 12th, 2008, 05:08 AM

Re the 503HDV - I have the Vinten Pro6-HDV which is the same head, different sticks. It's a rebranded 503HDV head with a genuine set of Vinten poziloc alloy legs.

Of course, if you go for the Manfrotto version you probably won't get quite as good legs, but the comments re. the head will still hold up.

Bill Heslip · January 14th, 2008, 01:09 AM

I too am looking for a new tripod for my EX1 and the Sachtler FSB-6 looks to be a perfect match (the Cartoni and Miller look nice, and I've also considered a Libec LS38M), but does this tripod system really weigh only 8.6 lbs?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...um_Tripod.html

I've also noticed that Sachtler offers two different types of mid-level spreaders (one higher than the other). What are the practical applications for each type? I'm used to working with a ground spreader, but everyone here seems to prefer mid-level.

And one stage vs two. My current tripod is single stage and quick to set-up. Any opinions here? It would be a shame to get just the right head but the wrong sticks!

Christian Magnussen · January 14th, 2008, 09:31 PM

If you can afford the sacthler setup/head, then go with that...it will be a different world compared with manfrotto.

I went from a Libec 950 to sacthler dv6 for my Z1, it's hard to describe how good the sacthler is....you have to try....no more jerky movements when the temperature drops well below freezing. A nice and warm showroom is one thing, snow, dust, dirt and the real world is another thing.....

Of course there are more economical setups, Libec do have some pretty good alternatives(i prefer them over manfrotto) and Cartoni is always an option.

Bill Heslip · January 24th, 2008, 10:44 AM

Perhaps I should clarify my earlier question. I'm about to order the FSB-6 system and debating between the 1-stage and 2-stage versions. Other than collapsing to a shorter height, what practical pros/cons, if any, does 2-stage offer over single? Sorry if my request is a bit elementary.

Craig Seeman · January 24th, 2008, 12:32 PM

Good question. I got the Carbon Fiber SpeedLock legs which is 2 stage only.

SpeedLock Carbon 2 Stage
http://www.sachtler.com/index.php?id...d=7&exp_cid=32

Single stage description doesn't say much but for me I don't want to deal with twist lock or bending down to extend legs.

Laszlo Horvath · January 25th, 2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Magnussen

If you can afford the sacthler setup/head, then go with that...it will be a different world compared with manfrotto.

I went from a Libec 950 to sacthler dv6 for my Z1, it's hard to describe how good the sacthler is....you have to try....no more jerky movements when the temperature drops well below freezing.

Again.... I have one spanking new DV6 SB on sale with top notch CF legs with "SpeedLock".
I'm surprised nobody want it.

Laszlo

Bill Ward · January 31st, 2008, 09:50 PM

If you want the best of both worlds, get the DV6SB head, and pair it with a set of Gitzo carbon fiber legs. The Gitzo legs let you put the camera nearly on the ground and still use the head normally.

It's too bad you don't get more of a price break when you buy the head by itself.

Charles Young · February 8th, 2008, 07:13 PM

I am looking at a new tripod. It might be nice to have some remote capabilities also. Any suggestions?

Michael H. Stevens · February 8th, 2008, 07:59 PM

Choose a tripod based on what you shoot not the camera. As a personal note I like and use Manfrotto - good old Italian over-engineering. One thing I would always get is a leveling ball and thought I don't have one a motor pan would be nice.

Phil Bloom · February 9th, 2008, 05:00 PM

i use a miller solo carbon fibre ds20. amazing tripod and it goes incredibly low too.

Bill Heslip · February 9th, 2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil Bloom

i use a miller solo carbon fibre ds20. amazing tripod and it goes incredibly low too.

Phil (love your stuff, BTW),

Would the ds20 still be a good choice for the EX1 without the added weight of 35mm adapters, lenses, rails, etc? The naked camera weighs-in at 6 lbs and the Miller is rated for 10/20 lbs.

The other option I'm considering is the Sachtler FSB-6. The problem with this is when (and if) I ever step up to the next level, the Sachtler won't handle the extra weight (13 lb max).

How much does your well accessorised rig weigh?

Leonard Levy · February 9th, 2008, 11:36 PM

I weighed my EX with a Letus and a Nikon 80-200 at 15 lbs without matte box or follow focus so it could go up from there. I don't think a DV6 would be heavy enough for that .

I'm looking at a Miller Arrow 20, Sachtler 15 or 18. Pricey though. But at least I'll stop having clients complain about shakiness on the 200mm interviews.

Simon Hunt · February 10th, 2008, 12:51 AM

Anybody have any experience with the Cartoni Focus?

Eric Pascarelli · February 10th, 2008, 01:08 AM

I have it, with Miller legs (i sold the A304 legs that came with it)

Nice for the money, but three issues:

100mm ball is nice, but necessitates bigger legs than are one might want - my miller carbon fibres are great, but I would have liked to get the smaller ones, which have a 75mm bowl.

When you finish a pan, and let go of the handle, the head reverses slightly. This is only an issue with long lenses, and is OK for an experienced operator, but it's not a trait you'd find on an O'Connor (which costs 8 times as much, by the way)

The pan bar is a bit flimsy and flexible for my taste.

But all in all, it's an excellent match for the EX1 - it balances and counterbalances perfectly.

January 11th, 2008, 08:12 PM	#31
Laszlo Horvath Major Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LaSalle Ontario Canada Posts: 289 Images: 5	Dv-6sb Sl Bob, I just post it one DV-6SB with Speed Lock on CF legs at the "classified" forum. Spanking new. Laszlo

January 12th, 2008, 05:08 AM	#32
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re the 503HDV - I have the Vinten Pro6-HDV which is the same head, different sticks. It's a rebranded 503HDV head with a genuine set of Vinten poziloc alloy legs. Of course, if you go for the Manfrotto version you probably won't get quite as good legs, but the comments re. the head will still hold up. __________________ Irish Railway Videos on Youtube

February 8th, 2008, 07:13 PM	#39
Charles Young Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Heeney colorado Posts: 103	EX1 Tripod selection I am looking at a new tripod. It might be nice to have some remote capabilities also. Any suggestions?

February 9th, 2008, 05:00 PM	#41
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	i use a miller solo carbon fibre ds20. amazing tripod and it goes incredibly low too. __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

February 10th, 2008, 12:51 AM	#44
Simon Hunt New Boot Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 24	Cartoni? Anybody have any experience with the Cartoni Focus?

January 14th, 2008, 01:09 AM	#33
Bill Heslip Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southeast USA Posts: 129	I too am looking for a new tripod for my EX1 and the Sachtler FSB-6 looks to be a perfect match (the Cartoni and Miller look nice, and I've also considered a Libec LS38M), but does this tripod system really weigh only 8.6 lbs? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...um_Tripod.html I've also noticed that Sachtler offers two different types of mid-level spreaders (one higher than the other). What are the practical applications for each type? I'm used to working with a ground spreader, but everyone here seems to prefer mid-level. And one stage vs two. My current tripod is single stage and quick to set-up. Any opinions here? It would be a shame to get just the right head but the wrong sticks!

January 14th, 2008, 09:31 PM	#34
Christian Magnussen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 191	If you can afford the sacthler setup/head, then go with that...it will be a different world compared with manfrotto. I went from a Libec 950 to sacthler dv6 for my Z1, it's hard to describe how good the sacthler is....you have to try....no more jerky movements when the temperature drops well below freezing. A nice and warm showroom is one thing, snow, dust, dirt and the real world is another thing..... Of course there are more economical setups, Libec do have some pretty good alternatives(i prefer them over manfrotto) and Cartoni is always an option.

January 24th, 2008, 10:44 AM	#35
Bill Heslip Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southeast USA Posts: 129	Perhaps I should clarify my earlier question. I'm about to order the FSB-6 system and debating between the 1-stage and 2-stage versions. Other than collapsing to a shorter height, what practical pros/cons, if any, does 2-stage offer over single? Sorry if my request is a bit elementary.

January 24th, 2008, 12:32 PM	#36
Craig Seeman Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA Posts: 3,841	Good question. I got the Carbon Fiber SpeedLock legs which is 2 stage only. SpeedLock Carbon 2 Stage http://www.sachtler.com/index.php?id...d=7&exp_cid=32 Single stage description doesn't say much but for me I don't want to deal with twist lock or bending down to extend legs.

January 31st, 2008, 09:50 PM	#38
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	If you want the best of both worlds, get the DV6SB head, and pair it with a set of Gitzo carbon fiber legs. The Gitzo legs let you put the camera nearly on the ground and still use the head normally. It's too bad you don't get more of a price break when you buy the head by itself.

February 8th, 2008, 07:59 PM	#40
Michael H. Stevens Major Player Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Palm Desert, California Posts: 311	Choose a tripod based on what you shoot not the camera. As a personal note I like and use Manfrotto - good old Italian over-engineering. One thing I would always get is a leveling ball and thought I don't have one a motor pan would be nice.

February 9th, 2008, 11:36 PM	#43
Leonard Levy Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA Posts: 1,684	I weighed my EX with a Letus and a Nikon 80-200 at 15 lbs without matte box or follow focus so it could go up from there. I don't think a DV6 would be heavy enough for that . I'm looking at a Miller Arrow 20, Sachtler 15 or 18. Pricey though. But at least I'll stop having clients complain about shakiness on the 200mm interviews.

February 10th, 2008, 01:08 AM	#45
Eric Pascarelli Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 498	I have it, with Miller legs (i sold the A304 legs that came with it) Nice for the money, but three issues: 100mm ball is nice, but necessitates bigger legs than are one might want - my miller carbon fibres are great, but I would have liked to get the smaller ones, which have a 75mm bowl. When you finish a pan, and let go of the handle, the head reverses slightly. This is only an issue with long lenses, and is OK for an experienced operator, but it's not a trait you'd find on an O'Connor (which costs 8 times as much, by the way) The pan bar is a bit flimsy and flexible for my taste. But all in all, it's an excellent match for the EX1 - it balances and counterbalances perfectly. Last edited by Eric Pascarelli; February 10th, 2008 at 09:48 AM.