Miller DS10 is awesome

[David Yuen]

I have a choice between getting a used Miller DS-10 Solo or a used Vinten Pro 6. I have read much positive feedback here on the Miller DS-10 and I think the Solo version (carbon fiber legs) makes it all the more attractive.

However, this review did not like the Miller head nor did this review, while both liked the Miller legs. The latter reviewer liked the Miller legs over the Vinten legs.

I spoke to someone at Miller and he did grant a little stickiness.

Should I go for the better head/inferior legs (Vinten) or the inferior head/better legs (Miller)? No, I can't get the Miller legs and Vinten head.

[Mike Rehmus]

I don't believe the Pro 6 head is superior. At least most of the Vinten Pro gear is rebadged Manfrotto so you want to check out which Manfrotto head the Pro 6 is most like. If it is one of the 'good' manfrott's, the it will be nice.

[Max Kaiser]

I've decided on getting a DS-10 for my new FX1. But, I really want to get a two stage tripod and B&H is out. They say 7 days, but I could use it directly. I've looked elsewhere but have been unable to find this combo. Anyone know of anywhere else? Also, am I correct that this is the right head? I thought of a DS-5, but I want something I can use my 13lb. Bolex EL on as well, so I thought I oughta go with something sturdier than the DS-5.

Thanks very much!
Max

[Boyd Ostroff]

I have a DS-5 which I've been using with a VX-2000 and PDX-10. I'm thinking of upgrading to an HVR-Z1, and if I do I'll probably have to continue using the DS-5 for financial reasons alone!

But for the FX-1 I agree the DS-10 would be a bit better. Just from looking at the photos I think there are two main differences from the DS-5. First, it looks like the mounting plate slides further for balancing. This is a limitation of the DS-5 which doesn't give you much play there. The other major difference is the drag adjustment knobs for pan and tilt which the DS-5 doesn't have.

I don't think there are any "sturdiness" issues, just those balance and drag features. You can get whichever legs you want with either model. FWIW,this is what I have: http://www.miller.com.au/products.cf...&productID=74#. Seems pretty sturdy to me, certainly more solid than my Manfrotto 3221.

[Nick Hope]

I need a tripod for my VX2000 and later a Z1.

I'm pretty much decided on the Miller Solo legs after trying them and reading the praise on these forums. They will suit my style of work.

I'm thinking of the DS10 head which I have tried briefly but I'm a bit concerned with some of the negative views I've read on the forums and reviews.

What alternative heads should I be looking at in a similar price range or cheaper? It seems many like the Vinten Vision 6 but I can't really justify an extra $300.

If there is nothing better than the DS10 for the price then I'll go for that, especially as I am comfortable with the dealer here in Thailand, but I want to check and get it right before taking the plunge.

Thanks!

Nick

[Scott Vystrcil]

Hey guys...I have a Sony Z1U and am looking for a decent tripod with a good fluid head. I checked B&H and there are 4 different ones...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search - $1299.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search - $1099.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search - $1199.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search - $999.95

Which one is which? Why would I choose one over the other? Stage 1 vs. Stage 2. Carbon vs. Aluminum.

OR....is there something else I should look at in this price range...higher...lower?

I mainly am stationary filming the sermons at my church. We sometimes do go outside to other locations, but mainly inside in the sanctuary. I am using a $79 Slik right now and it just can't handle the weight/mass too well.

Any help would be great.

[Scott Vystrcil]

Any ideas guys. I am looking to make the purchase soon. The church videos are getting kinda shaky. :)

[Guy Cochran]

If you're staying inside I would go for the 2 stage aluminum. Carbon fiber is lightweight for packing around. I personally use the Solo sticks and love them for their fast set-up. It's nice having the neoprene wrapped legs for the cold weather - but in TX, I don't think it'll matter. So if you'll ever be going out in the field and carrying the setup for an extended period of time go CF. The solo sticks can also drop down to a low 14" if you lift the concentric locks and move each leg to position 2. I thought I'd use the "baby" feature down low more often, but honesty it's pretty rare.

On the head, the DS-10 has very smooth starts and stops. It's a little tighter than the Cartoni Focus, but not "sticky." Although I do dig the Cartoni's light up bubble leveler :)

A fully loaded Z1U will perform nicely on the DS-10 at counter balance position 1 and you have position 2 for a heavier camera if you go that route later. It's cool having the 2 inches of slide on the camera plate too. That way if you're using a wide angle or heavier batteries you can still slide to balance the camera back out by finding the center of gravity. Let me know if I can help out with getting you any of the Millers. We're a dealer and a DVinfo sponsor. Check out http://dvcreators.net/miller-tripods Use coupon code "dvinfo" for 5% off

[Scott Vystrcil]

Thanks for the reply. I did A LOT of reading and ended up ordering the Cartoni Focus system with the stage 1 sticks. Thought about the stage 2, but the church budget was already streched with the $1299 price of the Focus. I looked on your site and did not see that you guys carried the Cartoni Focus, so I had to go with B&H.

Thanks again for your reply. Lot of good info.

[Guy Cochran]

It's all good. You'll dig the Focus. Silky smooth at a nice price.

[Andrew Wheatley]

Hi All,

I am looking at getting a new tripod for my Z7. I have a Libec 950 at the moment which I had been using with my Z1 (which I have kept so now need 2 tripods).

I have been looking at the DS10 with the 2 stage legs (the 832 system).

What do you guys think?

Thanks
Andrew

[C.S. Michael]

I have a DS10 and love it. I've had mine for about three years... It's rugged, the legs extend and retract quickly, it has a leveling ball in the (fluid) head, and delivers silky smooth pans.