Tripod for EX-1 Atacama Desert

[Julio Veas P.]

I am going to shoot a documental over the Atacama Desert in Chile, last week went to lacations with my ex1 with Nanoflash and tripod ( Manfrotto 503HDV with aluminum sticks) it was really a pain in the A..., to carry around with a lot of walking with over 32º C of temperature.

I was looking to go with a lighter option but don´t have a chance to try before buying since I have to import them from the states.

anybody has experience with this options

Miller Compass 15

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/644507-REG/Miller_1833_1833_Compass15_2_Stage_Carbon_Fibre.html
Miller ds20

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407387-REG/Miller_1643_1643_Miller_Solo_DV.html
or any other option that can be suggested.

Thanks

[Chris Soucy]

I think there's really two questions here, not one.

"to carry around with a lot of walking with over 32º C of temperature." sounds positively lethal.

I don't know what sort of terrain you'll be covering but if it is at all doable I'd think of building/ buying some sort of wheeled transporter which would take the load off if covering large distances in that heat.

Something like a modified golf trundler perhaps:

golf trundler - Google Search

with the largest wheels possible to cut down on rolling resistance.

As for the camera support, pretty well anything I'd suggest for an Ex1 rig would be as heavy if not heavier than what you have now, tho' a step up to either a Vinten (Vision Blue [maybe] or Vision 3 AS) or Sachtler rig would be a huge improvement.


CS

[Julio Veas P.]

Well you are right about weight but at the same weight the manfrotto is a piece of junk ( except for the leggs), so my question really is what brand, model would best fit my needs...I need to get as light as possible ideally carbon fiber, and a head with smooth pans (which the manfrotto can not give).

I am posting a picture of the place so you can have an idea...

[Chris Soucy]

Originally Posted by Julio Veas P.

the manfrotto is a piece of junk

about that one!

I'd suggest a Vinten system first as they're what I'm most familiar with.

This one:

Review: Vinten Vision Blue at DVInfo.net

will counterbalance an EX1 but with the addition of a Nanoflash it MAY be pushed past it's limits and you certainly wouldn't want to bolt anything else on. $1200 @ B&H

This one:

Vinten Vision 3 AS Tripod (1 of 4) at DVInfo.net

Would do the job too but it's quite a step up in price, especially if plumping for the CF sticks, but worth it if you can stump up the readies.

Vinten V3AS-CP2M Vision Pozi-Loc Carbon Fiber Tripod V3AS-CP2M -

[Which reminds me, I must ask Peter Harman at Vinten whether they're going to be releasing the Vision Blue mid level spreader for general use on their other tripods instead of the SpreadLock spreader.

It'd save quite a few bucks and at least a pound in weight, if not more.]

The other option is to keep your current sticks if you're happy with them and simply replace the head with your weapon of choice.

I'm sure the Sachtler brigade can recomend some of their options.


CS

[Richard D. George]

Seems like I have heard that Ex3 users found the Sachtler FSB 8 to be a good match. Definitely go with Vinton or Sachtler over Manfrotto 500 series heads. You should want a true fluid head.

[Chris Soucy]

that it might be worth you tying up with another DVinfo'er (who's been exceedingly quiet here for a while) who moved from Canada to Chile some time ago.

Here's his blog site:

Deserting the Clouds

I seriously doubt the mail address I have for him will still be valid but here goes anyway:

Les Nagy
E-mail Address(es):
lnagy@thelightages.com

You may be able to contact him via the mail address registered through DVinfo.

Come to think of it, I don't think he's posted here since you had that massive earthquake earlier this year.

Do hope he's OK.

Anyway, he's near where you're going for the docco (I think), do a bit of scratching around and see if you can flush him out.


CS

[Thomas Schwenger]

I once had also a Manfrotto 503HDV/ 525 combination and sold it, because it's too heavy and the head is a piece of**. I switched to a Sachtler FSB 6 and I'm happy with that for "normal" conditions. For outdoor & hiking I now use the Manfrotto 755 CX3 sticks as they are light, sturdy (carbon fibre) and have an integrated 50mm half ball.
See here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/586293-REG/Manfrotto_755CX3_755CX3_MagFiber_Video_Tripod.html
I have the 701 head on it, which sucks for tilting but is OK for panning. Unfortunately I don't have a good light pro head to recommend from first hand experience.

[Julio Veas P.]

Thanks for the info.

I´ll look something in the Vinten or Sachtler range.