Miller DS5
 

Does anyone have experience with the Miller DS5 system? Feedback? Thanks.

Well i have very limited experience with the ds10 system, and i think it is freaking fantastic for the money. I live in australia where they are made, and they are sure a hell of a lot cheaper than the imports (manfrotto ect.) here, and they are just fantastic to work with.

Nice and big, not bulky or heavy though, always feels solid and under control, the pan and tilt is very smooth if controlled by a good operator, and it comes together in seconds from bag to level to shooting.

kermie

ps. you didn't mention which camera you were going to use with it, i use an xl1s with it.

Thanks. I'm going to try and take a look at one soon. I'm just using small hand-helds and 1 big SVHS unit. I know Millers are great for the money (unless you buy from the USA). I've only looked over some of their larger pods. The DS5 is meant for small cams.

ds5 is meant for around 2.5kg of weigh ontop. the DS10 is for 5kg.

I prob could have got away with a DS5 but the prices are so close i just went the one up.

kermie

I've got the catalog here, and it says the DS5 system is for small, hand-held cams up to VX2000 size. I'm going to try later today, to look and check the price.

What are the prices in Australia (in AU Dollars) for these DS5 kits?

1) 825
2) 826
3) 822

I'll second Kermie's remarks. I've had a DS-10 with mid-level spreader for a year and think it's an excellent tripod/head for the XL1s and even the GL2. Quick set-up, easy to level, shoulder strap on legs for easy schlepping, well-designed soft case, relatively lightweight, smooth head drag adjustment, etc. The DS-10 was designed specifically with the XL1s in mind.

Since Miller reduced their prices (right after I bought mine, thank you very much) the DS series became among the best values in their class.

I have the #828 set, with the bag and all, it was around $1350 AUD, i am not sure how good that pricing is.

For the prices on the other sets you will have to wait until monday when i go into the store.

kermie

Considering currency exchange, that's about 1/2 the cost from what the Canadian Distributer's retail price is. I just got the local prices today. So I'll have to maybe consider buying from Australia, or just forgetting the whole thing.

No to get some AU quotes....

Thanks!

Frank if can get you intouch with the people i got it off, maybe u could get a ds10 #828 set for a good price i would buy that and future proof yourself a bit if u want a heavier camera in the future. A good tripod is a life investment.

kermie

I'm going to do that. But what I think I'm going to do exactly, is order the head only, from Australia. In Canada, most of the money is with this head, not the legs, spreader, strap and case. This way the shipping costs to Vancouver will be a lot cheaper.

Kermie, can you suggest an Australian Miller dealer for me? (with their e-mail/website). Thanks.

The only one i know of for sure is where i purchased my camera,

www.tasmanav.com.au

they gave me that price too.

kermie

Thanks. I'll go to that site right now to find their e-mail.

Frank, I also need a tripod (still!), I'd be interested in purchasing with you, maybe they'd offer a discount if we managed to move a few tripods. Seems to be a solid system, maybe we can get a group buy? I live in Ontario, so each unit would have to be shipped seperately.

People - Christmas is coming, surely someone you love could use a Miller tripod system :D