is this the best moderately priced tripod at DVinfo.net

Kris Zimbelman · November 3rd, 2012, 10:41 PM

on the market?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822105-REG/Sachtler_1002_Ace_M_Fluid_Head.html
Seems to do what is necessary and at a price point of $535.

Chris Soucy · November 4th, 2012, 01:47 AM

Well, Kris.........

looks like you may be in a position to tell us, if you buy it.

I've never seen it in the flesh and ain't likely to, so an independent buyers view would be invaluable.

Let us know how you get on with it, if you push the button, I'm intrigued.

CS

Mike Beckett · November 4th, 2012, 10:26 AM

The complaints I read about the original Sachtler Ace were mainly around the legs and the sub-optimal feet (those wee round red rubber balls) which in my opinion are worthless.

This kit, with the ground level spreader, should get round any problems there. I've only heard good things about the head itself, bearing in mind it is designed for small cameras and is relatively cheap.

Greg Clark · November 4th, 2012, 11:01 AM

If it doesn't have a mid spreader it is useless for me.

Mike Beckett · November 4th, 2012, 12:14 PM

There is a mid level spreader version of the Ace as well, but it does have the less-than-ideal feet.

Donald McPherson · November 4th, 2012, 02:29 PM

Probably the cheapest best is the Fancier270a.

Chris Hsiung · November 4th, 2012, 06:43 PM

I have one of these for my DSLR. The head is really nice for its price class. Easy to use counterweights, smooth controlled panning. But it won't be able to handle big cameras. Sandbags help though. The legs you're right aren't the best. The nubs at the end cause some vibration at the long end of zooms. However you can screw them in and spikes come out which are great for outdoor use but not indoor. It doesn't go as high or as low as I would like it. But overall for the price I'm happy with a decent fluid head and comparatively lightweight body.

Oh and I'm using the one with the mid-level spreader. I shot outdoors sometimes in awkward positions where a bottom spreader would get in the way.

Hope that helps.
Chris

Mike Beckett · November 5th, 2012, 01:16 AM

Chris,

Just to be clear, you're lacking about the Sachtler Ace, right? Not the Fancier?

Ryan Wallis · November 6th, 2012, 11:28 PM

I'm totally confused about what tripod to get and the ACE had been suggested but the legs put me off.

I've seen many similar comments in reviews. I have a bigger budget but if I could save I would but not if its a big compromise!

Paul Wood · November 8th, 2012, 04:16 AM

I've had the Ace with the mid-level spreader since it came out in Europe, and am very pleased with it - yes it has its shortcomings, as described above, but for me its main use is as a lightweight travel tripod for my NX70 and it performs well in this camera weight bracket.

The legs could be better, but the fluid head performs well, is easy to set up and use. I think at its price, it is one of the best around - remembering that your camera and rig has to be within its recommended weight - it disappoints when used with my FS100 rig, but that is what I expected !

I would certainly buy one again.

Zexun Tan · November 8th, 2012, 08:57 AM

I tried the Sachtler ACE, Sachtler FSB-6, Sachtler Cine DSLR and Vinten Vision Blue (and old Vision 3).

As far as the ACE goes, it's similar to the handling of the Cine DSLR but it's bearings aren't as smooth, but the counterbalance systems are similar. It's nowhere near that of the Vinten's perfect balance, or the 10 stepped CB of the CineDSLR, but for the price, I wouldn't complain much.

Had it for a week on loan from Vitec to try, and brought it back after three shoots that went pretty well.

Kris Zimbelman · November 8th, 2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Wallis

I'm totally confused about what tripod to get and the ACE had been suggested but the legs put me off.

I've seen many similar comments in reviews. I have a bigger budget but if I could save I would but not if its a big compromise!

if you're willing to go $1164 (speaking from a middle class perspective, no longer moderately priced ), This tripod has been very well reviewed.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html

Rob Cantwell · November 8th, 2012, 07:50 PM

i've been pondering this question too, I almost ordered a Manfrotto 504HD,546GBK last night, the reason i was leaning towards that was so that i could use the same plate on this as is on my glidetrack which has a501 HD on it, however after checking in to DVINFO i think i'll heed the warnings and go for something with a bit more quality.

I have a second hand Libec LS-38 (2A) (LS38) HDV Fluid Head Tripod system that works pretty well, i was looking at a used bec LS-60 (LS60) Tripod Kit includes Tripod Legs, Head, floor Spreader and Case - would this be much of an improvement?
also was eying up a new Vinten VB-AP2M System with Vision Blue Head (V4092-0001), Two-Stage Aluminium Pozi-Loc Tripod (3819-3), Mid-Level Spreader & Case
is there much difference between mid level spreader and floor?

I'm considering the Vinten although it's beyond the budget at the moment, i'd need to save for some time before i could afford it! But i do think that buying cheap is not the way to go!!

Kris Zimbelman · November 8th, 2012, 11:33 PM

Sir,
in response to your question you should ask yourself how often do you miss the “money shot”? I took a look at your website, so I understand you do this for a living. Ask yourself this question. If you had a better, smoother tripod that made your job easier, how much more enthusiastically would you receive business opportunities? I have shot weddings myself, with less than ideal equipment and circumstances. But it was always for friends or relatives and I never charged anybody. If I was doing it for money, I would want things like camera stabilization and sound pickup to be as hassle free as possible. Could you sell some of your old equipment to free up the cash?

Ryan Wallis · November 11th, 2012, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kris Zimbelman

if you're willing to go $1164 (speaking from a middle class perspective, no longer moderately priced ), This tripod has been very well reviewed.
Vinten VB-AP2M Vision Blue System with Mid Level Spreader

Thanks Kris

I had a look at your suggestion and it sounded like a good tripod. After reading more reviews on the ACE I decided to go for my preferred (more expensive) option and ordered the Miller DS5. It arrived two days later and is fantastic. Cant wait to get it out and use it....

Its a lot more expensive than the ACE at $1200 AUS but I saw it as a long term investment and as something I'll use a lot, it will pay its way soon enough!

November 3rd, 2012, 10:41 PM	#1
Kris Zimbelman Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Edmond Posts: 139	is this the best moderately priced tripod on the market? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822105-REG/Sachtler_1002_Ace_M_Fluid_Head.html Seems to do what is necessary and at a price point of $535. __________________ 73003

November 4th, 2012, 01:47 AM	#2
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,689 Images: 18	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod Well, Kris......... looks like you may be in a position to tell us, if you buy it. I've never seen it in the flesh and ain't likely to, so an independent buyers view would be invaluable. Let us know how you get on with it, if you push the button, I'm intrigued. CS

November 4th, 2012, 10:26 AM	#3
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod The complaints I read about the original Sachtler Ace were mainly around the legs and the sub-optimal feet (those wee round red rubber balls) which in my opinion are worthless. This kit, with the ground level spreader, should get round any problems there. I've only heard good things about the head itself, bearing in mind it is designed for small cameras and is relatively cheap.

November 4th, 2012, 11:01 AM	#4
Greg Clark Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Surprise Arizona Posts: 297	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod If it doesn't have a mid spreader it is useless for me.

November 4th, 2012, 12:14 PM	#5
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod There is a mid level spreader version of the Ace as well, but it does have the less-than-ideal feet.

November 4th, 2012, 02:29 PM	#6
Donald McPherson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Aberdeen Scotland Posts: 815	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod Probably the cheapest best is the Fancier270a.

November 4th, 2012, 06:43 PM	#7
Chris Hsiung Regular Crew Join Date: May 2011 Location: Calgary Posts: 27	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod I have one of these for my DSLR. The head is really nice for its price class. Easy to use counterweights, smooth controlled panning. But it won't be able to handle big cameras. Sandbags help though. The legs you're right aren't the best. The nubs at the end cause some vibration at the long end of zooms. However you can screw them in and spikes come out which are great for outdoor use but not indoor. It doesn't go as high or as low as I would like it. But overall for the price I'm happy with a decent fluid head and comparatively lightweight body. Oh and I'm using the one with the mid-level spreader. I shot outdoors sometimes in awkward positions where a bottom spreader would get in the way. Hope that helps. Chris

November 5th, 2012, 01:16 AM	#8
Mike Beckett Trustee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Antrim, Northern Ireland Posts: 1,569	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod Chris, Just to be clear, you're lacking about the Sachtler Ace, right? Not the Fancier?

November 6th, 2012, 11:28 PM	#9
Ryan Wallis New Boot Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Newcastle Australia Posts: 22	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod I'm totally confused about what tripod to get and the ACE had been suggested but the legs put me off. I've seen many similar comments in reviews. I have a bigger budget but if I could save I would but not if its a big compromise!

November 8th, 2012, 04:16 AM	#10
Paul Wood Major Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 485	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod I've had the Ace with the mid-level spreader since it came out in Europe, and am very pleased with it - yes it has its shortcomings, as described above, but for me its main use is as a lightweight travel tripod for my NX70 and it performs well in this camera weight bracket. The legs could be better, but the fluid head performs well, is easy to set up and use. I think at its price, it is one of the best around - remembering that your camera and rig has to be within its recommended weight - it disappoints when used with my FS100 rig, but that is what I expected ! I would certainly buy one again.

November 8th, 2012, 08:57 AM	#11
Zexun Tan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Singapore Posts: 102	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod I tried the Sachtler ACE, Sachtler FSB-6, Sachtler Cine DSLR and Vinten Vision Blue (and old Vision 3). As far as the ACE goes, it's similar to the handling of the Cine DSLR but it's bearings aren't as smooth, but the counterbalance systems are similar. It's nowhere near that of the Vinten's perfect balance, or the 10 stepped CB of the CineDSLR, but for the price, I wouldn't complain much. Had it for a week on loan from Vitec to try, and brought it back after three shoots that went pretty well.

November 8th, 2012, 07:50 PM	#13
Rob Cantwell Major Player Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tipperary, Ireland Posts: 624	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod i've been pondering this question too, I almost ordered a Manfrotto 504HD,546GBK last night, the reason i was leaning towards that was so that i could use the same plate on this as is on my glidetrack which has a501 HD on it, however after checking in to DVINFO i think i'll heed the warnings and go for something with a bit more quality. I have a second hand Libec LS-38 (2A) (LS38) HDV Fluid Head Tripod system that works pretty well, i was looking at a used bec LS-60 (LS60) Tripod Kit includes Tripod Legs, Head, floor Spreader and Case - would this be much of an improvement? also was eying up a new Vinten VB-AP2M System with Vision Blue Head (V4092-0001), Two-Stage Aluminium Pozi-Loc Tripod (3819-3), Mid-Level Spreader & Case is there much difference between mid level spreader and floor? I'm considering the Vinten although it's beyond the budget at the moment, i'd need to save for some time before i could afford it! But i do think that buying cheap is not the way to go!! __________________ http://www.robertcantwell.com

November 8th, 2012, 11:33 PM	#14
Kris Zimbelman Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Edmond Posts: 139	Re: is this the best moderately priced tripod Sir, in response to your question you should ask yourself how often do you miss the “money shot”? I took a look at your website, so I understand you do this for a living. Ask yourself this question. If you had a better, smoother tripod that made your job easier, how much more enthusiastically would you receive business opportunities? I have shot weddings myself, with less than ideal equipment and circumstances. But it was always for friends or relatives and I never charged anybody. If I was doing it for money, I would want things like camera stabilization and sound pickup to be as hassle free as possible. Could you sell some of your old equipment to free up the cash? __________________ 73003