Ok thanks for the speedy reply I am on the verge of ordering the c3770tn my biggest lens is a 70 200 2.8 so that will be more than enuff. It's currently on sale for £240 and I can't think of a better tripod for the money regards frankie
***** The C3770TN is for sure (more than) "enough" yes ^^. It´s also one of the cheapest carbon fibre tripods, which are compatible to 75mm half bowl adapters (if you want to upgrade in the future - OR if you need it also from scratch on). Only the INDURO aluminium tripods are cheaper (but also not as stable - Since it´s aluminium and not the stiffer carbon fibre). If you´re interested, you can also check out the INDURO LFBA333S - Definitely the cheapest 75mm half bowl tripod I know. ^^
Yea I was looking at the sirui tripods I only need a tripod for photography don't really shoot videos. I have no qualms about buying used either. There is just so many options out there. I recently got a manfrotto 229 head which I'm quite happy with it don't mind the weight of the tripod too much. Although carbon fibre seems like the best option and ideally would like one that came with spiked feet also
***** Hmm. Ok. For photography a mid level collumn is often quite nice and handy (and if you don´t shoot video, it´s not essential to have the option to use half bowl adapters). So definitely check out the older Sirui M3203 / 3204 (and the 3203X / 3204X versions). And / or the newer to N3204X / N3004X and so on renamed editions. There´s even a cheaper aluminium edition available (which is also REALLY nice as it´s using basically the same setup / is offering the same features, just using aluminium instead of carbon fibre). The old one is the M3004 (M3004X) and the new renamed one is the N3004X. I think it´s the best option for you as photographer (as it´s really cheap in comparison) - And the Sirui are even offering a monopod feature integrated in the tripod - Also REALLY hand sometimes (as you can grab the monopod instead of the whole tripod, if you want to travel as lightweight as possible - And you don´t need to buy one seperately) ^^.
Lol certainly sounds like a no go thanks for the help. Just one more question on a budget of £300 what would you recommend other than the mentioned benro. The three legged thing frank seems another good option
***** Well - I know primarily the flat base tripods - As I use them with fluid / video heads and mid level collumns are often not stable enough - Especially for bigger heads or heads with "stiffer" horizontal panning - Where the collumn lock can give up for example, an the rod is also twisting together with the head). ^^ There are not THAT much options out there (especially cheaper ones). The cheapest is the INDURO LFBA333S (but it´s not as stable as a carbon fibre Benro - The C3770TN for example). INDURO is also coming from Benro btw. (it´s just another brand from them ^^). I also like the overall quality of the Benro more (the INDURO brand is kind of the "super cheap" option). Alternatively you can also check out the SIRUI tripods. The older 3203, 4203 and 4203L models are quite nice. And sometimes you can get them quite cheap. Don´t forget - You can also search for used tripods. According the older Benro models for example (C3770T and C4770T). Or you can also search for a used Manfrotto MPro 535 or 536 - Aso quite nice (though the bigger 536 is a REAL MONSTER). Not that nice for travelling for example. ^^ If you have time for your search, just check out the offers on Ebay from time to time. I normaly also buy VERY OFTEN used stuff (because otherwise I would loose WAY to much money - As I often sell the stuff again after a review / test) ^^. LG
AustrianGeek Hmm. Benro is now also offering aluminium editions of the new "TN" series. Also REALLY cheap (about 200€ for the A4770TN version). As said the overall quality of the Benros is better (according the locks at least - The Benro are bigger / grippier for example - And as said the overall quality is also on a higher level). Maybe it´s an option (or "worth" a try). ^^
***** Hi there. NO. The 4770 and 5770 models are just more "heavy duty". Even the adapters are the same (you can also use the cheaper W75 with the C3770TN for example) ^^.
Hi there again ^^. Well - I plan to check out both in the future. But I am waiting actually, til Manfrotto exchanges their defect / partly "not perfect" Nitrotech N8 here within europe. If you don´t know it: They recalled all their Nitrotech N8 heads lately to fix a small design issue according the counterbalance system. According the max drag (and the drag quality), I have to check them out both by myself to give certain feedback and information. But you´re right - Overall I am more of a fan of the stepped counterbalance and drag systems of the Sachtler ACE system. The point is: It´s easier to balance out the head - As you just need to switch to zero on everything (and then balance out the camera / rig on the head) - With a stepless drag and counterbalance system, you always have a certain degree of drag and counterbalance left (and you need more time to dial it out). PLUS: With a stepped system, you know which steps are perfect for your setups. With a stepless system you need way more time, to find the perfect point again (after a calibration / balancing for example). Sure - Stepless heads are better adjustable overall. But stepped systems are signifficantly faster on the other hand ... So for now I would get the Sachtler ACE XL - Experience (but also "feeling" wise). Also, because I am still happy with my ACE L head system (as my main fluid head system).
You seem to know an awfull lot about this subject, so my question is: would this Sunway W-75 fit my Benro tma47axl? If not, which one will? Thank you in advance for your answer!
No. It´s not fitting / possible with the TMA47AXL, as it´s not coming with a replaceable top plate. You need the bigger series (with replaceable top plates) to use a half bowl adapter on them. Gitzo (systematic), Feisol, Sirui and also Benro are for example offering such tripods. Though keep also in mind: If you don´t need the leveling base for a certain fluid head, it´s better to use a standard tripod like the TMA47AXL. There you get at least the mid level column to change the height faster. AND: Those bigger universal tripods (like the C4770TN) are also WAY WAY heavier and bulkier than the standard ones. So better keep your TMA47AXL if it´s not a "must have" to change ^^.
***** DEFINITELY - I had one MT057C3 once (I think I mentioned it in the video too) - And it was A MESS. I mean: I use actually the Manfrotto 535 MPro tripod as my main tripod - And i am quite happy with it. But the MT057C3 was a mess overall. One leg was too short (so it was always uneven fully extended), the legs were WAY too weak connected to the top base (and it´s not possible to adjust the drag by yourself in any way) - One of them even fell to the middle by itself (if I grabbed the tripod on the head mounted on top for example). And even with the mid level collumn I had problems (as the plate you need to remove was stuck on it - So I had to use RAW FORCE to remove it). I had to exchange it (as also the grub screws got stuck because of the top coating - I destroyed ALL the grub screw heads trying to screw them in and out). So you see - Quite a mess. Maybe it was a "monday model" - But overall I am not THAT of a fan of the MT057 series because of all these issues ^^.
No. But many of their models look like Sirui copies ^^. So you can also check out (used or new) Sirui models. There you know at least, that the quality is good. Overall I used / had already two cheaper chinese tripods (non well known brands). And I wasn´t THAT happy about them to be honest. It makes more sense to go for a good (used) Manfrotto, Sirui or Benro / Induro model. (They offer at least a certain level of quality - At least if you don´t go for the super cheapest series ^^.)
***** Hmm. Not really to be honest. But they seem to be quite ok / quite good. Though: The 364CT is very expensive - At this price point you could nearly go for a GITZO instead - So the question is, if it´s useful to invest in the Vanguard. ^^
Oh. Ok. That´s a good price then yes. Maybe you can find a few reports / reviews online about it. It´s btw. also the question if you like the clip locks (on the Vanguard for example) or the screw locks (on the SIRUI tripods). ^^ In general I think you can choose the model you like (and you can finance). As all the now mentioned ones are more or less rock solid and offer very nice features ^^.
Yes. It´s called "Benro BA100N". Though also check out the bigger Sirui: www.sirui.de/en/products/accessories/ -> They also offer nice "combo" tripods (their 100mm adapter is called "RX-100A" and it´s compatible to the SIRUI R-4213X, R-4214X, R-5214X, R-5214XL - But not R-3213X). Or check out the Manfrotto 536 MPro (not the smaller 535 - The bigger 536). We also use it at work together with the Cartoni Focus HD (the newer 2015 edition). Works great and it´s super stable (PLUS: It´s easier to get it used - If you want to save a few bucks). EDIT: Just an additional hint - Benro C4770TN ~2.36kg, Sirui R-4213X ~2.40kg, Manfrotto MPro 536 ~3.25kg (though including the half bowl adapter already) ^^. LG
AustrianGeek thank you so much for your kindness. This info is very helpful. I couldn't understand all the pieces even if I extensively google them. Looks like the benro one is getting discontinued it's hard to find someone that has it in Stock near Italy . I'm thinking that maybe I could try a bv4 or bv8 as you talked so well about them. What you think?
Well - Benro is cheap and good (at least the carbon fibre versions are really nice) - Though: I am not THAT of a fan of their aluminium versions anymore, as the coating and the wall thickness of the legs are not the best compared to other companies - And you recognise that over time with more professional use. Benro also changes alot according their tripods over time (and they release alot of new sub-versions under their INDURO brand too - Btw.: You can also check those out if you want to ^^). But to get back to the point I wanted to talk about: It´s not like with Manfrotto for example (or Feisol / Gitzo / Sirui etc.) which keep their models many years in their portfolio. So if you cannot find the Benro tripods easily enough, just skip on those - There are enough other options (and maybe they are really discontinued - The chance is high). About the BV heads: Yes. The BV4 and BV6 heads are quite good for the price. Though keep in mind the cheaper price / built (they are just not as rugged as a Sachtler / Vinten or your Cartoni Focus - At this price point they cannot be). The BV8 and BV10 are WAY better as they are fully made out of metal (those are the successors of the older H8 and H10 I reviewed). So if you really want to go for a Benro model, keep an eye on getting an BV8 or BV10 carbon fibre kit (not the aluminium one - i mentioned already why). And go for the single tube kits - The double tube were a little bit too loose for my taste. But also usable ^^. According differences / points according your special case: Well. The question is, if you will be happy with the BV8 or BV10. They offer a good performance (if they kept the same quality from the original H8 and H10 models which I had and testet quite a while). But they don´t offer that much counterbalance steps (to be competitive with your actual Cartoni Focus for example). Sure - The Cartonis are also not perfect. For example: Altough I like the stepless counterbalance I absolutely don´t like the stepless drag of the Cartoni heads. I like the stepped ones WAY more, because you can easily switch between the steps (and switch very fast to zero, to balance out your payload -> tilting wise). With the cartonis you always need to dial out the whole drag before you can do that - And you don´t have a zero drag optoin. But that´s a common con / disadvantage of all stepless counterbalance heads (also the heads from Vinten for example). Actually my personal favorite is the Sachtler FSB8 (or one of the older DV6 SB / DV8 SB with the 75mm half bowls mounted). They also fit on the smaller (more lightweight) 75mm tripods and they offer more counterbalance steps than most other heads do (PLUS: Five drag steps are also quite nice). On the other hand I still love the quality of the Focus HD kit (with the MPro 536 legs) we have at work. But I don´t like the overall weight it adds (even to the smallest payloads) - And as mentioned already I like the speed of a stepped drag system (according balancing). So maybe better check out those three versions (then you can also go for a smaller / cheaper / more lightweight tripod). ^^ What payload do you have / do you need to compensate btw.? Maybe you can even go for a smaller head than the mentioned ones. For example: My main head is still the ACE L (as it´s super lightweight and it´s "enough" for my payloads - Also drag wise). Would love to go for a used DV6SB or FSB8 / FSB6. Though: I just don´t really need it. And I also made that error in the past (like many people do) -> I went for way too oversized equipment (according tripods, rig systems, huge lights and so on). It´s often not necessary ^^. Oh. Hmm. Too much written. Sorry ^^. It´s like when I talk ... It´s too much - But there is good information somewehere burried in there ^^. Have a nice day.
AustrianGeek Hi thanks for your great reply. I'm looking for something light and portable that compromises slightly on head quality. I have a benro s6 but it's just too weak. I usually use C300 on the focus . So for me the best compromise is something that weights 5kg max and it's small when folded. I usually do interviews and I need a head that stay there and small pans to readjust smoothly. I move a lot on train, scooter, taxi and walking. Probably as you said the Manfrotto is the best solution but it's still a tad heavy. Tnxs
Well - If you stay below 6kg (at 55mm cog = center of gravity), then you can also go for the Sachtler ACE L head. The problem is, if you are at the high end of payload (and then you want to add a monitor or something else and the head is suddenly too weak). Hmm. Another potential head is the new Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 (which is also coming with stepless counterbalance and stepless drag like your Focus). It´s even equipped with a flat base. So you can mount it basically everywhere. The only question is, how good the drag is. And how high the overall maximum drag (thats most of the time the limiting factor of cheaper stepless drag systems - You know it for sure from the vertical / panning drag of your Benro S6 head). But it´s offering 8kg at 55 millimeters. Instead of just 6 at 55 (like it´s the case with the ACE L). Another option are the already mentioned Sachtler FSB / DV heads. If you can find a cheap FSB6 or DV6SB - You´re fine too ^^. According tripods: Well. Search for one, which fits your needs (and preferences). The Manfrotto MPro 535 (75mm) and 536 (75/100mm half bowl) use clip locks for example. The Sirui, Feisol and Gitzo use all twist locks. Clip locks are better, if unexperienced people also use the tripod kit (at least lets say people, which are not always handling screw / twist lock tripods) ^^. If you really want something super lightweight search for a used Gitzo systematic (of the smaller series) or go for the Feisol 3342 with the half bowl kit. It´s a super lightweight CF tripod. Though: Not as stable as the other bigger / thicker ones on the market (as it´s optimised for low weight). You could even go for a stable CF tripod with mid level column (if you go for one of the mentioned heads - At least the Nitrotech N8, ACE L and the FSB heads are mountable on flat bases -> The ACE L and FSB if you remove the bottom thread stud it reveals a 3/8" thread at the bottom. Though a small hint: Only the new ACE L models are coming with a removable stud). Many options - I know. But at least you have the choice ... (AND: It´s better to have too much than too less choices ^^.)
Ok thanks for the speedy reply I am on the verge of ordering the c3770tn my biggest lens is a 70 200 2.8 so that will be more than enuff. It's currently on sale for £240 and I can't think of a better tripod for the money regards frankie
***** The C3770TN is for sure (more than) "enough" yes ^^. It´s also one of the cheapest carbon fibre tripods, which are compatible to 75mm half bowl adapters (if you want to upgrade in the future - OR if you need it also from scratch on). Only the INDURO aluminium tripods are cheaper (but also not as stable - Since it´s aluminium and not the stiffer carbon fibre).
If you´re interested, you can also check out the INDURO LFBA333S - Definitely the cheapest 75mm half bowl tripod I know. ^^
Yea I was looking at the sirui tripods I only need a tripod for photography don't really shoot videos. I have no qualms about buying used either. There is just so many options out there. I recently got a manfrotto 229 head which I'm quite happy with it don't mind the weight of the tripod too much. Although carbon fibre seems like the best option and ideally would like one that came with spiked feet also
***** Hmm. Ok. For photography a mid level collumn is often quite nice and handy (and if you don´t shoot video, it´s not essential to have the option to use half bowl adapters).
So definitely check out the older Sirui M3203 / 3204 (and the 3203X / 3204X versions). And / or the newer to N3204X / N3004X and so on renamed editions. There´s even a cheaper aluminium edition available (which is also REALLY nice as it´s using basically the same setup / is offering the same features, just using aluminium instead of carbon fibre). The old one is the M3004 (M3004X) and the new renamed one is the N3004X.
I think it´s the best option for you as photographer (as it´s really cheap in comparison) - And the Sirui are even offering a monopod feature integrated in the tripod - Also REALLY hand sometimes (as you can grab the monopod instead of the whole tripod, if you want to travel as lightweight as possible - And you don´t need to buy one seperately) ^^.
Lol certainly sounds like a no go thanks for the help. Just one more question on a budget of £300 what would you recommend other than the mentioned benro. The three legged thing frank seems another good option
***** Well - I know primarily the flat base tripods - As I use them with fluid / video heads and mid level collumns are often not stable enough - Especially for bigger heads or heads with "stiffer" horizontal panning - Where the collumn lock can give up for example, an the rod is also twisting together with the head). ^^
There are not THAT much options out there (especially cheaper ones). The cheapest is the INDURO LFBA333S (but it´s not as stable as a carbon fibre Benro - The C3770TN for example). INDURO is also coming from Benro btw. (it´s just another brand from them ^^). I also like the overall quality of the Benro more (the INDURO brand is kind of the "super cheap" option).
Alternatively you can also check out the SIRUI tripods. The older 3203, 4203 and 4203L models are quite nice. And sometimes you can get them quite cheap. Don´t forget - You can also search for used tripods. According the older Benro models for example (C3770T and C4770T). Or you can also search for a used Manfrotto MPro 535 or 536 - Aso quite nice (though the bigger 536 is a REAL MONSTER). Not that nice for travelling for example. ^^
If you have time for your search, just check out the offers on Ebay from time to time. I normaly also buy VERY OFTEN used stuff (because otherwise I would loose WAY to much money - As I often sell the stuff again after a review / test) ^^.
LG
AustrianGeek Hmm. Benro is now also offering aluminium editions of the new "TN" series. Also REALLY cheap (about 200€ for the A4770TN version). As said the overall quality of the Benros is better (according the locks at least - The Benro are bigger / grippier for example - And as said the overall quality is also on a higher level).
Maybe it´s an option (or "worth" a try). ^^
Are there any other benefits having this model over the c3770tn. Other than the obvious fact that it supports more weight
***** Hi there. NO. The 4770 and 5770 models are just more "heavy duty". Even the adapters are the same (you can also use the cheaper W75 with the C3770TN for example) ^^.
Hey man hope all well. What do you think of the new Sachtler Ace XL. I know you are a fan...Do you think it will beat the manfrotto nitrotech n8?
Hi there again ^^. Well - I plan to check out both in the future. But I am waiting actually, til Manfrotto exchanges their defect / partly "not perfect" Nitrotech N8 here within europe. If you don´t know it: They recalled all their Nitrotech N8 heads lately to fix a small design issue according the counterbalance system.
According the max drag (and the drag quality), I have to check them out both by myself to give certain feedback and information. But you´re right - Overall I am more of a fan of the stepped counterbalance and drag systems of the Sachtler ACE system. The point is: It´s easier to balance out the head - As you just need to switch to zero on everything (and then balance out the camera / rig on the head) - With a stepless drag and counterbalance system, you always have a certain degree of drag and counterbalance left (and you need more time to dial it out).
PLUS: With a stepped system, you know which steps are perfect for your setups. With a stepless system you need way more time, to find the perfect point again (after a calibration / balancing for example). Sure - Stepless heads are better adjustable overall. But stepped systems are signifficantly faster on the other hand ...
So for now I would get the Sachtler ACE XL - Experience (but also "feeling" wise).
Also, because I am still happy with my ACE L head system (as my main fluid head system).
AustrianGeek Do you have an update on the Nitrotech N8 problems: what exactly was the problem and has this been addressed/fixed? Thx
You seem to know an awfull lot about this subject, so my question is: would this Sunway W-75 fit my Benro tma47axl? If not, which one will? Thank you in advance for your answer!
No. It´s not fitting / possible with the TMA47AXL, as it´s not coming with a replaceable top plate. You need the bigger series (with replaceable top plates) to use a half bowl adapter on them. Gitzo (systematic), Feisol, Sirui and also Benro are for example offering such tripods. Though keep also in mind: If you don´t need the leveling base for a certain fluid head, it´s better to use a standard tripod like the TMA47AXL. There you get at least the mid level column to change the height faster. AND: Those bigger universal tripods (like the C4770TN) are also WAY WAY heavier and bulkier than the standard ones. So better keep your TMA47AXL if it´s not a "must have" to change ^^.
Do you think the c3770tn is a better option than manfrotto Mt057c3
***** DEFINITELY - I had one MT057C3 once (I think I mentioned it in the video too) - And it was A MESS. I mean: I use actually the Manfrotto 535 MPro tripod as my main tripod - And i am quite happy with it.
But the MT057C3 was a mess overall. One leg was too short (so it was always uneven fully extended), the legs were WAY too weak connected to the top base (and it´s not possible to adjust the drag by yourself in any way) - One of them even fell to the middle by itself (if I grabbed the tripod on the head mounted on top for example). And even with the mid level collumn I had problems (as the plate you need to remove was stuck on it - So I had to use RAW FORCE to remove it). I had to exchange it (as also the grub screws got stuck because of the top coating - I destroyed ALL the grub screw heads trying to screw them in and out).
So you see - Quite a mess. Maybe it was a "monday model" - But overall I am not THAT of a fan of the MT057 series because of all these issues ^^.
Have you ever tried any of the Zomei tripods?
No. But many of their models look like Sirui copies ^^.
So you can also check out (used or new) Sirui models.
There you know at least, that the quality is good.
Overall I used / had already two cheaper chinese tripods (non well known brands).
And I wasn´t THAT happy about them to be honest.
It makes more sense to go for a good (used) Manfrotto, Sirui or Benro / Induro model.
(They offer at least a certain level of quality - At least if you don´t go for the super cheapest series ^^.)
Do you have any experience with the vanguard 364ct?
***** Hmm. Not really to be honest. But they seem to be quite ok / quite good. Though: The 364CT is very expensive - At this price point you could nearly go for a GITZO instead - So the question is, if it´s useful to invest in the Vanguard. ^^
It's currently only £250 on ebay. After doing a quick Google search it seems to be a lot more expensive in the states
Oh. Ok. That´s a good price then yes. Maybe you can find a few reports / reviews online about it. It´s btw. also the question if you like the clip locks (on the Vanguard for example) or the screw locks (on the SIRUI tripods). ^^
In general I think you can choose the model you like (and you can finance). As all the now mentioned ones are more or less rock solid and offer very nice features ^^.
Hi do you know if they make one of these for a 100mm head? I have a Cartoni focus, and I'm looking for lighter legs. Thanks ;-)
Yes. It´s called "Benro BA100N". Though also check out the bigger Sirui: www.sirui.de/en/products/accessories/ -> They also offer nice "combo" tripods (their 100mm adapter is called "RX-100A" and it´s compatible to the SIRUI R-4213X, R-4214X, R-5214X, R-5214XL - But not R-3213X). Or check out the Manfrotto 536 MPro (not the smaller 535 - The bigger 536). We also use it at work together with the Cartoni Focus HD (the newer 2015 edition). Works great and it´s super stable (PLUS: It´s easier to get it used - If you want to save a few bucks). EDIT: Just an additional hint - Benro C4770TN ~2.36kg, Sirui R-4213X ~2.40kg, Manfrotto MPro 536 ~3.25kg (though including the half bowl adapter already) ^^. LG
AustrianGeek thank you so much for your kindness. This info is very helpful. I couldn't understand all the pieces even if I extensively google them. Looks like the benro one is getting discontinued it's hard to find someone that has it in Stock near Italy . I'm thinking that maybe I could try a bv4 or bv8 as you talked so well about them. What you think?
Well - Benro is cheap and good (at least the carbon fibre versions are really nice) - Though: I am not THAT of a fan of their aluminium versions anymore, as the coating and the wall thickness of the legs are not the best compared to other companies - And you recognise that over time with more professional use. Benro also changes alot according their tripods over time (and they release alot of new sub-versions under their INDURO brand too - Btw.: You can also check those out if you want to ^^). But to get back to the point I wanted to talk about: It´s not like with Manfrotto for example (or Feisol / Gitzo / Sirui etc.) which keep their models many years in their portfolio. So if you cannot find the Benro tripods easily enough, just skip on those - There are enough other options (and maybe they are really discontinued - The chance is high).
About the BV heads: Yes. The BV4 and BV6 heads are quite good for the price. Though keep in mind the cheaper price / built (they are just not as rugged as a Sachtler / Vinten or your Cartoni Focus - At this price point they cannot be). The BV8 and BV10 are WAY better as they are fully made out of metal (those are the successors of the older H8 and H10 I reviewed). So if you really want to go for a Benro model, keep an eye on getting an BV8 or BV10 carbon fibre kit (not the aluminium one - i mentioned already why). And go for the single tube kits - The double tube were a little bit too loose for my taste. But also usable ^^.
According differences / points according your special case: Well. The question is, if you will be happy with the BV8 or BV10. They offer a good performance (if they kept the same quality from the original H8 and H10 models which I had and testet quite a while). But they don´t offer that much counterbalance steps (to be competitive with your actual Cartoni Focus for example). Sure - The Cartonis are also not perfect. For example: Altough I like the stepless counterbalance I absolutely don´t like the stepless drag of the Cartoni heads. I like the stepped ones WAY more, because you can easily switch between the steps (and switch very fast to zero, to balance out your payload -> tilting wise). With the cartonis you always need to dial out the whole drag before you can do that - And you don´t have a zero drag optoin. But that´s a common con / disadvantage of all stepless counterbalance heads (also the heads from Vinten for example).
Actually my personal favorite is the Sachtler FSB8 (or one of the older DV6 SB / DV8 SB with the 75mm half bowls mounted). They also fit on the smaller (more lightweight) 75mm tripods and they offer more counterbalance steps than most other heads do (PLUS: Five drag steps are also quite nice). On the other hand I still love the quality of the Focus HD kit (with the MPro 536 legs) we have at work. But I don´t like the overall weight it adds (even to the smallest payloads) - And as mentioned already I like the speed of a stepped drag system (according balancing). So maybe better check out those three versions (then you can also go for a smaller / cheaper / more lightweight tripod). ^^
What payload do you have / do you need to compensate btw.? Maybe you can even go for a smaller head than the mentioned ones. For example: My main head is still the ACE L (as it´s super lightweight and it´s "enough" for my payloads - Also drag wise). Would love to go for a used DV6SB or FSB8 / FSB6. Though: I just don´t really need it. And I also made that error in the past (like many people do) -> I went for way too oversized equipment (according tripods, rig systems, huge lights and so on). It´s often not necessary ^^.
Oh. Hmm. Too much written. Sorry ^^. It´s like when I talk ...
It´s too much - But there is good information somewehere burried in there ^^.
Have a nice day.
AustrianGeek Hi thanks for your great reply. I'm looking for something light and portable that compromises slightly on head quality. I have a benro s6 but it's just too weak. I usually use C300 on the focus . So for me the best compromise is something that weights 5kg max and it's small when folded. I usually do interviews and I need a head that stay there and small pans to readjust smoothly. I move a lot on train, scooter, taxi and walking. Probably as you said the Manfrotto is the best solution but it's still a tad heavy. Tnxs
Well - If you stay below 6kg (at 55mm cog = center of gravity), then you can also go for the Sachtler ACE L head. The problem is, if you are at the high end of payload (and then you want to add a monitor or something else and the head is suddenly too weak). Hmm. Another potential head is the new Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 (which is also coming with stepless counterbalance and stepless drag like your Focus). It´s even equipped with a flat base. So you can mount it basically everywhere. The only question is, how good the drag is. And how high the overall maximum drag (thats most of the time the limiting factor of cheaper stepless drag systems - You know it for sure from the vertical / panning drag of your Benro S6 head). But it´s offering 8kg at 55 millimeters. Instead of just 6 at 55 (like it´s the case with the ACE L). Another option are the already mentioned Sachtler FSB / DV heads. If you can find a cheap FSB6 or DV6SB - You´re fine too ^^.
According tripods: Well. Search for one, which fits your needs (and preferences). The Manfrotto MPro 535 (75mm) and 536 (75/100mm half bowl) use clip locks for example. The Sirui, Feisol and Gitzo use all twist locks. Clip locks are better, if unexperienced people also use the tripod kit (at least lets say people, which are not always handling screw / twist lock tripods) ^^. If you really want something super lightweight search for a used Gitzo systematic (of the smaller series) or go for the Feisol 3342 with the half bowl kit. It´s a super lightweight CF tripod. Though: Not as stable as the other bigger / thicker ones on the market (as it´s optimised for low weight). You could even go for a stable CF tripod with mid level column (if you go for one of the mentioned heads - At least the Nitrotech N8, ACE L and the FSB heads are mountable on flat bases -> The ACE L and FSB if you remove the bottom thread stud it reveals a 3/8" thread at the bottom. Though a small hint: Only the new ACE L models are coming with a removable stud).
Many options - I know. But at least you have the choice ...
(AND: It´s better to have too much than too less choices ^^.)
how bad they copy gitzo