A question of tripods...

[Jeff Kilgroe]

OK,

I'll be looking into a new tripod system to go with my RED One. What to get? Any good recommendations. I currently use a Cartoni F101 system with my HVX200 (Focus 100 fluid head, aluminum legs) it works great. But I don't know if this will be adequate for RED and all the lens options. The F101 legs and head say up to 22lbs capacity, but I think I'm going to need something more.

What sort of thoughts does everyone have? I've looked at some of the bigger Cartoni offerings and some tripod systems/heads from Miller, but that's about it.

[hdcrew]

I just bought an O'Conner 1030HD with Sachtler HD Speedlock legs, a bit pricey but very precise and a positive stop.

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Well I would like to get the System Cine 75 HD from Sachtler:
Fluid head Cine 75 HD + tripod Cine 2000 long + spreader SP 150 EX
It's around 9500 euros new, and it's too recent to be found second hand, but with sachtler build quality, I may be set for ever with this.

[Stephen Williams]

Well I would like to get the System Cine 75 HD from Sachtler:
Fluid head Cine 75 HD + tripod Cine 2000 long + spreader SP 150 EX
It's around 9500 euros new, and it's too recent to be found second hand, but with sachtler build quality, I may be set for ever with this.

Hi,

I don't know how heavy a lens you intend to use, however IMHO it is bigger than you want. I was using one last week, it would not be my first choice.

Stephen

[Brian Ferguson]

I have had good experiences with O'Connor heads, their HQ is only a couple of miles from me so it is easy to get stuff changed or fixed on my DV studio head. The 1030 is probably a good choice for Red One, it could handle a zoom lens and follow focus and medium matte box pretty well. I have had no problem with full sized HD cameras on this head. The Vitec group owns them, and just about every other tripod/head company out there. Vitec was previously known as Vinten and they also own Sachtler.

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi,

I don't know how heavy a lens you intend to use, however IMHO it is bigger than you want. I was using one last week, it would not be my first choice.

Stephen

Hi Stephen
I am all ears really.
Wich Sachtler fluid head would you recommand then(for us europeans)?
7+7, 9+9 or else?
Could you give us a short (but longer than you just did:D )review of the HD Cine75.
Thanks

[garageman]

I've an old O'Connor 100-C head, it's big but it's been adequate before so I don't see why I should spend more replacing it with an update.

It can hold up to 100lbs so weight shouldn't be a problem!

[Evin Grant]

O'Connor is the best choice but buku bucks. I think the Vinten Vision line has alot going for it for the money. I have the 6 and it's great.

[Stephen Williams]

Hi Stephen
I am all ears really.
Wich Sachtler fluid head would you recommand then(for us europeans)?
7+7, 9+9 or else?
Could you give us a short (but longer than you just did:D )review of the HD Cine75.
Thanks

Hi Emmanuel,

If I had a big budget for a head I would go with an O'conner. On a lower budget, Cartoni make some nice heads, they come with a 5 year guarantee.

The HD Cine 75 is OK if you have a very heavy zoom & extras.

Stephen

[Don Woods]

I also use the Cartoni with the focus head. I think it will be able to handle a very stripped down RED. But I do think we need to go bigger. I am looking at the Cartoni Delta. I have used there heads for awhile now and just love the way they work. Good stuff. But it dose cost.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I also use the Cartoni with the focus head. I think it will be able to handle a very stripped down RED. But I do think we need to go bigger. I am looking at the Cartoni Delta. I have used there heads for awhile now and just love the way they work. Good stuff. But it dose cost.

Yeah, I've really grown to like my Cartoni Focus and I may hold off until I actually have my RED to decide on a new tripod. I don't know how much the RED and all the other stuff to go with it is going to weigh just yet. I'm looking at both their D600 Delta and G100 Gamma heads and it looks like either work with the same leg configurations. Delta w/ appropriate legs holds up to 38lbs and Gama up to 35lbs.

I'll have to check out some of the others talked about here too.

[Appleton]

The O'Connor HD is pretty pricey at $7K. Add another $2K for legs.

The Cartoni Focus is probably too light for a full set up. If RED comes in at 6 pounds + zoom lens 8 pounds (guessing) + mattebox + filters + EVF + LCD + FF + attatchments...


Is there a tripod system (or just head) in between the Oconnor and the Focus ?

[IAN SUN]

Wow 9 grand is crazy, can anyone suggest a good budget option?

[CVB]

I could make one ... just not for at least 4 months :)

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi Emmanuel,

If I had a big budget for a head I would go with an O'conner. On a lower budget, Cartoni make some nice heads, they come with a 5 year guarantee.

The HD Cine 75 is OK if you have a very heavy zoom & extras.

Stephen
Hi Stephen
Well the HD Cine 75 payload is 9-165 lb
so of course with RedOne body at 6 lb you'd need something more on top of it. I heard the viewfinder will be quite heavy,plus lens, battery, rails, Mattebox, LCD for the assistant, RedDrive… we should go slightly past the 9 lb.Would it be enough (with a prime or a normal zoom).
Since you've just used it could you comment on it's smoothness and usability?

[Don Woods]

Get on it curt... I am not going to see a camera for at least that long. If you came up with a even just a head. That could hold and perform half as good as the Delta for around 2 or 5 grand allot of people will be in.

[Tonaci Tran]

I highly recommend finding a used Cartoni Gamma. I got one a few months ago and it is great. It's a step up from the focus but can handle alot more.

[CVB]

Get on it curt... I am not going to see a camera for at least that long. If you came up with a even just a head. That could hold and perform half as good as the Delta for around 2 or 5 grand allot of people will be in.

Well, we have the head already... A bit more than $5K though ;) Mirus (http://viewfactorstudios.com/images/mirus4.jpg)

[Don Woods]

Yeah but that is one bad ass looking head. And I would think it would be a little more then just 5. But you could think a little smaller

[Blaine Golden]

I'm going to see how well my Cartoni Focus works, then go from there...perhaps the next Cartoni step up.

[Stephen Williams]

Hi Stephen
Well the HD Cine 75 payload is 9-165 lb
so of course with RedOne body at 6 lb you'd need something more on top of it. I heard the viewfinder will be quite heavy,plus lens, battery, rails, Mattebox, LCD for the assistant, RedDrive… we should go slightly past the 9 lb.Would it be enough (with a prime or a normal zoom).
Since you've just used it could you comment on it's smoothness and usability?

Hi Emmanuel,

I find fluid heads work best when the weight is nearer the midle of the spec. If your rig comes in much under 50 lbs (I am sure it will) I think you will start adding sandbags to get the right feel!

I think buying a new head is something you should wait until you have your RED camera, spend time it's an important decision.

I was using the 75 with a Viper & heavy zoom, matte box, follow focus etc., The weight adjustment was still set at 1!

Stephen

[Zk2007]

I use an O’Connor 50D and it’s a great head. I’m hoping to be able to keep it for RED. Hopefully it won’t be overkill. O’Connor makes great heads.

[Stephen Williams]

I use an O’Connor 50D and it’s a great head. I’m hoping to be able to keep it for RED. Hopefully it won’t be overkill. O’Connor makes great heads.

Hi,

As the O'Conner head is totally adjustable (as are Cartoni heads), I don't think you will have any problems.

Stephen

[IAN SUN]

Can anyone tell me why these things are so expensive? other than that they are made for the FILM (or the F.M.U.T.A) industry??

What justifies the prices being charged? This is not new tech, surely the R&D costs from the established guys is already paid for, there ought to be some price competition... oh wait someone noted they are all owned by the same company. I see now.

Come on 2 grand for a well engineered device of this type, is plenty.
Sure there are people willing to purchase a Jaguar for the name, but a Toyota is more reliable.

[hdcrew]

I think you've hit the nail on the head with your car analogy, I know I'd rather be sat in the Jag though.

[Damien Molineaux]

The O'Connor HD is pretty pricey at $7K. Add another $2K for legs.

The Cartoni Focus is probably too light for a full set up. If RED comes in at 6 pounds + zoom lens 8 pounds (guessing) + mattebox + filters + EVF + LCD + FF + attatchments...


Is there a tripod system (or just head) in between the Oconnor and the Focus ?

As recommended by Evinski, I like the Vinten Vision series, good heads at a fair price. They have different models for different camera size/weight and then each model can have different set of springs depending on the precise weight of your cam. I currently use a Vision 3 for PD150s and a HVX. I plan on purchasing a 6 or 8 (I have to check on the weight) for my future Red One. The legs are very good also, but you can find cheaper legs. I'll stick with my Manfrotto (Bogen) legs for the time being.

Cheers,
Damien

[Damien Molineaux]

Hi Stephen
Well the HD Cine 75 payload is 9-165 lb
so of course with RedOne body at 6 lb you'd need something more on top of it. I heard the viewfinder will be quite heavy,plus lens, battery, rails, Mattebox, LCD for the assistant, RedDrive… we should go slightly past the 9 lb.Would it be enough (with a prime or a normal zoom).
Since you've just used it could you comment on it's smoothness and usability?

You think a completely decked out Red One will weigh in at only 9 pounds? That seems very light to me. A zoom lens can be quite heavy for sure and would bring the weight to considerably more than 9 pounds. Can anybody make a good estimate of camera weight given we know the weight of the body. It would be very useful so as to know which tripod head would be best suited.

Cheers,
Damien

[Stephen Williams]

Can anyone tell me why these things are so expensive? other than that they are made for the FILM (or the F.M.U.T.A) industry??

What justifies the prices being charged? This is not new tech, surely the R&D costs from the established guys is already paid for, there ought to be some price competition... oh wait someone noted they are all owned by the same company. I see now.

Come on 2 grand for a well engineered device of this type, is plenty.
Sure there are people willing to purchase a Jaguar for the name, but a Toyota is more reliable.

Hi,

Remember they don't sell very many a year & distributers need to earn money.

FWIW the smaller Cartoni heads start well under $2000.

Stephen

[Stephen Williams]

You think a completely decked out Red One will weigh in at only 9 pounds? That seems very light to me. A zoom lens can be quite heavy for sure and would bring the weight to considerably more than 9 pounds. Can anybody make a good estimate of camera weight given we know the weight of the body. It would be very useful so as to know which tripod head would be best suited.

Cheers,
Damien

Hi Damien,

I would guess depending on accessories, 12-30 lb, would be a good starting point.

Stephen

[Brian Broz]

The Cartoni Focus will handle/counterbalance to 22lbs. You should have no problem with a Red in most configurations...yes, a larger head would be recommended for longer lens work, but to be honest the weak point of a Focus system is the bundled legs that have a single tube lower section. Torsionally these legs aren't that rigid when approaching 20lbs.
My 2cents.

Brian Broz

[Appleton]

Earthling, thanks for the link to the Vinten. However, even the 8 doesn't cover quite the range I'm looking for (assuming that you want to have your regular kitted RED in the mid range of the specs).

If the zoom comes in at 8 pounds, then for me, the cam will be 25-30 pounds approx. Also, put a Cooke S4 zoom on and you're looking at 12 pounds plus.

Bro, funny ain't it ?


The Cartoni Focus will handle/counterbalance to 22lbs. You should have no problem with a Red in most configurations... Maybe still lenses with minimal attatchments, but for anyone buying used Cinezooms/primes or modern zooms, then we could need to reconsider.

I guess I'll wait and see if NAB has any deals.

[CVB]

Can anyone tell me why these things are so expensive? other than that they are made for the FILM (or the F.M.U.T.A) industry??

What justifies the prices being charged? This is not new tech, surely the R&D costs from the established guys is already paid for, there ought to be some price competition... oh wait someone noted they are all owned by the same company. I see now.

Come on 2 grand for a well engineered device of this type, is plenty.
Sure there are people willing to purchase a Jaguar for the name, but a Toyota is more reliable.

Bro, I totally agree. I think you are going to see many companies following RED and making equipment for the industry that doesn't aim to ream the customer. The only reason I can think of that they charge as much as they do is that they can, it's definitely not the complexity of cost of manufacture thats driving up the cost. The mentality of almost every company that makes this type of equipment is the same - charge a fortune because the customer has no other options anyway.

One thing to keep in mind is that the same companies have been doing this stuff for years and they have a huge overhead to deal with... they probably can't afford to sell anything less than $5K. Most of these companies mark up their cost of goods by 5-10X to keep their stock holders happy. To get the prices down there is noting better than a new company with almost zero overhead making the same quality product for 1/5 the cost... its going to happen, but probably not for RED's launch :)

[Alvise Tedesco]

Earthling, thanks for the link to the Vinten. However, even the 8 doesn't cover quite the range I'm looking for (assuming that you want to have your regular kitted RED in the mid range of the specs).

I love my Vinten 8, and it handle very smoothly DVX+M2+whatever Nikkor+Mattebox. Surely not that good with RED

...My girlfriend, after sending to sleep our child, came here and had a look at what I was writing. Then, went away laughing and repeating:"..I love my Vinten, I love it.."...

[Alexander Nikishin]

OConnor 1030HD FLUID HEAD PACKAGE

Head & sticks for $5,000

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=447432&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[Blair S. Paulsen]

The time honored way to save a buck on an item like a tripod is to buy it used. However, I can't see myself buying one via eBay as the "feel" of a tripod head is what counts and there is no way to test that over the internet.

If any of you have bought a tripod used and had a bad experience - what are the "gotchas" I should look out for. Obviously stripped hardware should be easy to spot, but what else. The tripod I have now is decent (its a Manfrotto) and can handle up to 30 lbs. (13.5 kg) but its just not smooth enough for my taste. It also has legs that are held in place by friction only using medium sized knobs so if you bump a knob or get just a little too much payload (teleprompters are the worst) the whole thing can come down. This is not a risk I like taking with my Sony D-30, which, props to Sony, once fell 4 feet onto a hard surface and still worked perfectly, it is certainly not a risk I will take with my RedOne.

The Sachlers, Vintens, O'Conners, Millers and Cartonis I have used over the years have generally done a fine job but like many of you I find the pricing hard to swallow - gotta save some bux for lenses after all. Anybody wanna recommend a good used gear dealer in SoCal...

[Appleton]

...My girlfriend, after sending to sleep our child, came here and had a look at what I was writing. Then, went away laughing and repeating:"..I love my Vinten, I love it.."...Lol...

OConnor 1030HD FLUID HEAD PACKAGE

Head & sticks for $5,000

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=447432&is=REG&addedTroughType=searchI was giving Bro the "Canadian" price + shipping and handling.(about $7000)

I'm tempted to just buy a steadicam flyer and a cinesaddle. Add a short friend and a tall friend (to perch the camera on) and you're set.

[Damien Molineaux]

Earthling, thanks for the link to the Vinten. However, even the 8 doesn't cover quite the range I'm looking for (assuming that you want to have your regular kitted RED in the mid range of the specs).

If the zoom comes in at 8 pounds, then for me, the cam will be 25-30 pounds approx. Also, put a Cooke S4 zoom on and you're looking at 12 pounds plus.


Maybe still lenses with minimal attatchments, but for anyone buying used Cinezooms/primes or modern zooms, then we could need to reconsider.

I guess I'll wait and see if NAB has any deals.

Well Vinten has other models, here's the Vision series :
http://www.vinten.com/family-detail.php?cn=&lang=1&fid=5

There's the 11 and the 100 if you need something capable of handling more weight. Of course it gets more expensive, but still maybe a better deal than equivalent products from O'Conner, Miller ot Sachtler.

I just realised from Vision 8 and up we're looking at 100mm balls which won't work with my current set of legs (75mm), guess I'll have to add on a whole tripod to my list of things to go with my future Red One ;-)

Cheers,
Damien

[Appleton]

guess I'll have to add on a whole tripod to my list of things to go with my future Red One ;-)

Cheers,
DamienI'm with ya.

As an addendum, do the RED folks have any advice for what kind of release plate to buy (for cage, rails ) ?

Maybe I should wait to see what the designs are ?

[Alex Boothby]

dv.com has a current article comparing tripods. Not great, but somewhat useful:

http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.php?articleId=193700400

Includes this amusing quote at the end:

"If the purchase price of a tripod system exceeds the cost of your camera and offends your sense of natural order, then you might opt for something less expensive."

My 'sense of natural order' is often offended. :)

[Appleton]

dv.com has a current article comparing tripods. Not great, but somewhat useful:

http://www.dv.com/features/features_item.php?articleId=193700400

Thanks. Perused that already. It's useful for a general reference.

So far, I have three that may work. Just a matter of budget now, I guess...

[chuck colburn]

Would these work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cartoni-Alfa-II-tripod-head_W0QQitemZ110074910796QQihZ001QQcategoryZ30097 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[sandesh]

I recently shot a short film with HVX + RedrockMicro. Cartoni Focus was one of the rented head. We did not use it for lots of mechanical reasons. I also have O'connor D50 I was not able to use it either, as I did not have the right bowl for the tripod. We used something else....

I have read lots good of Cartoni Focus CF on DVXUSER.com. There is just 1 thread somewhere on DVXUSER where the guy/DP did tests on CF and did not like it. I bought used D50, Its big ... but very affordable, I love it.

I am not a DP but, I would strongly suggest to play with CF before you buy.
As a producer/director (think $$$s), and as a Mechanical Engg + my experience on the shoot; I will NEVER buy CF.

I know lots of people here like CF... Please no fire...

[IAN SUN]

Bro, I totally agree. I think you are going to see many companies following RED and making equipment for the industry that doesn't aim to ream the customer. The only reason I can think of that they charge as much as they do is that they can, it's definitely not the complexity of cost of manufacture thats driving up the cost. The mentality of almost every company that makes this type of equipment is the same - charge a fortune because the customer has no other options anyway.

One thing to keep in mind is that the same companies have been doing this stuff for years and they have a huge overhead to deal with... they probably can't afford to sell anything less than $5K. Most of these companies mark up their cost of goods by 5-10X to keep their stock holders happy. To get the prices down there is noting better than a new company with almost zero overhead making the same quality product for 1/5 the cost... its going to happen, but probably not for RED's launch :)


Curt I love this Comment, sounds like you are totally in tune with the REDvolution philosophy. Quality equipment at affordable prices is an essential component of the project to democratize moving image production and storytelling.

I certainly would not begrudge an equipment manufacturer a decent profit, but maannn... Anyway there is certainly a business case to be made for a fiesty company such as yours to do away with the F.M.U.T.A jacked up price model and offer quality products at reasonable prices. The indie segment of the market (y'know thoose of us who actually have to scrounge to put together a kit) will stand up and take notice.

Why should I have to buy some dodgy used tripod at a pawn shop to mount my beautifull new RED ONE:confused:

I'll be at your booth at NAB, maybe you'll have some sticks specked out by then:)

[Zk2007]

If any of you have bought a tripod used and had a bad experience - what are the "gotchas" I should look out for. Obviously stripped hardware should be easy to spot, but what else.

Stripped?

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi Emmanuel,

I find fluid heads work best when the weight is nearer the midle of the spec. If your rig comes in much under 50 lbs (I am sure it will) I think you will start adding sandbags to get the right feel!

I think buying a new head is something you should wait until you have your RED camera, spend time it's an important decision.

I was using the 75 with a Viper & heavy zoom, matte box, follow focus etc., The weight adjustment was still set at 1!

Stephen

Thanks Stephen

I gladly give up on the Cine 75 HD, instead I'll keep an eye for the Sachtler Panorama Plus wich payload goes from:
min 4.2 lb / max 20.8 lb
to
min 7.8 lb / max 39 lb
depending on the Center of gravity adjustments.
I'll save quite a few bucks from the Cine 75 HD wich is, as pointed out, far too big.
For legs I would go for Sachtler Speed Lock® CF HD wich would allow me to put the Sachtler CamCrane DV on top of it.
Anyway there are months before those purchases, so things may change.
Yours (sachtled) Emmanuel

[Stephen Williams]

Thanks Stephen

I gladly give up on the Cine 75 HD, instead I'll keep an eye for the Sachtler Panorama Plus wich payload goes from:
min 4.2 lb / max 20.8 lb
to
min 7.8 lb / max 39 lb
depending on the Center of gravity adjustments.
I'll save quite a few bucks from the Cine 75 HD wich is, as pointed out, far too big.
For legs I would go for Sachtler Speed Lock® CF HD wich would allow me to put the Sachtler CamCrane DV on top of it.
Anyway there are months before those purchases, so things may change.
Yours (sachtled) Emmanuel

Hi Emmanuel,

If I was spending that sort of money I would go with O'conner! IMHO the best there is, nothing wrong with Sachtler they are my second choice hi end!

Stephen

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi Emmanuel,

If I was spending that sort of money I would go with O'conner! IMHO the best there is, nothing wrong with Sachtler they are my second choice hi end!

Stephen

Hi Stephen
The problem with O'Connor is that it's (very) hard to get in Europe, or at least in France. Sachtler is widely distributed over here.
I think they are both expensive, so unless O'Connor is on top of Sachtler quality wise, it would be easier for me to go with the later.
But I'm still widely open (to sachtler:D)

Yours seriously Emmanuel

[Stephen Williams]

Hi Stephen
The problem with O'Connor is that it's (very) hard to get in Europe, or at least in France. Sachtler is widely distributed over here.
I think they are both expensive, so unless O'Connor is on top of Sachtler quality wise, it would be easier for me to go with the later.
But I'm still widely open (to sachtler:D)

Yours seriously Emmanuel

Hi Emmanuel,

Your Sachtler dealer should be able to get you an O'Conner test unit. They are owned by the same company and they shared a stand at IBC.

O'Conner is IMHO a hugely better product for the same price.

Stephen

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi Emmanuel,

Your Sachtler dealer should be able to get you an O'Conner test unit. They are owned by the same company and they shared a stand at IBC.

O'Conner is IMHO a hugely better product for the same price.

Stephen

Well I'll defenitelty try my best to check very seriously the O'Connor products, hopefully be able to get a test unit.
Thank you for your patience on me, it's highly appreciated here.
Of course, if I was to abuse your patience, I would ask you to elaborate a bit on "O'Conner is IMHO a hugely better product for the same price", just for my education. Don't be afraid, I'm not in a position to argue with you, since I have no experience of either product.
Thank you so much
yours (could get O'connored) Emmanuel

[Mark Mannschreck]

I purchased a used Sachtler 25 II with carbon fiber sticks and a spreader... I really couldn't see shooting with anything lighter now... even with smaller cameras (bought for use with digi-beta). It's got a 150mm bowl and it's rock solid - even in high winds. Seven steps of amazing German engineered Pan and Tilt. It has probably done more for my shooting than anything else I have ever purchased. Put the dials on zero and bounce any size cam around with the most contollable "drunk camera" moves - then dial it up to seven and have the slowest, smoothest pans even in a hurricane...

[Stephen Williams]

Well I'll defenitelty try my best to check very seriously the O'Connor products, hopefully be able to get a test unit.
Thank you for your patience on me, it's highly appreciated here.
Of course, if I was to abuse your patience, I would ask you to elaborate a bit on "O'Conner is IMHO a hugely better product for the same price", just for my education. Don't be afraid, I'm not in a position to argue with you, since I have no experience of either product.
Thank you so much
yours (could get O'connored) Emmanuel


Hi Emmanuel,

The O'Conner heads will tilt +/- 90 degrees.
The Adjustment is totally flexable, not just 7 or 9 numbered steps.
With the head pointing in any direction you can remove your hand, and the camera stays quite still, its perfectly balanced not sprung.

FWIW the Cartoni Focus is not that different for lighter cameras retails & $799head only at B+H Photo in NY. I think Red users will need to go up the range.

Stephen

Stephen

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi Emmanuel,

The O'Conner heads will tilt +/- 90 degrees.
The Adjustment is totally flexable, not just 7 or 9 numbered steps.
With the head pointing in any direction you can remove your hand, and the camera stays quite still, its perfectly balanced not sprung.

FWIW the Cartoni Focus is not that different for lighter cameras retails & $799head only at B+H Photo in NY. I think Red users will need to go up the range.

Stephen

Stephen

Hi Stephen

Well the Sachtler Panorama Plus can tilt +/-90° as well.

It is known to hold the camera perfectly still, in any position from drag position "3" upwards. But the brakes are "vibrationless and can be used during shooting."


As for the adjusment steps I believe there are some pros and cons.
Sure if you dont have the steps you can find some finer adjustments wich may proove useful.
On the other hand, with the steps ( 7 in this case ) you are able to set the head to equal pan and tilt settings in a snap, wich will assure you perfect diagonal movements.

I believe it's a question of priority.
I'm eager to hear any other arguments in favor of the O'Connor

Yours (not sold yet) Emmanuel:D

[Häakon]

I find fluid heads work best when the weight is nearer the midle of the spec. If your rig comes in much under 50 lbs (I am sure it will) I think you will start adding sandbags to get the right feel!
I think this is a really good point that isn't echoed enough online. Most people feel that "bigger is better" in the sense that the more weight the head can support the better, but there is a thing as too much. If your camera is so light that you're barely putting any reverse resistance on the head because you've bought the one that is made for holding a load of 90lbs, you're not going to have a fun time operating. This, of course, doesn't mean that since Red is estimated to come in around 6 pounds and your lens may weigh 8, a 15lb. tripod is all you need. But it is good to be aware that you can buy too much tripod for your camera.

I'm with Stephen; users would probably be best advised to wait until they get their cameras and do some testing to see what works best.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I'm with Stephen; users would probably be best advised to wait until they get their cameras and do some testing to see what works best.

I think that's what I'm doing... I'll try my Focus 100 first and see how that goes. If I feel I need more, then I'll probably rent an O'Connor 1030HD next and see how I like it. I think the O'Connor 2060 looks beautiful, but may be overkill and is really starting to seem rediculously expensive. ...Well, so is the 1030, but oh well.