Tripod Question

[IanK]

I am trying to decide between two different tripods that will adequately support a Red body, basic production package, matte box, follow focus, super speeds, battery, monitor. I am deciding between:

Libec LS70M2A Professional Tripod System- Includes T98 Aluminum Tripod, H70 Fluid Head, PH-7 Pan Arm, MS-2 Mid-Level Spreader, and SC-9 Soft Case- Supports up to 33 lb (15 kg)

and a


Sachtler DV-8SB Aluminum Tripod System - consists of: DV-8SB Fluid Head, DA-75L 1-Stage Tripod, Mid-Level Spreader and Padded Bag - Supports 26.5 lbs

They both are the same cost but the Libec can support a bit more weight and the Sachtler is a brand that I have a bit more experience with. Please let me know if anyone has any thoughts about this purchase. Thanks


Ian

[Joe Vinson]

Even 33 lbs is pushing what a decked-out RED will weigh. Unfortunately there don't seem to be any good, inexpensive solutions for a RED-ready tripod system. The Arrow 55 has been mentioned as the best bang for the buck, but the head alone is nearly $4k.

[Harmonica]

Unfortunately there don't seem to be any good, inexpensive solutions for a RED-ready tripod system.

What's wrong with an Oconnor 50 or 100?

[Joe Vinson]

Quite right. When you look into used gear, your options open up considerably.

[IanK]

Do you guys know any good places to look for used gear? Please let me know

[Mike Prevette]

A sachtler video 25 might cut it.

This would be the absolute minimum I would use for a RED and even then it would be a little overwheight:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Oconnor-1030B-Like-Sachtler-Cartoni-Vinten-Miller_W0QQitemZ280180420364QQihZ018QQcategoryZ211 65QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1 638.m118

[PaulClements]

A sachtler video 25 might cut it.

At a max load of 66lbs I'd be horrified if it didn't!


Cartoni Delta, Sachtler 18p, O'connor 1030b each represent what I'd personally consider reasonable entry level (I mean by max load, not price!). That being said you ought to be able to get away with lesser heads (This time I am referring to price :)).

As for Ian's OP - I'd argue the Libec ought to be enough at 33lbs, you'd be kitting the camera out quite some to get higher but the problems come in the quality of the head compared to the o'connors of the world and how it copes at the higher limits of the load where the Red camera will inevitably be. Sometimes it's simply false economy. If someone wants to hire your gear and you have a well conditioned O'connor, Satchler or Cartoni they would be happier than using the Libec, but they wouldn't be so happy using one that was a 75mm head and had a low max load that barely covers what's sitting on top of it. If you don't anticipate renting it out in any form or fashion and can cope without having the best of the best then it doesn't matter so much. But like others have said; looking to the second hand market is probably the best bet.

Paul

[Poi Boy]

I have a 1030hd and it is good only with a light configuration.. I'm looking for something with a higher capacity for my second red.
Aloha
-A

[Finner]

At a max load of 66lbs I'd be horrified if it didn't!

I stated from this time last year that a red camera set up would be heavy and that a 50lb capacity head would be minimum starting point. People jumped up and down insisting that it would be a 16 to 17 pound configuration. Jim pointed out on that thread that the camera would be 8-9lbs. Thing is the body is a small part of the weight factor of a shoot ready camera. I grew tired of people telling me that I did not know what I was talking about so I stopped talking about it. In fact I got a bit of a chuckle when I heard what heads people were buying. I have a feeling there will be a lot of 30-40lb heads on the market next year as people realize they bought to small.

[Mike Prevette]

I just got a used Sachtler Video 30II with some CF sticks for around $6k. IMHO that is the minimum your going to end up paying for something that is rentable/servicable/and useable. It's got about a 122lb max weight rating.

[Shawn Nelson]

I actually picked up an OConnor 50 as a second tripod for my Red, just to try it out. I haven't had the opportunity yet as my Red is off on rental, but will try it out when it gets back. I got a 50 head, OConnor sticks and nice heavy airline safe case for $500!

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Miller Arrow 55, 2-stage CF sticks, mid spreader, soft case, - refurbished for $3800. Works great so far, but I don't have a RED to put on it. I did try Gibby's RED on his Arrow55 head for about 20 seconds at LART. Seems like it will be a nice fit... The Arrow 55 is a nice size, about the same as the O'Connor 1030HD[S], but with better weight capacity and more tilt range than the HDS model. I can rent a head for the times I will need something bigger, this will fit 97.5% of my needs.

Older O'Connor 50 or 100 heads are nice. Just be aware that they're going to be old and probably worn-out, may need a good servicing before they're totally usable. They'll also be larger than current head models. But if they're properly serviced and working, they're very nice and can be had cheap, just like Shawn pointed out.

[Thor Wixom]

I just got a used Sachtler Video 30II with some CF sticks for around $6k. IMHO that is the minimum your going to end up paying for something that is rentable/servicable/and useable. It's got about a 122lb max weight rating.

Mike,

I found a Sachtler Video 30II with single stage aluminum legs and a set of baby legs, all with cases for $5k.

I'm wondering if you like your Video 30II, and if it seems to be of similar overall quality to the Oconnor 2060.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on Monday.

-Thor

[paul engstrom]

try visual products for serviced oconnor 50's and 100's. the 50d (i think) is the newer version of the 50. good people at visual products.