Sachtler, Miller or Cartoni?

[Mark K.]

Hi guys,

Well I've finally wittled my tripod options down to a final three, all three have a weight-range of up to 12kg/26lbs:

- Sachtler DV8-SB (75mm bowl) with Sachtler 75 ENG sticks - $2000

- Cartoni Focus HD (100mm bowl) with Miller Solo VJ CF sticks - $2000

- Miller Compass 20 (75mm bowl) with*Miller Solo DV CF sticks - $2400

From what I've read so far, all three heads are supremely smooth, so my main concerns lie with the versatility of a 75mm bowl vs. 100mm, ease of counterbalancing, and build quality/reliability.

I've heard mixed reviews on the build quality of the old Cartoni Focus (the non-'HD' version), and was wondering if it had improved with the updated version?

I've also heard less than flattering reports on the Sachtler 75 ENG sticks with their 2:1:1 arrangement, can anyone comment on whether they genuinely pose an issue?

My only real concern with the Compass 20 is forking out the extra $400 for a 75mm bowl tripod, though it may not pose a real issue, I'm also concerned about only having 4 counterbalance settings (versus the Sachtler's 12 and the Cartoni's 'infinite' option).

Any thoughts, suggestions or preferences (that might help me finally make a bloody decision and move on with my life) would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Mark

[Felipe Leite]

Hey Mark,

Go with Miller, it works just like the Miller 25, super smooth, at that price range Miller is way ahead of the competitors. I bought the Miller 25 kit, 3700 with carbon solo sticks and carrying case. I think the Miller 20 kit costs 3000, that's why I went for the 25 kit. If you have the chance to go to B&H you could test those and see how smoother the Millers are compared to the others.

I think the Focus HD is in a different category, it saves a lot of money and it's the best for that price range.

I hope it helps.

Felipe.

[Chris McKechnie]

I love my miller compass 25!!

[Lee Saxon]

Don't get the Miller Solo sticks. "Video" tripod makers (or at least Miller) don't understand how to make sticks without spreaders. The legs creep in on you and destabilize the whole setup every time you try to move it.

If you're going 100mm bowl you're stuck with that, but if you're going 75mm get the vastly superior :

http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...-Tripod&key=it
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...eo-Bowl&key=it

[Larry McKee]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those heads. That being said, I have had very good luck with Cartoni.

[Julio Quintana]

I was debating the same options, but ultimately I went with the Cartoni Focus HD because of the 100mm head, which makes it a lot more versatile for various dollies, sliders, jibs, etc. The ability to infinitely adjust your tension and counterbalance is a really nice feature. The only noticeable downside for me is the knobs on the Cartoni feel like they could be fragile in the long run, but I haven't had any issues so far.

[Thomas Pohl]

I just received the Sachtler FSB8 plus the Carbon speed lock tripod for the Epic as a light alternative for the Sachtler Video 20 (used it mainly with the R1). If it works out in the field as good as it does with my first trials in the studio I'm going to sell the Video 20. Especially the speed lock system makes it much easier to change the heights without screwing too much.

Cheers
Thomas.

[Loic Parent]

We have two Cartoni Focus HD with carbon sticks, and we love them , a few things to note like remember to close the quick lock mechanism when transporting the head. but other than that amazing value for the money.

[Ned Wilson]

I'm just wrapping out a five month TV show with lightweight cameras. We used Miller 25's. One on VJ Solo legs and the other on O'Connor Lightweight 2 Stage legs. The Miller IMO are by far the best performer for the money. And the O'Connor legs are the best for legs. Sachtler has nothing in the price range that is as smooth and with indiscernable backlash as Miller. Cartoni at Miller prices can't compete. Miller invented the fluid head and got it right. The only head I find as smooth and somewhat more adjustable in that weight range is an O'Connor 1030 at 3x the price. Another worthy consideration is that Miller backs its head with one of the best if not the best warranty in the business. I've owned a Miller Arrow 25 for 7 years now and it works as good as the day I bought it - only replaced a knob here and there. For Epic or Scaret, skip the Miller 20 and go with the 25. The extra cash will accommodate you on those days you rent a larger zoom.

The sucky side of Miller are their tie downs. They will not work with most non-Miller legs or high hats. You'll need to buy an O'Connor Tie down to work with Birns and Sawyer Hi Hats or O'Connor legs. It's about 100.00 bucks and worth it. The Miller VJ legs are light, stiff and a POA to raise or lower but are the best small run n gun travel legs. While the OC 2 stage legs get you almost as low as hi hat and quite at 1300.00 bucks. Much stiffer than Sachtlers at a great price. Fast to raise and lower but won't ford streams, stairs and ditches like VJ legs. Pick according to the work you do.

Hope this helps.

[Ned Wilson]

PS. Cartoni Focus is a toy that you'll break with any serious use. It lasted 3 months with me.