O'Connor 2065

[Steve Phillipps]

Just wondering if anyone had any info on the new O'Connor 2065. I'm a little confused. It's a replacement for the 2060HD, but according to the specs it's exactly the same dimensions and weight as the 2575D. Where does this leave the 2575 - is the 2065 a replacement for that too?
To me the 2060 and 2575 were separated by weight, with the 2060 just barely being a portable unit, while the 2575 was definitely a studio rig - and if the new 2065 is the same weight I'd put it in the same category. And that would also mean that there is no mid-weight unit in the range - you have 10.4kg for the 2575 and 2065, and then right down to 4kg for the 1030.
Any info greatly appreciated.
Steve

 

[Steve Freebairn]

I would like to see a unit half way between the 1030 and the 2060, so maybe the 2065 is the new mid high end (leaving the larger units for large 3D rigs) and the 1065 would be for something like 2 Epics in a 3D rig. Maybe they'll also introduce a lighter tripod that is currently smaller than the 1030, just a guess, but I really wouldn't mind a 1065 (this is a subliminal message O'connor)

 

[Steve Phillipps]

That would be quite sensible - in fact the 2575 maybe should go as it's no longer the big head for drama, that's the 120. Who knows, maybe that is the plan, 1030, 2065 then 120 EX, with a 1035 or 1060 in the middle at the 6kg range.

Steve

 

[Jean Déraps]

This will be a concern with new Epic rigs, as some configurations will fall below the "minimum" counterbalance weights of the 2575 and 2060/65 heads. Anyone have any head suggestions for, say, a 15-20 lbs/7-10kg cam configuration?

 

[Greg M]

The difference between the 2065 and the 2575 is capacity. They are the same physical size though which allows parts interchangeability.

 

[Steve Phillipps]

This will be a concern with new Epic rigs, as some configurations will fall below the "minimum" counterbalance weights of the 2575 and 2060/65 heads. Anyone have any head suggestions for, say, a 15-20 lbs/7-10kg cam configuration?

I've used the 2060 with a Sony A1! In my experience the O'Connors work fine from 0 to the max payload.

As for the 2575 having higher capacity, that's what confuses me - if the 2575 and 2065 are the same size and weight, it seems a safe assumption that they are the size internally and so the only reason they'd have different payloads is the way they're set up at the factory.
I might be entirely wrong about this though!
But if this is not the case why would anyone go for a 2065? It used to be you'd go for the 2060 if you wanted to save weight, but if the 2065 and 2575 weigh the same why would anyone go for the 2065?
Also, for those who don't know, the 2060 has now been discontinued.
Steve

 

[Greg M]

I
But if this is not the case why would anyone go for a 2065? It used to be you'd go for the 2060 if you wanted to save weight, but if the 2065 and 2575 weigh the same why would anyone go for the 2065?
Also, for those who don't know, the 2060 has now been discontinued.
Steve

because its cheaper.

 

[Steve Phillipps]

because its cheaper.

But why is it? That's the question. If the body components are identical then presumably it's the internal workings that differ and the 2575 presumably better hence the extra price?
Steve

 

[Shawn Nelson]

What will be the actual cost (say, Abelcine for instance) of a full 2065 setup? By full I mean everything you need except the sticks (I already have Ronfords)

 

[Steve Phillipps]

I've been quoted around the same price as the 2060HD, so head, bowl, handle, QR plate package would be around £6500 + VAT. This is against around £8000 for a 2575.

Steve

 

[Greg M]

But why is it? That's the question. If the body components are identical then presumably it's the internal workings that differ and the 2575 presumably better hence the extra price?
Steve

Why does it matter? If they can offer a lower priced version that has less capacity, what difference does it make how or why.

There is a demand for both.

 

[Steve Phillipps]

It matters because it helps buyers make an informed choice. For myself I'd like to save £1500, certainly, but not at the expense of performance. If I knew that the 2575 was going to handle better with smoother pans or a more efficient counterbalance or whatever I'd spend the extra money - tripod heads are so important, that's why I buy O'Connors in the first place!
When the choice was 2575 vs 2060 and you saved 3kg, that had a big sway in the argument, and I'd sacrifice a little performance for that.
Steve

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

The OConnor Brand Manager asked me to post this on the forum:

Dear Reduser.net community,

I’m very happy to read the passionate discussion on OConnor heads in general and on the new 2065 in particular – it confirms our research and emphasizes that we are on the right track.

Allow me to address some of the issues raised on the forum. All Ultimate Series fluid heads use the same physical principles and basic design of counterbalance and drag – that’s why they feel so familiar going from one size to another. We have different internal parts that achieve different specifications, which is why for example, the higher payload 1030 HDs has a limited tilt-range compared to the 1030 HD. The counterbalance in overdrive limits the tilt range. We put the user requirements first and then design the head around that; that’s how we have gained our reputation.

When we set out to replace the 2060 HD we had two main options: create a smaller head with less capacity or create a larger head with a larger payload. Considering the current new wave of digital cine cameras that are smaller and lighter but are heavily accessorized, research showed that we had to slightly increase the capacity in order to future-proof our customer’s investment.

We also had to change the ergonomics of the head (e.g. the brake knob arrangement on the 2060 has been reason for complaints). Feedback from the field emphasized that the interface of the 120EX and the 2575D was preferential. In regions like the US where the 2575 has been very popular, the feedback indicated that they wanted something identical to the 2575D.

When we asked about priority between size/weight versus ergonomics, ergonomics was the clear winner. The reasoning was that the amount, size and weight of the overall gear required for a cine-style shoot (digital or film) wasn’t going to be impacted by the slight difference in weight (we’re talking less than 8 lbs in overall gear).

When we’re talking about the differences between the 2575D and the 2065 there are basically three main points:

1. Payload & Drag:
The 2065 has a lower payload than the 2575D. This difference in payload is not only in overall weight, but also in Center of Gravity, as the 2065’s 71 lbs. payload is at a 6” COG.
We’re always basing the maximum drag output on intended payload and market feedback. So, the 2065 also has less drag output than the 2575D.

2. Internal components:
In order to achieve the specifications of the 2065 we had to design new internal components. The mechanical principle between the 2065 and the 2575D is the same, but the actual components (e.g. the springs) to achieve the specification, are different.

3. Price point:
We clearly had to hit a price target that is similar to the 2060 HD; again a point that received a higher priority than weight and size. Compared to the 2060 HD, the list price of the 2065 is only US$ 300 or Euro 250 higher. We can hit this price point thanks to the different internal components mentioned above.

There are clear benefits to the similarities of the 2575 D and the 2065. They can coexist in a rental house without doubling the number of replaceable parts required. Going from a large and heavy film camera to a smaller and lighter digital cine camera does not mean that the ergonomics have to be different. And the lower camera price does often require a lower priced camera support.

The 2575 D remains our flagship product and we are hoping that the new 2065 only strengthens the position of the 2575 D – ultimately however that is all up to you! It’s YOU that are working in the field. It’s you that calls the shots.

We’ve tried to hit as many feedback points as possible when we designed and built the 2065. It’s not a one size fits all solution – that’s not what we are known for. We make premium tools (in quality and function) for industry professionals worldwide. And there will always be individual applications that our strengths don’t play to, but there’s specialized gear out there for that.

For obvious reasons I can’t reveal the future of our product lineup. However, I invite you to continue to speculate and make suggestions as you have already initiated via this forum, email or in person. This is feedback that we need and use to shape the future of our line up.

You can see from the number of new product releases from OConnor in 2010, including the addition of of OConnor camera accessories, that we are committed to offering premium tools for the art and craft of cinematography and cine-style shooting. We invite you to: Feel the Difference!

Thank you for your trust, loyalty and commitment to OConnor.
And I invite you to contact me directly if I can be of further assistance.

With kind regards,

Ali Ahmadi
Brand Manager – OConnor
ali.ahmadi@vitecgroup.com

 

[Sidney L. Plaut]

well if the 2060 is discontinued now, I like my 2060 even more now

for me those 3kg matter!

 

[Steve Phillipps]

The OConnor Brand Manager asked me to post this on the forum:

Thanks Eric, great response.
One thing that I think you can gather from this thread is that a mid-range head between the 1030 and 2065 would compliment the range really well - something around the 6.5kg mark. This is particularly important now that the 2060 has gone, you now have the 1030 at 3.7kg and the next one up the line is the 2065 and 2575 at 10.4kg - that's a hell of a jump.

Keep up the good, no scratch that, the GREAT work, I've tried virtually all the heads on the market and have come my own personal conclusion that O'Connor is in a class of its own, whenever I look at heads now it's not a choice of which one to get, it's which O'Connor to get!

Steve

 

[Eric J. Johnston]

Thank you Steve for the compliment! Rest assured that everyone at OConnor is listening to what the customers want and continue to use that feedback to develop some of the best cinema equipment available.

I wouldn’t be surprised to hear about a new addition to the OConnor Accessory Family in the coming weeks based upon this concept of delivering what the market wants with an attractive price point vs. feature set.:wink5:

 

[Mitch Gross]

The OConnor heads are excellent values, but if they do not have a product to fit your needs there may be solutions from other Vitec brands. Sachtler has the Cine 30 head which may fit your personal size/weight/payload needs more appropriately.

http://www.abelcine.com/store/Sachtler-30-System/

 

[Steve Phillipps]

Sachtler has the Cine 30 head which may fit your personal size/weight/payload needs more appropriately.

Useless for long lens work, they have so much backlash. Also it's very difficult to get smooth starts. Just my opinion. I used to own a Video 25 Plus which is the same head with a different top. For drama stuff and heavy rigs it might be OK though. And it is pretty light.

Steve

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

O'Connor rules. The 2575D deserves the rep but it is quite heavy. I own a 1030HD and it holds a R1 with primes, MB, FF, etc quite nicely as long as you keep the COG low (ET makes a custom slide plate for the 1030 and some other O'Connor heads that helps significantly).

I agree with the desire for a mid-range option. The 1030HD can get overloaded with a larger zoom and/or AKS bloat, a situation that should be helped by the smaller EPIC form factor...

The 2575 and 2060 are simply too massive for smaller crew field work.

Dream specs: exactly halfway between the 1030 and 2060 in terms of weight, capacity, etc.

Cheers - #19

 

[Shawn Nelson]

O'Connor rules. The 2575D deserves the rep but it is quite heavy. I own a 1030HD and it holds a R1 with primes, MB, FF, etc quite nicely as long as you keep the COG low (ET makes a custom slide plate for the 1030 and some other O'Connor heads that helps significantly).

I agree with the desire for a mid-range option. The 1030HD can get overloaded with a larger zoom and/or AKS bloat, a situation that should be helped by the smaller EPIC form factor...

The 2575 and 2060 are simply too massive for smaller crew field work.

Dream specs: exactly halfway between the 1030 and 2060 in terms of weight, capacity, etc.

Cheers - #19

I think the 's' 1030 (both 1030s and 1030HDs) is between the 1030HD and 2060HD in terms of specs, as both 's' 1030 heads go an extra 10 lbs of rating. I use the 1030s and am very happy with it.