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Some advice on Sachtler Video 20P

Antonio Forjaz

Antonio Forjaz

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Hi I would like some advice, I am about to buy a second hand Sachtler Video 20P Carbon Fiber Heavy Duty 2 stage tripod. Will this tripod really cope with a REDOne? Will I be ok using this head and legs? I have never used this tripod, so, please if there is any one out there that has, please let me know what is your opinion. Thanks
 
The head will cope nicely with a medium RED One set up. But will struggle if you are putting big cine lenses and matteboxes on. It's a good head used more by TV crews than film guys.

Make sure all the friction locks work, the right side tilt lock button too, and that it pan and tilts smoothly on all the click stop friction settings (don't pan & tilt with frictions set between the click stops as this can damage the head).

The main things I don't like is the quick release wedge is too short to get two bolts into an Element Technica Arri-style baseplate, but works Ok with the RED shoulder dovetail. And the counterbalance is stepped rather than continuous, so slightly fiddly.

Which model tripod legs? Eng 2 CF HD 5390 legs will be good for a heavy load provided the carbon fibre is undamaged and the locks work properly. Same for the red Speedlock handled Heavy Duty model.
 
ericyoung said:
Which model tripod legs? Eng 2 CF HD 5390 legs will be good for a heavy load provided the carbon fibre is undamaged and the locks work properly. Same for the red Speedlock handled Heavy Duty model.
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thanks for the advice, the legs are 2 stage double extension tripod,Sachtler spreader Mid-level spreader and set of 3 rubber feet .think it is the CF/HD legs?
 
Hi Antonio,

If you ever do ENG work you will understand why a Sachtler V20+ with carbon fiber stix is one of the best tripods in the world.

I mainly use two tripods, V25+ 150mm bowl with Vinten Cine Stix mitchell mount with starplate and V20+ 100mm bowl with ENG CF HD stix, I use the V20+ 4x more then the V25+ head due to weight mostly, however if you are seeking a rigid shot its best to use cine stix and a 150mm bowl.

Only thing I do not like about the Sachtler fluid heads are the springs, they are made out of rubber, so they will degrade in time.
 
pictures of the head and legs

pictures of the head and legs

it is this head and legs
 

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Andrew J. said:
Hi Antonio,

If you ever do ENG work you will understand why a Sachtler V20+ with carbon fiber stix is one of the best tripods in the world.

I mainly use two tripods, V25+ 150mm bowl with Vinten Cine Stix mitchell mount with starplate and V20+ 100mm bowl with ENG CF HD stix, I use the V20+ 4x more then the V25+ head due to weight mostly, however if you are seeking a rigid shot its best to use cine stix and a 150mm bowl.

Only thing I do not like about the Sachtler fluid heads are the springs, they are made out of rubber, so they will degrade in time.
Click to expand...

Hi Andrew, thanks, that is my concern...I am used to he 150mm bowl and I am a bit worried a 100mm bowl with the RED will be a git wobbly...My set up is with the RED zooms (18-50 and 50 to 150)...difficult decision to make...also what you think about the price they are asking (USD 5.500)?
 
Hi Antonio,

The fluid head in the pictures you posted has the Sachtler label removed, a lot of unauthorized service centers will perform a rebuild not to spec on the Sachtler heads not replace the label or reuse the old one, (both labels are removed and replaced if its going for repair service)

With the longer local lengths you will want to use a larger head (150mm bowl) just because rigidity becomes a issue.

The price seems a little high, but if it comes with the mid level spreader and rubber feet I guess its fair, you may want to go with the V25+ 150mm as they seem to sell for about half when compared to the V20+ 100mm.

If you live in a area with a lot of dust, make sure to keep some silicon lubricant spray with you at all times, the locking mechanism on the sticks are great but just like some of the best German gun's if they get dust in them they will bind, never force the locks.
 
I've got a Horizont (Video25) on a 2 stage CF Tripod. It comes in a set. I've got also a Video18II which we used quite a while on documentary stuff.

While the Video 18II is a very good ENG tripod it's too flimsy with it's 100mm bowl for serious pans. The difference between a 18II and a 20II is minor. The step up to 150mm is a new class.

The Video 25 is the lightest 150mm head with a high payload (around 30 kilos) in the industry. With a 2 stage CF tripod it's a great workhorse for documentaries and film-style shoots. Light enough for Doco crews, yet solid enough for the demanding operator it works very well with the RedOne. The RedOne is a heavy mother. Fighting the weight just because the tripod is not made for it is not fun. And also Epic seems not to become a light ENG camera. Investing into 150mm makes much sense, IMO.

If weight doesn't matter because you have a solid camera crew I would opt for O'Connor. BTW, together with Sachtler O'Connor is in the same company integrated.

Hans
 
Hans von Sonntag said:
BTW, together with Sachtler O'Connor is in the same company integrated.Hans
Click to expand...
...As is Vinten!

My 0.02 is this (and I've used 18's for Doc work, 20's for low budget promos and 25's for drama, amongst numerous other heads from different manufacturers):

As Hans rightly states, O'Connor is the gold standard. However, they are heavy and expensive, and not needed for everyone's uses. Budget and weight allowing I will always go for an O'Connor as my first choice, but have often ended up with the Satchlers, either for portability (not O'Connors strong point!) or for budgetary reasons.

You don't state what else you'll be using along with your package, but a light(ish) weight rig based around the 18-50 and 50-150 zooms should be fine on a 20. Personally, I do not like the Satchlers, primarily as their stepped counter-balance often will not let you get the exact balance match you need and you have to compensate with drag and/or your strength, making holding angled tilts harder to manage than I like.

That said, it's a good head for the money, and if it's in good condition and you personally like the head then go for it - a lot of this is in personal preference and what you are personally prepared/happy to put up with.

Yes, a 150mm bowl is better for large setups, but then again, a Mitchell is better still! For my money, for a small Red setup with lightweight lenses, a 100mm has never caused me significant challenges - ymmv, of course...

Hope that helps,
Dom.
 
Thanks for all the answers...
now I don't know if I should or shouldn't get it...
I will be shooting 4 X 25 minute films in May/June, and I really need a head and legs that will cope with this job...
I don't have a budget for a new head and legs, and there seem to be few 150mm second hand heads available and at a reasonable price.
It seems to me that spending 5500 USD on this head and not being satisfied is going to be a waste, but I need to buy something, soon...
I could afford 7000 USD, but would I find a 150mm head and legs for this amount?
Or should I just go for it, get the 20P and live with it's shortcomings????
Thanks again for all the input, this is really a great forum, where people really care.
 
Is that the actual picture of the tripod? Why is the Sachtler Metal logo plate missing? This makes me think that the head was worked on before. Ask what was done to the head if there was work done. As far as using the tripod with a Red, you should be fine but not as well with longer heavier zoom lenses. I don't think you will have a problem with most primes out there even set-up with full accessories.
 
I think you'll be fine with those two RED zooms.

But really, why don't you bring your camera kit over, build it as heavy as you're likely to use, and actually try it on the tripod and head before buying?

Nothing better than trying it for yourself to see if it is to your liking!
 
ericyoung said:
I think you'll be fine with those two RED zooms.

But really, why don't you bring your camera kit over, build it as heavy as you're likely to use, and actually try it on the tripod and head before buying?

Nothing better than trying it for yourself to see if it is to your liking!
Click to expand...

I am a bit faar...in Mozambique, Africa...
 
Shane Kelly said:
There's a video 30II on ebay right now from fvesco ( one of reduser's advertisers). You might try giving them a call. I think that they were offering a discount to members as well.
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I have looked all over ebay searching video 30II and fvesco and got no results...any other pointers?
 
Andrew J. said:
Hi Antonio,

I would not get a Sachtler 30 II personally, because my repair center does not accept these anymore for repairs, I am not sure why, perhaps there are facilities that still repair that head.
...
Click to expand...

That's usually because the model is discontinued and they no longer carry spare parts for it.
 
ok, now I am looking at the following, what would you buy?

GearNex Gear Head
Mounting Base : 150mm
$7,500.00

OR

Sachtler Fluid Head Cine 30 HD 3006
$7,814.25


AND

Sachtler DA 150mm Long Tripod Legs
 
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