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Good 100mm bowl tripod/head suggestion

S

Stewart Read

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Hi All

Looking to buy a good quality but reasonably priced 100mm bowl tripod/head for my Epic - rig never gets too big and try to keep it simple/light weight.

Ideally I would go for an O'Connor 1030HD but finances (just upgraded to Dragon :-)) can't stretch that far.

Do you have any suggestions ?

Thanks !
 
I just upgraded from the Manfrotto 509/536 combo...thats a GOOD "fluid" head at a VERY reasonable price.

Funny, I actually upgraded to the 1030Ds with 30L CF sticks instead of upgrading to Dragon...I figured an Epic on great sticks is > Dragon on good sticks...we'll see lol!

Hope this helps!
 
My suggestions

1. Sachtler Cine 7x7 - I know everyone talks about the Oconnor but I feel this is a much better set of sticks however it is still in the same price range.
2 E Image GH15 100m tripod and GC102 carbon sticks (about £1600) and though I have heard a few condescending remarks about Chinese products this one really is good value.
 
You might look for a used Sachtler 20 or 18. They're very nice, versatile and last forever.

H
 
I recently found a older 1030s head on eBay for $1500. It was missing the quick release base, as well as some other parts but overall I spent around 2.5k, which I thought was good value for a mix of old and new parts. I was searching 1030 heads on eBay for a few weeks until I found a good deal.
 
Hello,

What would you get if you have the choice (not looking at most expensive is the best theory)? A O'connor 1030D or a Miller 25?

Pat
 
Patrick Tresch said:
Hello,

What would you get if you have the choice (not looking at most expensive is the best theory)? A O'connor 1030D or a Miller 25?

Pat
Click to expand...

Between those two I would go with the O'Connor if I wanted unlimited adjustments. Owning the 1030Ds I really do appreciate being able to crank it exactly where I want it, versus a predetermined setting that is close. However the O'Connor weighs a couple pounds more than the Miller, which to me is a good thing, but if toting is more important, then the Miller might rule the day.

But simply for tweaking the counterbalance, the O'Connor is better in that regard.
 
Mark Phelan said:
Between those two I would go with the O'Connor if I wanted unlimited adjustments. Owning the 1030Ds I really do appreciate being able to crank it exactly where I want it, versus a predetermined setting that is close. However the O'Connor weighs a couple pounds more than the Miller, which to me is a good thing, but if toting is more important, then the Miller might rule the day.

But simply for tweaking the counterbalance, the O'Connor is better in that regard.
Click to expand...

But do you have a ZERO drag position on the Oconnor?

Pat
 
Honestly, you also need to see what brand you like the "feel" of. Sachtler and OConnor have totally different feels in the drag (I know that sounds crazy, but I swear they do!) and you need to figure out what feel you like. Personally, I like the drag feel of Sachtler over OConnon. Arrow has a nice feel, better than OConnon in my book. You also need to look at the features. You can adjust the OConnor better like Mark said, but I find it a pain in the butt. My Sachtler is quick to adjust and I am never fighting the counterbalance nor do I never not have enough. But I highly suggest you try going to a rental house and trying different heads out if you can.

BTW, I got my Sachtler Video 18P head on ebay for $2500 in good condition. It's not quite as nice as the new Video 18SB, but the newer features are't important enough for me to spend $4000 more.
 
I own an OConnor 1030 HDs with 100mm bowl. It is smooth. You can dial in the counter balance as per your taste. Dragging it up a mountain is tough. However, you get great shots. What is the point in having higher resolution camera when you don't have stability? You will resolve less if your support is not good. The OConnor wll serve for a decade or more. So despite the initial high cost of acquisition, the cost per year is low.

Also, you should remember that today you may be using a lower config rig. Tomorrow you may need more. So better to have the flexibility ie your current tripod and head should be future proof.
 
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