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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Is an OConnor fluid head really worth it?

Oconner 1030 for Epic

Oconner 1030 for Epic

We have both Sachtler's and O'conners in rentals. The bigger 2575 and 2060's (I feel) are the best in their respective weight categories, and stand up well to the riggers of use (and abuse) by the clients.

In the lighter weight arena that the Epic will be suited for (when big zooms are not in play), we are talking Sachtler 20's and O'conner 1030 sizes. The Sachtler's are hands down better suited for the rental world and hold up better in general. However I'm a cameraman as well, and I'll take an O'conner 1030 any day over a Sachtler 20 for its action. Its more adaptable, more precise, smoother action.... lighter weight yet able to crank down to a stiffer fluid level if needed. The O'conners are just smooth as silk, the whole line up.

O'conner sales... please send me a discount coupon now for this nice ad, and don't bother reading the next paragraph

But different from its big brothers....the O'conner 1030 isn't great for the rental department. Stuff breaks, the rosettes wear out on the handle way too easily (too soft aluminum), the quick release mechanism (for sachtler style "euro" plate), is vulnerable to taking a hit and breaking (Ive replaced more then a few times), this same mechanism needs tension adjustment every time a very slightly different sized plate lands into the QR. Not having a way to judge the amount of spring tension means your often searching for the right amount of tilt spring, rather then just hitting a number you know given a combination of weight factors. If you carry the head and sticks around a lot, invariably I'm being jabbed by the top plate QR system that has sharp edges.

I love the action of my 1030 head, but its a flawed system, and you need to be willing to deal with its foibles. Forget about the O'conner sticks (although extremely light weight) and get the Sachtler 2 stage carbon fiber, with the red QR handles, and mid level spreader. Nothing better for ease of use, speed, and no babies needed.
 
Erich Roland said:
We have both Sachtler's and O'conners in rentals. The bigger 2575 and 2060's (I feel) are the best in their respective weight categories, and stand up well to the riggers of use (and abuse) by the clients.

In the lighter weight arena that the Epic will be suited for (when big zooms are not in play), we are talking Sachtler 20's and O'conner 1030 sizes. The Sachtler's are hands down better suited for the rental world and hold up better in general. However I'm a cameraman as well, and I'll take an O'conner 1030 any day over a Sachtler 20 for its action. Its more adaptable, more precise, smoother action.... lighter weight yet able to crank down to a stiffer fluid level if needed. The O'conners are just smooth as silk, the whole line up.

O'conner sales... please send me a discount coupon now for this nice ad, and don't bother reading the next paragraph

But different from its big brothers....the O'conner 1030 isn't great for the rental department. Stuff breaks, the rosettes wear out on the handle way too easily (too soft aluminum), the quick release mechanism (for sachtler style "euro" plate), is vulnerable to taking a hit and breaking (Ive replaced more then a few times), this same mechanism needs tension adjustment every time a very slightly different sized plate lands into the QR. Not having a way to judge the amount of spring tension means your often searching for the right amount of tilt spring, rather then just hitting a number you know given a combination of weight factors. If you carry the head and sticks around a lot, invariably I'm being jabbed by the top plate QR system that has sharp edges.

I love the action of my 1030 head, but its a flawed system, and you need to be willing to deal with its foibles. Forget about the O'conner sticks (although extremely light weight) and get the Sachtler 2 stage carbon fiber, with the red QR handles, and mid level spreader. Nothing better for ease of use, speed, and no babies needed.
Click to expand...

I find this post very interesting because I feel the complete opposite, where I don't think I've ever had a problem with any O'Connor head and never liked any of the Sachtler heads I've ever used. Same goes with the sticks, I thought the 25L's were a solid pair of sticks but Sachtler uses alot of rubber and plastic parts that can easily break. Though nothing beats a set of Ronfords!

I guess it all boils down to personal preference, go into a rental house that will let you play with all the goodies and see what you like best.
 
I feel the ? of light weight still remains.

Namely, is a stripped down Epic too light for an O'Connor 1030 and the 150mm bowl Sachtlers?

Sachtler gives minimum payload weights that seem to indicate that their 150 bowl models will be too much head for a stripped down Epic. O'Connor doesn't give minimum payload values.
 
Peter Moretti said:
I feel the ? of light weight still remains.

Namely, is a stripped down Epic too light for an O'Connor 1030 and the 150mm bowl Sachtlers?

Sachtler gives minimum payload weights that seem to indicate that their 150 bowl models will be too much head for a stripped down Epic. O'Connor doesn't give minimum payload values.
Click to expand...

Hey good question Peter! I never considered that. We have a 2060 which works great for the Red One but I never considered that it may be too much head for the Epic if it's a lightweight configuration. Never heard of that before. If that's the case I may sell and replace with a 1030 which I know is often used with DSLRs and should be fine ... hmmmmmmmm ... wonder if Eric or Jim can chime in about this???
 
I used to use my 1030 for DSLR shooting but the biggest issue with me for that head is the counterbalance (I picked up a small 75mm head for DSLR shooting now). Dialing out counterbalance on that head is a real chore. It doesn't have the side crank of the 2065 or 2575 or the click in/out of the Sachtler's so more often than not the head isn't staying put once you take your hands off it.

I guess it depends on how stripped down you're planning on shooting. With the Epic in its DSLR configuration with a battery in the hand grip, EOS lens and small viewfinder that's likely pretty light. Once you put a professional battery on board, viewfinder, mattebox, followfocus you're into more weight so I can't see it being underweight.
 
I own a Cartoni Gamma... bought it because of a good deal. I use it all the time but I rent an O'Connor for any serious shoot.

My favorite is the 2575

The 1030 is a great head but be careful as It's only rated to 24lbs at 8"..most Red configs go beyond that easily.

So most likely you won't be hanging a 5:1 on the Red and getting the best results for operation... Epic should be slightly better.
 
Peter, Anthony - I've worked with a 5D on a 2060 before - no problem at all. Same beautiful movement as with heavier rigs... You could put an iPhone on it if you wanted to... :)
 
I run the 1030HD on Cartoni A303 CF legs at a net weight of under 12 lbs. I use the Element Technica Arri slide plate designed for the 1030 that allows me to keep the COG lower which allows greater payloads. Love the action and prefer it to any Sachler, Miller, Cartoni, Manfrotto or Vinten I have used.

IMHO, the O'Connor 1030 is the best head in its weight class.

Cheers - #19
 
Hard to beat the 27-75. Or for that matter, the 120EX. My 25-75s are my go-to heads for rental. Smooth, reliable, bulletproof.
An Arrihead in good repair is a joy. An Arrihead that has issues makes you want to jump off a bridge.
Sachtler makes really nice heads too. I have an older Sachtler 30 that I will sub if the other heads are out on rental (and it's for my own use) I work with a heavy hitter ASC member from time to time, and his favorite is the (very underrated and rare) Sachtler 9x9. I actually think CSC in New York hung on to a couple just for him.
In the lightweight category, I actually prefer the Sachtler heads... from a rental perspective, they seem to take the wear and tear a bit better. My personal lightweight favorite is the good old Sachtler 20.
But as others here have pointed out, by the time you dress up a camera, even a DSLR, you will often be over the optimal weight for the small heads.
And if bulk is no concern, I'd always have a heavier head (for example, a 25-75 for an Epic or DSLR, or an 120EX for the old MX/ Optimo combo) Nothing wrong with having more capacity. Lots wrong with not having enough (if we are speaking of traditional narrative style operating)
My 99 cents...
Cheers,
Harry
 
I've used Miller 55 heads almost exclusively with the four Red One cameras I've bought since August 2007, and now this week with Epic M8. For the mobile EFP style work I do, I've felt the Miller 55 gives me the best performance to price ratio available. In that time span I've had head loads ranging from 15 pounds all the way up to 55 pounds - and it handled it perfectly. The head action has been smooth and clean throughout those head load situations.

In my EFP work I closely track a lot of fast moving objects, people, animals, etc. A good solid head that's mobile (not to heavy), and has very good action, is a must in my work. I've been very satisfied with the Miller 55 for that.

Earlier in my career I also used a lot of Sachtler, Vinten, and O'Connor tripods and heads. I like them too. Head selection is a personal thing - each shooter forms his/her favorites by a combination of the style they shoot (cine or EFP), the genres they shoot, mobility requirements, whether they work union or non-union, and many other factors. IMO when you get up into the ranks of professional tripod heads, all of them work nicely - but some of them seem to work better for certain things, or are favored by certain ends of the industry - and that's just fine. My best advice for someone approaching a tripod purchase is to weigh out the style, genres, and crew compositions you intend to work in, field test as many heads as you can, give consideration to the good advice you can find on threads like this, then make your purchase.

BTW - I have absolutely no connection whatsoever with Miller, and I never have. I simply like their products for the work I do, and when asked I express my frank opinion on their stuff.
 
I just bought a Ronford-Baker Series 2000 head with medium legs for £2200 .. I'm betting its plenty for an Epic, even riding my 500mm+2x extender, with its 1.6x Full frame crop factor ;) ..They also last for ever.
 
Peter Moretti said:
I feel the ? of light weight still remains.

Namely, is a stripped down Epic too light for an O'Connor 1030 and the 150mm bowl Sachtlers?

Sachtler gives minimum payload weights that seem to indicate that their 150 bowl models will be too much head for a stripped down Epic. O'Connor doesn't give minimum payload values.
Click to expand...

I know this thread is old, but just came across it and thought I'd mention on this point, for those that are confused, the minimum weights quoted by Sachtler are due to the fact that the counterbalance does not have a "0" position, ie it's always engaged and that minimum rating will be for the lowest position. For example a Sachtler Video 60 Plus has minimum weight 10kg, anything lighter and the counterbalance spring will start to pull it back to horizontal.
This is not the case with the older Sachtlers where the counterbalance could be fully disengaged (including the Video 90 mentioned earlier).
Steve
 
Harry Clark said:
Nothing wrong with having more capacity. Lots wrong with not having enough (if we are speaking of traditional narrative style operating)
Click to expand...

Excellent advice.

I got the exact same words of wisdom from Mitch Gross at Abel Cine Tech several years ago.

P.S. at the start of this thread, I had only rented the 2575D. Now I am a happy owner, and I love it.
 
As far mor experienced people her have and I am sure told you... O'Connor=Excellence...

I have an older 10-30..... As mentioned, glass smooth. Shot using a 500MM across a valley, no idea how far, probably .75Mi.... Skiers cresting a summit rail then down slope tracking. Honestly looked like image stabilizer was on it was so smooth. True, a good and steady handed operator (TIm Walton) was using the rig, but beautiful.

I also have a recent acquisition, the O'Connor 515, hunted for and bought based on much discussion here...... Perfect size for a mid kitted Epic/Scarlet-X..... And again, same beautiful buttery filling as their bigger heads.

(I bought both of mine used, but well treated, FYI)
 
Oconnor 10 30 Tripod and Fluid Head

Oconnor 10 30 Tripod and Fluid Head

I am new to this site. I bought an O Connor Tripod with 10 30 fluid and am interested in what it is worth? Your assistance is appreciated! Please see images.
 

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I looked very hard on the 1030 before deciding to get a Sacthler Video S1 head instead

My main reasons were:
- The payload is not very high on the 1030. Around 13.6Kg if I remember correctly while the Sachtler is around 25kg and it can have as low as 2kg. Look at the weight diagrams to really see what weight the tripods can handle.
- Should withstand cold better since its not using fluids as OConnor does. Cold as in -20C
- The head is much smaller. The OConnor is more bulky
- Sachtler looks more well built and I would expect it to last better. You could hit the head with a hammer without doing any damage (erm, dont try!).

However I do suspect that the 1030 may be a bit smoother for panning due to its inner rubber bands compared to OConnors fluid. However I really do love the Sachtler. Its such a fantastic piece of equipment (1030 is great too)

I did a huge spreadsheet comparing almost all tripods. Would love to share it but not sure what the easiest way to share a google spread sheet with. Don't think it would format nicely if I pasted it here.
My plan is later on when I do more studio work to get an OConnor 2775.

I'm just now experimenting with how to carry it into the wild. I put it in a big hiking backpack and if fits really snuggly.

Best of luck! Any question just shoot away
/Andreas
 
Peter Matthes said:
If the question is ... "Is an OConnor fluid head really worth it?"

The short answer is "Yes"

If your question is "Do I need an OConnor head?"

The answer is probably "No"

However, I got a chance to shoot with an ancient 2575 in Death Valley. It was a rented head, and I'm sure it had seen more DPs than a Hollywood actress.

However, I fell in love with it. It was as solid as a tree trunk and as smooth as butter. As you can see from the picture, I was shooting a Canon 5D with a 600mm lens. I had to track a subject was about a half mile away, and it was as smooth as silk.


They can be heavy, and expensive, but they will last forever.
Click to expand...

Agreed. If you want a more compact version their 1030 models are incredible and easy on your AC ;)
 
I became an O'Connor fan a long time ago having used some of the cheaper heads that are out there. I know its quite a big step up going from Cartoni Focus up to O'Connor 2060, but it was definitely one of the best purchases I made in building my kit. Before the 2060, I was missing shots sometimes due to cheap heads. Every time I cursed myself and blamed myself for A) not training myself to know the equipment and B) not spending the money and getting an O'Connor head. As it turns out, the (A) component was completely fabricated-- there was nothing wrong with my technique it was just impossible to do certain things with cheap heads. In fact, now, I'm actually better on cheap heads but only as a result of having extensive practice on the 2060. I know its heavy, and I know its bulky, but at least I know after I set it up that I'm going to nail the shot, every time. And its not going to complain if the load starts to get really heavy. Actually, when I have to set the counter balance to 83%, I'm thinking in my head like "Damn, I'm sure glad I went with the 2060 because anything less and I would have had big problems". One other thing if you are worried about "money", O'Connor products tend to hold their value really well compared to other brands. I don't know why, its just what I have observed. I tried selling a Miller kit a while back and was disappointed by the lack of interest. I've sold and re-sold O'Connor many times and I can tell you that its never been a disappointment. ALways quite pleased at getting my money's worth.
 
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