Lightweight fluid heads

[M Harvey]

I'm taking a look at what's out there for low-profile fluid heads (3/8" threaded flat mount) that can handle, say, a Komodo with a small prime (e.g. Leica R/Contax, maybe a Zeiss Super Speed in original housing) + 5" monitor + 50wh mini v-mount. My standard is a Sachtler DV12SB in a 100mm, but I have a project coming up where it'd be useful to be able to use a small photo tripod and head-- with the ability to transition to a small slider a bonus.

I'm looking at stuff like the SmallRig DH10, the Manfrotto Nitrotech line, 3 Legged Thing AirHed, Libec NH30, and many offerings from an alphabet soup of other Chinese manufacturers. I have the old Manfrotto 701 and an old Miller Air on hand-- neither is terrible, but wondering if any of these newer offerings would be an improvement in terms of smoothness of tilt/pan. Thanks for any experiences!

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

I have a Sachtler AceXL (75mm bowl) and love it. I also have an O'Connor 1030HDS, and actually prefer the AceXL. It perfectly balances with my Komodos. It's wonderfully lightweight and cheap to boot!

 

[M Harvey]

Thanks! Someone else recommended the AceXL to me in a DM-- and preferring it to the 1030 is very high praise!

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

It's super lightweight, easily to balance, etc. I just wish it had one more stiffness selection. The 1030 dominates in that are, but that thing weighs a ton, and I'm getting older (68) and weaker by the day!