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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 :)

Mafrotto 509 or Sachtler DV 10 SB

Tom Chase

Tom Chase

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I'm looking for a new head (and sticks too but focusing on the head right now). I mainly work in the relm of short films and ENG. Right now I have an Epic basic setup with monitor, with a Tilta rig (matte box on the way), the Swiftronix Jetpack and V-mount battery weighing in at 18.1lbs, I believe the Tilta Matte is around 3.5lbs.

I had been using my Manfrotto 501HD before and had no real issues, but now tine the V-mount and the Tilta gear it's put me real heavy, I believe the 501 can only hold 15lbs.

I would love some input, I am on a tight budget which is why I am leaning towards the Manfrotto, but I am very open to the Sachtler too.

Thanks

Tom Chase
Founder - The Death Cheater Project
www.deathcheaters.org
 
Hi Tom I am sure the Sachtlers are awesome bit I have a 509 and it handles my setup (19mm setup with mattebox and ff ) without a sweat. Its pretty smooth as well, not an Oconnor but smooth. Gets some getting used to to balance it right but other than that I think its one of the best value for money head you can buy.
 
For supporting my lightweight Epic setups, with Canon lenses, Nikon lenses, or lightweight PL primes, I use a Miller Compass 25 head, and either Miller Solo 1505 CF spreader-less legs. or Miller Sprinter II mid-spreader CF legs. The Compass 25 head is incredibly smooth, 100mm bowl, well built, and supports between 8.8 and 30.9 pounds pounds.
 
The 509 is a friction head. It will never have the level of controlled smoothness of a real fluid head like a Sachtler.
For me there is absolutely no question which one I would choose.
 
We have both a Sacthler video 14 II (older model) and a 509, and the Sachtler is far smoother than the 509. I would go with a fluid head, no question.
 
Daniel Kelly Brown said:
I am in the same boat, looking for new sticks and head for my red epic. I am waiting on RRS new fluid head: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=FH-350&type=4&eq=&desc

and big sticks:http://reallyrightstuff.com/Product...&type=4&eq=&desc=TVC-45-Versa-Series-4-Tripod

I have the 509 head, really not a fan. Will be selling it as soon as I get my RRS setup if interested.
Click to expand...

About that head'

*Note: loads weighing more than 10lbs will have increasingly diminished counterbalance support.
Click to expand...

I'd be very concerned about using a red with that head if it has issues at 10lbs
 
I have the 509 as well. Very cost effective and works fine with RED cams.

For legs I have 535 carbon ones. Excellent as well. I was really worried about putting a tripod together but overall, it's worked out well for me.

If you need some more height, go for the 536 legs.

Tom
 
I know this thread is old but I'll just throw this in here:

Used Vinten heads are under valued on the used market. If you're not in a rush you can pick up an old Vision 10 for around $500 on eBay and you'll have things like adjustable counter balance that is such a wonderful thing to work with. Plus, IMHO, Vinten heads are much smoother for panning & tilting that any other heads I've used (Sachtler is very close & I'm fine with using them, Manfrotto is so far in the rear view mirror that I don't consider them in the same league).
 
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