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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 :)

O'Connor 1030HD

I have this head, but still waiting for my Stage 3. I use it under my Red One in a fairly lightweight setup with Nikon lenses, balances out well and no problems with stability, security, fluidity of moves. So I expect it to do great with the Epic, may even just use the O'Connor 515 which is a bit lighter.
 
I have been using the 1030HD with my RedOne for 4 years now and really like it. Obviously some setups really push the counterbalance limitations, for example the 24-290 Optimo overloads it enough to compromise your moves.

One critical issue is how high your center of gravity is over the head, if you look at the OConner spec sheet you will notice a dramatic difference between what it can handle with the COG at 4" vs 8". In my case I use the ET dovetail slider that fits directly into the 1030HD head rather than building it up on a QRP. I also hang the battery down low, etc.

I have used it with my Epic several times and due to the lower mass its even happier than with the RedOne. Used it the other day with the 150-600mm Canon(PL) and it was plenty of head. YMMV and the big Optimo is still a beast all by itself, but for most setups the 1030HD is all you need and a helluva lot lighter to schlep around ;-)

Cheers - #19
 
We love our O'Connor HDS with our RED One, and have no issues at all with it, although we are using Canon, as opposed to PL, lenses. Still, with Epic's smaller size, I cannot imagine you would not be very pleased with either the HDS or the HD.

Stephen
 
kool

kool

Thanks guys. Thats really interesting. They seem to be replacing the 1030HD with a head called the 1030D and the 1030HDS with a 1030DS

http://www.dv.com/article/109548

Yeah, I suppose an EPIC with 19mm bars on a dovetail, handheld bars kept on for speed, a preston with RED brick on the back and a Superspeed with LMB5 should be well and truly within the 1030D or 1030HD 's parameters.

Things could get funky with I/O modules but I guess thats a different story.
 
I use the Red One with the 1030HDS. Works like a dream for regular setups. Larger zooms and setups would definitely require a bigger head.
The 1030 should work very well for the Epic.

The HDS is the same as the 1030H.D but it's rated for more weight.
 
Unlike a 2575 which is the industry standard, you can move a fully loaded camera with the tripod attached from place to place with ease.

The 1030HDS works great with a fully loaded Red One with Prime Lenses of any kind but you will want a bigger head for a big zoom like the Opyimo 24-290. It works fine with the Red 18-85 Zoom (10 lbs.) as well.
Red one with a Zeiss Superspeed prime lens, MB20, FF4 follow Focus, 4 ET ultra rods, red handle and extension, red drive, 7" LCD, red EVF (old one), baseplate weighs in at about 35 lbs.

Even with extra modules the Epic will be much much lighter.

Choosing a tripod can depend on your taste and what you are use to. I have seen a DP use a 2575 to operate a Sony EX3 which is ridiculous overkill but he was use to a 2575.
 
Sure, I see DoP's regularly use the 2575 on vHDSLR setups and just the other day on an SI-2K mini head. Its just what they are used to so why change. I am however not keen on the idea of the HDS due to that reduced tilt. It really winds me up on the current Romford head I have. So really the 1030HD or newer 1030D ar what I am looking at.
 
Don't let that 60 degree limitation worry you. In two complete feature films, we've never felt the need for more, but, of course, your mileage may vary.

Stephen
 
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