sachtler head question

[Mike Dominic]

I am in the market for a used Sachtler Video 18 or 20 head, but i am getting confused by all the different versions (p/ii/iii/sb/s1).

Does anyone have any info on the differences between these? Or the order in which the models were released by Sachtler? I haven't been able to find much about this online anywhere.

Thanks.

 

[Yousuf Abbasi]

I don't know all the details, but here's what I've found out...

I believe the max payloads between the different models are the same, but they all differ in load range, counterbalance, drag, and degrees of rotation (with the ii/iii/p being more limited in features than the sb/s1). The newest 18/20 S1 models were just recently released, but Sachtler still sells their SB line for other heads (e.g. 15SB, 12SB). The SB and S1 are almost identical, so I would go for a SB if you can find one (main difference is S1 now supports as low as 4lb for light DSLR setups).

In my opinion, the 20SB is the perfect head because it has a pretty wide load range (15-55lb), speed balance feature is great which quickly compensates for added or removed weight, and the movements are SUPER SMOOTH, they are built like tanks (which is why you still see Sachtler heads from centuries ago), and the SB is still new enough for Sachtler to support it and find replacement parts for it.

If your max load will never exceed 39lb, then you may consider 18SB... But if you can afford it, go with the 20SB. There is one for sale on reduser right now and its a pretty good deal: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showth...-100mm-Tripod-System-with-case-(SA-2075)-5500

Hope that helps.

 

[Yousuf Abbasi]

On a side note, if you can find a REALLY REALLY REALLY old Video 18 head, you're in luck. Because Sachtler company is currently looking for the oldest one in use, and they will trade you for a brand new 18 S1.
http://www.sachtler.com/us/ultimate-video-18-swap.html

 

[Mike Dominic]

thanks for the help!

i might also consider a used o'connor 1030. any significant differences between 1030b/hd/d?

my setup is pretty lightweight and designed for handheld use, but i dont have a scale to measure it: scarlet body, small prime lens, mmb-1, 5" touchscreen, 1 redbrick, dovetail, bridge plate, and some various small parts from wooden camera. if i ever use a heavier setup with heavy PL glass and other accessories i would just rent the proper support for it.

 

[Yousuf Abbasi]

Seems like a pretty lightweight setup (maybe 20lbs ?). Have not had too much experience with O'Connor 1030, but seems to be a well-regarded head (someone told me HD and D are basically same). You should also check out Miller 25, and Sachtler 15SB. Probably the most affordable option is the old school Oconnor 50D (although they look very weird).