Sachtler Tripods

[David J. Buchanan]

Not sure where to post this so mods move this to wherever fits best.

Anyway, can anyone tell me what the difference is in the tripods? Mostly the SB and S1/S2 line?

I can't seem to find anything anywhere about the differences and the customer service for Vitec/Vinten/Sacthler is pretty darn hard to get ahold of.

Thanks.

 

[Bob Gundu]

Not sure it helps but there was this discussion a while back:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?106078-Video-vs-Cine-heads!

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Not sure where to post this so mods move this to wherever fits best.

Anyway, can anyone tell me what the difference is in the tripods? Mostly the SB and S1/S2 line?

I can't seem to find anything anywhere about the differences and the customer service for Vitec/Vinten/Sacthler is pretty darn hard to get ahold of.

Thanks.

David,

SB stands for "Speed Balance"


That technology is already built into both the S1 and S2 series.
S2 series was released two years ago as an upgrade.

Taking the Video 18 as an example, the S2 has an expanded range of payload (From 4 lbs to 44 lbs) which is over 8 lbs expanded range than the same tripod head as a S1 version.

Otherwise, they are nearly identical - the only way to see the difference visually between an S1 and S2 is the nameplate.

I'm not sure, but the newer heads may come with the claw clamp for leveling instead of the older tie-down.


As far as tracking the folks at Sachtler down, understandable that they may be a bit difficult to reach at the moment as they are likely at Paramount for the CineGear show.



That thread brings up some memories... Nice recall Bob!

 

[David J. Buchanan]

Not sure it helps but there was this discussion a while back:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?106078-Video-vs-Cine-heads!

Thanks but looking for specifics on SB and S1

David,

SB stands for "Speed Balance"


That technology is already built into both the S1 and S2 series.
S2 series was released two years ago as an upgrade.

Taking the Video 18 as an example, the S2 has an expanded range of payload (From 4 lbs to 44 lbs) which is over 8 lbs expanded range than the same tripod head as a S1 version.

Otherwise, they are nearly identical - the only way to see the difference visually between an S1 and S2 is the nameplate.

I'm not sure, but the newer heads may come with the claw clamp for leveling instead of the older tie-down.


As far as tracking the folks at Sachtler down, understandable that they may be a bit difficult to reach at the moment as they are likely at Paramount for the CineGear show.



That thread brings up some memories... Nice recall Bob!

So the only difference is the clamp for leveling? Seems like I'd be fine with just an SB then.

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

So the only difference is the clamp for leveling? Seems like I'd be fine with just an SB then.

No - the main difference between the S1 and S2 is the expanded payload range.

Besides being able to carry a heavier rig, the S2's range was also expanded on the lower end.
So if you were using a DSLR, you could have the same degree of control as you would with a fully rigged out RED.

It was noted at the time of release that there was not enough of a spec change for owners of a S1 to "upgrade" to a S2.
Also worth noting that there was no change in pricing between the two models.

 

[David J. Buchanan]

No - the main difference between the S1 and S2 is the expanded payload range.

Besides being able to carry a heavier rig, the S2's range was also expanded on the lower end.
So if you were using a DSLR, you could have the same degree of control as you would with a fully rigged out RED.

It was noted at the time of release that there was not enough of a spec change for owners of a S1 to "upgrade" to a S2.
Also worth noting that there was no change in pricing between the two models.

I'm sorry Brian but maybe I'm not being clear enough.

Three are three different verisons (SB/S1/S2)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...&A=details&Q=&sku=433819&is=REG&fromDisList=y

http://www.bandpro.com/sachtler-video-18-s1-fluid-head.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1243266-REG/sachtler_1811_video_18_s2_fluid.html

And I was wondering between the first iteration the SB and the S1/S2 (S1 and S2 as you say are pretty darn close to being the same tripod)

 

[Michael Tiemann]

[...]

Taking the Video 18 as an example, the S2 has an expanded range of payload (From 4 lbs to 44 lbs) which is over 8 lbs expanded range than the same tripod head as a S1 version.[...]

Some bad math. Video 18 S1 had a range of 2kg-18kg. Video 18 S2 has a range of 2kg-20kg, which is a 2kg or 4.4lb difference. Nice, but not a big enough deal to make me want to sell my two S1 heads and buy two S2 heads. Upgrading from DSMC1 to DSMC2--that's another story ;-)

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

I'm sorry Brian but maybe I'm not being clear enough.

Three are three different verisons (SB/S1/S2)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...&A=details&Q=&sku=433819&is=REG&fromDisList=y

http://www.bandpro.com/sachtler-video-18-s1-fluid-head.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1243266-REG/sachtler_1811_video_18_s2_fluid.html

And I was wondering between the first iteration the SB and the S1/S2 (S1 and S2 as you say are pretty darn close to being the same tripod)

Since the 18 SB was discontinued, I had focussed on the differences between the S1 and S2.
There are some differences, but you can track that down by downloading specs on the web and comparing line to line.
Minor tweaks to the design are incorporated and a new model designation results.
In all honesty, you may never notice the difference in day to day work. But it does not stop them from improving when they can.

As a reference point, there are at least a half dozen variants of the Video 18 - each refining on the prior model.
I'm still working with the Sensor version as a user . (I'm not a manufacturer rep or sales person) so I don't know every detailed nuance between the models.

Some bad math. Video 18 S1 had a range of 2kg-18kg. Video 18 S2 has a range of 2kg-20kg, which is a 2kg or 4.4lb difference…..

Referring to my quote:

Taking the Video 18 as an example, the S2 has an expanded range of payload (From 4 lbs to 44 lbs) which is over 8 lbs expanded range than the same tripod head as a S1 version.

Michael, you are right - there is some bad math in there.
While the 4 lbs to 44 lbs is the same as the numbers you quoted (2kg - 20kg), the error I believe you were referring to is the 8 lb difference in payload capacity between S1 and S2 I mentioned.

In my defense, I picked up the 8 lbs (4kg) from the manufacturer:

https://www.sachtler.com/bestselling-video-18-fluid-head-undergoes-major-update-in-time-for-nab-2016/

Quoting from the announcement:
Eching, Germany (April 15, 2016) – Sachtler, a premier provider of camera supports, accessories, and bags and a Vitec Videocom brand, is upgrading their bestselling fluid head to introduce the Video 18 S2. Thanks to this new model, the Video 18 S2, users will now be able to handle a greater load bearing capacity of up to 20 kg, which is 4 kg more payload than the Video 18 S1.

Nice, but not a big enough deal to make me want to sell my two S1 heads and buy two S2 heads.

Exactly the right decision. That was the common reaction throughout the industry.

….It was noted at the time of release that there was not enough of a spec change for owners of a S1 to "upgrade" to a S2.

David,

Whichever model you go with, taken care of, it can last a lifetime.


Cheers!