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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 :)

The perfect tripod

I was looking at a sachtler System 20 S1 SL HD MCF (http://www.sachtler.com/en/products...od-systems-100-mm_system-20-s1-sl-hd-mcf.html). Supports up to 25KG, so that should be enough for a decent epic package. The problem for me buying a o'connor is flexibility. O'connor is great for fiction work, but for documentary, and when shooting without an assistant, it's quite heavily to carry, you need to carry 2 separate sticks, instead of 1 with the sachtler. While the sachtler has everything nice in one bag, with less weight.

I think portability is going to let me buy the sachtler...although the new conner 1030 could also be interesting.
 
The Miller 55 is also a very nice piece. I think that it will be a great combination with the Epic.
 
I have the Gitzo 1548GT sticks and the Oconnor 1030HDs. That really works fine from 1 pound up to a RED one with 18-85 and Follow Focus.

EDIT: I know a source in the US where you can get the Oconnor about 20 % cheaper.
 
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Wow michael cheaper always better!!!

And Max i was looking at that same rig, but all the Ac's i know are telling me go o'conner...but sacthler is darn pretty and less of a pain to get around...

Steve u like the 2065 - do you think on the epic its over kill for that due to the high payload?
 
I have used all of the heads listed above and they all will work with the epic for sure. My advice is to get the most heavy duty head that you feel you can work with. Bigger is better to me in this case. I run my epic on my Sach 20SB when I have to but really prefer my O'con 2575D. They both support the fully loaded epic no problem but the O'Con is much smoother of course.
 
Jack Heller said:
Just got my epic in and trying to figure the perfect tripod for it. Anyone have thoughts on Sachtler vs O'conner?
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Steve Marshall said:
I really like the O'Connor 2065. The Epic with RRPs, MB-20, FF4 and a couple of monitors feels fantastic on that head.
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I agree O'Connor tripods are excellent quality! We are offering a limited time sale right now for all O'Connor Tripods and Fluid Heads for 10% off.

Check out the OConnor Ultimate 2065 Fluid Head Package (150mm) or the OConnor Ultimate 2065 Fluid Head Package (Mitchell).
Also browse other O'Connor Tripods and Fluid Heads at innocinema.com
 
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Jack Heller said:
Steve u like the 2065 - do you think on the epic its over kill for that due to the high payload?
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It probably is a bit overkill. But I'd rather be well within a tripod's comfort range, than anywhere near the edge. There are some things I'll try and save money on - tripods ain't one of them. The 2065's movements are silky smooth and effortless.
 
I would advise against the Sachtler V20... we used it with the RED ONE (under weight) for a few shoots and didn't feel like it was built for 25kg
 
Would you care to share your US Source with the rest of the class?

We'll let them know you sent us!
 
For an out-back hike it in sticks and head I would recommend the O’Connor 1030HDs with Carbon fiber legs.
We have one and it works great. It even Works well for basic pan and tilt with long glass 100mm+
The main limit we have run in to is when we had an AC pulling focus with long glass. Then is when we needed a 2575.
We did not have a flexible extension for the follow focus and it was an almost impossible situation to put the AC in.
Many of the slightest focus adjustments caused movement in the image. Took several takes before we got it smooth.
With a 2575 or even a Preston it would have been fine.
 
Craig Weeding said:
For an out-back hike it in sticks and head I would recommend the O’Connor 1030HDs with Carbon fiber legs.
We have one and it works great. It even Works well for basic pan and tilt with long glass 100mm+
The main limit we have run in to is when we had an AC pulling focus with long glass. Then is when we needed a 2575.
We did not have a flexible extension for the follow focus and it was an almost impossible situation to put the AC in.
Many of the slightest focus adjustments caused movement in the image. Took several takes before we got it smooth.
With a 2575 or even a Preston it would have been fine.
Click to expand...

I have the O'Connor 1030HDs and think it's a great tripod, for what it is. But for backpacking, I'd want something lighter and smaller. Gibby's Miller recommendations are good for this sort of setup. I believe he has the Arrow 55.
 
I had the 1030 and 2060, and have replaced them with the Panther T45, which is lighter with carbon fiber heavy duty legs, and the Arrow 55 Miller. I'm much happier with my later purchases.
 
James Drake said:
I would advise against the Sachtler V20... we used it with the RED ONE (under weight) for a few shoots and didn't feel like it was built for 25kg
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I can imagine that. But the weight of an epic would be roughly half i think, so that's why the 25kg would be a save bet. I agree, it's good to have head room, so a 20kg camera on a tripod that supports 25kg is pushing the limits. But an epic built up not to much would be 10-15KG, so 25 would be save then probably.
 
Craig Weeding said:
For an out-back hike it in sticks and head I would recommend the O’Connor 1030HDs with Carbon fiber legs.
We have one and it works great. It even Works well for basic pan and tilt with long glass 100mm+
The main limit we have run in to is when we had an AC pulling focus with long glass. Then is when we needed a 2575.
We did not have a flexible extension for the follow focus and it was an almost impossible situation to put the AC in.
Many of the slightest focus adjustments caused movement in the image. Took several takes before we got it smooth.
With a 2575 or even a Preston it would have been fine.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what i have---1030 head and 35L carbon sticks....but hiking that in with a red one or epic...forget it....I think Tom Lowe's suggestion so far is best....the Manfrotto 536 sticks....then head ...well, there's a question indeed....FOR EPIC....a lightweight head....
 
I have got the OConnor 1030HDs fluid head and the Sachtler CF-100 ENG HD 2 CF Tripod. The tripod has a 100mm bowl and has a payload capacity of 209lb or 95kgs. The weight of the tripod is 4kgs.

Before buying my tripod, I had checked the Manfrotto 536. It weighs 3.25kgs and has a payload capacity of 25kgs. Add the weight of a fluid head and then I think at least specs wise (as I haven't tried the Epic) it would be tight. Have to check Tom Lowe's setup.

Since the difference in weight between the Manfrotto 536 and the Sachtler is only 750 grams, so I thought it is safer to buy Sachtler and push myself and haul it up during treks. Ofcourse, the Sachtler is more than 3-4 times as costly (especially if you add the midlevel spreader).

I agree with Johnny that carry such heavy gear would not be easy and one needs to plan and prepare.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi
 
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