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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 :)

Tripod and Head recommendations please.

J

Jon M

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I'm in the midst of learning as much as I can about the whole RED system. Just wanted to now what the general consensus on tripod/head combos are? Is a good fluid head acceptable for the RED ONE's weight class? Better to go geared? O'Connor, Sachtler,.....etc..etc

Thanks everyone
 
Most used systems is the Fluid Head, of which O'Connor is in my opinion the very Bets, especially now with the new 2065D.

But my favorite system is the Sachtler OB 2000 Carbon Fiber tripod Mitchell mount with the Gearnex!!

BTW, if you decide to go O'Connor I can get you a Substantial Discount.
 
The Manfrotto 528XB is an excellent tripod for the price (around $650), 100mm bowl and 110 pound load capacity. Folds down to 40" long and only weighs 16 pounds. Also, unless you buy a really top-notch fluid head plus have a real skill for using it, I would consider a GearNex V2 for much finer and more consistent control over pan/tilt moves.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=290858&Q=&is=REG&A=details

-michael zaletel
 
Lots of people on this forum will recommend onconnor fluid heads. It was the main reason I got mine. I personally have the 1030hds. works like a charm, couldn't be happier. though not necessarily the best choice if you're going to have a fairly hefty rig as it supports only up to 45lbs give or take. Satchlers are also pretty good, and if my memory serves me right are actually owned by oconnor. But as for geared heads, gearnex all the way.

p.s. if you look in the accessories for red one section you'll probably find more info
 
I sold my Miller 50 and wish I hadn't. The guy that bought it absolutely loves it. :)

-michael zaletel
 
I've been using the Miller Arrow 55 head for a year now. It holds about 55 pounds (more than most heads) and cost a lot less! I believe I paid around $3600 from AbelCine. That's as cheap as it's going to get.
 
Miller 55 is the absolute winner for mobile, run and gun and EFP/ENG with all but very large lenses. For studio work where weight or cost is not as much of an issue, or where you heave lenses that weigh more than about 10 pounds, Oconnor wins.

FWIW, my Miller has been absolutely hammered day in and out in nasty field conditions and still kills it. Compared to Oconnor, I get 90% of the performance, even with a heavy 10lb lens and full kit on it - although the 10ld Red Pro Zoom puts it on the edge more. I only wish for an Oconnor when using heavy PL zooms or on a large production where traditional crews look at my miller with disdain - because its not big and does not say oconnor on it.
 
Another vote here for the Miller Arrow 55. It works perfectly, even with a RED One + Cooke 18-100 zoom (about 13lbs of lens) and other accessories. Make sure you have the Arri dovetail - at least 12" to slide on if you're using large lenses like that.

Been using mine with RED for 2.5 years. I was going to send it off for service because it wasn't clamping the camera plate as tightly as it used to... But I was able to fix that myself. Wonderful tripod. The only advantage that O'Connor heads have is their continuously adjustable drag. But for size and load capacity, the Miller wins. Build quality is for all intents equivalent between the two brands. Maybe a slight edge to O'Connor. For in-studio use with large cameras or on a dolly, I go for an O'Connor 2575 or a geared head.

I recommend Miller's HD (heavy duty) carbon legs with the Arrow 55. Their Sprinter legs are lighter, but not as sturdy. For super-light and mobile (strapped to a backpack) I use the Miller 55 head with their Solo VJ carbon legs. Gitzo also makes some really nice and compact portable carbon legs too.

Will see how this all works out with the Epic and lighter lenses. I've got my eye on a few of Miller's newer and more compact heads for when I want to be mobile.
 
You guys will laugh, but we have the heaviest Libec head and it really works super well and is super light. On studio-style shoots we rent other stuff, but for non-fiction on the road (with SLR lenses and Long Valley 15mm rails and top mount) it's amazing, and it's dirt cheap.

I think my next head will be a Gearnex - love the old-school precise feel it gives you, something that's hard to match on a fluid head.
 
Hee hee!

Still using my O'Connor 50 for my own work. Good gawd it's heavy though. Would love to swap out the sticks for something else even though they look cool (being wood) but the head has that odd size.

Best!

A
 
Another Miller fan here.. Even the older stuff still holds up pretty well IMHO. I have a 50 series II that is still smooth as owl poo..

edit: Using the Allstar dovetail to balance..

@Jeff - How did you snug up your plate.. Mine isn't what it used to be either.
 
All good suggestions here.

I went with Ronford Baker Atlas 30, never looked back.
It is large and heavy, but sealed construction, smoothness and resistance to bumps compared to others in its class made it my choice number one for long and heavy lenses used in wildlife cinematography.

Oh, and after sales support, getting bits and pieces and generally dealing with Ronford Baker is a real pleasure. Very good company.
 
Eythan - love to hear what Jeff did, but my plate gets un-snug mainly when dirty, and I've had to replace the camera plate due to the aluminum wearing down (I no longer set it on ROCKS, umm, that helps...). Mainly, blowing the works out with clean compressed air, then lubing with silicon spray seems to re-snug it most of the time. It will not fully seat in the locked position with gunk in there. Who knew.
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
Another vote here for the Miller Arrow 55. It works perfectly, even with a RED One + Cooke 18-100 zoom (about 13lbs of lens) and other accessories. Make sure you have the Arri dovetail - at least 12" to slide on if you're using large lenses like that.

Been using mine with RED for 2.5 years. I was going to send it off for service because it wasn't clamping the camera plate as tightly as it used to... But I was able to fix that myself. Wonderful tripod. The only advantage that O'Connor heads have is their continuously adjustable drag. But for size and load capacity, the Miller wins. Build quality is for all intents equivalent between the two brands. Maybe a slight edge to O'Connor. For in-studio use with large cameras or on a dolly, I go for an O'Connor 2575 or a geared head.

I recommend Miller's HD (heavy duty) carbon legs with the Arrow 55. Their Sprinter legs are lighter, but not as sturdy. For super-light and mobile (strapped to a backpack) I use the Miller 55 head with their Solo VJ carbon legs. Gitzo also makes some really nice and compact portable carbon legs too.

Will see how this all works out with the Epic and lighter lenses. I've got my eye on a few of Miller's newer and more compact heads for when I want to be mobile.
Click to expand...

Jeff FYI, Millers service department is outstanding. I broke the side plate where the pan bar attaches when it fell out of a van and hit the ground. I sent it to miller service and got it back in about a week fully serviced for around $200.
 
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