Tripods? Sachtler 18 or Arrow 40 - is the 18 worth the extra money??

[Shon Bailey]

Any thoughts out there on how the Miller Arrow 40 compares to Sachtler 18 in Australia?

Despite Miller being cheaper and based in Sydney, making servicing easier, Sachtlers seem to be very popular in Aus and I'm wondering if it's worth spending the extra for a new Sachtler 18.

Couldn't find any posts that strictly relate so in a nutshell I'm a cameraman in Australia doing mostly corporates, small crew TVCs, interviews etc and would be mainly using the F5, F800/other ENG cameras etc with this rig. Looking to buy new, not used and going to have a play with both later this week, just interested in any second opinions out there.

It appears Sachtler 18s have the edge in terms of the payload range, counterbalance settings etc. but at a premium price.

Curious on anyones thoughts out there, if you were in the market for a new tripod and had the choice between a Video 18 or Miller Arrow 40 what would you go for? Is the Sachtler worth the extra money and more hassle servicing?

Thanks guys,

-Shon

 

[Marcos Montenegro]

Y E S

 

[Owen Rennie]

I bought the Sachtler v20 s1 from the Sachtler dealers in Melbourne and it's the best investment i've ever made... You can't go wrong with a quality Sachtler product!

 

[Mark K.]

I don't think you'd regret either. I love my Arrow, the layout and controls are simpler and more intuitive than the Sachtler. But the Sachtler is utterly indestructible.

 

[Eric M Hurt]

I've had my Sachtler for years. They are totally worth it.

 

[Phil Arntz]

Go for the Sachtler for sure. They have a good support network all over the world. The Sachtler 18s and 20s especially are indestructible. That's why News crews all over the world use them. I love the Sachtler Cine 7+7 myself.

 

[Tim Bradley]

I own both and end up using the Miller more. Its been all over Australia and the world with me and is a great investment. The Sachtler is a nice tripod too. I find I like the Miller better though.

 

[Shon Bailey]

Awesome, thanks guys! Was in need of a few extra opinions like this, sounds like the Miller is a bit more user friendly but the Sachtlers better to stand the test of time so I'm thinking the 18 may well be the go, thanks again

 

[Jay Kim]

I bought the Sachtler v20 s1 from the Sachtler dealers in Melbourne and it's the best investment i've ever made... You can't go wrong with a quality Sachtler product!

I love my Sachtler V20 S1 too! I also have the Sachtler Sutudio II 7X7 and it is built like a tank.

 

[Craig Knowles]

Awesome, thanks guys! Was in need of a few extra opinions like this, sounds like the Miller is a bit more user friendly but the Sachtlers better to stand the test of time so I'm thinking the 18 may well be the go, thanks again

Both are built to last.

I've been using a Miller 25 head in both sunshine and snow for over 8 years, I take good care of it, and it performs as well as the day I bought it. I recently upgraded to a Miller "Arrow HD" head, essentially a Miller 40, because my rig was getting heavier and I love it even more than the 25.

Bottom line is you can't go wrong here. Both are excellent brands. Get what you like and can afford and don't look back.