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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 :)

Which tripod & head for my red one?

ballpark is $8k for fluid head only.

figure more like $11.5k for sticks and babies, plate, cases and head.

ouch, but long-lasting premium performance and industry standard.

p
 
Don't over-stress a tripod head. You can easily damage a seal within. When oily fluid begins to leak out, congratulations, you just broke it and need an overhaul.

If you keep the weight down to about 50lbs. you should be good with that Video 20+. The problem with weight ratings for heads is that they are based on a block placed directly on top of the head. Use a long camera with a lens that could conceivably be cantilevering considerable weight some 14" or more out in front and the stress factors are far higher, so 1 pound could equal the torque factor of 5 pounds or more. This is what counterbalance springs help with, but that doesn't stop the extra pressure on the head.

Btw, there are double-stick 150mm ball legs. Sachtler makes them and the same model is available for O'Connor. Others may as well (I think Panther does too).

That crazy 100mm to Mitchell adaptor is sick! What nutty rig would ever drive someone to that?
 
The simplest solution (for those that have a rental facility close enough) is to rent 2 or three systems for a day and try them out with various configurations of your RED rig. You'll get a feel for what works for you and what doesn't. It's not just a weight thing. There are a lot of other factors that will need to go into your decision. This will be the best $200 (ballpark rental rate) you'll spend because it could save time and/or money in the long run. Hopefully your rental company keeps their heads well maintained so you get an accurate comparison.
 
ran some numbers based on weights I know and what has been posted here- and looks like my most common config I will be using comes in at just about 45lbs. that, again is with cooke 20-100 which is 11.5 lbs by itself. If you use only primes or reds short zoom you are more in 37-38lbs range. if you want to go full studio mode- optimo 24-290 arri MB-14, extra gak mounted here and there (don't forget place for DP to hang sunglasses) you approach 65lbs. supposedly max weight of 2060. in that case, 2575 is most appropriate.
Those of you buying your first big head purchase, keep in mind, buying a little more head than you need isn't a bad thing.
For the moment I will (since i already own it) eek by with video 20+ and try and guage which of oconnor heads is the way to go for me. ignoring price, i am still torn- 2060 would work well for all but the heavyist config and is a lot smaller than 2575, but if you don't mind hauing a pig around 2575 won't ever let you down, just wear you out. Wait a minute, that's the AC's job! Hmm.....
 
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