Fluid Head for DSLR video???

[aerosolcheese]

If you use a fluid head for your 5D/ D90/ or other DSLR, please chime in on what you've got and how you feel about it. I've had fluid heads in the past for my DVX, and I know these can get pricey, just wondering what the best option is for something in a DSLR form factor...

[Daniel W.]

I've liked the Bogen 3130 for anything smaller than a DVX / PD150, a 70-200/2.8 may push the limits for that. The 501 was nice even for not "true fluid," used it with a DSR250, could probably handle a 70-200, maybe a 300/2.8. Beyond that the 503 is good, and if you're wanting something really big the 3066 has been my go-to for years (on a bowl base, the thread-base has a tendency to get loose in the pan-lock after a few years.) I'm sure there are much nicer models out there, these are the ones I used back in the day.

If you've got the cash, I have yet to hear a bad thing about the smaller Vinten and Sachtler heads, but I rarely year a bad thing about their stuff anyhow (other than weight. Ever try carrying a hot-pod?)

[aerosolcheese]

Thanks Dan... I actually tried the 5D/battery grip and 70-200 on a 503HDV and could not get it to balance as nicely as the DVX. At first I was thinking... "lightweight SLR, maybe a 501 would do.." but now I'm thinking with the interchangeable lens options, and the possibility of adding rails/ follow focus/ audio mixer/ mattebox/ filters/ Anton Bauer battery/ etc... that I may need to go with something a bit heavier duty. I'm thinking something like the Cartoni Focus... It can handle up to 22 pounds. Might try to find a good deal on a used one, no way I can swing full price right now...

[emill]

When I shoot video with my T1i and grip I have my DIY glidetrack mounted on some 745 manfrotto legs and camera on the 501 head. Like Dan stated, not a true fluid head but I've gotten great shots and haven't had any issues with balance.

[Daniel W.]

Three words:

Arri Geared Head.

[Daniel Bates]

Skip the Arri - get a Gearnex.

I use a Manfrotto 501HDV head on 535 legs. It's about the minimum I would recommend for video.

[aerosolcheese]

My friend uses an oconnor 2060HD with his red, but I just got the Sachtler FSB-6 for the 5D.

[swanny338]

Have the 501, got it with my 5d in december to satisfy the need. It is fine, but wouldn't recommend it. I have stuck with it because I don't do a lot of tripod work, mostly steadicam. I intend to upgrade to the satchler fsb-8 or similar cartoni in the near future.... Just a "small" jump... Ha.

Going to rent both the satchler and cartoni next week to make up my mind.

[tukaniray]

I just went to a video convention and someone was demonstrating the Satchler ... I actually kinda like it.

I would say go Satchler for weight ... but other the other hand the Caroni feels sturdy.

-Ray-

[txphotog]

the miller line of tripods and heads are also good.... I use a Satchler dv15 daily with a dvcpro rig but its costly for a dslr setup.

[aerosolcheese]

Originally Posted by txphotog

the miller line of tripods and heads are also good.... I use a Satchler dv15 daily with a dvcpro rig but its costly for a dslr setup.

Yeah... I was checking out the miller compass15... but decided to just go for teh sachtler fsb-6, since I have used plenty of sachtler 20's in the past on bigger cameras. It's funny... I started out just wanting to attach a good, inexpensive fluid head to my existing gitzo but ended up dropping $2K instead... and that was still on the cheap end.