Sachtler DV-6sb or FSB6 for A1 at DVinfo.net

Garrett Low · July 18th, 2008, 12:25 AM

OK, I've resigned myself to the fact that I need to upgrade my tripod system. I've pretty much decided on a Sachtler. I got to try an FSB6 but I was wondering if any could tell me if it is worth spending the extra money on the DV-6SB? Right now I don't run much else beside the XH A1 and a Senn shotgun, I am considering getting an external monitor.

Obviously if I'm going to spend this kind of money I am hopefully looking at the last tripod purchase for a LONG time. Any suggestions, experience, or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Garrett

Jan Luethje · July 18th, 2008, 12:55 AM

I've got the DV 6SB since one year now. Good quality, solid product. I also have an older Manfrotto 501 / 525 with a friction head and still use it for "quick and dirty" jobs. Also quite nice and much cheaper, although panning is not as smooth as with the Sachtler of course. The manfrotto 503 fluid head might be worth a try. If I had to buy a tripod now, I'd probably also consider the new Sachtler 'Soom' system (3 tripods in one, if the anouncements are correct).

Brian David Melnyk · July 18th, 2008, 01:48 AM

after reading this post, http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=84267 , i've decided to order the Libec-38M. i'm wondering: if this tripod seems to be stable, and provides both smooth pans and tilts for a basic XH-A1, and also can handle a 'loaded' camera up to 17 lbs., why would anyone spend 3x's more for a tripod?
just my rather cheap-ass eeerrrr...frugal opinion! if i had the dough i would buy the Libec AND a Merlin!!! (or more hard drives... or more mics... or more cheese burgers...)

Brian David Melnyk · July 18th, 2008, 01:52 AM

correction: apparently the Libec 38 holds up to 18 lbs. you could duct-tape a lot of cheese burgers to the A1, if you were so inclined...

Garrett Low · July 18th, 2008, 03:13 AM

Thanks for the info. I started cheap (I mean real cheap), and have been slowing going through tripods. Right now I'm using a Cartoni ActionPro which does a decent job but there are some definate drawbacks. I've also tried a Miller DS10, Vinten Visoin 3. They are both very nice. I did briefly get to play with a Libec 38 which was nice but honestly there is a pretty big difference between even the Cartoni I have and the Libecs & Bogens. Then the next step is into the Miller/Vinten/Sachtler range. I really notice a difference when zoomed in and panning and tilting at the same time.

Also, do CF legs make a big difference over Alum? Weight isn't a big issue since I usually don't move much once I set up. The main thing I'm looking for is rigidity. I've got a Miller with CF legs (rated for a camera that's heavier than the A1, that's why I'm not able to use it) and they do seem a bit stiffer than the Alum on my Cartoni. Not sure if it's the build or the material.

Thanks,
Garrett

July 18th, 2008, 12:25 AM	#1
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	Sachtler DV-6sb or FSB6 for A1 OK, I've resigned myself to the fact that I need to upgrade my tripod system. I've pretty much decided on a Sachtler. I got to try an FSB6 but I was wondering if any could tell me if it is worth spending the extra money on the DV-6SB? Right now I don't run much else beside the XH A1 and a Senn shotgun, I am considering getting an external monitor. Obviously if I'm going to spend this kind of money I am hopefully looking at the last tripod purchase for a LONG time. Any suggestions, experience, or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Garrett

July 18th, 2008, 12:55 AM	#2
Jan Luethje Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Berlin, Germany Posts: 89	I've got the DV 6SB since one year now. Good quality, solid product. I also have an older Manfrotto 501 / 525 with a friction head and still use it for "quick and dirty" jobs. Also quite nice and much cheaper, although panning is not as smooth as with the Sachtler of course. The manfrotto 503 fluid head might be worth a try. If I had to buy a tripod now, I'd probably also consider the new Sachtler 'Soom' system (3 tripods in one, if the anouncements are correct).

July 18th, 2008, 01:48 AM	#3
Brian David Melnyk Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Winnipeg Canada Posts: 532	after reading this post, http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=84267 , i've decided to order the Libec-38M. i'm wondering: if this tripod seems to be stable, and provides both smooth pans and tilts for a basic XH-A1, and also can handle a 'loaded' camera up to 17 lbs., why would anyone spend 3x's more for a tripod? just my rather cheap-ass eeerrrr...frugal opinion! if i had the dough i would buy the Libec AND a Merlin!!! (or more hard drives... or more mics... or more cheese burgers...)

July 18th, 2008, 01:52 AM	#4
Brian David Melnyk Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Winnipeg Canada Posts: 532	correction: apparently the Libec 38 holds up to 18 lbs. you could duct-tape a lot of cheese burgers to the A1, if you were so inclined...

July 18th, 2008, 03:13 AM	#5
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	Thanks for the info. I started cheap (I mean real cheap), and have been slowing going through tripods. Right now I'm using a Cartoni ActionPro which does a decent job but there are some definate drawbacks. I've also tried a Miller DS10, Vinten Visoin 3. They are both very nice. I did briefly get to play with a Libec 38 which was nice but honestly there is a pretty big difference between even the Cartoni I have and the Libecs & Bogens. Then the next step is into the Miller/Vinten/Sachtler range. I really notice a difference when zoomed in and panning and tilting at the same time. Also, do CF legs make a big difference over Alum? Weight isn't a big issue since I usually don't move much once I set up. The main thing I'm looking for is rigidity. I've got a Miller with CF legs (rated for a camera that's heavier than the A1, that's why I'm not able to use it) and they do seem a bit stiffer than the Alum on my Cartoni. Not sure if it's the build or the material. Thanks, Garrett