Sachtler sticks with Libec head?
 

Now that my finances have had a chance to rebound from my purchase of an EX1 and all the basic necessities to make it field ready it is time to upgrade the pedestal on which it rests.

My B/M 503 will be retired for a new improved model. Several factors are important to me and my budget of around $1500.00

Weight is a big one. I am shooting a lot of surfing and kitesurfing events as a one man band. Constantly moving around for various angles is a key factor in my acquisition. Also air travel weight restrictions often come into play.

Smooth pans at full telephoto in strong winds is another important factor.

I have been reading reviews and tons of posts and I am leaning towards the Sachtler 4588 Speed Lock 75 CF legs with a LIBEC H38 Head

I have read good things about the LIbec H38 head. A simple bare bones fluid head and the Sachtler sticks seem to offer a good combo of weight and ease of set and break down.


Here are some questions

Are they compatible with one another, the 75 mm head and bowl? This is my first bowl based attachment so this may seem like a stupid question but I am naive about this.

Is the Libec H38 a true fluid head?

Next question. Does it seem wise to pay more than twice for the light weight CF tripod and less for the head? Perhaps I would be better off sacrificing a pound plus in weight and buy cheaper sticks with a more expensive head like the Sachtler FSB-6.

Or maybe I just need to shut up and put up some more coin now so I don't end up buying another system in a year.

I also have and 8 foot Kessler Crane. These days I have been putting it on an old heavy duty BOLEX tripod. With the LIBEC head rated at 17 pounds max payload how quickly can I trash this head putting almost twice that on top of it?

Any advise on this topic is greatly appreciated.

Dasher

head vs sticks
 

go with the best head you can afford as good sticks will never make a second rate head better whereas you can get buy nicely with second rate sticks and a first rate head

Sorry Mark...........
 

I'm gonna have to disagree with that.

Second rate sticks under an HD camera is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

If the lens is kept permanently at full wide angle you may get away with it.

Start using that zoom and a HD camera shows the slightest flaw with the support system, big time.

You cannot afford to skimp on either element. The stiffest (ergo, expensive) sticks with the best head ditto is the only way to go.

A little light reading on the subject:

http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camsupport/fibertec1.php


CS