Cartoni Action Pro -- AP10 or AP11 head?
 

I have had it with Bogen. Bogen's low-end kits are probably great for still cameras but not for video.

I bought the 3051 legs and first tried the 3130 head with a VX2100. The 3130 has no provision for balancing the cam and no tilt or pan locks. The VX would slowly drop its lens. I could crank the friction knob tight but then the tilts were way to heavy. So, I exchanged it for the 501.

The 501 has a provision to balance the camera and it has tilt and pan locks. I thought that this would work for me. However, as many people have reported, the 501 suffered stiction in both the tilts and pans, so I took it back. BTW the tilt & pan locks were not a positive lock, it was really like cranking the friction knob tighter.

I have finally convinced myself that one just HAS to spend more money to get even a DECENT video tripod.

I have been looking at the Cartoni Action Pro because it is the least expensive compared to Miller, Vinten, et al. There are none of these in town, which means that I would have to order them from the Internet, so I need some help because I don't want to have to return any more equipment.

A few questions...

1. Is the AP10 or AP11 in the same league as a Miller DS5/DS10 or Sachtler DV-2 II?

2. If the Cartoni is a good product, which head should I choose for my VX2100; AP10 or AP11? (right now my vx is bare but I anticipate some options)

3. What is your best-bang-for-the-buck recommendation?

Thanks guys...