Bogen or Sachtler?? Whos the real winner
 

Hi guys

I have a quick question on the Tripod Myth.
I really never used a Bogen/Manfrotto, we only used Sachtler Tripods.

Could somebody give a comparison between these two Companies?
Is Bogen/Manfrotto a US company I know that the Sachtler are pretty expensive since
They are from Germany but Hell they work like an Ace.

I picked out 3 Tripods from B&H, 2 from Manfrotto which have the 501 or the 503 head booth sets use the
same legs 525MVB, and a course the Sachtler System DV-4II. Which would you prefer for an XL1s and/or XL2?
Is the Sachtler worth the extra amount of cash?
Oh yeah are the Bogen/Manfrotto head out of Metal like the ones from Sachtler?

Thanks Dudes

Here are the links to the Sets in case you want take a closer look.
Bogen / Manfrotto 525MVB Lightweight with 503
Bogen / Manfrotto 525MVB Lightweight with 501
Sachtler SYSTEM DV-4II Aluminum



Shaggy

The Sach is worlds above the Manfrottos (Italian manufacture, BTW) unless you buy their best. I predict the 501 and 503 heads will be significant disappointments compared to the Sach.

They are all metal heads.

This may be interesting to some but Sachtler and Bogen/Manfrotto are actually all owned by the same company--the Vitec Group. This holding company also owns Vinten and OConnor.

Sachtler, Vinten and OConnor all all considered high-end products for broadcast and film systems. Bogen/Manfrotto mainly does still photography support with a modest video product line for the low to mid range.

The Sachtler has a completely different drag method than the Bogen heads you listed. I personally like the Sachtler module system very much but the DV4 only has two settings: 1 and
0 (freewheeling). That's too limited IMO. The DV6 is better but it has a high minimum weight requirement if you're using mini DV cams.

Thanks for the answer,

so reading between your lines the Sachtler is worth the extra hundreds of Dollars?
What about this Tripod Vinten PRO6 which is the same price then the Sachtler.
Oh yeah how well do this Tripods as in DV-4II, DV-2II from Sachtler and the Vinten PRO6 work with a Pimped out XL1s or XL2.

Maybe I should give you a break down, what exactly this Tripod will be used for.
This is going to my Personal Tripod for my Personal Camera (XL1s or XL2) so it will be used for Private shots,
small Independent Projects for Clients etc... If there is a Big money eating Shoot or Project we most likely rent the Equipment.
But some of us still bring some of our own equipment just in case.
So I would guess this Price range would be fine, don't really want to spend to much money on a Personal Tripod, you know Tripod cost more then Camera :oD. Oh yeah does the Sachtler DV-4II have a good counter balance as it's big Brothers or maybe the Vinten?

To bad we don't have a Store to test this, but from my experience with Sachtler I might as well stick with them.

Shaggy

The Vinten Pros are rebadged Manfrottos.

In my opinion, I'd rather spend more on the tripod than on the camera if tripod-mounted shots are my bread and butter.

Scahtlers, everytime.
the bearings are machined perfect.
the adjustments and locks never fail.
just a buetiful tripod.
I thought Sachtlers were made in West Germany.

Yeah, I will be getting the Sachtler, the ones I used before (in the High-end area) worked like a charm. So stick with them.

Yup Sachtler are made in Germany ( ;) there is no more West or east anymore)

Shaggy

I always recommend the Vinten Vision 3. That other Vinten you mention
is a bum in cheap clothing. Sachtler is nice, but . . . not quite as smooth.

The Bogans start out okay and get worse each time you use them as
they are not true fluid head. Well, . . . actually the start and stop is a little
sketchy imo.

This also looks like a good thread for a little rig porn! <g>

In my view, also, Vinten is king. What really distinguishes the Vision 3 head is its adaptability to various loads. Sachtlers are built like tanks and are also very adjustable. But Vintens that feature replaceable counterbalance springs are really a dream. (The lighted bubble level is a nice touch, too.)

If you want a once and for all purchase and expect to use your rig heavily and hard Vinten's the way to go.