Unfortunately not. I'm actually preparing another review before the tripod review and probably will not be able start on the tripod work until at least late Feb. Also, we may be expanding the tripod reviews with several other professional models.

But if you havve questions in the meanwhile I'll try to answer them.

Dear Andrew,

I will also be happy to answer any of your questions, if possible.

Ken,
the sachtler has held up with the camera loaded?
for me it would be something like
16x manual w/ lee's bellows mattebox
ma200 +ch910 and/or wireless reciever
lcd 5"-7" (haven't decided)
not sure if i'll get the b&w viewfinder (unless i find a good used one somewhere). i'd rather, at least for starters, get a nice 8" or 9" field monitor so i could use it shooting and editing. so i wasn't sure if i could go with something with a max load of 13lbs. or if i should be looking at something rated for 17lbs. thank you for your thoughts.

matt

Matt,
The DV-6 would hardly even be breathing hard under that load. Under my maximum load, as I described above, the head shows no sign of strain whatsoever. In fact, just the opposite; if anything it may be underloaded by half a pound or so.

I was wondering if I was to add the mini35 to the mix would I be forced to go with the DV 8 instead?


Rob :D

I don't know the weight of the Mini 35. I suspect that the DV-6 would be ok if the Mini 35 weighs no more than 6-8 lbs but do not know with certainty.

From: http://www.pstechnik.de/pstechnik.htm

Says the weight is 4.85 lbs

The weight of the lenses would be too much when added to the mini 35. The XL1 lenses are actually very light in comparison. I would definitely move up in size with the Sachtler or move to Vinten. The vintens have a continuously variable drag which can prove to be in big advantage in these type of situations.

Where is a place that sells Vinten? Maybe I just haven't looked but just wondering anyways.

Rob :D

B & H Photo sells Vinten and many other pro video dealers.

I'd like to know what the big deal is with 2-stage tripods over single-stage

I always used single-stage tripods when I was doing broadcast ENG work. Not by choice, but because that's all we had :) I've never used a 2-stage. Am I missing anything?

Is a 2-stage worth the typical $200 extra?

I'm seriously looking at the Vinten Vision 3 now, as it's around the same price as the Sachtler DV-6.

The two-stage tripods generally have a different height range.

For the Sachtler DV-6, they go both lower and higher:

Single Stage Sachtler Legs for above tripod:
Leg Stages / Sections 1/2
Minimum Height 30.7"
Maximum Height 62.2"
Folded Length 39.8"

Two Stage Sachtler Legs for above tripod.
Leg Stages / Sections 2/3
Minimum Height 23.6"
Maximum Height 69.3"
Folded Length 37.0"

The two stage legs cost $100 more at B&H.

I am also seriously thinking Vinten is the way to go. It can handle from 2lb-22lb all with a different spring for $30. For $1,600 I find it a reach with my resorces but it seems the cheapest that will get the job done with almost any gear I would be using. Plus I like the color.....LOL j/k.
Another reason I think I would like the Vinten is the consistant tenson(sp).
All that I know is for 1k or up I better get something that will withstand a bomb. Granted Im not trying to support an elephant but still it would be nice to see that.

Rob:D

As Dan's post illustrates, 2-stage legs collapse to a shorter length and have a lower minimum height than 1-stage legs. That's basically why I selected the 2-stage legs. They also tend to be just a bit more rigid, particularly when only the top leg sections are raised.

The color was important to me. Living in Florida and shooting wildlife, my black Sachtler legs would just about take my skin off on a hot day. The light grey is a welcome relief.

The big advantage two stage sticks have for me is the compact size. However, when fully extended, I find the two stage design has a little more flex in it (more joints). Many two stage designs also use thinner cross section legs (which reduce rigidity). This can have the undesired effect of added torsional flexing. Mid-level spreaders can help reduce the additional flex. However not all two stage designs can accommodate mid-level spreaders.