Miller DS10 or DS5 for DVX100 at DVinfo.net

Dan Lahav · November 11th, 2003, 11:21 PM

I'm torn between the two since the price difference is not much (~$100). Would the DS10 be overkill for the DVX? Thanks!
-Dan

Frank Granovski · November 12th, 2003, 12:17 AM

Only $100 difference? Either should be fine for the DVX100, depending on the pod/head size you feel most comfortable with.

Dan Lahav · November 12th, 2003, 01:52 AM

Yep, B&H carries them (aluminum legs, not carbon) for 899.95(DS10)/799.95(DS5). I dont know what im comfortable with, i've never used a tripod :) I'm a total newbie...should i just drop the extra 100? is it worth it?

Frank Granovski · November 12th, 2003, 03:25 AM

What's the weight difference? If it were me, I'd go for the DS10 for the DVX100, especially if it's going to heavily loaded. (It is a bit overkill, though.) If you're planning on carrying your gear around, I'd go with something lighter. Perhaps take a look here to see what's up with these 2 tripods: http://www.miller.com.au

Boyd Ostroff · November 12th, 2003, 09:27 AM

I have the DS-5 which I use with a Sony VX-2000 and PDX-10. I think it would be fine for the DVX-100 from what little I know of it. Look at the specs, I think the DS-10 is designed for heavier cameras? Also, do a search here on tripods, which is what I did before buyiing. There is some discussion on this specific choice and IIRC that's what led me to go for the DS-5 instead of the DS-10.

But I am really happy with the DS-5, it produces beautiful, smooth motion even at maximum telephoto zoom. I had been using a Manfrotto 501 for several years before getting it, and thought that wasn't such a bad head. But the Miller is in a whole different league.

I have the aluminum legs on my Miller, and it's certainly heavier than my old Manfrotto 3221/501. But it's not unmanageable in any way. I hike around with it, along with a full camera bag. It has an included shoulder strap but the carryiing case is a relatively expensive accessory which I opted not to get.

Joe Romano · December 7th, 2003, 03:58 PM

I have the Ds-10 and I love it. The new ones have an adjustable counterbalance which makes it perfect for this camera. The weight of the DVX100 used to be right in a notch beteen the two tripods: ie, if loaded, it was too heavy for the DS5, and if stripped, it was too light for the DS-10. Now with the adjustable counterbalance, the load range of the ds10 has been extended, perfect for both situations. I have owned both ds10s and consider the new one perfect both for a stripped dvx100 and a loaded one (mattebox, follow focus, 16x9 monitor, large battery and radio mics). It is even there if I get or use a much larger camera, so for me the extra $$$ is well worth it.

Good luck, Millers are really great tripods!!!

Joe Romano · December 7th, 2003, 04:00 PM

I have the Ds-10 and I love it. The new ones have an adjustable counterbalance which makes it perfect for this camera. The weight of the DVX100 used to be right in a notch beteen the two tripods: ie, if loaded, it was too heavy for the DS% and if stripped, it was too light for the DS-10. Now with the adjustable counterbalance, the load range of the ds10 has been extended, perfect for both situations. I have owned both ds10s and consider the new one perfect for a stripped dvx100 and a loaded one (mattebox, follow focus, 16x9 monitor, large battery and radio mics). It is even there if I get or use a much larger camera, so for me the extra $$$ is well worth it.

Good luck, Millers are really great tripods!!!

November 11th, 2003, 11:21 PM	#1
Dan Lahav Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: CA Posts: 172	Miller DS10 or DS5 for DVX100 I'm torn between the two since the price difference is not much (~$100). Would the DS10 be overkill for the DVX? Thanks! -Dan

December 7th, 2003, 03:58 PM	#6
Joe Romano New Boot Join Date: May 2003 Location: new york Posts: 16	I have the Ds-10 and I love it. The new ones have an adjustable counterbalance which makes it perfect for this camera. The weight of the DVX100 used to be right in a notch beteen the two tripods: ie, if loaded, it was too heavy for the DS5, and if stripped, it was too light for the DS-10. Now with the adjustable counterbalance, the load range of the ds10 has been extended, perfect for both situations. I have owned both ds10s and consider the new one perfect both for a stripped dvx100 and a loaded one (mattebox, follow focus, 16x9 monitor, large battery and radio mics). It is even there if I get or use a much larger camera, so for me the extra $$$ is well worth it. Good luck, Millers are really great tripods!!! __________________ peace, Joe

December 7th, 2003, 04:00 PM	#7
Joe Romano New Boot Join Date: May 2003 Location: new york Posts: 16	I have the Ds-10 and I love it. The new ones have an adjustable counterbalance which makes it perfect for this camera. The weight of the DVX100 used to be right in a notch beteen the two tripods: ie, if loaded, it was too heavy for the DS% and if stripped, it was too light for the DS-10. Now with the adjustable counterbalance, the load range of the ds10 has been extended, perfect for both situations. I have owned both ds10s and consider the new one perfect for a stripped dvx100 and a loaded one (mattebox, follow focus, 16x9 monitor, large battery and radio mics). It is even there if I get or use a much larger camera, so for me the extra $$$ is well worth it. Good luck, Millers are really great tripods!!! __________________ peace, Joe

November 12th, 2003, 12:17 AM	#2
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Only $100 difference? Either should be fine for the DVX100, depending on the pod/head size you feel most comfortable with.

November 12th, 2003, 01:52 AM	#3
Dan Lahav Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: CA Posts: 172	Yep, B&H carries them (aluminum legs, not carbon) for 899.95(DS10)/799.95(DS5). I dont know what im comfortable with, i've never used a tripod :) I'm a total newbie...should i just drop the extra 100? is it worth it?

November 12th, 2003, 03:25 AM	#4
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	What's the weight difference? If it were me, I'd go for the DS10 for the DVX100, especially if it's going to heavily loaded. (It is a bit overkill, though.) If you're planning on carrying your gear around, I'd go with something lighter. Perhaps take a look here to see what's up with these 2 tripods: http://www.miller.com.au

November 12th, 2003, 09:27 AM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	I have the DS-5 which I use with a Sony VX-2000 and PDX-10. I think it would be fine for the DVX-100 from what little I know of it. Look at the specs, I think the DS-10 is designed for heavier cameras? Also, do a search here on tripods, which is what I did before buyiing. There is some discussion on this specific choice and IIRC that's what led me to go for the DS-5 instead of the DS-10. But I am really happy with the DS-5, it produces beautiful, smooth motion even at maximum telephoto zoom. I had been using a Manfrotto 501 for several years before getting it, and thought that wasn't such a bad head. But the Miller is in a whole different league. I have the aluminum legs on my Miller, and it's certainly heavier than my old Manfrotto 3221/501. But it's not unmanageable in any way. I hike around with it, along with a full camera bag. It has an included shoulder strap but the carryiing case is a relatively expensive accessory which I opted not to get.