Miller DS-20 Solo

Chad Johnson · January 5th, 2010, 11:51 AM

Thanks Les.

The Sachtler FSB8 was the main contender as far as heads go. I'm not so sure about the legs that come with it in the 2,000.00 package. I've heard complaints. But those long Gitzo GT354XLS legs look just about right, though with the 75mm adapter we're talking 2,400.00 I may just have to bite the bullet and get it. I think with the FSB8, and the Gitzo legs I'm still coming in under 10lbs too. I have major back issues, so a lite setup is important.

Another possibility with the Gitzo legs is that one can add a column if desired. I have been working that way with my bogen 501. I like having one adjustment to raise the height quickly, so maybe the short Gitzo legs and a column. Decisions decisions...

Thanks again man. Throw up any more good "bang for buck" options you may know of.

Chadfish

Les Nagy · January 5th, 2010, 12:12 PM

You will never regret paying for good equipment. If I were you, I would stretch for the tall legs and have everything the right way. A centre column will not allow the FSB to attach without a flat to bowl adapter that is different from the bowl adapter already mentioned. Adn you would also have to buy the normal top for the shorter legs to hold the centre column. It gets messy!

I think the tall legs and an FSB-8 will be the right thing.

Chad Johnson · January 5th, 2010, 12:17 PM

I think so too Les!

It's on now...

Chad Johnson · January 5th, 2010, 12:40 PM

I went ahead and got the long Gitzo legs and bowl adapter. I'm going to have to wait on the Sachtler head until the money from a Jingle I just produced comes in.

There are 2 similar Sachtler heads. I think I'm going for the cheaper one:

There's the FSB8 at 1,500.00: Sachtler | 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head (Black) | 0707 | B&H Photo Video

And there's the FSB8T at 1,675.00: Sachtler | 0705 FSB-8T Fluid Head (Black) | 0705 | B&H Photo

I'm not really sure what the difference is, but I'm sure that either are better than the Miller stuff.

Les Nagy · January 5th, 2010, 12:52 PM

The difference is that the "T" model has a quick release plate that is independent of the fore/aft adjustment. The non "T" model has the sliding plate as the quick release plate.

The "T" model's advantage is that you can pull the camera off, and put it back on with having to be careful to reposition it to retain balance. The disadvantage is the rather small foot print of the plate and the possible lack of strength or stability of the attachment to the camera.

I have the non "T" model and have no problems, but some people strongly prefer to be able to mount and dismount the camera while not having to worry about repeating balance points.

Les Nagy · January 5th, 2010, 12:58 PM

Apologies to the forum users for the huge change of topic in this thread. We should have taken it to another thread.

Chad Johnson · January 5th, 2010, 04:41 PM

I think it all related. I was interested in the Miller too at first. No possible Miller purchasers have some cool alternatives.

January 5th, 2010, 11:51 AM	#31
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	Thanks Les. The Sachtler FSB8 was the main contender as far as heads go. I'm not so sure about the legs that come with it in the 2,000.00 package. I've heard complaints. But those long Gitzo GT354XLS legs look just about right, though with the 75mm adapter we're talking 2,400.00 I may just have to bite the bullet and get it. I think with the FSB8, and the Gitzo legs I'm still coming in under 10lbs too. I have major back issues, so a lite setup is important. Another possibility with the Gitzo legs is that one can add a column if desired. I have been working that way with my bogen 501. I like having one adjustment to raise the height quickly, so maybe the short Gitzo legs and a column. Decisions decisions... Thanks again man. Throw up any more good "bang for buck" options you may know of. Chadfish __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

January 5th, 2010, 12:17 PM	#33
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	I think so too Les! It's on now... __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

January 5th, 2010, 12:40 PM	#34
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	I went ahead and got the long Gitzo legs and bowl adapter. I'm going to have to wait on the Sachtler head until the money from a Jingle I just produced comes in. There are 2 similar Sachtler heads. I think I'm going for the cheaper one: There's the FSB8 at 1,500.00: Sachtler \| 0707 FSB-8 Fluid Head (Black) \| 0707 \| B&H Photo Video And there's the FSB8T at 1,675.00: Sachtler \| 0705 FSB-8T Fluid Head (Black) \| 0705 \| B&H Photo I'm not really sure what the difference is, but I'm sure that either are better than the Miller stuff. __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

January 5th, 2010, 04:41 PM	#37
Chad Johnson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Arcata, Ca Posts: 750	I think it all related. I was interested in the Miller too at first. No possible Miller purchasers have some cool alternatives. __________________ My Work: http://www.youtube.com/ChadWork1 Sony FS5 :: Panasonic GH4 :: Sony PMW-EX1 :: FCPx :: AT4053b :: Rode NTG-3,

January 5th, 2010, 12:12 PM	#32
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	You will never regret paying for good equipment. If I were you, I would stretch for the tall legs and have everything the right way. A centre column will not allow the FSB to attach without a flat to bowl adapter that is different from the bowl adapter already mentioned. Adn you would also have to buy the normal top for the shorter legs to hold the centre column. It gets messy! I think the tall legs and an FSB-8 will be the right thing.

January 5th, 2010, 12:52 PM	#35
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	The difference is that the "T" model has a quick release plate that is independent of the fore/aft adjustment. The non "T" model has the sliding plate as the quick release plate. The "T" model's advantage is that you can pull the camera off, and put it back on with having to be careful to reposition it to retain balance. The disadvantage is the rather small foot print of the plate and the possible lack of strength or stability of the attachment to the camera. I have the non "T" model and have no problems, but some people strongly prefer to be able to mount and dismount the camera while not having to worry about repeating balance points.

January 5th, 2010, 12:58 PM	#36
Les Nagy Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: A Canadian in Canada, and sometimes Chile Posts: 265	Apologies to the forum users for the huge change of topic in this thread. We should have taken it to another thread.