The Gitzo 1380 head looks suspiciously like the Vinten 3. They have the same interchangeable spring setup. They're also about the same price. I've never used a Vinten 3 but people on here who have them seem to like them.

If you like the Gitzo legs, you might want to wait a few more months for the new 6X carbon fiber legs to come out. Gitzo has been updating their entire line with the 6X features and they announced the new models recently at Photokina. The 6X legs are slightly lighter because of 1 mm wall tubes (versus the old 1.5mm tubes) but they're just as rigid because of the six layers of alternating longitudinal and crossed carbon fibers. Also, the leg lock collars have been improved to hold better and the legs have the anti-rotation feature, which eliminates a common complaint about Gitzo's locking system.

As for the original poster, I'd recommend looking at the following if your budget is around $1500:

• Gitzo 1380
• Vinten Vision 3
• Cartoni Focus
• Sachtler DV6-SB

I can't really recommend the Miller DS-5 or DS-10 or the lower end Sachtlers because they only have one drag setting. IMO, you really need a range of drag settings because a light setting is good for fast whip pans and a heavier setting is essential for very slow moves or moves on telephoto. The larger Millers like Cal's Arrow 30 have stepped drag and are very nice but I'm not sure if they will balance a Z1 unless you pile on the accessories or raise the camera a little higher.

But like Cal said, always try out these heads in person with a live camera if you can. They all operate a little differently and they all feel a little different. A lot of it comes down to personal preferences.

Actually, I take this back. After looking at some of the Vinten maintenance manuals, I think the Gitzo 1380 is more similar to the Vinten PRO-130 (but they may not be exact). The inner workings of the Vinten Vision 3 is very different from the PRO-130, but it is basically identical to the Vision 6 and Vision 8. The main difference is the Vision 6 and 8 do not have interchangeable springs but a counterbalance adjust knob instead.

Gitzo 1380 with the Z1 is awsome. We have tried many but the 1380 with Gitzo/Bogen service and repair dept and also trade in old equipment for new at a small price, Its hard to beat. We have 13 of them and never had a problem.

I have the Cartoni Focus...

surprisingly good and it will take both small cameras and big cameras just by rotating the spring adjustment. Cost me £1000 but the head feels like it is from a tripod 3 times that price! Very very smooth.

Phil

Just bought a miller 1511 solo with ds10 head. Will let you know how it feels with a sony 170 5.5lbs on it when it is delivered. It is weighted for cameras 5 to 10lbs and I would say probley 12 lbs at a push. This will set you back $1300 or so.

Im running a Miller DS10 Solo with my Z1, works perfectly with a shotgun, radio reciever and sun gun. Although i can't say i've had a mattebox or follow focus set up on it. Although im sure it'd take it fine. Miller make great sticks and heads.

Progrep on my tripod search to support my Z1
 

I posted to start this thread. Right now I have a set of Bogen 3040 legs, Bogen leveler, and 501 head. I'm lloking for something new that is a better fit for HD. I am still looking, but probably won't sell this set of sticks. It has a raisable center column which is handy for some situations, and the 501 head, although anything but great, is better than some fancier rigs.

I was at a trade show and got to compare some of the models. So far the front runner is the Sachtler DV6SB with 3-stage CF legs. I saw the Cartoni pods at the WEVA trade show, but the HiDV model and others suited for the Z1 have been out of stock, and I have lost patience with them. I would be afraid to need a spare or repair part for one of their systems.

Aside from the Sachtler, I thought the Vintens were smoothest. As to Miller, I'd have to move up to one of the Arrow models for the performance I need.

No decision yet. I post a followup.

"I was at a trade show and got to compare some of the models. So far the front runner is the Sachtler DV6SB with 3-stage CF legs. "

I have the DV6 head and have used it with the FX-1. It is a great fit especially if you have wireless, shotgun and light. One thing to consider is the sticks, there is an aluminum version of the called 75L, it is a 2 stage. Notice the wider bottom tube. I found this version to have the least amount of flex when raised to eye level. I found more flex in the Carbon fiber and alum 3 stage pods, kind of odd since they are both more expensive than the 75L alum version. One draw back is that the 75L does not go as low as the others but I have found I would rather use a steady bag on the ground when I want low effect shots. The recent addition of a mid level spreader has made the Sachtler DV6 sytem one of the best in its class in my opinion. The nice thing is that if you rent a larger camera you can still use this tripod since it can handle up to 20 lbs. I have used it with betacams and Sony full size DV cams with good results. You could get away with using a XDHDcam with this system and save a little rental hassle by already having the support. Keep in mind it is not ideal for these larger cameras but it work for rentals and it does not harm the head but you have to keep the ball very tight.

Reply
 

Hi Mark:

I have been using the Sachtler DV-6SB with the Miller Solo DV carbon fibre legs and it is a dream setup with the HVX-200. I would think would also be likewise with your Z1.

I have tried out just about everything on the market and while there are lots of good ones out there, I always come back to Sachtler, they just feel "right" to me, probably since I used a Video 18 with my Betacam for 6 years. The Miller heads are not quite the same to me. I like the Vintens but I always figure if I can afford Vinten, I can also afford a Sachtler and I like the Sachtler just a bit better although if someone bought me one, I would love it.

Good luck,

Dan

What do you use for FX1
 

im finally getting a real camera thats HD and i cant actually wait and wanted to know what other people use? what tripod and what head? thanks in advance. im still reading through the forums and getting a good idea of what it what but all the help i can get would be appreciated :-)