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Sachtler Knockoff Tripods

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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
It seems people around here like to cheap out on tripods. If so, why not try your luck at a Sachtler knockoff? I'm actually curious to see how these are.

http://www.secced.com/default.aspx

http://www.tripodmarket.com/secced-sc-dv4-75ah-reach-2-atlas-2-tripod-fluid-head.html
Jun 8 2011 8:24PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
I think part of the problem is that it's not so much that people like to cheap out on tripods, it's that they don't realize how big and important of an investment a tripod should be. i know i didn't for a long time.


i would also be curious to know if these work well
Jun 8 2011 8:27PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
landis is probably one of the biggest proponents of buying really nice, quality tripods.

he's just saying if you want a cheap one, maybe try one of these knockoffs.
Jun 8 2011 8:32PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
I completely agree. A quality tripod is the most overlooked piece of equipment. People who don't see any reason to invest in a nice set of sticks generally get put-off by tripods because the cheap ones are...garbage, to say the least. I miss seeing videos with good tripod shots.

If you ask me, the tripod should easily be the most expensive piece of equipment in your rig.

There are still people who have never used a nice one and therefore don't realize what they're missing. And I realize these same people will zealously argue that a tripod simply cannot be worth $1k+. The reason why I posted this link is because I'm genuinely curious to see how these stack up to Manfrotto heads. Borrowed design from Sachtler, metal parts, maybe they're at least slightly better?
Jun 8 2011 8:34PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
unfortunately, i fall into this category. i'm still using my manfrotto tripod from pre-realizing how important a tripod is.

my next tripod will be much better.
Jun 8 2011 8:37PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Something like this would be quite similar to the Sachtler FSB4 I guess (the payload anyway). I've never used a really nice tripod before so I wouldn't be able to draw a good comparison, but they're about the same price.
http://www.tripodmarket.com/secced-reach-2-atlas-2-professional-video-tripod-kit.html
575€ or 840$ is about the same...
Jun 8 2011 9:21PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
But for ~$700 you might as well get the Sachtler at that point.

I was mostly talking about the $300 FSB4 knockoff, the DV4:
http://www.tripodmarket.com/secced-sc-dv4-75ah-reach-2-atlas-2-tripod-fluid-head.html

I'm curious to see how well that would perform on surveying legs. Who knows, maybe its a good alternative to the plastic Manfrotto stuff.
Jun 8 2011 9:30PM
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Jakx~
Posts: 653 - Karma: 503

New to filming for the most part. And I read the comments. I fall under the category of not knowing the reason for an expensive tripod. I realize you want a smooth tilt and pan, and also quality parts, but what else is there. I ask this in complete humility and if anyone's willing to give me a help it'd be very appreciated!

Jun 8 2011 10:18PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Partly, yes. A $500 tripod will last you about 5 years if you're careful with it. A $1k+ tripod will last you decades.

But the main reason is that they simply perform better. Photography heads don't require much; they need to be durable and hold a stationary position. Video heads require much more complex engineering. With quality ones, you can use long focal lengths without shake, and unlike cheaper tripods, you can do diagonal movements smoothly.
Jun 8 2011 10:53PM
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Jakx~
Posts: 653 - Karma: 503
Ahh I see that makes aot of sense! thanks man
Jun 8 2011 11:50PM
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[~_~]
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I easily spent the price of a Sachtler just replacing my Manfrotto 501 setup...over the course of only 4 years (high school).

I wish someone had smacked me upside the head sooner.

Jun 8 2011 11:52PM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
This tripod debate frustrates me sometimes. For someone like Will or Landis, sure a thousand dollar tripod makes sense. You guys are shooting in a professional sense. But for the VAST majority of ns, who are shooting edits for the fun of it, and probably will only really be doing it for a few years, i see no reason to go out and spend that much. sure there are more durable options. that doesnt always make them the smartest decision.
Jun 9 2011 1:53PM
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S.C
Posts: 3068 - Karma: 2,281
This. My whole fil
Jun 9 2011 1:58PM
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S.C
Posts: 3068 - Karma: 2,281
Ming setup costs $1000
Jun 9 2011 1:59PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
For those shooting casually, you're right. But my recommendations are geared towards those who passionately wish to pursue filmmaking and plan on doing it for many years. In the latter case, my argument only makes sense.
Jun 9 2011 2:00PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
definitely will check those out! But one question, aren't you really against 75mm "half bowl" heads? or are those just the manfrotto 75mm.
Jun 9 2011 2:44PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
i agree. that's why most of the time, i recommend manfrotto tripods. but there are still times when i see kids who are looking to get serious about filming buying cheap tripods, not realizing how important they are.
Jun 9 2011 2:47PM
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[~_~]
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I just find it humorous when I see people with big expensive DSLR rigs (matte boxes, rails, FF, shoulder mount, cage, battery box, LCD, etc.) all being supported by a cheap tripod.

And Jaime, the 75mm half bowl on the 504 head has worked fine in my (non-skiing) experience. It's those cheap faux-halfballs on the 755 legs that are a nightmare in terms of durability.
Jun 10 2011 5:58PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
bumping this, I think I'm going to pick one of these up, I'll let you guys know how they are. Just sold my 501 setup
Jun 27 2011 7:06PM
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B.Snow
Posts: 1859 - Karma: 92
Quick question since you're on the subject of tripods... How sensitive do you guys set your pan/tilt settings? Is it just personal preference or is it better to have your settings set tighter/ looser?
Jun 27 2011 10:01PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Longer focal lengths - tighter
Shorter focal lengths - looser

Generally speaking, you want it to be as tight as possible while still being able to make the desired movements. Having it loose mostly eliminates the point of a tripod head.
Jun 28 2011 12:04AM
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wintersway
Posts: 5115 - Karma: 128
$20 targus tripod has done me well...

haha no.




but if youre just setting the tripod up and filming yourself in the backyard, it will work fine. only thing i would say it could work for.
Jun 28 2011 1:37AM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
Update: Mine just arrived, quality is really solid and it feels pretty damn nice. I think I might have gotten a tad weak of a head for my HVX, but it is rigged up with my mattebox/mic/full kit, so i think it will work for my bare bones HVX.
Jul 8 2011 8:41PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
so its worth it is what you are saying? Like is it as good as other heads in this price range you have used?
Jul 8 2011 8:46PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
oh definitely worth it over those shitty cheesycam tripods or manfrotto. You do have to buy separate mid leg spreaders and feet for the legs though and i forgot to do that... -__-
Jul 8 2011 8:52PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Just curious, what is your "control" when you say the Secced tripods are quality? Are you comparing it to fluid heads (Sachtler, Cartoni, Vinten, Miller, etc.) or friction heads (Manfrotto)?

In my (limited) experience, the Sachtlers are the best you can buy in the price range/payload. They have the same build quality as $10,000+ tripods minus the payload. For this reason, I would be extremely surprised if the Secced heads actually matched up to the Sachtlers. However, it would not at all surprise me if they surpassed Manfrottos.


Fun fact: Manfrotto, Sachtler, and Vinten are all owned by Vitec Group. It used to be just Sachtler and Vinten selling high-end tripods, but Vitec purchased Bogen/Manfrotto in order to fill the budget-niche.
Jul 8 2011 9:10PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
interesting fact!
Jul 8 2011 10:02PM
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