Vinten Tripod System

I would like to pass along some information on my tripod systems of choice for my 2/3” XDCAM PMW-350 camera.

First off I need a tripod that is very stiff and as light as possible.  There are times when I have to walk miles with my gear to get the shot.  So lightweight is very important.  And of course stiffness and stability is also very important so yes I want everything.  Well I came close.

The PMW-350 is a light camera with stock lens and battery it weights 14.8lbs.  Loaded with my studio gear comes it comes in at a light 20 lbs.  But in the field with a long Canon HJ or Fujinon HA lens the weight goes up to 24-29 lbs depending on the lens.

The first person I call when looking for gear is Charles at Abel Cine Tech to get his opinion and discuss the options.  Then I do my research on line and with help from the knowledge people on DVinfo.net.

When I purchased my Red One camera last winter I chose the Miller 55 with Solo carbon sticks.  This was a nice tripod but it always bothered me that its pan and tilt fine tune is such a coarse adjustment and it has balance issues.  So I sold the system along with the Red One but that is a different story.

Charles from Abel suggested I look into Vinten and Sachtler product line.  When at Abel in December I was very impressed with the Sachtler Video 20 system, smooth movements, and a durable industry standard for years.  So I went home thinking this was the tripod for me.

Then I started to research.  You know how we research our gear, spending too much of our billable time on the web instead of editing station or out shooting.  But luckily I did my research and found the right system for me.  Not that the Video 20 would have been a bad move it is a great tripod head.

So after some great advice from Chris Soucy on DVinfo (See Chris review LINK that got me going) I chose the Vinten Vision 100 head, Vinten Fiber Tech sticks, and Vinten mid-level spreaders.  The head is rated at 42 lbs and the sticks are rated at 99 lbs.

From my experience you should always buy a tripod head that is twice what your maximum weight for your camera setup.  When I say maximum this is with all gear, matt box, rails, monitors, wireless, recorders, lights, and any other gear needed for your type of shooting.  This is a minimum to have silky smooth pans, tilts and the ability to use your long focal lengths.  Well I did not quite get there but from my first few months of use I came close enough.

Pros:

1.   Stiff legs.  With the carbon I-Beam design and excellent craftsmanship this is the stiffest sticks I have found for the weight.

2.   The Vinten Vision 100 head balance system is excellent with repeatable setting for different camera setups I am hooked on the balance.  And smoooooth pans and tilts even at 500mm.

3.   Mid level spreader is a light easy to use system.  Quick on and off with a simple locking knob when you are set.  The system is not complete with out the mid-level spreader.

Cons:

1.   No bag came with the system.  I solved this by buying a Porta Brace TSB-38B Shellpack very nice bag.

I am convinced this system is an excellent choice for the discerning shooter who knows and appreciates the difference.  Give Charles at Abel a call and by your last tripod system.