Any experience with the Miller Arrow 25 for the EX3 ?

[Derek Hall]

I have trialled the Arrow 25 with Solo 1505 legs using a fully laden EX1 (camera, 1kg WA adapter, matte box, mic) and found it a very nice combination and smooth at long focal lengths. If I get the EX3, this is the support system I’ll use. The Arrow 25 was very smooth and allowed precise control at the long end of the lens. Currently I have the DS20 and although it’s a good head it doesn’t always hold for telephoto work.

[David Issko]

I ordered a Solo DV + DS20 for my EX3 & 17x Fujinon lens.

[Derek Hall]

I’d be interested to hear the the Solo/DS20 works with the EX3 and a 17x Fujinon. My instinct is that it would be too light, especially when the camera is fully loaded. Or you might have younger, stronger, steadier hands than me…

[David Issko]

Oh yes Derek, I am younger & stronger & steadier than you, provided you are 49 1/2 years or older and not more of a gym junkie than me!!!!!!!

Seriously and back on track, the DS20 is a 20lbs/9kgs capacity head for obtaining unaided camera balance. The camera without lens is 4lb 2oz or 1.87kgs & lens with hood is 3.4lbs or 1.53kgs.

Add the weight of the BP-U60 of 15oz or 350g.

This totals 3.75kgs or 8.25lbs. Add a little more for the tripod base plate, SXS cards, ECM-673 mic & Rycote Softie. Maybe half weight/capacity ratio. To me that seems to be a nice ratio, which allows for other bits & pieces to be added without too much compromise. Exciting items such as Convergent design’s lightweight super duper nanoFlash, a Vocas MB350 Mattebox, filters, rails, radio mic receiver & even DVTEC’s DVMultiRigProHD shoulder rig & V-Lock battery!!!! Hey, let’s even add a nice little on camera light for added Wowness!!! Cover all of this up with a (see through) rain cover & presto, you have a…..Ummmm, well you have some nice stuff anyway!!!

Sure, all this may tip the scales just a little but I have seen a XDCAM 330 on a DS20 operate in a reasonable manner many times.

I think it should be OK, even in the basic configuration. I have a CF SoloDV/DS10 for my HVR-V1P camera and it is so easy & quick to setup the tripod & get the camera on quickly.

By the way, the list above is a list of items I will have within the next few months. I’m very excited!!!!
Don’t know what to do with it but I’m still excited.

Best wishes
David Issko

[Derek Hall]

Hi David, all points noted and I don’t disagree with any of your summary. For a while I was using the Sony Z1 on a DS10 with Miller 3-stage alloy tripod – it was a pretty good match.

My present DS20 on the Miller Solo 1501 2-stage also works well, there’s no question that the head has plenty of capacity to handle the camera. I particularly like the light weight of this systems which makes it very easy for an OPC to shift set-ups even leaving the camera on the tripod. Yes, it’s a quick, easy set-up and the Solo legs get better the more you use them. For example I’ve found them much easier to set up than traditional legs and spreader for use in a vehicle and have been able to shoot on the Solo legs looking forward through the windscreen, through a sunroof, and out the tailgate of an SUV, all very successfully.

My only point of difference is that over the years I’ve always found I can more easily manage precise moves at long focal lengths when the tripod and head are up-sized and slightly exceed the standard technical match. (Like I say, might just be my arms aren’t steady enough.) Of course it’s a personal preference, not a technical necessity, but I like the feel and assurance of a sturdy support system.

For now, thinking ahead to the EX3/interchangeable lenses, my choice would be the 3-stage CF Solo 1505 with the Arrow 25. This is about twice the price of the DS20/Solo 1501, and nearly 1.85kg heavier but still comfortable portable in the field.
I should add there are other features that appeal to me, like the illuminated level and versatility of the 100mm bowl. (There’s a 75mm downconverter for the 100mm bowl).
But I like the look of your list and I’d be excited too.
Cheers