Best FSB-6 package for EX3

[Ron Pestes]

I have your second option and would highly recomend it. You only have one clamp per leg so it is very fast to set up. The head is great as well. BUY IT!

Apple Certified Master Pro FCS 2
Sony EX-3
MacBook Pro

[Will Salley]

I know this will be an unpopular response – but, in my opinion, carbon fiber is way overrated and Sachtler is way overpriced. I had several (DV10,DV20) where I used to work and they are nice heads, but the larger Manfrotto heads are just as smooth and durable. I don’t think the lower-end Sachtler heads are as well-built as the Manfrotto 519, which is cheaper.

If you plan on adding any extras to your EX-3 rig, you might want to consider a higher capacity head. If you add a DOF adaptor or a teleprompter or rail system & mattebox, etc, the weight gets up well above 15 lbs. Mine weighs in at 18lbs (EX-3, RedRock carbon fiber rail system & mattbox, Letus Elite and SWIT 92 battery). The FSB-6 can’t handle that.

Here’s my suggestion:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/348777-REG/Manfrotto_519MVBKIT_3182_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

One man’s opinion.

Mac Pro 2×2.8 Quadcore – 10.6.2 – QT 7.6.3 – 22 GB RAM – nvidia8800GT – SATA internal & external storage – Blackmagic Multibridge Pro – Open GL 1.5.10 – Wacom Intous2 tablet – AJA io
SONY XDCAM EX3 – Letus Elite

[Rafael Amador]

Hi Will,
I completely agree with you. I have the Manfroto head and is very good and takes more payload..
However if Cade intends to go light, I think that the FSB-6 would be great.
I want to buy a FSB-6 (with some Miller legs) jut to get rid of one pound.
Rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Cade Muhlig]

Yes definitely trying to go light. I’ll check out those miller legs.

[Rafael Amador]

Hi Cade,
Unless you need to work in a very difficult terrain, stick with the Sachtler legs.
The Miller legs may be not as stable as the Satchler (up to some feedbacks) but lets you set the tripod in places and positions that you can not get with the others.
Best,
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Cade Muhlig]

is there any reason why i should not go with the fsb-8? as seen here https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/610342-REG/Sachtler_0772_0772_FSB_8_Tripod_System.html#specifications

most video i do is out of a suitcase in other countries. but it only adds like .7 pounds, and costs only $120 more. would this be the better choice?

[Don Greening]

Something that was pointed out to me not that long ago is that carbon fibre legs are indeed lighter and stronger than aluminum but if you bend a leg, well, it doesn’t bend but shatters instead and can’t be repaired. Aluminum, on the other hand: if you bend a leg you can bend it back.

Something to consider if you’re far away from a broadcast repair facility.

– Don

[Rafael Amador]

As Will points, if you are not putting too many things on top of your camera, the FB-6 should be OK.
I intend to put the Century Wide adapter (800grs) and the NANO (1Lb). I think will be OK.
When I want the Fallow Focus, Monitor, etc on top, I will use the Manfrotto.
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Cade Muhlig]

agreed, carbon fiber can shatter, but how much force would it actually take to shatter one? have you ever heard of one breaking?
I mean amputees get carbon fiber legs to run marathons on.

[John Sharaf]

Yes, they are prone breaking and cracking. It’s happened to me, but so will aluminum which bends and just about every other material used in tripod legs, I’ve yet to see titanium legs but that surely will come.

JS