David Duffin
Member
I live close to the Rockies and do a fair amount of shooting in mountain valleys and ridges -- wonderful wind tunnels. Being an old non-athletic gearaholic and never travelling far from my truck, I have the flexibility of several tripod choices at hand including Gitzo 5, Gitzo 3, RRS 2-series, and a Sachtler FSB-4 video tripod (originally purchased for use with a RED Scarlet). Most shots are done with S2 or SWA and sometimes with HB 300mm on the S2 in the wind. Usually I use the RRS legs with a cube -- they're quickest to extend and place and have a good stability-to-weight ratio.
But not surprisingly the Sachtler legs (designed for video panning) have much more torsional stability than any of the others. Dual-beam construction and centre spreader discourage twist. This is important if it's windy -- I now choose to use the Sachtler with the SWA or the S2/300mm combo in the wind. Dan's Alpa Max could also benefit...
The Sachtler head has proven handy to frame a composition with its fast rotation and tilt. Leaning the head from side to side is a bit fussier, requiring a tilt of the bowl by loosening a lower handle while keeping a close eye on the spirit level. Overall though no less handy than a ballhead or cube. An added benefit is the pad on the bottom of each leg folds up to reveal a spike.
Like the Gitzo 5, the Sachtler may be something to consider having in your arsenal if you aren't hiking too far. And if you ever take up video you'll be all set:
Sachtler 0375 FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System 0375 B&H Photo
David
But not surprisingly the Sachtler legs (designed for video panning) have much more torsional stability than any of the others. Dual-beam construction and centre spreader discourage twist. This is important if it's windy -- I now choose to use the Sachtler with the SWA or the S2/300mm combo in the wind. Dan's Alpa Max could also benefit...
The Sachtler head has proven handy to frame a composition with its fast rotation and tilt. Leaning the head from side to side is a bit fussier, requiring a tilt of the bowl by loosening a lower handle while keeping a close eye on the spirit level. Overall though no less handy than a ballhead or cube. An added benefit is the pad on the bottom of each leg folds up to reveal a spike.
Like the Gitzo 5, the Sachtler may be something to consider having in your arsenal if you aren't hiking too far. And if you ever take up video you'll be all set:
Sachtler 0375 FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System 0375 B&H Photo
David