My New Ursa Mini Pro - Tripod Advice

[Monsonmon]

They were using a Cartoni Focus with an XF305 when I started working at my current job and I hated it. Locking levers were cheap and not smooth at all if you had to make an adjustment mid-shot. Also could never get the resistance cranked up high enough to where I would have liked it. I eventually replaced it with a Benro S8, which I've been very happy with. For my Ursa Mini, I stumbled on a deal for an older OConnor head, which works like a dream, but before that I was using the Manfrotto 509, which performance-wise worked really well, but had some glaring design issues that could be annoying at times.

[_OZ]

Which O'connor did you get Greg? Ultimate DV?

I just picked up a 515. It needs a bit of work, but I've never been able to do a diagonal slow move with such precision. I totally get why people talk about the legendary O'Connor feel.

None of the Sacthlers that I've tried in the mortal realm (sub $2k) were nearly as surgical with the smooth moving.

It's slower to achieve counterbalance because of the wheel adjustment, but once you have it, it's incredibly precise.

[Taikonaut]

I'm generalising here but my impression on using these heads are.

Sachtler are made to handle fast pans and are suitable for journalists.
O'Connor are made for gradual slow steady pans suitable for cinematographers.
High end Vinten are a bit of both and suitable for sport.

[robmneilson]

I'm generalising here but my impression on using these heads are.

Sachtler are made to handle fast pans and are suitable for journalists.
O'Connor are made for gradual slow steady pans suitable for cinematographers.
High end Vinten are a bit of both and suitable for sport.

Sachtler makes some great heads...just need the video 18 or above with a bigger camera.

[Taikonaut]

Sachtler makes some great heads...just need the video 18 or above with a bigger camera.

They make great head for video cameras just not cinema cameras otherwise we be seeing them used in lot more cinema features.

[Taikonaut]

Not that it needed servicing but I contacted Vitec in the UK about a servicing cost for the O'Connor 1030D and was told it is £1100

[PeopleCanFly]

I'm happy with the Miller Arrow 25 I've been using for years. I don't see myself needing anything more and it'll most likely serve me for life. Unfortunately I think it has been discontinued since it's no longer listed on B&H, but brand new it's out of your price range. Maybe you can find a good deal on a used one? I think I paid about your budget for mine, so maybe someone has one you can grab at that price? You might still need to get legs though, but I've never regretted the purchase at all.

Whatever you do, the last thing you want is to get a tripod and legs that can't handle a heavier camera than what you already use! Get a heavy zoom lens or a newer, heavier camera and suddenly you're looking for a new tripod again (Been there done that).

[4saken]

Wanting to try the new Manfrotto heads haha.

Benro H10 or BV10 is also something you might looking into.

I recently managed to snatch a used Benro BV8 for $450 which works like a treat with my fully rigged 4.6k and a hefty anamorphic lens setup. The fluid head is really good for that price!

[Taikonaut]

I saw a Oconnor 1030D and 30L stick in almost mint condition for sale £3200 from a dealership. CVP charges £8300. If I havent already got one I would have bought it.

[bscenefilms]

Secced is another option:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2i1PUn8YM4&t=886s