Gear Talk > Other
Sachtler tripod help/nudge please.
Derek of Venango:
Hello team. I ask for your help in choosing between Door #1 and Door #2. The good news is that behind both doors are Sachtler leggy pups.
Bjorn R. has me convinced on Sachtler legs, but which exact one is the question. I'm patiently waiting on a sale from B&H and want to be prepared to pull the trigger when they do.
My application will be still photography utilizing Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball and Wimberley II gimbel heads. Current bodies include Nikon D750 & D200. The longest lenses I have are Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR 1 and 200-500 f/5.6 VR. I also have access to the Tamron 150-600 G2. I don't see myself buying 10K exotic glass at this point, but I've learned to never say never. :o I feel sure my Gitzo GT2530 is far to light duty for the long glass.
I believe I have it narrowed down to the following two Sachtler models: DA100L and DA100 ENG 2D. I am ok with aluminium vs carbon for $$$ reason but know it won't conform to the highest level of point #6 below! I am a bit more drawn to the DA-100L due to single stage legs. However I am open to real world seasoned suggestions.
My questions center around performance and ergonomics: 1. Any inherent advantage in how the legs join at the base plate. 2. The widths of the crutches at both ends- do they matter between the two? 3. The tube diameters are the same correct? 4. The feel, adjustment ease and purchase between lever lock and rotary clamp? 5. Versatility- how close to the ground when legs are fully splayed? And lastly, the big one, 6. Torsional stiffness and vibration dampening?
Also, what will I need to fit the heads to the 100 mm bowl?
Thank you much and I hope I didn't abuse my first post.
Derek
BillO:
I too followed Bjorn's advice, but settled for the DA75L (older) version so cannot answer all your questions, but some. As an aside, I find the the slightly smaller 75 series perfectly adequate for my Nikkor 200-500.
On the single stage vs 2 stage extensions -- it depends on your intended use. Mine is the single stage and the collapsed length is a more than a bit of a pain to carry hiking through the woods and fields for my type of nature/landscape photography. Conversely, in my opinion it is more solid as more joints almost always lead to more flexibility.
As far as damping, the carbon fiber version will have more damping but it is not clear to me if it would be substantial. I really don't believe that there is much difference in torsional rigidity as that is dictated more by geometry than material (at equivalent strength levels).
My version has the rotary clamping mechanism which I find far superior to lever locks on other tripod brands, but cannot compare with Sachtler's levers. They are quick to deploy and adjust for uneven ground and hold well without too much torque.
I suspect that the DA75 has the same joinery at the base as the DA100 which I find quite adequate, allowing the legs to splay out nearly horizontal so that I can get down to about 12 inches off the ground (including ball head).
To save a little bit on mounting my ball head I bought a Manfrotto bowl adapter that provides a stable base for that ball head. The equivalent for your interest would be:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553991-REG/Manfrotto_500BALL_500BALL_100mm_Ball_Leveler.html
ps. welcome
Bruno Schroder:
Same for me, following Bjorn's advice and using mostly the DA75L up to 400mm(80-400 and 400/5.6 AIS). I also have the eng 100 carbon but I'm using it mostly in low light with a 500mm AI-P or when I need the Wimberley.
The 75 is the single stage version, a bit long for hicking but still possible on the side of the backpack. I'm using a 75mm Manfrotto bowl adapter and the Acratech Ultimate ball head.
I'm quite satisfied with this setup for macro and wildlife.
Birna Rørslett:
The 100mm bowl Sachtlers are frankly overkill for the intended relatively light lenses. A two- or three-stage 75mm model would suffice. I have, and use, a range of 75 and 100mm bowl models. The 100mm models in carbon fibre are nice to bring with you in a car, but I wouldn't want to carry them far in the field mainly due to their bulk (weight is no problem as they are featherweights as far as tripods go).
Personally my most used Sacthler is a cut-down 75mm DA75; shortened so it will fit inside a standard suitcase for air travel.
Derek of Venango:
Thank you Bill, Bruno and Birna for excellent feedback. And Birna, interesting that you used a word that I am more easily given to- overkill! I do expect to use the tripod mostly from my pack mule (Volvo xc70) with occasional jaunts of up to a half mile in open country, especially for elk here in Central PA.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version