Sachtler purchase - who can guide me ?

[MFloyd]

I would like to purchase a Sachtler tripod with fluid head, Arca compatible. This has to support a Nikon mono-body with a 600mm. Tripod should be light (carbon fiber) and airplane transportable / rucksack transportable.

Who can help me in the Sachtler product catalog jungle ? 

Many thanks in advance 

[Jakov Minić]

FSB8 is what i would go for.
The fluid head quick release is with a plate which you could place on the lens foot hence no need to bother with the arca system.
Bjørn is the expert but i believe that he is without an internet connection at the moment.

[MFloyd]

Thank you Jakov 😉  My lenses are equipped with Arca plates / collars because this tripod will not be the only equipment which will have to interface (e.g. monopod etc).

[MFloyd]

Still haven’t purchased a good tripod; mean reasons: I’m using monopods for my action/sport work, and the cost involved in a good tripod. From time to time, I’m doing some astro photography on a very modest level, but what ruined most of my pictures on the latest blood moon, was my lousy tripod.

So I think I will go for the Sachtler Ace XL MS FT 75 system:





But before purchasing, please some advice, as there a lot of Sachtler specialists around. 

Question remaining, how to join the above with my RRS clamp ?

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/B2-LLR-II-Lever-release-clamp

[Birna Rørslett]

Two-section tripods are much longer than the 3-section models. Thus might not be as air travel friendly.

My usual tripod on journeys that demand air travel is the Sachtler ENG 2 CF. It is a 3-section carbon fibre model with 100 mm bowl and well capable of handling and supporting a 600 mm lens. I can squeeze it into my suitcase by removing the head. On the occasions where I had to bring the even more sturdy ENG 2 CF HD, the legs have to be split at the top bowl otherwise the unit will not fit inside the suitcase. Still no problem as these models are designed to be simple to take apart.

[MFloyd]

Thank you Birna, I will look forward for you recommendation. 😉

[MFloyd]

With the ENG 2 CF and a 100mm head, we are in a much higher price class i.e. CHF 3’600 (NOK 30’855) compared to CHF 1’500 (NOK 12’856) for the ACE 75 TF system. So I have to think it over.

[Birna Rørslett]

Being expensive has the added aspect of potential longevity. These tripods last a life time.