Fluid Tripod Heads

[achall2]

I am looking fora advice on a fluid tripod head. The majority of the work I do is with DSLR's and shooting video. I have used a Manfrotto for the past four years and I'm tired of it. It's too jerky for me and I want something extremely smooth. I would not mind another Manfrotto, just something much more fluid. I'm willing to spend the money. Budget? Well, not sure. Just tell where to start without a budgetary figure in mind.

[rpcrowe]

What weight equipment will you be using?

When I was a working cinematographer, the heads of choice were either Miller or O'Connor models. However, these heads were very heavy and very expensive.

There might be some new models out there, Technology must have improved since I stopped shooting movies...

[Andrew1]

Here are three manufacturers I've been looking at. Pick your features, pick your price. Keep in mind you'll need to change all of your plates if you move from your Manfrotto setup.

http://acratech.net/product.php?prod...6&cat=1&page=1

http://www.kirkphoto.com/Ball-Heads.html

http://www.markinsamerica.com/MA5/category.php?req=1

Happy hunting.

[Manfred M]

I am looking fora advice on a fluid tripod head. The majority of the work I do is with DSLR's and shooting video. I have used a Manfrotto for the past four years and I'm tired of it. It's too jerky for me and I want something extremely smooth. I would not mind another Manfrotto, just something much more fluid. I'm willing to spend the money. Budget? Well, not sure. Just tell where to start without a budgetary figure in mind.

The Sachtlers are considered the "gold standard" for video work. Libecs, which are a lot less expensive (which is what I have and have dragged all over the world) have been getting some very good reviews.

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=228

The Libec website is: http://www.libec-global.com/