Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System

Comments about Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System:

I'm writing this as a followup to my earlier 5-star review. Over the past year, I have used this tripod almost exclusively, shooting narrative film, documentaries, and live sporting events. I don't like it as much as I originally did. I still love the light weight of the tripod, and the head is definitely smooth.

But the thing I've grown to dislike is that there is too much tilt and pan drag even when the drag settings are turned all the way off. I sent the head in for service, and the technician told me that it definitely had a flaw in the pan drag, but that the tilt worked "as designed." Since getting it back from service, I'm now 100% sure that the system is working as intended. But it's still takes too much effort for my tastes. This is especially a problem when using a lightweight camera (mine is just 5.5 pounds without accessories) to shoot fast moving sports (like roller derby).

So, my plan now is to sell the head used and buy one from a different manufacturer, possibly used.

Comments about Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System:

The DS-10 fluid head is smooth and solid. I just love using it. And the Miller tripod legs are lightweight and easy to carry. The combination makes this system perfect for a videographer with a lightweight camera who travels a lot. I'm so glad I bought it.

Comments about Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System:

I bought this a few years back to use with my Panasonic HVX200a. Works like a dream. I do a lot of short form documentary production, and this Miller is perfect. The carbon fiber construction indeed makes the unit very light. I carried it while backpacking around Western Europe for a month, and it was fantastic. Very quick to setup and breakdown.

I also like how low to the ground I can get with the concentric leg angle locks. The bag is very high quality as well. All around it is a very rugid product, which is perfect for my documentary productions. Those Australians can sure make a tripod.

At this price point, this Miller is your best choice.

Comments about Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System:

I bought this to support my Sony Z1 HDV camera. Prior to this, I failed to buy tripod/head combos that would fully and correctly support the cameras involved. But in the HD world, quality of camera movement and support is much more critical. I considered a number of other options from Sachtler, Vinten, and Bogen but settled on this one because it offered the performance I needed in the lightest possible package at just over 8 pounds by itself. (A tripod is usesless when left home!)

In the past when I used heavier aluminum tripod combos, just the logistics of carrying them to and from location often led me to leave the tripod home but this one is a please. Set up is fast. With legs fully extended, I get a nice working height enough to get over the heads of a seated audience.

It supports the camera well and provides smooth moves. Intially I thought its quick-release plate system was too big to leave on the bottom of the camera was was preparing to adapt an intermediate quick release base and plate, but over time I found that its quick release plate has a low profile and does not impact handholding or storage of the camera in my Portabrace bag.

The legs initially give the impression of being made of cardboard or plastic tubes because of their lightness, but they are rigid and sturdy. There are some nicely engineered features like the precise leveling indicator, available retractable spikes if you need them, integrated leg-retaining strap, shoulder strap that works with case or tripod alone, and padded top sections of the legs. The latter is great when carrying the system without the case. The QR plate allows rapid for and aft adjustment of the camera on the plate.

A really cool feature of the leg system is the ability to assume three different angles (beside folded). This almost makes the system like a hi-hat (small low legs).

My main gripe has to do with the design of the DS10 head and its siblings. There are two counterbalance settings, 5 and 10 pounds. If the camera is close to one or the other you're fine. If your system falls around 7.5 lb or much below 5 lb., you're way off fixed settings and have to add ballast or increase the drag. It is possible to compensate somewhat by adjust the fore & aft position around the angles you plan.

I also miss that adjustable center column I had with older Bogen models. With this one, I extend the lower leg portions first, and if I need a little more height, then I adjust the middle portions. Wihtout an adjustable center column, it is necessary to re-level when changing height.

I'm glad to see the offer a monopod system with an available QR head, so I will be able to snap the cam off tripod and onto monopod for faster response at weddings and other documentary events.

I am very happy with the quality, and the company has been responsive to my questions.

Comments about Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System:

I bought this tripod because of the legs. They are light and fast. Setup is a breeze on any type of uneven terrain. It has great stability without spreader bars (which I dislike)

There are two caveats however, The small screws that secure the pan lock and the pan handle work loose over time and have to be screwed in tight periodically. If they fall out, you're out of luck. I keep the screwdriver in the bag and check everything before any major shoot.

My second concern is the legs. They operate so freely that if you unscrew the lock, the leg will just fall open to its maximum extension. At first I though this was great, but occasionally the leg will jam in the extended position. If you try to pull it out farther to loosen the jam, it will come out completely.

I've had the legs reassembled by the factory once and I've been very gentle with the tripod ever since. The second time a leg jammed, I took it out and figured out how to reassemble it myself. You can do this with a little careful observation. There are two thin nylon stops that can become dislodged inside the leg.

In my opinion, this is not the robust construction I would expect of professional gear. I'm willing to put up with the shortcomings because this tripod is such a joy to use.

I am a professional videographer using it with a a Panasonic P2 camera.

Comments about Miller SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System:

Great for a solo operator. Speedy to set up, although I would love the same with snap lock legs.
This is the third one I've owned. The first got stolen, the second was destroyed by baggage handlers. It would be great if a sturdy case was made for it.