Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

This is the best small video tripod for the money.

- it's a little lightweight - keep some sandbags around.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

For years I have owned inferior tripods that despite saying they were fluid heads, did not offer smooth pans. I finally forked over the cash for a real pro quality tripod and I am not disappointed! At a shoot of a jazz concert, I was able to pan/tilt smoothly without a hint of sticking or backlash.

The manual that comes with the tripod is very badly translated into English and it is not very comprehensive. Go to Youtube and watch some of the videos on the FSB-4 to learn how to set up the head properly.

This tripod is rather long when folded up and it is heavy, so I wouldn't want to have to carry it for long. But the tripod legs are very solid and there is no twisting when you start a pan.

So I am very happy with the tripod and am looking forward to being able to use it for a long, long time.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

Even though this is low end of Sachtler tripod system
but it's so great. light weight but solid well made
head and legs.
This is a excellent tripod for HDV camera.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I'm a professional videographer using this for DSLR shooting. This is a quality tri-pod and prefer this to the Manfrotto 504 equivalent. Solid build.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

We have been using the same Bogen tripods for 15 years. We updated to the Sachtler and WOW. The quick release legs are easy and quick. Love the fluid head and the level adjustment could be any easier to adjust. Well worth spending the extra for a great tripod.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I use the FSB4 with a dslr camera and a light setup. The head is really fluid and helps me get great shots. Legs are somewhat heavy, but it gives the whole thing a good stability. It comes in a really well made Petrol bag with extra cushion for the head. I am really glad I ponied up for it as I dont expect I'll have to upgrade anytime soon.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

Using it for photo + video purposes

Great:
+ Super smooth movement of the head
+ tripod is very stable
+ one screw adjustment on the tripod legs
+ nice quick release plate in the head

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

This is a great fluid head and one of the only ones that can properly balance a really light DSLR rig, such as a 7D+30mm prime. The balancing system has 5 levels, so you probably wont be able to get it exactly right, but with a bit of drag added, this will balance pretty much any rig from about 1-9lbs. The drag is smooth in both directions. There is a tiny bit a bounceback after letting go when panning horizontally, but I have found this to be the case on every fluid head I've tried. This head is no better or worse than any other in that department. The side release feature is very nice, I like it much better than the manfrotto style sliding quick releases. The plate that comes with this head is the same width as the Manfrotto 577 so it has good compatibility when using those adapters for rig switching. The Sachtler plate also has side markings from 0-120 that help to get precise and repeatable balancing positions for different camera/lens configurations. This head is lighter and smaller than most others in its class, which I love. It is easy to take with you, even for a quick trip or shoot, comparable in bulk/weight to a 70-200mm. The sticks that come with this head are ok, but not great. They are easy to adjust, but the spreader does not get very wide and the minimum height is not very low so in terms of stability and adjustability, there is definitely something left to be desired. Overall, a good choice for someone working with small rigs, but you might want to look into other options for legs. Most of the [$] price tag on this item is going toward the head anyway, if you look at the standalone prices of the fsb-6 and 8 heads.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I use this for both a 550D and a Sony NX5U and it is pretty good for both. It's not beefy like a more expensive model would be, but I knew this would be the case before making the purchase. The mid-level spreader is pretty stiff on the one I got which I find a little annoying, but if that's the worst thing I can say about it then that's pretty impressive! I like the adjustable tension settings a lot - much more than on Miller tripods, which I have used extensively before getting this one. One thing I really miss though is a illuminated leveling bubble - sometimes in the dark it can be impossible to see the bubble and get a good level.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

After months of researching, looking at different tripods on the market, I decided to purchase the Sachtler FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System. I've used a variety of different tripods and for the price this system performs equally or better than some of the more expensive higher priced tripods. This will be a part of my kit for the next ten to fifteen years.

Performance: Outstanding.

The fluid head in my opinion is "exceptional". Pans and tilts are effortless. The quality is superior in craftsmanship and engineering. Working mostly outdoors in rugged terrain, this system is easy to set-up and is built tough.

Once again, Sachtler lives up to their high quality standards with this tripod system.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I have had two previous Manfrotto systems - a 701HDV and 503HDV. Nice heads, but not "super Smooth" when at full zoom and when using Teleconverters.

The FSB4 is just better. It is smoother, better balanced, little or no bounce back, better controls, easier to use.

The only minor quibble are the legs. I thought they would be a little better. Still nice though.
I add a 5 lbs weight bag to the spreaders to make the legs more stable.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

haven't been out in the field (literally) with it yet, but just playing around with the head is a joy. holds my z5
and vocas mb quite firmly and counterbalances well. movement is wonderful....

the legs look flimsier than my old miller ones, but they appear to do the job - pretty similar to what i thought when changing from miller wooden ones to ally....

my main reason for the legs was the extra 4cm in height - now perfect for my eye line.....

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

This is a very well-made tripod and for the price it's absolutely stellar. I've used this tripod with my 5D rig as well as with an EX1 and HVX200 and it is a great head.

With the 5D I often hang a small weight from the spreader, which helps with stability.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I Love this product it's a very nice and well built tripod. The only fault about it is that it doesn't have a low height it's either medium or high.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I fell in love with this head straight away, the quality of my work went up in the first 5 mins of using it.
One downside, the legs are very light, so when on a long zoom and the action is set very stiff (step 3 for tilt and pan) if you re not careful the legs lift off the ground.
In saying that, I would buy it again, the head is soooooo good.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

Amazing product and well worth the money.Barry Braverman once said that good camera accessories is a must and to never scrimp on a good tripod as it will last you years so i decided to trust his wisdom![...]

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

I purchased this tripod after years of frustration with Manfrotto video heads. I have used a few of them including the new 503HDV and I was not happy with the fluidity of the movement. I could get a decent tilt but panning was a defferent story. The Sachtler is something of a defferent league. Simple to use, build like a tank and as smooth as it can be. I am finally a happy camper. I can not wait to order 2 more of this. An excellent choice without braking a Bank. Highly recommended.

Comments about Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System:

First and foremost I noticed how solid it looked, It is rock solid! very smooth tilts and pans. You might have a problem doing a quick release by sliding it full forward or sliding full backward but the trick in removing it is actually quite simple, you must remove it at an angle sideways not full forward or back. Putting it on is the same way you must put it back at an angle right side first then flush it on the head. I use my PD 170 on it and it is simple to balance. I just wish it was a little higher on the max height. But overall it is a solid Tripod. You can't go wrong with a Sachtler.