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Miller CX8 Fluid Head

BH #MI1093 • MFR #1093
10 reviews
Miller CX8 Fluid Head
Key Features
  • Supports 0 to 26.4 lb
  • 75mm Ball Base
  • 16-Step Counterbalance (15+0)
  • 5-Step Pan/Tilt Drag + Zero
The Miller CX8 Fluid Head is designed to accommodate a wide payload range with 16 steps of counterbalance. Pan, tilt, and counterbalance can all be set to zero, enabling even the lightest of cameras to be supported. Maxed out, this head is rated to support camera setups up to 26.4 pounds, adequate for small cinema cameras with rigs or medium sized ENG camcorders. Securing your camera or rig is easy. The sideload plate design enables you to simply drop in your camera without the alignment issues posed by rear-loading variations. The plate offers 2.4" of sliding range to balance your rig.
Special Order
Expected availability: 7-14 business days
$2,001.51
$167/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
or Save Instantly with the credit card.‡ 

Important Notice

  • This item is noncancelable and nonreturnable.
Load Capacity
0 to 17.6 Pounds
0 to 26.4 Pounds
0 to 30.9 Pounds
Head Fitting
100mm Ball Base
75mm Ball Base
Pan Tilt Drag
3-Steps Plus 0
5-Steps Plus 0
Ask Our Experts
800.606.6969

Miller CX Series Video Head Overview

The Miller CX8 Fluid Head is designed to accommodate a wide payload range with 16 steps of counterbalance. Pan, tilt, and counterbalance can all be set to zero, enabling even the lightest of cameras to be supported. Maxed out, this head is rated to support camera setups up to 26.4 pounds, adequate for small cinema cameras with rigs or medium sized ENG camcorders. Securing your camera or rig is easy. The sideload plate design enables you to simply drop in your camera without the alignment issues posed by rear-loading variations. The plate offers 2.4" of sliding range to balance your rig.

To survive fast-paced shooting environments, the CX8 is die-cast from a lightweight, yet durable metal alloy with composite polymers and precision ball-bearings for smooth mechanical operation. Even in harsh conditions, the CX8 will perform reliably. The base of the CX8 is a 75mm ball for mounting to compatible tripods and grip equipment. An illuminated bubble level makes it easy to level the CX8 in dark environments. A fixed length pan handle is included, and a second rosette is available for attaching an optional second pan handle.

Miller CX Series Video Head Specs

Camera Plate
Camera Plate FeaturesSliding Balance Plate
Balance Plate Sliding Range2.4" / 6 cm
Head
Base Mount75 mm Half Ball
Counter BalanceIncremental 15-Step Plus 0
Pan & Tilt
Drag ControlPan: 5-Step Plus 0
Tilt: 5-Step Plus 0
Vertical Tilt+90° to -75°
General
Load Capacity0 to 26.4 lb / 0 to 12 kg
Weight5.1 lb / 2.3 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight8 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)18.1 x 12.6 x 12.3"

Miller CX Series Video Head Reviews

Major Upgrade from Manfrotto

By Brian
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-16

Been using Manfrotto heads for far too long. I have always known that I needed to upgrade from my reliance on Manfrotto. I am glad did! This head from Miller is a night and day difference for me. So much better in every way. Lighted bubble head, counter balance, and extremely smooth drag and pan. It's so good!

There is no perfect fluid head, but the CX10 is close

By Eric
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-10

As my cameras got bigger, I had to upgrade my fluid head from really old Manfrotto. I first tried the Miller Air fluid head, but found it did not have the range or resolution for counterbalance adjustment I was looking for. The CX10 is substantially more expensive, but the 16-steps of counterbalance and 5 steps of drag adjustment are just perfect for me. The counterbalance setup is simple: set drag to zero, slide the camera-plate forward/backward to locate the center of mass, then increase the counterbalance to get the best balance over the range planned for the shot. Finally bring-up the drag to get the feel you want. Some reviews of the CX series complain they can not get perfect balance, and experience kick-back and drift at the tails of tilts or pans (especially when using long lenses where the effect is amplified). But I have found that a combination of proper balance setting, higher drag, and user technique can give me perfect starts and stops with zero kick-back. One of the keys is to use a high drag setting and a firm had to initiate the tilt/pan. Then ease-up to the stopping point, and just hold briefly for a second before releasing the handle. This works perfectly for me every time. And by the way, poor tripod torsional stiffness can make even a perfect fluid head appear to have pan-axis kickback, but in reality it is the tripod legs kicking-back, not the head (mount this on the 26 pound Kessler K-pod tripod, and you will see how perfectly it works with an infinitely-stiff tripod). For typical shooting situations, I mount this on a Manfrotto 536 and it is a great combination. This head is tremendously sturdy and solid - really well-made with silky-smooth bearings and absolutely zero play in any axis. I also love the size, grip and feel of the pan bar (handle) - it is big and beefy, feels great in the hand. Now that I have it, I wish I had bought a nice fluid head years ago! Miller has done a great job on this one!

Best tripod head I have owned in 20 years

By Andy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-02-17

Buttery smooth pan and tilt and the ability to precisely dial in the counterbalance makes this a unique and excellent head. I have had mine for about 2 years and love it.

Great Fluid Head

By Bo
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-12-18

I ordered this head to use on my Gitzo series 5 tripod along with the gitzo 100mm half bowl. Quality is fantastic, motion is smooth and fluid and is extremely durable. Only issue, the stud that mounts to the ball clamp is too short and needed to be longer to use on the Gitzo tripod. Called Miller US and had them send me a longer one, without issue.

Excellent Control for Long Lens. in Rig

By Edward
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-10-24

I purchased the Miller CX10 Fluid Head specifically for use with a Sony A7iii and Sony 200-600 G zoom lens in a rig weighing about 13 pounds. I use this setup as a moving camera for closeups in concerts. It's important to have smooth action with (near) perfect balance. The CX10 meets all of my need and expectations. It is also compact, rugged, and very easy to adjust. It is a true fluid head, so adjusting the drag is easy, since you aren't working against spring tension found in friction heads. The counterbalance is also easy to adjust, without undue resistance. I can point it to any position and let go of the handle without sag and very little springback. Hold for just a second or two, and the springback disappears.

Worth Every Penny

By Craig
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-09-22

This replaced a well know brand fluid head and the difference was night and day. The counter balance is smooth, super easy to use, and convenient top plate loading. I have no disappointment and am considering the accessory plate.

Incredibly smooth and solid

By Brian
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-28

This head is fantastic! It is replacing a 25 year old Vinten Vision 5. While I have loved the Vinten, the infinite adjustable friction has worn out. I love the gears in this one and the 16 step counter balance. Also the Vinten heads only have a range for which they can be counter balanced, like 7 pounds to 14 pounds. This guy can go all the way from zero to 26.4 pounds. That means I can use a heavy camera or a DSLR and still balance the weight. Excellent design!

Very pleased

By Dipanka
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-08

Buttery smooth pans and tilts. Easy to counter balance. Easy to mount and unmount your camera.

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Is that a flat base mounting option for sliders?

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Does the head come with a Pan Handle stick?

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Asked by: Raul O
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I will be upgrading from a Benro H8. I know this ...

I will be upgrading from a Benro H8. I know this head is WAY better. My main complaint with the Benro is, the maximum drag is really weak. I want heavy drag that you really have to push on so slow movements are highly controlled. Is the heaviest drag on this head really stiff?
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