I would like to know who's using a fluid head with the big lenses (600).
I'm interested in the Sachtler FSB8

I have, and use a gimbal (tried some and all have the same problem) they suffer from the general gimbal design fault, that means, too much vibration.
Fluid heads have this benefit, could be used with very low shutter speeds and provide a much better support.
What puzzles me, is that I don't see them on wildlife so often. All video man use them, but photographers not much.

Pedro,

Fluid heads are being used. Do not think they are very popular in the USA but I know a number of photographers in Europe who are using them. I think gimbal heads are great but cant help but feeling that the fluid heads are smoother . I do not use the Sachtler head but have recently purchased the new Manfrotto 504HD Bridging technology fluid head and really like it. I have a RRS quick release adapter fixed on the head, so i can use the ARCA style release plates.

A fluid head is a bit slower to use when compared with a Gimbal head. Also they are normally heavier and not so easy to carry around.

best regards
Rene de Heer
www.naturepics.co.uk

Pedro

I have the Sachtler DV-8 mounted on a Gitzo 410 aluminum tripod which is rated to 26 pounds. The DV8 has a 100mm ball rather than the 75mm of the FSB8, which makes it slightly more stable and able to handle larger lenses etc. I used this in the past for video work, and occassionally put my canon 600mm on it.

I found that I had to pay special attention to make sure everything was tight, or I'd have vibration problems.
Many people using the gimble heads may balance the lense/camera for easy movement, then forget they need to have things kind of tight as well.

My findings on using the DV-8 took a little longer to set up because it must be leveled (it has a level right on the head), where when using the gimble head, I can level using the lens vertical adjustment ring. Unfortunately I often am off just a bit which never really happens with the Sachtler.

For additional support on using long lens set ups, I purchased Ron's Rail and Ron's sight. When I put the 600mm on the Canon XL-1 video it became a 4,200, lens and was very subject to vibration and hard to find the subject - but the Ron's sight solved my "finding" problem. Ron Armstrong developed the rail/sight system specifically for video systems when Canon introduced the XL-1 and it worked great when you put Canon long lenes on the XL1, and with the V holder with rollers made it good to use with a 35mm camera and 600mm lens, especially when you started adding extenders.

In use, I had a bit of trouble with moving subjects and getting the drag setting on the Sachtler set where it was comfortable.

I could not use it on flying birds or running animals, but with walking animals it works well.

I am just now getting ready to sell my Sachtler, and am discussing a price on the Ron's Rail and sight with another photographer. Send me a private message if I can help more or if you might be interested in purchasing a used DV8, with Gitzo 410 tripod.

I'm sending some photos by PM of the Ron's 's rail system. I can do more photos if you areinterested in purchasing either the Rail or Sachtler

Great question. I have a gimbal for my 500, but I've been thinking about that Manfrotto 504HD to use for video.

I've had great results using a Libec H55 and a 503HD with lenses as large as the 500 f4. The 503 is a little small, but with good tech skills, it can be done. I tend to use my fluid heads more than my ball head. It just works better for me.

I have bought the Sachtler FSB-8.
Supporting it is the Gitzo series 3 with 75mm ball adapter. I like very much this combo.
I'm learning how to use a fluid head but it's hands down better then a gimbal. I can successfully shoot with my 600VR down to 1/125s without VR on. Also the sharp ratio has raised. This fluid head is a joy to use. Very robustly made it could take easily the field punishment that wildlife imposes. Highly recommended.
Drawbacks? Of course; big, heavy and expensive.
The main lock handle poses a problem if carry the tripod as a radio antenna on your shoulder so I'm designing a different handle to cope with. It's essentially a smaller one with a big base so it can safely touch the shoulder without pain (just like the small one in the LIbec H55).

I have a similar question here that whether FSB 8 is quick enough for BIF. Unlike other fluid heads, Sachler is a quick response fluid head capable of shooting wildlife. Yet my doubt is how good it is when comparing to the Wimberley type gimbal heads.

Hi Kenny,
I totally agree with you, Sachtler heads are very quick if you adjust drag resistance to 0 or 1.
I still have my gimbal a CB gimbal and from the practice I now have with the FSB8 I can say you hardly notice a difference in speed following the target. What I find a little more time consuming is balancing the lens on the head.
Since I have it I never used again my gimbal in the field.
Someone want a mint CB gimbal?

I'm a new convert to fluid head support after using a couple of Manfrotto 3421 (aka 393) for many years. My Manfrotto 516 fluid head can do all the manuevers that a GH can do when shooting action stills (BIFs, etc.), plus smoother panning for long lens video work.

I purchased the 504HD, no complaint so far. It is as smooth as any gimbal head in BIF. And for static/perch birds the vibration is minimal. The only downside is that it is heavy (3kg), 1 more kg heavier than the Sachtler FSB 8.

Set up time is actually reduced as you can simply ignore whether the tripod is set correctly, you can always just adjust the 504HD instead to get to the correct horizonal level.

can the Sachtler use the Arca-Swiss Style Lens Plates? Just curious as I am trying to buy a fluid head for my spotting scope and big binoculars which already have the Arca-Swiss Style Lens Plates on them.I would also like to put my camera on the fluid head interchangabley with the spotting scope. thanks in advance

Yes it can but not directly, you'll need an Arca-Swiss clamp to be mounted on the Sachtler rail.
See - http://www.pedrosfotografia.com/Pedro_Serralheiro/Blogue/Entradas/2010/12/30_Sachtler_FSB-8.html

Thanks Pedro, I see.... does the Sachtler come with that rail? Or is it an add on, and what is all that metal hanging below? Is it a leveling head of some sort? Or is that aluminum chunk something else?

thanks again

Ken

Yes it cames with it.
I do realize that you can't read Portuguese... This is a modification so when I carry the tripod (open legs on my shoulder) I'll have a flat surface and not the starndard "dart" handle.

Thanks Pedro

I am hoping that the head will work for a pair of giant binoculars, Kowa Overlanders, and as well my 600mm and gear on occasion. Looks like fluid heads are the ticket, just wish there was a cheaper alternative.

K