(Part 1/2) Do You Really “NEED” An Expensive Tripod?

In this video we not only compare the Sachtler Flowtech, Sirui SVT75 & the Smallrig Freeblazer tripods… We’re having a complete beginner do it! No biases to brands whatsoever. Enjoy!
Product Links (affiliated):
-Sachtler Flowtech 75 legs bhpho.to/4axX1XU
-Sirui SVT75 Legs & Head bhpho.to/3tyc972
-Smallrig Freeblazer bhpho.to/3vhcN9r
Phantom Luts 15% off code “anthony”: bit.ly/3RAbdHa
Plugins I Use: motionvfx.sjv.io/c/4687486/61...
Contact Me (via Instagram): tailored.films?...
Website (Portfolio & Services): www.tailoredfilmsllc.com
00:00 Intro
00:58 Sachtler Flowtech
02:34 Smallrig Freeblazer
05:09 Sirui SVT75
07:17 The Conclusion + “the snap”
13:04 Back At The Studio
@SIRUIImaging
@VidendumProductionSolutions
@SmallRigGlobal

[@mradriiiian]

pleaaaase teach him how to properly close a tripod I CANNOT WATCH THIS MADNESS 😂😂

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Hahaha! I’m going to be making a whole series teaching him the basics about videography/cinematography!

[@mradriiiian]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz Awesome! I wish I had someone this level teaching me.. to be fair I have to actively search for mentors- maby that'd be an interessting video Idea? 'How to supercharge your filmmaking' or something :)

[@georgedavall9449]

Oh Gee, get over ya self already! I mean really! 😮 😆 🤣

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Who are you talking to?

[@georgedavall9449]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz mrmacdillian

[@cammackey]

Dope video and solid idea!!! This was a super fair and realistic comparison!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks brother! Excited to share my thoughts in part two. Probably starting a series on “Teaching A Beginner”

[@theyrecord]

Agree 100 percent

[@EdProsser]

Loving the new format man, very slick. I picked up the Sachtler a few years back and love it although it is heavy to carry, it's mad that most of the weight comes from the head. The top adjustment was the main attraction as it saves my back - I wanted to treat myself after putting up for years with a cheapo manfrotto tripod. I'd definitely consider the Sirui instead if I were looking today. Look forward to part 2!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks brother! The sachtler is definitely the move when it comes to those legs. Out of the three they really are the easiest.

[@maytreemedia]

After the SmallRig fell apart, I recently got the FlowTech 75 and activ8 head. Nothing compares!

[@sebastianFZE]

Almost if the thinner, jankier tripod is cheaper and lower quality. Finally an unbiased review on KZbin

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

For sure is! BUT I really think I had a lemon. Have so many friends in the industry that use the free blazers and never had any issues 😔

[@sebastianFZE]

Yeah, I've heard that too. Strange thing is: I bought the other Smallrig tripod a while ago. It arrived with one leg completely ripped off the tripod. Sent it back immediately. It just shows that their tripods won't last.@@AnthonyRodriguezz

[@user-io1gm2yf2z]

When are you planning to post part 2? You got me really curious on wanting to hear more of your thoughts on the tripods. Love the video and the look! Great job! :D

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks man! It was supposed to be going live today but my internet was way too slow today and wasn’t able to upload… Going live tomorrow!

[@maytreemedia]

Great video. I had nothing but trouble from the start with the SmallRig AD-100 carbon fiber tripod. First, a leg split at the rivet and while loose, a plastic gear at the tension handle fell out and was lost. I asked SmallRig if I could purchase a gear. The customer service rep said she'd get the technical team to answer. I asked twice - no answer. I had new gears CNC'd from aluminum and when I reassmbled the tripod one of the metal plates that hold the works onto the leg simply broke. Too much money, many hours and a sh*tload of effort later, I gave up and pulled the expensive trigger on the Sachtler FlowTech 75 and activ8 head combo that I wanted in the first place. Of all the Millers, Sachtlers and Bogen/Manfrottos I've used over nearly 40 years of using tripods, I've never had problem with any of them. SmallRig should stick to rigs and parts.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

They rectified the issue but dang I’m sorry to hear that man!

[@gsanchez922]

I had see that comment in like 5 videos

[@maytreemedia]

⁠​⁠@@gsanchez922Because I was pissed off at SmallRig. I finally glued the legs so I can at least use it at partial height. I forgot I even had that POS until I saw the bag yesterday.

[@maytreemedia]

@@gsanchez922 When your reputation as a videographer hinges not only on skill and personal reliability, but also on gear, you don't have room for crappy gear or poor service from the manufacturer. I threw money at the Flowtrech, abandoned and bitched about SmallRig because I need my tools to be reliable. I learned in the 1980's when running sound for musical groups that if I can't rely on my system, I can't expect them to continue to employ me. It's not a game for some of us, it's business.

[@bigass033]

I love YC ONION Pineta Peak so much, Its latch is very comfortable and has a damping feel. The locking force can be adjusted steplessly. You don't have to worry about the lack of locking force like other tripods when you open it. You don't have to accidentally touch it. This is the safest tripod I have ever used. And it is a perfect pair with the my aktiv6

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Trying their tripod pretty soon!

[@caiquegarcia5172]

Awesome video!!! Thank you for having me 🫶🏻❤️

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

You’re a rockstar Caique 🙌🏼

[@theyrecord]

Loved watching this today.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@theyrecord]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz Always! Keep putting out the high quality videos!

[@Bo_Hazem]

Really loved your video! Amazing job. Smart idea bringing an unbiased/amateur guy to the mix. It was the secret sauce.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks 🙏🏼 He’ll be back 😉

[@rickymcc9072]

Hi an interesting perspective. Looking forward to part 2. Any thoughts on how these, particularly the Sirui compares against the slightly newer YC Onion Pineta Peak carbon video tripod sticks with fast set legs, each locked from the top via a single clamp latch?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks Man! Unfortunately I’ve never tried the YC Onion

[@martingrierson1152]

Excellent idea bringing the not experienced friend! Congrats

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks!

[@TechnikFreund]

This was so entertaining!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks brother! Means a lot actually 🙌🏼

[@jordanshipley448]

Ohh very interesting idea bringing in a beginner. I love it bro. Also as a recent Flowtech buyer I can’t wait to find out if I totally wasted my money or not 😂

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Hahaha nooo you’re safe… maybe 😉

[@QZ_AU]

pretty cool that you bring in an outsider for this video, nice to hear their perspective. I just sold my smallrig freeblazer and looking at the sirui

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The sirui is solid but definitely with quirks!

[@BrookStockton]

Great idea

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks man!

[@biskero]

The 1200 one can you mount your own head? Also is there a head where you can mount your out plate? I have a F50 plate, base and slide plate and need a head that allows me to mount this system.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The sirui one is $1200 for the head and legs and hs one of the best heads I’ve used so you wouldn’t want to even swap it out even though you can. Also, I’m assuming you mean the f50 from ulanzi, if so, that is based off a standard manfrotto plate so it should work with any standard head

[@biskero]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz cool thx a lot for the infos!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

@@biskero of course!

[@elimayer193]

correct me if im wrong, but these r the only 3 of their kind, the one step height adjustment tripod options are very limited atm but I expect that to change soon also question how was this lit and shot and did u use log profile for this video it looks rlly good

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Kiiiiindof. The e image gh06 tripod is sort of like that and a manfrotto one exists but sucks

[@elimayer193]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz dope, what abt the production setup

[@BrookStockton]

YC Onion Pineta

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Truueeee

[@savillecreations8046]

Hmmm. I have a lot of Smallrig gear from batteries for two Blackmagic Video Assistant monitors, batteries for two R5c cameras, Mattbox, cages, cables and a large investment in Smallrig accessories…and was ready to pull the trigger on a couple tripods. Very surprised the tripod failed. Going to rethink this now. Wish I had a contact at Smallrig. Thanks for this video.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

They take care of their customers, that’s for sure!

[@louisrafaelcom]

To be fair, the Flowtech 100 isn't necessary for most of the cameras people here would be using. The Flowtech 75 is plenty, and costs just a bit more than the Sirui one here - I paid around $1600 a couple years ago.

[@bmefilms6879]

can we talk about the look in this video....BRAVO! what did you shoot this on and glass?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks brother! 🥹 Used a bunch of different cameras and lenses but my s5iix (the handheld side angle was definitely my favorite) we also used simple 24-70 zooms. “The sauce” was all done in post.

[@rogerdatfilms]

fellow latino and great content to learn from. Subscribed !

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Gracias hermano!

[@SeanvanBerlo]

Anyone know of any good alternative feet for the Sirui?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Idk… I’m hoping somebody comes to the rescue on those

[@mradriiiian]

That's the comparison I was searching for when I bought the Smallrig Tripod! Interesting experiment letting a beginner try it.. he likes the colors xD

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks brother! Hey… it’s an attractive tripod 🤣

[@mradriiiian]

It is and I'm very very happy with it! :D I only had minor complains yet@@AnthonyRodriguezz

[@cokebottles6919]

I really want to try out the Sirui. Tripods aren't something you want to cheap out on, so if there's something that's so close to that Sachtler for $1200, it seems like a no brainer.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

They’re about 80-85% of the way there when it comes to comparing them to the sachtlers. Will be going over this in part ✌🏼😏

[@brandongee7983]

I went with the smallrig after seeing a few snaps from sirui tripods. I should of just waited a bit longer

[@Eyeofkamau]

The Sirui’s floppy feet are the worst part about it.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The siruis feet are pretty terrible…

[@oscarjeong9438]

The reason why the tripod is heavy is, if you mount 600mm or 800mm lens with battery grip mounted camera, the tripod must be heavy enough to support the weight of those. Also, you need to expect windy situations.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

While I do see what you’re saying and do agree with you, almost all tripods have an option to weight them down with their spreaders. This is the best of both worlds, having a light tripod while still being able to have it rocksteady with your backpack or a dang bag

[@ChrisParayno]

Yes

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

😂

[@OGBURNA]

I can’t find the Sirui any where

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I’m not sure what they did with it…

[@CaseyHardman]

As an owner of the SmallRig legs paired with a GH06 head, now I’m nervous 😂

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I’ve never had issues and my buddies in the industry haven’t either 😭 Pretty positive I had a lemon but I completely understand the uncertainty

[@doylelacrua]

I really want Satchler to make a version of that tripod but for smaller lighter cameras.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Yeah… we might have to leave that up to the Chinese manufacturers. I can’t see sachtler dipping their toes in that market. Also, with video tripods you definitely want to future proof yourself. Rigs always get bigger.

[@doylelacrua]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz That is a valid point.

[@ShortStoryInspiration]

smoothness of the heads in part 2?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I won’t be touching on that point in part 2 as the focus is more so on the legs but maybe for another video in the future! It will more so be my opinions on some of the features and quirks of the products that I haven’t seen talked about much What I will say though is that the sirui head is absolutely incredible

[@ShortStoryInspiration]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz anyway great video!! been thinking to sell my sachtler 100mm with aktiv10 to make more space for other gear 💰 💰. Haven’t been using it to the full potential with the ronin 4d

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thats my exact move I’ll explain it all in part 2 😉

[@robert18productions]

I run the small rig legs with a GH06 head. I have not encountered any issues as of yet. Hopefully you get a refund. It is really disappointing as most smallrig products I have used tend to be pretty good quality.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

We’ll see what happens 😕 I’ve actually always landed on smallrig products since they are not only affordable but oftentimes they just make more sense than their competition

[@VuPhamRainstorm]

poor him, now he never can use any other tripod anymore with twist tube or even keep rolling tube until evening

[@tylerstooksbury3050]

I rented the smallrig tripod. I’m so happy I didn’t buy one. I really really hated it. It was super tall. A leg was busted. The head was awful and reminds me of something you only find on the cheapest tripods.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The head really isn’t that good. I do enjoy using the tripod as a whole! What do you mean by “it was super tall?” Isn’t that a good thing since it’s adjustable?

[@johnnyweissmuller5838]

@@AnthonyRodriguezzI think he means the minimum height of it?

[@stephanes.]

I love his innocence 😂

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Hahaha! Really added a “lightness” to the video

[@stephanes.]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz yes totally agree xD I watched from start to finish

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

You filmed this with the Komodo and what else ?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I did not film this with the Komodo. My friends r5 and an Osmo pocket 3

[@jasonrafael5945]

You need a tripod that supports the weight of the camera, lens, and accessories, and if those weigh a lot, the tripod that can support it all is typically gonna cost a lot

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Ironically, the Smallrig and sirui support A TON of weight!

[@AbdonPhirathon]

I’ve had bad experiences with Sirui tripods and monopods, but this new one looks pretty nice. Smallrig though, that’s some overpriced garbage.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

It’s a very good value! The smallrig one I wouldn’t say it’s overpriced but definitely needs a little bit more QC 😔

[@fifi23o5]

Comparing 100 mm to 75 mm?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

You mean in this video?

[@northpointstudiony]

People buy 4-10k cameras but get a cheap 200-500 tripod to hold their equipment...

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Silly I know! The market is changing now though and the cheaper options are basically as good as the expensive ones! Not all cheap options but some

[@FlyingJackalope]

Havent even watched it and I am going to guess the Sirui one broke because there are people showing picts of their broken Sirui tripods all over the internet?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Guess again 😏 Oooorrrr just watch the video 😂

[@jamillsantiago]

If I'm in the jungle, I'm bringing a PD tripod. 😂

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

🤣 100%

[@A1Bokeh]

the key word. is NEEED this word can be explored very deeply lol

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

😏

[@aldolega]

The irony of your B cam desperately needing a tripod while shooting a video about tripods...

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

It was meant to be a handheld shot. I wasnt able to hire a class A cam op to shoot this free YT video 😉 I also personally like the look 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@IanSnape]

Good comparison dude, i think though the Sachtler is something im going for if im mouting a 12K+ camera. I think tripods are truly underestimated when it comes to what people are actually mounting on them.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks man! I’m of that same mentality as well. The only thing is if the cheaper options are actually standing up to the expensive options and in some ways better, is it still the best option buying the most expensive? Just playing devils advocate here

[@IanSnape]

True dude, I enjoyed part2 also and liked the opinion on the heads towards the end. I really need a new tripod especially with the one handle quick release it really makes a difference. Cheers dude@@AnthonyRodriguezz

[@rumorscameras]

the joke is if you open the legs, the sirui has metal parts hahaha the sachtler brake system believe it or not....is rubber tape 1 square 1cm x 1cm hahaha

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I’ve opened them up and it’s not just rubber tape 😂 It’s a whole system

[@Dygo784]

send me the broke one bro

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Lol

[@Dygo784]

Am serious men. That will be awesome.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

this is why you don't buy a smallrig as most of my smallrig items broke within 2 weeks. This is not good 7:32

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Which smallrig items?

[@ykgb6784]

subcribe for this type content

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Ayyyee

[@LeeHarris]

Well fuck Smallrig then!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Haha noooo not altogether. They’re a pretty great company!

[@LeeHarris]

Yeah I know. I have some bits and pieces of theirs, but was toying with the idea of their tripod, now... not in a million years. Thanks for an entertaining video @@AnthonyRodriguezz

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

@LeeHarris I think I might have a lemon because Ik so many people with this tripod and they have never had issues. I have no idea… I hope they reach out and can give me an explanation

[@Jared10112]

Bring back the beginner!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

🫣

[@fy7589]

I mean the snapped leg part is not cool but man this guy is the worst I have ever seen to close and open a tripod. I mean like of course it's gonna break, that part is made of plastic and carbon fiber rods are really hard, this tripod isn't that hard to close, all you have to do is to provide a smooth circular press from the top side and it won't snap that easily. I wish those parts were also made out of some metal so it wouldn't snap even with this guy, it'd probably be slightly heavier but still maintain it's "lightweight heavy duty tripod" position. And no it will not break if you open and close it like a normal person, unlike that guy lol.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

It definitely didn’t break because of him 👍🏼

[@WalterTheBalter]

Smallrig tripod is laughable in terms of quality. Small rig fluid head. Absolute trash.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Have you had a similar experience? Never had issues with it!!

[@TheLiZhou]

If u need something really high, and stay still for all day, go with the smallrig.@@AnthonyRodriguezz

[@rumorscameras]

flowtech sachtler is shit, horrible design nd engineering...look up the brake system and the tiny plastic parts for 2000 dollars

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

You are of the minority here brother 😕