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

In this video we will be comparing the Sachtler Flowtech, Sirui SVT75 & the Smallrig Freeblazer tripods to see which is the best tripod for the money and if its really worth dishing out thousands for a set of sticks!
If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave them in the comments sections below.
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 Disclaimer
01:34 Smallrig Freeblazer
03:49 Sirui SVT75
08:37 Sachtler Flowtech
09:45 TED Talk About Purists
11:08 Conclusion/Recommendations
@SIRUIImaging
@VidendumProductionSolutions
@SmallRigGlobal

[@Bo_Hazem]

The idea of bringing a beginner and teach him along should be a fun process! Although I think I'm an intermediate one, there are some stuff that even a pro can get from different perspective and beginner's questions.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Oh 100%! The future series is going to be really interesting 🙌🏼

[@die_dunkelheit]

I've always believed in mastery through mastering others. It is one of the reasons I am such an open book to people who are new to stuff I know about. I've had a Sirui carbon fiber photography tripod for 3 years and LOVE IT. The build is amazing, I'd buy from them again easily. I'm glad to see that they have a solid video tripod now that I'm in the market for one.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Give it a shot! The YC Onion one is also really good

[@JoATTech]

Yep. Just got my second pair of Flowtech 75s ... this time used. The best money can get :D

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

So good!

[@JurajMelicherSK]

Same story. One of the legs came with cracked carbon pipe (app. 0,5mm deep scratch). I am assume it might had happened in the transportation process, as it was exactly at the position of the latch. I reported the thing to Smallrig and they sent out a new legs right away to us, so even if that might not had been their fault, a big thumb up to the Smallrig for customer service!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Oh no… I’m glad they took care of it thought!

[@SIRUIImaging]

Thanks for your feedbacks and we will have our team to check and redesign the horse feet.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

That’s actually great to hear!

[@hai.d.nguyen]

@siruiimaging I can't seem to find this tripod anywhere to purchase. It's like they only exist on KZbin and no where else.

[@WanderingFrames3]

Excellent review, thank you!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thank you for stopping by!

[@georgerady9706]

I shelled out $700 for the Sachtler Ace-M and just bought a 2nd Ace-M as an EOY special from B&H for $500 - the reason - simple (all else being equal) the ability to pick it up and set it down and adjust the height from the top is all I need! I have fully rigged out Sony A1 and FX3 and they handle the weight just fine! And - since all my shooting is instudio - dependable tripods are a necessity!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I had the ACE series as well!

[@brentonbstowers]

Great stuff man!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks brother!

[@MoodyMikee]

I love the idea of teaching a beginner. I am one as well, and have so many questions that are hopefully answered in this series (should you decide to do it.)

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thank you! We will pick it back up in the summer

[@JRidgely]

Could save money by using the Suri head with the flowtech legs.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Exactly!

[@EXITOPHELIA]

These are great and I appreciate the method. That said: not for nuthin' but... in terms of market shars what you just did was basically say "I'm going to make a comparison between the major brands of Beetle-Shaped Cars" while leaving out the Volkswagon Beetle. THE, absolute direct competitor to all three of these (by selling at a 9-to-1 ratio) is the manfrotto 645 legs (one-lever drop legs, where you choose either mid-spreader or dual-function floor spreader) with the 612 side-loading/vertical loading head. Literally that's the obvious centerpiece here. And if you don't mention their heights (mandatory for ALL ENG work) or their weight capacities and counterbalance systems (mandatory for ALL cinema work)... I just don't think you've finalized your presentation model yet. I'm committed. I'll be here as the project grows. Keep it up. :)

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the added perspective. The only thing is I’ve used the manfrotto and honestly didn’t considered even adding it because it’s a really frustrating tripod to use imo and really overpriced for what it is. Regarding the height, for what I do, it’s a non-issue for my line of work. Inherently, I wouldn’t be talking about something that doesn’t pertain to my expertise 😉 I am not a technical person when it comes to reviews… that’s just not my cup of tea. Whether it be consuming content or creating it, I’d rather give/watch real world use examples and opinions rather than spec sheet comparisons. Different strokes

[@cogmission1]

Yes! Looking forward to your "tutorial/trainer" series, thank you! Very interesting and honest video btw, and I at least have an alternative to the painful necessity of getting the Sachtler... (though the "pull" of the "everybody-knows" brand is pretty powerful - which is why you did this video, I guess) - Anyway, I sub'd !! Also, you COULD have as a "tutorial subject", How to handle failures in front of a client? I mean, since we're speaking of it? You could invite other content creators or interview them on the subject??? (

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks for the input and feedback! Very good ideas to consider 😏

[@loiccardenas3980]

Great comparison, I'm saving up for a proper tripod and was considering the Freeblazer and the SVT75 for a while, I think im gonna go with the YC Onion Pineta Peak and grab the SURUI Fluid head, funnily enough I was considering getting only the SIRUI legs originally since I thought the head was of a similar nature as the Freeblazer one (not as good) but I had no idea the fluid head was as good as you said.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I would be curious to see if the Pineta holds up to the sirui legs. That head though 😍

[@creativegreatsvisuals]

What tripod head is not as good ?

[@antonhamacher]

That’s exactly how I wanna do it 👍🏽

[@rumorscameras]

bro,the sirui brake system(like the sachtler) have bike brake cable sustem, however, the sirui has rubber brakes like the bike, but dont even ask about the flowshit

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The flowtechs are great… not sure what you’re saying here

[@cobieorger]

Have you had a chance to test out the flowtech 75 legs with Sirui head yet? This sounds like a great combo

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I have not but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work flawlessly! The legs and head for both are universal

[@nelsonbustamante8756]

Is the SVT 75 pro replaced by the SVS75 pro? I can’t find this even on their website. Thanks!!

[@rickymcc9072]

Hi Anthony, good points and neat idea getting a novice to field test. For sure I wanted a Sachtler Flowtech but the cost was just too much for me to justify. I'm an amateur newbie, not expecting to do paid commercial work any time soon, or even use very frequently. I also have several tripods (stills use) in different sizes from light travel to Gitzo Systematic. But the fast setup levelling head etc (as per Sachtler) are highly desirable for video use. Maybe, in time, I'll end up forking out for a high-end model like a S' Flowtech, but I was sold on the few reviews seen of the YC Onion Pineta Peak sticks (less so their head) so bought one. In my limited use to date the Pineta Peak sticks seem pretty good but I don't have any 'hands on' experience with a Flowtech to objectively compare. I'd love to see side bg side comparison opinions or reviews by anyone with experience using both. It's maybe 1/3 rd price so for my needs, right now, seemed compelling - even if it proves to be only 80-90% as good. From the 'paper specs' it holds up in a side by side pretty well to the Flowtech. Goes a tad higher and lower, carbon legs, one touch lever locks, similar mass, slighter greater support payload has a one lever lock with self levelling 75mm bowl top etc. Anyway, much to like and possibly more comparable to the Sirui?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The pineta and the siruis seem almost exactly the same! Thanks for the feedback!

[@compulsiveinaction]

@NorthwestCameraCo mentioned in their review that Pro Am produces feet which can replace the Sirui ones and solve the annoying flipping. That said, I’ve been waiting for them to provide an update with the specific model of these feet..

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Oh no way! I might just get those and keep the sirui legs then!

[@cokebottles6919]

great video dude. I've used that Sachtler several times and was in love with the legs. I've always been standoffish of cheaper gear for the reasons you mentioned. On paper they sound great, but having something fail in front of a client on a job that's costing them thousands looks horrible and can cause serious problems. The Sirui intrigued me because the tripod I've been using for smaller stuff is giving out on me after 10 years of use, and spending thousands is a hard pill. Might bite the bullet for one last tax write off this year.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

So many nuances… the flowtechs are the best

[@CaseyHardman]

Yeah, still making me nervous about my Freeblazer legs. haha My Freeblazer feet fold in relatively easy (like the Sirui did for you) and it does get a little annoying on a shoot where seconds count, but other than wishing the latches stayed at the top like the Sachtler and Sirui, I have no issues with my SmallRig legs. Still might consider upgrading to the flowtech 75 legs next year and selling the Freeblazer legs to my co-owner. I can't speak for the other brands, but SmallRig's support was great when my VB99 V-mount broke. They refunded me and let me keep the battery, even though it still worked.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

It seems like across the board people are saying their customer service is good

[@davemorphling7432]

I'm looking for the smoothest fluidhead I can find, would you suggest something like a Sirui SH15? If not, what's the cheapest?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Hmmm the cheapest is definitely the sirui

[@skymakai]

@6:22 Is that plate even in the groove? I love the sideload tripod heads with latch... the iFootage K7 is decent and has both. On another note, more metal isn't always better... it means more corrosion potential.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

That was a reeeeeeaaaallly old plate but yes it was secure. It was the only one we had. Regarding the metal part. There isn’t an inkling of doubt in my mind that this tripod will never corrode. It’s incredibly bulky but I totally hear what you mean regarding the potential. I personally like flowtechs legs overall more!

[@timjenkins8943]

Is Sachler Flowtech 75 with Active 6 head strong enough to hold fx6 with 24-70/2.8 or 70-200/2.8. Or is activ 8 better?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

It’ll work just fine but I always air on the side of future proofing myself, especially when it comes to tripods.

[@timjenkins8943]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz I have the same philosophy but I am single operator and trying to limit weight for long days. Cost of buying a new activ 8 in the future is nothing compared to daily weight savings with activ 6. For me every pound counts and is worth every penny. Thanks for great videos!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Oh… the weight difference is so minimal. Might be worth just getting the aktiv 8

[@sirwillemgaming9686]

I have the sachtler(not the same in the video). That big carbon tripod is really nice. Super smooth and stable. :D

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

They’re super solid! I don’t think I could ever not have a single latch tripod anymore… it’s way too convenient

[@allen_bernardo_jr]

I'm surprised you don't have more subs yet man I imagine 2024's gonna be a big year for your channel 👏 I'll also subscribe now because I also realized I hadn't yet 😄

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Thanks man! Means a lot 🥹

[@davidmerrill8520]

can you use Sirui head on other legs ?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Yes you can!

[@timjenkins8943]

can you put the Sirui head on a Sachler Flowtech tripod?

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

Yup!

[@edielayland8211]

Help! I bought the Flowtech legs. I need to buy the Sirui head, but a guy on a chat at B&H says that head will not fit on the Flowtech legs and that head is non returnable. I know you won't steer me wrong. Please help!

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

The guy on the phone was wrong! 😂 It for sure fits 👌🏼

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

SVT15 head is the one

[@edielayland8211]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz Thanks so much!!!

[@GlassAve]

Man smallrig is legit. I made a mistake on a purchase and smallrig was unnecessarily kind and went out of their way to fix it. Legit it was my mistake and they fixed it.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

I love hearing this!

[@racemode]

I also broke my smallrig tripod, and they quickly shipped a new one.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

That’s good to hear!

[@poti732]

Dumb question , can you fly with fluid heads? You know because there is fluid inside.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

You can!

[@poti732]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz thank you so much , i didnt find any info about this and on the phone they told me that i cannot. I dont think that they understood what a fluid head was , i was vwry suprised.

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

@poti732 yeah they don’t care… it’s not even remotely close to enough fluid 💪🏼

[@rumorscameras]

at the end all greatvideos were made with metal to metal tripods and the movies and videos and commercial and what not are still great, u never say ohhh that smooth slide was that tripod head hahaha, any way people use a 2575 if u wanna show off not a flowtech, just saying

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

So you want tripods to just always be heavy even though tech advances?

[@rumorscameras]

@@AnthonyRodriguezz i want to say that i am an industrial and even if tech advances, there are choices to be made that really make a product high end. You can make anlight tripod with auto latches etc and advance the tech but what sachtler is doing wiyh flowtech is industrially evil and financially great, it is called cheating , the meaningful parts that are the brake pads are tiny squares like the size of your nail and the oad itself is not a pad it is rubber tape..a sticking tape, i am sure there is a way to change that pad to metal and the pad to deep ruber instead of tape, the rest is all thin plastic end caps , guess they needed to make up for the expense of the carbon legs and special mold shape...but wait they charged you a premium for all of this, wow.cannot believe you are kn their side actually.

[@brentonbstowers]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊

[@AnthonyRodriguezz]

🙌🏼