Digital Video - June 2008 - (Page 18)

IN REVIEW SACHTLER 4160 SOOM TRIPOD SYSTEM atop it, SOOM would be quite similar to other midrange Sachtler tripods. However, with these additions, the maximum lens height is around 3’ higher than it would be otherwise. What is also unique about this tube is that it is also a self-contained monopod when removed from the tripod. After loosening two locking bolts, the tube can be pulled out from the top, ready for use as a fluid head-monopod. The fluid head functionality distinguishes SOOM‘s tube from other monopods, as few of them have truly functional fluid heads. Panning and tilting are usually problematic with monopods, as they lack the stability needed for really smooth camera moves. SOOM‘s secret solution to this shortcoming is a simple foot stabilizer pedal. The pedal lies flat against the tube when it’s not needed and flips out perpendicularly to allow placing one’s foot upon it when The SOOM’s spreader makes a extra stability is needed. With this stabilizgreat set of baby legs. er feature, the monopod shaft is held securely in place, enabling the fluid head to pan and tilt much the same as when integrated with the tripod. This makes it feasible to utilize Sachtler’s FSB 6 fluid head for panning and tilting. It also makes it feasible to move the tube in an arc at various angles, much like a mini boom or jib arm. This is assisted In fact, this tube drops through AWARD OF by the hard round ball at the base of the shaft that makes it the ring bowl of the mid-level smooth and easy to move in any spreader, but is secured to it with a locking pin for added sta- EXCELLENCE direction. Another unique SOOM feability. The legs themselves are ture is that once it’s detached from the secured by locking clamps. When fully tripod, the mid-level spreader (tri-spread) extended, they measure 57" overall or up becomes a two-stage mini-tripod with a to 54" from the floor to ring bowl when set of mini-baby legs, complete with rubspread for use. There’s also a removable ber-tipped spikes for use on the ground carrying handle that snaps onto the or on bare or carpeted floors. There are upper length of any of the legs for balhigh and low leg positions for the “mini,” anced transport. When properly posiselected by rotating the adjusting ring tioned, the 11.5-pound SOOM tripod can counterclockwise or clockwise. In the low be comfortably carried from setup to position, the lens height is only about 8" setup. For convenient use indoors and on off the deck and in the high position, a the street, round rubber footpads are fasbit more than 19". tened to each of the claw-toed feet. This The same clamping bowl (tie-down) provides for rock-solid footing on floors secures the FSB 6 head to the baby legs, and on paved and other smooth surfaces. as well as to the ring bowl atop the tube. If not for the aforementioned 35" In both cases it must be inserted carefully vertical tube and the high-hat bracket SWISS ARMY TRIPOD SACHTLER’S VERSATILE SOOM SUPPORT SYSTEM IS A WINNER. BY CARL MROZEK t a glance, Sachtler’s new SOOM 4160 Tripod System looks like a typical mediumsized, two-stage tripod, but with a monopod descending from its 75mm ball and protruding below the mid-level spreader. A DV SCORE SACHTLER 4160 SOOM TRIPOD SYSTEM PROS: Sturdy construction, multiple applications in a single package provide reduced equipment load. CONS: It’s not light. Assembly and disassembly takes practice. BOTTOM LINE: A breakthrough camera support product that offers users of all stripes additional versatility, value and creative avenues. MSRP: $1,650 CONTACT: www.sachtler.us 18 dv june 2008 www.dv.com http://www.sachtler.us http://www.dv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Digital Video - June 2008

Digital Video - June 2008 Contents DV Update My Studio Runners World Brevis Flip 35MM Lens Adapter 4160 Soom Tripod System Century Essential-5 Filter Kit Little Big Disk Quadra Instant Expert DXA-2S Adapter Technology Treasures Making What You See Sound Great Click to Play DV 101 Production Diary

Digital Video - June 2008

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