In Broadcast September 2012 - 60

WWW.INBROADCAST.COM | ISSUE 12 - SEPTEMBER 2012

InGEAR

Magnum XG13 Tripod For Counterbalance Control
By Jason Schneider
Davis & Sanford (D&S) Magnum tripods have long been the mainstay of enthusiasts and professional photographers renowned for their sturdiness, stability, versatility, and value. But the new D&S Magnum XG13 Grounder with its ingenious FX13 head promises to be even better and more versatile, especially when it comes to capturing smooth pro-level HD video and achieving seamless tracking with a variety of different DSLRs, camcorders, and lenses. That’s because the FX13 head atop this beautifully finished, thoughtfully upgraded tripod provides something unique
Magnum XG13

and extremely useful - a built-in counterbalance you can turn on and off to accommodate video outﬁts of a wide variety of sizes, shapes and weight distributions. Indeed, it’s the only tripod in the world offering this feature, and to underscore the versatility factor, it comes with two quick-release plates, a standard 1-1/2 x 1-5/8-inch, and an elongated 1-1/2 x 3-inch to accommodate practically any camera. Robustly fabricated of high-grade lightweight aluminum alloy and beautifully ﬁnished in tough textured black semi-gloss, the FX13 provides smooth, well-damped, ﬂuid-head tilting and panning actions, the latter calibrated on the base with an angle scale useful when shooting panoramic stills and v i d e o . The locking levers for the tilt and pan actions, and the larger twist control for releasing and locking the hefty platform hinge used to ﬂip the camera to the left up to 90 degrees, are all virtually unbreakable metal castings coated with a gray rubberised material for a better grip. The ergonomic single pan/tilt handle is fully adjustable forward or backward, and can be locked in place using a robust toothed

mechanism and a stout textured lock/release lever. There are three handy bubble levels on this tripod to ensure a level stance. There’s a spring-loaded pin beneath the slide-on quick-release plates that’s unlocked with a convenient button – a final failsafe against dropped equipment. The X G 1 3 ’s signature counterbalance control is located on the right-hand side of the FX13 head in shooting position, and you set it to its well-marked on and off positions with a simple knurled pull-and-turn knob. In the “off” position, the tilting action feels smooth and well damped, just like a well-designed precision fluid head should. When you turn the knob to “on” position, the built-in counterweight is activated, providing a smooth, well-damped tilting action in the middle of the tilt range, but with increasing resistance the further you tilt it backward or forward past the mid-point. In short, the built-in counterbalance evens out the tilting action and prevents it from being under-damped at the extremes. That’s very important when shooting with large, heavy cameras, especially pro-calibre video cameras and DSLRs with long lenses. It prevents the camera from swinging forward or

Jason Schneider

backward in an uncontrolled manner and whacking the tripod or worse. The great thing is that you can try it both ways and see which works best for your particular rig and shooting situation - a valuable added control element that can help you achieve better videos with whatever you are shooting. Turning to the Magnum XG13 tripod, its robust wide-diameter three-section aluminum legs have upgraded, oversize ergonomic lever locks and a Quick-Lift two section centre post for ultra-rapid setup. It provides four-position independent leg-angle adjustments giving a ground-hugging eight inches up to a full six feet. It also provides a class-leading maximum load capacity of eight pounds; a bottom centre post hook for adding weight to enhance stability, and comes in an attractive case with adjustable carrying strap. In short, the new D&S Magnum XG13 tripod and FX13 head are what happens when you take an acknowledged classic and reengineer it to a higher standard so it does even more and does it better. It’s truly a tripod that accommodates all shooting styles, and is outstanding value. ■

Sachtler Expands Ace Product Line With Ace L
Sachtler is to expand the Ace product line with a new 75mm Ace L fluid head. The new fluid head will be available with a choice of three different carbon-ﬁbre tripods. In comparison to the popular Ace M, Ace L has an extended payload range of zero to six kilograms (0 to 13 lbs). This makes the head more versatile: whether ﬁlming with a lightweight video-enabled DSLR camera, a heavier rig with camera accessories, or a HDV camcorder. Barbara Jaumann, Product Manager at Sachtler, said: “Due to the great demand for the Ace M, we decided to develop the Ace product line further. The new Ace L offers a choice of carbon-ﬁbre tripods, an extended payload range for work with multiple camera accessories, plus typical Sachtler extras such as the illuminated bubble level – all at the same price/performance ratio which quickly made the Ace M the most popular tripod system in its class.” Seven steps make counterbalancing comfortable and quick. The Ace L also features the patented SA drag (Synchronised Actuated Drag) damping with three vertical and three horizontal grades of drag (+0), which provides an authentic broadcast feel and familiar dependability for precise panning and tilting. Popular Sachtler features, such as the illuminated bubble level, round out the new Ace L fluid head. The TT 75/2 CF telescopic tripod is exclusively available in the system with Ace L. The three segments per tripod leg can be quickly adjusted in length and secured with a fast action clamp. T hre e dif ferent positions are available for the leg angle adjustment. Furthermore, the tripod equipped with the Ace L head provides a height range of 43 to 186 centimetres (17 to 73 in). The Ace 75/2 CF version with ground spreader provides a height range of 57 to 173 centimetres (22 to 68 in) with maximum stability. In addition, Ace L is available with the Ace 75/2 CF in the mid-level spreader model and with Sachtler rubber feet – for ﬁlming on uneven ground. The 7-step counterbalance and t h e l o n g 10 4 m m (4.1 in) sliding range of the Ace camera plate allows for quick counterbalancing of a camera setup weighing anywhere from zero to six kilograms. Ace L features clearly marked counterbalance settings to aid repeatable moves. The new ﬂuid head has a tilt range of +90degrees to -75degrees. Ever y Ace L tripod system comes with a bag, which features practical grips as well as a carrying strap. A tripod carrying strap for the Ace L tripod systems with the Ace 75/2 CF is optionally available. ■

Sachtler beef up Ace line-up

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In Broadcast September 2012

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