This unit and head are very well made and easy to use. We use it with a Sony HVR-Z5U and it is easily up to the challenge. It is not heavy and comes with a good bag to tote it around. Everything adjusts smoothly and it looks every bit as professional as it's more expensive bigger siblings. It feels solid I would like some more variation in the drags, but that is minor, especially when you look at the bang for buck.

THis Tripod feels like the Mercedes Benz of the Tripod world! Its easy to feel and see the craftsmanship that was put into the creation of this wonderful tripod. Its solid and fluid! THe carbon Fiber contraction makes it feel like its bigger brothers but its light and extremely sturdy. THeres only a single latch for the telescoping legs, very nice! The Huge tripod head and RED accents let my clients know I mean business when I pull this out of my bag. I can feel the clutches engaging when changing gears on the various rotary knobs. Its silky smooth engagement during panning and tilting is highly adjustable on the X, Y, and Z axis. Dual bubble indicators help get the perfect level on all surfaces. The mid spreader is nice because of the ease with using it on stairs or steps.

This is a fine piece of equipment in both form and function. It does everything a fluid head and tripod should: provide solid support, enable smooth motion, and protect the camera. The mounting plate snaps in place, allowing the balance to be accurately adjusted while preventing the plate from sliding off. There are 5 levels of counterbalance. I couldn't exactly match the weight of my camera, but a adding a bit of tilt drag was all that was required to make the camera remain at any angle. The tilt and pan have 3 different drag settings each and the motion is perfectly smooth. The zero drag setting is just that. Set the pan to zero and the camera will spin freely. This is the second FSB-4 I've purchased. Some other reviewers have complained about the legs and spreader but I'm satisfied with those as well as the exceptional fluid head.

I use this tripod mainly with a Canon 7D. It is a great product. I have used many different tripods and sachtler is my favorite. Whether panning or tilting there are no jumps or hooks. You can achieve a smooth start and stop. Definitely worth the price. The only con is that you can't easily detach the spreader.

This is a great tripod, so smooth and easy to setup. It has one lock that operates both sections of the leg, so very easy to adjust. Bubble could use a light, and very sensitive ball adjustment, but other than that, it is a gem.

I bought this tripod to use with a Canon 7D fitted out for cinema-style video. It's a lot more expensive than some of the other options, but it's definitely worth it. We used Sachtlers mostly in film school, and I got spoiled. Still, when it came time to buy, I was tempted to get something cheaper (I won't mention any names...) but I am so glad I didn't. Here is what I like about it. The head is easy to level, the legs have enough weight to drop when you release them, and you only have one set of locks to worry about on each leg. Also, the action of the fluidhead is smooth and consistent and easily adjustable. The carbon fiber is light and more durable than aluminum. You pull this tripod out of its bag and people know you're not messing around. And you're not. You won't waste any time trying to level the three legs or get steady footing or redoing pans or tilts or any of that other nonsense. Just smooth working. That's what I like. Here's what I don't like. It's expensive. But I'm over it.

I use the FSB4 with a dslr camera and a light setup. The head is really fluid and helps me get great shots. Legs are somewhat heavy, but it gives the whole thing a good stability. It comes in a really well made Petrol bag with extra cushion for the head. I am really glad I ponied up for it as I dont expect I'll have to upgrade anytime soon.

I have always preferred to use Sachtler tripods for video productions because of the solid construction and ease of use. The FSB-4 has lived up to and surpassed all of my expectations. Every aspect of the engineering shows the refinements of many years of research and development. Most importantly it provides silky-smooth pans and tilts. The quick release functions conveniently. The counterbalance allows for easy adjustments for a variety of settings. Sachtler produces an excellent product that sets the bench mark for all others to emulate.

It takes just 30 Sec which is three quick movements and I don't even have to bend over! The patented clamping system lets you adjust the tripod smoothly and safely, even with a camera mounted. Sachtler is the best tripod in the world.

smooth, fluid, easy to set up