A few days ago I showcased 12 Fluid Heads for Every Budget – from $100 to $30,000. Check it out here:
In this article we’ll go over five tandem-legs tripods for video work that can accept 100mm bowl heads.
Why do we need a tandem-leg tripod?
Video and cinema tripods tend to have double-tubing with spacers to keep the tripod from slipping. Dual-tube systems have many advantages, one of which is greater stability and resistance to rotational forces. This is why both systems survive and thrive, and ideally one must own both kinds to be as versatile as possible.
Single-tube systems tend to be lighter and can be packed smaller, and is great for run and gun work. Some of the modern single-tube systems give their equivalent double-tube tripods a run for their money.
If you’re in the market for single-tube tripods, check out this list:
Aluminum vs carbon fiber
I chose both aluminum and carbon fiber for this list. Carbon fiber offers the lightest weight, which will make your solid rock looking tripod lighter. However, overall, I prefer aluminum as my material of choice for these reasons:
- It is stronger
- It is more shatter proof
- It’s (slight) extra weight also lends more stability to the tripod system
Having said that, rapid advancements have been made in carbon fiber and if a top-tier manufacturer sells a carbon fiber tripod, you might want to seriously consider it.
Which base?
In this list I’m focusing specifically on the industry standard 100mm bowls.
150mm bowls are for heavier cameras and setups, which is rare nowadays unless you’re shooting IMAX or similar. Cameras and accessories have gotten a lot lighter over the last decade.
I prefer bowl heads for video work for ease of leveling. It’s one thing to level a mirrorless camera and one lens, and yet another to level a full cinema rig at maximum load. The tripods in this article supports 100mm bases by default without adapters.
The 5 best tandem-tube camera tripods for fluid heads
Here are the five best tandem-tube carbon fiber tripods in ascending order of price:
1 SCG StediFast HD
Here are the specs of the SCG StediFast HD:
| Feature | SCG StediFast HD |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Material | Aluminum or Carbon Fiber |
| Weight of tripod | 3.48 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 65 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 12 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 35 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 29.9 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lever |
| Foot type | Interchangeable Dual-Spike Rubber Feet |
| Temperature Range | -40ºC to 60ºC |
| Extra Features | Illuminated Bubble level, Mid-level and Ground level spreaders |
| Warranty | 3 year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee |
The SCG StediFast HD costs the lowest but is probably the best value for money. It comes with a 75mm adapter incase you want to use 75mm bowl heads.
See my comprehensive review of the SCG StediFast HD here:
Cartoni Red Lock
Here are the specs of the Cartoni Red Lock:
| Feature | Cartoni Red Lock |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Weight of tripod | 3 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 58 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 20.5 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 60 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 30 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lock |
| Foot type | Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | N/A |
| Extra Features | 75mm with adapter |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer warranty |
The Cartoni Red Lock has a non-standard three-tube aluminum leg design. It has a 100mm bowl base (which also can be convertible to 75mm with the included adapter ring). It is suitable for the Cartoni Focus 8, 10, or 12 fluid heads, etc.
The Cartoni Red Lock has a Flip Lock to easily adjust the height, and packs up easily. The legs of the tripod can be independently spread and balanced on uneven grounds. It does not have a bubble level.
Manfrotto 645
Here are the specs of the Manfrotto 645 (Amazon, B&H):
| Feature | Manfrotto 645 |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Weight of tripod | 3.6 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 61.81 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 10.62 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 25 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 28.74 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lock |
| Foot type | Rubber, Dual Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | -30 to 60 |
| Extra Features | 75mm with adapter, Lever Lock |
| Warranty | 5 year warranty on registration |
The Manfrotto 645 (Amazon, B&H) has a fast lever lock and the legs can be independently spread with three locking positions (to use without a spreader).
You can also get a 75mm adapter ring to adapt 75mm bowl heads. The lower stage of leg locks can be locked and unlocked from the top of each leg without any need for bending or crouching down, which is a welcome feature.
The Manfrotto 645 (Amazon, B&H) is compatible with ground and mid-telescopic spreaders with a middle level spreader lock. It does not have a bubble level.
Sachtler CF-100ENG 2CF
Here are the specs of the Sachtler CF-100ENG 2CF:
| Feature | Sachtler CF-100ENG 2CF |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Weight of tripod | 2.60 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 59 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 15.5 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 40 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 27.2 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lock |
| Foot type | Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | N/A |
| Extra Features | Folding tripod handle, Quick Clamp System |
| Warranty | 3 year warranty on registration |
The Sachtler CF-100ENG 2CF is made of “one-piece” carbon fiber material. It has a 22mm tube diameter and has quick clamping locks that make it easy and quick to lock/unlock the legs securely in seconds. The handle of this tripod can be folded for comfortable carrying in a horizontal position.
The Sachtler CF-100ENG 2CF has a built-in transport safety cord which prevents the legs from opening while traveling. The tripod is compatible with a mid-level spreader and rubber feet, though these have to be purchased separately.
OConnor 30L
Here are the specs of the OConnor 30L:
| Feature | OConnor 30L |
| Default base | 100mm |
| Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Weight of tripod | 4 kg |
| Maximum height (inch) | 61.8 |
| Minimum height (inch) | 22 |
| Number of Sections/Stages | 3 |
| Maximum load capacity | 95 kg |
| Closed length (inch) | 29.5 |
| Leg lock type | Flip Lock |
| Foot type | Rubber, Spiked |
| Temperature Range (Celsius) | N/A |
| Extra Features | Mid-leg spreader, Quick Clamp System |
| Warranty | 3 year warranty on registration |
The OConnor 30L is the most expensive 100mm tandem-leg tripod on our list. This carbon fiber tripod can hold up to 95 kg and weighs around 4 kg. It is specifically designed for the OConnor 1040 fluid head. A smart quick clamping system offers secure and visible tripod locking.
The legs of the OConnor 30L can be individually extended and adjusted. When detached from the spreader the leg can pivot without affecting other legs.
The OConnor 30L has a carrying handle in its design. The kit also includes a mid-level spreader.
That’s it! I hope this list will help you find your own ideal tandem-tube camera tripod for video work.
If you know of any other models that you prefer please let me know in the comments below.
