Australia-based company Miller Camera Support Equipment has been a global leader in the video and film industry since 1954. Miller has set the standard for most camera support systems for more than 60 years. In fact, they established the very first patent for the fluid head design for film cameras. So when Miller comes out with a new design for a tripod, it is definitely worth taking a look.
What You Get
With the Miller Air, you get superb stabilization with a camera support system that was designed for the everyday DSLR professional. With its sturdy build and true fluid head you can pan, tilt, move, climb and even run when you need to capture quality video. Well, maybe it wasn’t meant for running, but with the lightweight feel and sturdy build you’ll feel as it was. This may not be the first of its kind, but with the intention of satisfying the camera support needs for DSLR operators, it is definitely an important tripod to consider.
The lightweight, soft-padded legs make it easy to carry on your shoulder and even on your back attached to a pack. The concentric locking system built into the legs is also an added plus. When you find the right location for shooting all you need to do is extend the legs and make a quick twist on the legs to lock. From as low as nine inches to just about six feet off the ground, you can easily adjust the Air to your desired elevation.
Lastly, the fluid head moves exactly the way you need it to and, with smooth pan and tilt action, your shots will surpass your expectations and impress your viewers. For video enthusiasts and professionals alike, head quality is an important consideration when choosing a quality camera support system. With an affordable price and an added three-year warranty, Miller’s Air Carbon Fibre system delivers.
Put to the Test
We used the Air tripod during multiple situations indoor and outdoor. We tested the Air’s abilities against quick and slow moving objects, and we even tested the feel and weight of the Miller Air on our back. The goal behind these tests was to see how well the Air could handle real-life situations, such as shooting a wedding or other indoor-outdoor event that requires quick setup and precise balance.
The Air Carbon Fibre System is an ideal option for professional DSLR photo-videographers.
Immediately after we set up the Miller Air, we located ourselves next to a roadway close enough to follow and far enough away to be safe from the passing cars. The average speed of the cars was around 35 miles per hour, which is a reasonable speed for panning with a tripod. What we found was exactly what we expected. With the Miller fluid head we were able to keep up with the cars that passed and the movement to the left and to the right was smooth and easy. We then set the tripod next to a very tall oak tree in a nearby park. The intention of this test was to see how well the Miller Air could handle the extreme tilting action up and down a tall tree following something moving, like a huge hungry grey squirrel. Just like in the panning tests, the Miller Air system allowed us to produce smooth and tranquil tilt movements. The tripod features a great counterbalance, so when we let go of the handle arm, the Miller Air’s fluid head allowed for the camera to rest rightfully back in the level position. Even when we didn’t let go of the handle there was a natural feel that allowed us to return to a level plane where we set our camera to balance.
As simple as the tests might have been, the Miller Air excelled in all of them and gets a solid 100 percent for build and design. The amazingly smooth pan and tilt movements that the Miller Air enables were ideal for video. We can see why Miller receives so many awards for excellence and we applaud their thoughtfulness for designing user-friendly products. From the fantastic fluid head to the sound and sturdy build and all the way to the lightweight design in the legs, the Miller Air is positioned to become the go-to tripod for professional DSLR video projects.
Conclusion
The Miller Air Carbon Fibre System is very new, but we know that it will stand the test of time. Why? Because Miller creates some of the best camera support systems available. With the intention of bringing you excellent lightweight support and user-friendly movements, you can bet that the Miller Air will be sticking around until they eventually develop some kind of futuristic floating tripod. Until then, we’ll consider using the Air Carbon Fibre System from Miller.
Miller
www.millertripods.com
Air Carbon Fibre System
$1,453 – Includes bag and adjustment tools
Tech Specs
Load Capacity: 4.4-11lb (20kg)
Maximum height: 68.9" (1751mm)
Minimum height: 14.6” (371mm)
Folded Length: 33” (84 cm) ( with head attached)
Number of Stages: 2 stages / 3 sections
Leg Lock Type: Concentric
Spiked Feet: Yes
Bubble level: Yes
Bag included: Yes
Fluid Head: Yes/constant
Tilt Range: 90° to -75°
Counterbalance: 2 selectable positions
Camera Plate Sliding Range: 60 mm
Quick Release: Yes
Ball: 75 mm
Head Mount Type: ¼”-20 + pin; 1/4”-20 & 3/8”-16
Total Weight: 9.9lb (4.5kg)
Warranty: 3 years
Strengths
- Solid build
- Fluid pan and tilt
- Quick setup
- Reasonably priced
Weaknesses
- Not as compact
Zac Fernandez is a freelance videographer and an international documentary filmmaker.
