Tripod recommendations for xha1

[dotman]

Looking for a good tripod for my new xha1. I like bogen, but i'm open to any recommendations. thanks.

[Huy Vu]

Budget? And please don't say $200 or less because for that price all you get is crap.

[Dionysos]

I'd like to know some suggestions too :)

For me it should be budget yes, but a level thing would be really appreciated too (we call it 'waterpas' in dutch, It's something to level the cam horizontal, you prolly know what I mean :)). At what price do such tripods start?
Ofcourse I've seen some nice Vinten, Manfrotto and Sachtler... but those are also pretty expensive.

[dotman]

thanks jade. I want to shoot docs, so grab and go would be nice, but i want my camera secure as well. no budget really. I just blew 4 grand, so I'm not going to skimp on a critical piece of equipment. just looking for the right fit. thanks.

[Joseph Stunzi]

In order for us to answer this for ya... answer these first.

1.) How much weight is going to be on there (just the camera or a rigged system) ?
2.) Do you need to have highly repeatable shots? (this is mainly true with higher end systems like Sachtler where you can replicate pan and tilt with numerical figures)
3.) Is weight a concern? (no climbing mountains eh... carbon fibre a must?)

The floating level thing is usually called a "leveling bubble"... some higher end models even have illuminated leveling bubbles. WOOT

[dotman]

no moutains. just city shoots. I don't know what sachler is (this is my first advanced cam), so i guess no. all i have assembled right now is the cam and the shotgun (rode nt1, hope that is good). I might aquire a field monitor and wireless later. If there is a kit that is light and sturdy, as in carbon, you bet i would like that. i hate weight. and brocolli. thanks for the help.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Sachtler is one of the top of the line tripod lines. Well it looks like you need a good light-weight system.

Lots of people recommend the Cartoni Focus on here for starters with a camera like the HVX.

Check out this article http://www.studiodaily.com/studiomonthly/tools/casestudies/5997.html and go from there... it covers carbon fibre options, different brands, the whole shibang

[Huy Vu]

You still haven't given us a floor figure to make recommendation, but you're looking at $400-500 minimum for a basic Bogen system. The 503 or the newer 503HDV head is a true fluid head, but many people uses the 501. This combo is fairly popular

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Leg s_with.html

Carbon fiber legs are extremely expensive; $700 is the cheapest I've found for one and that's just the leg itself.

Dionysos, what you're looking for is called a leveling head. More expensive tripod leg has either a 75mm or 100mm bowl with a handle underneath for adjusting tilt. But you can add it to a cheaper leg with something like this

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/203536-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3502_3502_Ball_Camera_Leveller.htm l

[dotman]

Thanks Jade and all. Looks like carbon is out of my budget. I'll look at the 501 as you suggest. BTW, I'm curious if any of you use mono pods. I really like the concept. Thanks.

[Joseph Stunzi]

Monopods are great for just cameras. However for rails and rods... like most 35mm DOFA users... it gets more complicated. It's great for stability purposes if you need to go quickly from handheld to a stationary position. My personal opinion is tripods, shoulder, or your hand.

[avp]

I have the Libec T72 Legs with bottom spreaders and the h55 head. Paid around usd$850.00. I am quite happy with that setup. My camera weighs in at about 12 pounds fully rigged. The only thing I don't like is the pan and tilt drag is not infinitely adjustable - just a + and - setting for each.


Be well....Jeffro

[Dionysos]

I've not yet decided which one to take, but favoring the Libec LS-38 right now. I am on budget tho, so cheaper would still really come in handy ;)

What do you guys say about these 2?;
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131444-REG/Libec_THM20_TH_M20_Aluminum_2_Stage_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/376871-REG/Libec_LS22ZC3_LS_22_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html

There is quite a price difference between the 3 mentioned tripods, and I can see some difference, but not what makes the difference so big. Ofcourse the last 2 can carry less, but seem sufficient for the XH A1? And they all have fluid heads, which I really wanted.

[Dionysos]

Anyone experience with one of those ^^?

[Huy Vu]

I don't know about the LS-22 but that first one isn't a fluid head. You have to be careful to distinguish between real fluid head and "fluid-action head" which is simply an imitation using friction plates. Manufacturers will lump all of it together and call it fluid head but there's no way you get a real fluid head at that price range.

[DavidChia]

jade8472 is right.

I use to have the Libec th20. for that price you can complain. It does the job, pretty happy with it . it even has a integrated Spiked/Retractable Feet . light weight and easy to carry around with the bag.

I used it on a dvx and xha1 before. only thing is that it does have knobs to dampen the drag and you can't adjust the plate. It sit directly on the tripod. If you are on a budget, I can say it serve it purpose.

[Raul Rooma]

I have manfrotto kit,with 519 head, with 3182 legs and bag .quiet happy with them.I would suggest that if u budget can afford,but always is better to invest in better stuff than after some time u feel that u anyway need it.;)