Tripod Question

[Michael Pick]

What tripod would you recommend for Canon's new HV40. This camera will be used primarily as a 2nd camera, so I don't want to spend over $300 (I have a HVX200 as my primary camera with Bogen's 503 head)

This second cam will be locked down most of the time with occasional pans and tilts. (However, I would like the pans and tilts to be smooth) :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

Let me know if anyone has any suggestions or are willing to sell me a good tripod.

Thanks! Mike

[Michael Pick]

ttt

[Duke M.]

I think you put three key things in your inquiry.
Not expensive, not main camera, HV40 (light weight).

I do have a couple of expensive tripods, but have been using the PH-368 fluid head on an DIY indie slider with excellent results. That head is available on light sticks. It's plastic, but much heavier construction than I expected, yet smooth.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/146249-REG/Velbon_VMATE607F_Videomate_607_Tripod_with.html

If you want to go for more, I've had good results with my e-image tripod, which is basically a Chinese knock off, but works well. It's a 75mm bowl, three section legs and has a mid-level spreader.

http://cgi.ebay.com/e-Image-717-Prof-Video-Tripod-and-Hydraulic-Head-System_W0QQitemZ130316788212QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e577c61f4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1| 294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/e-Image-717-Prof-Video-Tripod-and-Hydraulic-Head-System_W0QQitemZ130316788212QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_ DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e577c61f4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1205%7C 293%3A1%7C294%3A50)

[NickG]

I like Libecs. The LS22 would probably handle the HV40 (I use a LS38 for XH-A1)

[Duke M.]

The LS38 is certainly a great tripod, but is in the upper limit of what he wants to pay ~$700. Also the e-image 717 is a knock off of the LS38 for about $170.

I figured a Libec is a bit much for a 1 lbs camera.

[DigitalBard]

Any recommendations for something a bit heavier? The summer is the windy season where I live and my current tripod is too light, especially with a light camera on it. So almost every clip I shoot shudders in the wind which is especially noticeable when I have to use the zoom.

I have tried hanging a weight on the bottom of my tripod, but the wind ends up causing that to swing... I need something solid and steady.

[Duke M.]

That's kind of an open ended question like asking which car is better. For what purpose? My answer would be the same, most cars will get you from a to b.

Video tripods are not the same as photography tripods. Real fluid heads are generally smoother. Three stages fold smaller than 2 stages. Other than that... it depends.

Both the e-image 717 and Lebec LS38 are heavier, and suitable for heavier cameras. But in reality you still should have a sand bag to drape over the spreader. It will sit still while a hanging weight won't.

Go somewhere and try some tripods. It's your opinion that matters for the way you operate, not ours.

[DigitalBard]

Thanks... I think... :)

The closest decent place with non-consumer equipment is 180 miles from here. So trying out equipment is tough.

But from the gist of what you are telling me, a tripod with a solid spreader is what I am looking for. Something that can support weight. That is actually VERY helpful information, thank you.

I will try to get into Kansas City as soon as possible and spend a few hours in some equipment stores there. In the meantime, it's research, research, research.

[Moseph]

I think the LS22 would require a bit too much force to comfortably operate with the counter balance, and the LS38 definitely would be an overkill. i have a TH-950DV, which is the head of an LS22 (H22DV), but on a much cheaper set of legs, with push tab locks rather than rotary set screw locks.
the counter balance on it is just strong enough to stop my DVC30 plus accessories from drifting forward, but just a tiny bit weaker than what would hold my schools A1 plus accessories in place on a sharp tilt.
you can always turn the counter balance completely off if its causing problems, but you'd probably be better off with a TH-M20 (which I owned before the TH-950). i only upgraded because the pan drag almost seemed to wear out over time, probably because it got used so much. but with only occasional movement, i'm sure it would be fine. smoothness definitely was no issue whatsoever, there just wasn't quite enough damping and counter balance for a 4-5 lb setup.