Tripod question + accessories list

[Ben_B]

Here is a list of things I am planning to get over the next two months for my GH1 whenever it gets here. Question about the tripod though.

10" IndirailsPro
Indifocus20
Hoodloupe with Camcorder mount strap (http://hoodmanusa.com/prodinfo.asp?number=H%2DLPP3CAM) I think the screen can still turn around.
Nikon to M 4/3 Adapter
50mm Nikon AI F 1.4
0.6 ND Filter 62mm
0.9 ND Filter 62mm
52mm to 62mm ring
Tripod w/fm18 head and trackless dolly

Here is the tripod:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/563815-REG/Davis_Sanford__ProVista_Airlift_Tripod_with.html

Anyone had any experience with this tripod and head? The dolly is a nice added bonus, friends already have tracked dollys but I can't always borrow :)

I was going to get a Bogen/Manfrotto with a 501 head and was debating between the one that had legs like this and the one with the simpler but less stable, telescoping, legs...but they're $100 more and no dolly. What do people think of this tripod/list?

Anyone used the Indifocus20?

[Peter J. DeCrescenzo]

Hi Ben: The Hoodman LCD loupe might be somewhat redundant to the GH1's own viewfinder (also: isn't the GH1 VF higher res than the LCD?), but if what you want is a "VF" that can swivel, then your approach makes sense to me, too.

Are you planning on building/buying an indie-slider (or do you already have one)? These seem to be very useful especially for smallish cams such as the GH1:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=145701

[Ben_B]

Friend already has an indislider. I also have some handles and stuff I built myself that I can put under the rails (not on them though :() Just sort of looking at what I want for the next few months. Yeah I want a swivelable viewfinder which is why I want the hoodloupe, you can't really look in the GH1 viewfinder when it's up on rails on a tripod very easily, but yes the EVF on GH1 is higher res than the LCD.

Also my little brother has a Zoom H2 I can borrow for awhile, but during the school year I have access to a boom-mic, marantz, and a many people happy to crew and run sound.

[Martti Ekstrand]

I've found that on sunny days I need two N8 (0.9) to have 1/50 and f/2.8. That tripod with dolly look like sweet deal.

An alternative to the Hoodman could be the Sock-loupe: http://sock-loupe.com

[Kholi]

My POV on the tripod: don't waste your money on something cheap. The second you try to move that head smoothly during video you might end up kicking yourself because of the restocking fee.

I haven't any experience with that specific one, but my experiences with several head and sticks combos pretty much has been the same; you get what you pay for. Go with one of the Libec's or Vintens, it's been the best compromise between price and performance I've seen/experienced. The 501 has this same issue, and I personally wouldn't invest in one.

It may cost more, but fluid pans and tilts are really important. Once your camera starts jerking to a start or stop during a pan it's painfully obvious. That and when you try to do diagonal moves, it becomes nearly impossible to avoid the zig zag or stairstepping motion. Like glass, a Tripod will stick with you beyond one camera purchase. Get one with a good warranty, service and support and it'll last you forever during this VDSLR phase.

Please do not leave out your Polarizer in that kit. Also, you'll probably need a 0.3ND.

[Martti Ekstrand]

Davis and Sanford are a old tripod company that's owned by Tiffen these days which is why I think that might be a good set of sticks and head: http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=davissanford

[Kholi]

Tiffen's definitely something to look at. I haven't had any experience with 'em as far as the tripod goes, probably have to do some searching.

Here's something I'd consider: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=ps&sq=desc&sortDrop=Relevance&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&shs=Libec&ci=3909&at=Weight+Support_Up+to+13+lb&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

Although my personal preference for the long haul would be this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=ps&sq=desc&sortDrop=Relevance&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&shs=Libec&ci=3909&at=Weight+Support_13+to+18+lb&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

The former is only about 150 more than the first link Ben B (OP) put up and Libec's heads are true fluid heads if I remember correctly.

[Ben_B]

Thanks Kholi. Looking for the cheaper option so I think I am gonna go with this tripod for now, I have friends that have some Manfrotto stuff that I've shot with before and can borrow if I need them for specific shots, but I think this tripod will do it for me probably (from what I'm hearing so far.) Only review I've found was @ Videomaker and it was positive but I don't really trust them that much. Still looking to save money so this might be helpful, the above list is like already at over $900 (with prices padded a bit for safety to account for shipping, tax, etc.)

[Martti Ekstrand]

I got a Libec TH-650 from way back when they were still called Heiwa and for a consumer video tripod it's really good and has indeed a fluid head that allows for slow smooth pans and stops. It's more than 8 years old and is still in perfect working condition so both Libec models Kholi links to sounds like a good option.

[Peter J. DeCrescenzo]

I'll 2nd (3rd?) the general recommendation in favor of Libec tripods. I have a Libec LS-50 which I've used for several years and it still works well.

A few years ago I bought (sight unseen) a Manfrotto/Bogen 510-10 tripod kit which cost much, much more than the Libec LS-50. Big mistake. It took me a while to realize that no matter how I adjusted the 510-10 it doesn't pan as smoothly as my old Libec LS-50.

With tripods, although more expensive usually means better, it may not always be the case.

Since there's such huge differences among tripod makes & models, I recommend if there's any way possible, at least briefly test it before you make a final decision which to buy. However, I realize that's not always possible -- and a brief test might not be conclusive.

Now that quality "video cams" are getter smaller & less expensive than ever, the quest for an appropriate tripod is a hot topic.

Let us know what you think of whichever tripod you buy/test/use!

[Kholi]

I'll 2nd (3rd?) the general recommendation in favor of Libec tripods. I have a Libec LS-50 which I've used for several years and it still works well.

A few years ago I bought (sight unseen) a Manfrotto/Bogen 510-10 tripod kit which cost much, much more than the Libec LS-50. Big mistake. It took me a while to realize that no matter how I adjusted the 510-10 it doesn't pan as smoothly as my old Libec LS-50.

With tripods, although more expensive usually means better, it may not always be the case.

Since there's such huge differences among tripod makes & models, I recommend if there's any way possible, at least briefly test it before you make a final decision which to buy. However, I realize that's not always possible -- and a brief test might not be conclusive.

Now that quality "video cams" are getter smaller & less expensive than ever, the quest for an appropriate tripod is a hot topic.

Let us know what you think of whichever tripod you buy/test/use!

The Bogen farse of "fluid head" is a messed-up one. Libec stomps all over Manfrotto in this area for price-to-performance. I think I'm still gonna go LS-55 because of the drag control, we'll see.

But I definitely think it's even time for me to finally invest in a Tripod. With cameras getting lighter, that means the tripod expense gets cheaper and I can finally justify shelling out for one that supports up to say 14 - 18lbs.

Then again... handheld is so much more fun. MUAHAHA.

[Ben_B]

I am actually going to B&H in late July which now looks MUCH sooner than I get my camera...NYC woo! (nothing to film with though >.<) Will try to try out the tripod there.

[Peter J. DeCrescenzo]

... Then again... handheld is so much more fun. MUAHAHA.

I love this extreme "toy cam" hand-held configuration:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1685046&postcount=4

At the other end of the hand-held spectrum, are there online video examples shot with a GH1 mounted on a complete Merlin Arm & Vest system?
http://www.steadicam.com/merlinarmvest.html

I've seen a few GH1 videos which say they were shot using a "Merlin", but I don't know if they were using just a Merlin gimbal alone or a complete Arm & Vest system. Anyone have some links?

[Ben_B]

I've built some handles to make handheld easier out of pipes and bike grip. Favorite setup right now is camera on the right side, handle on left, hold grip on left side and camera by its grippy part on the right. Tested with friends DSLR...works nicely for handheld, makes a bit more stable and just generally easier...has enough room for LCD to flip out if needed.

[saaby]

I went through a long process of Tripod Deliberation (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=172238).

I ended up with Feisol CT-3342 (http://reallybigcameras.com/Feisol/Tournament_Class.htm) tripod, and as soon as I pull the trigger (Not sure what's keeping me...) I'll have the Libec H22 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/411085-REG/Libec_H22_H22_Professional_Fluid_head.html) head.

I'm really happy with the Tripod so far. ReallyBigCameras is really the only place to get the Feisol tripods in the US. You can go eBay too, if you are willing to wait for overseas shipping.

The only "gotcha" -- if I'd even call it that -- is that the Feisol legs come with a screw-top by default, and you need a bowl-top to use the Libec head. Feisol sell a kit with a leveler, but it's like $80. I contacted Kerry at ReallyBigCameras and he was able to get me just the "bowl" insert piece for the tripod legs.

There are 3 little screws that you have to loosen with an allen-wrench, and then you can swap out the mounting plate on the tripod itself. I have a photo ballhead attached to the screw-mount. I'm going to go (As soon as I have free time when the hardware store is open!) and see if I can find some replacement screws that I could just tighten and loosen by hand, to make it super quick to swap out the bowl+libec head for the plate+photo head.

You could do the same thing, but mount an Indislider on the screw-head.

I like the Feisol legs. They're well priced, well built, and I think the swappable mounting plate thing holds some real potential.


Edit: Trigger pulled. The head isn't a regularly stocked item at B&H. Let the 2-week waiting period begin...