What tripod is everyone using with their HVX200

DavidBeier

DavidBeier

Veteran
I made a similar topic a while back and really wasn't able to decide (the Cartoni Focus looks perfect but it's 1200 minimum). So, instead of asking for suggestions this time, I'm simply curious as to what you guys have been using and how you like it.
 
the cartoni foucus is a bargin at $1400. if you compare the Sachler DV 4 witch is the same price the sachler looks like a still CAmera tripod you'd get at best buy...the Bogen 516 even the 501 works but dosen't have the counter ballence and the head movment is poor... don't get the $1200 foucus it comes with out the leg risers thats only $1200.
 
I'd really like to know what's the difference between say a 250 dollar tripod and a 1500 dollar one? I mean correct me if I'm wrong but really, isn't the only really important factor that it has a fluid head?
 
Well they can say they have a fluid head and maybe they do. But you get what you pay for. Also if you put the weight of the HVX along with some other stuff on the tripod it doesn't move as smooth. If your just going to lock off your shots then by all means get the cheapest tripod out there. Just makes sure it won't tip over or anything stupid like that. But if you want really nice looking pans and something that will last. Then I would say go with the Focus Cartoni head and sticks. That's what I have and I love it. Well worth the money spent.
 
I have been puzzling through the same stuff, I checked out a bunch of tripods at NAB, and yes, the Cartoni is by far the best price/performance. It's very pro, and feels like butter even with a heavy rig on it.

The Bogen 503 seems to be the best 'cheapie' head out there, it doesn't have any of the counterbalancer stuff that the cartoni does, but if you can slide your camera fore/aft enough to balance, it seems not as necessary... basically if you want a fluid head, this is the cheapest one that is still functional.

-Tom
 
The 503 head is really nice and I have one. But if you want something to look really good I would go with the Focus. I would much rather think about what's going on in the frame instead of thinking about how the pan didn't look that good. Maybe I just suck at moving the 503 and I need something that does more of the work for me like the Focus.
 
Using an elcheapo Optex (for still cams.)

Staying in lock down mode most of the time. Since I intend to do compositing (set extensions, 3d stuff) alot lockdown is fine.

Camera bounces when you press the record button, though. I'll use the remote control on my next shoot.

Saving my shekels for a better tripod.
 
We have four HVX-200s here and three POS Bogen 501/503 tripods and a Sachtler DV-6. The Sachtler rules, of course, but most HVX owners are too cheap and broke to buy a real tripod like the Sachtler. The Cartoni is a good deal and feels great but I just like something about the German mindset that designed the Sachtler. Long term, the Sachtler is a bit better constructed and will undoubtedly have better re-sale value than the Cartoni.

The Bogens are fine for interviews and lockoffs but the pan/tilting sucks. When I shoot action, it's always with the Sachtler.

I had a Sachtler Video 20 years ago for my Betacam and I have not used a better tripod since.

Best,

Dan
 
Ok guys, I'm going to admit my ignorance and embarass myself.

What's the difference between 1-stage, 2-stage, and 3-stage (despite the price)?
 
Hey David,

Well, the number of leg sections dictates the minimum and maximum height of the tripod, as well as how small the tripod will collapse for transporting it.

...and of course, the price :-)

Best,

Skip
 
What about the Vinten Vision 3 model. How it compares with the Sachtler ? Is the Sachtler model DV-6 specially made for HVX200 ? Thanks.
 
Hi photoman:

No, the DV-6 is not made specifically for the HVX, it's made for a specific weight range that all of the 1/3" chip HD/HDV camcorders fall into.

The Vintens are decent but Sachtler's are slightly better IMHO, your mileage may vary. The smart thing to do is to go to a big dealer and try them out or rent a couple and do a shootout. You can usually rent a tripod in this range for maybe 30-40 bucks a day so I would narrow it down to your two or three favorites and then rent 'em, put 'em through their paces and buy what worked best for your style, feel and requirements.

You can check out Miller too, they aren't bad.

Dan
 
We have had the Vinten Vision 3 Head and carbon fiber sticks for about 5 years now and loved it. We had heavier cameras on it before and now that we use the HVX we just needed to swap the balance spring in the head for like $20.
 
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