Official Tripod F.A.Q's

M

mikecentola

Well-known member
Looking to upgrade to a pro tripod. Currently our only video tripod is a Manfrotto 745B with a 701 RC2 head on it. It works great for our DVX, but I wanted to go up to something with 2 stage legs, and a stable base. Also a little bit better of a head. It needs to support a HVX with M2, nikon lens, rail system, follow focus, and a matte box. There will be other things such as mics, wireless receivers, etc that would probably be on the camera also. Would be nice if the tripod worked with dolley systems also.

Any ideas? I've been very happy with Manfrotto stuff, just don't know where to start looking. Thanks! :)
 
701 RC2 head is not a fluid head so it's not good...

And don't take the the 501 Manfrotto head... it"s not a fluid head !

Go directly for 503 head, it's a TRUE fluid head.
 
oh ok cool, i had no idea the 701 wasn't a fluid head. i'll look for kits with the 503. i'm looking at the kits on bogen's website now. any other ideas?
 
I just got a cartoni tripod with f100 fluid head. They have 'em with 1 or 2 stage sticks.
1200-1500 or so, I think
Jason
 
I have the Bogen 516 fluid head with the 3046 leg. It's heavy but the 3046 is two staged and it's incredibly tall. The whole thing is rated up to 22 lbs so it can probably handle all those accessories. I read that some people have problems with mounting a crane on the 503 so the 516 might be a better choice if you're not quite willing to shell out $1200 for the Cartoni.
 
hmm ok i'll look at the 516 also. If I was going to get a crane, which we might end up getting, I was looking at the kessler kit with their tripod as the base, so I wouldn't necessarily need a fluid head that supports it.
 
wow the 515MVB kit from b&h is just over $1000. Is that what I should be looking to spend on a pro tripod? I figured closer to $500, but if I need to spend more to get the quality, and ability to hold everything, then I will.
 
tarionyx said:
wow the 515MVB kit from b&h is just over $1000. Is that what I should be looking to spend on a pro tripod? I figured closer to $500, but if I need to
spend more to get the quality, and ability to hold everything, then I will.
Click to expand...

For a "pro" tripod, you should be looking more in the range of $2000 and above. However there are some good semi-pro options in the $1000 to $2000 range.
Anything below that is pretty much consumer level.
 
hmm i didn't know that...i guess i'm looking for something in the $500-$1000 range, and the 503 head on 525 legs with the lower support and everything as a kit for $800 seems like a pretty good deal then. Any other thoughts?
 
I bought a manfrotto fluid head, I believe its the 519. Its way overkill, and too heavy. If you're like me and need something that's quick and portable, I would suggest to look for carbon fiber legs, and a head that's not very heavy. The HVX and DVX are considered lightweight cameras, there's no need for heavy duty heads...
 
I think you'd be happy with the 503/525MVB combo...IMHO it's the best you'll get in that price range. Unless you would consider looking for a used Vinten 6 or something.
 
Don't be too afraid to go "slightly" overboard on the Tripod and more-so the head. When you have thoes really slow pans especially on fine moves like jewelry, you'll be glad you got a good head.
 
Spend your money right the first time and you wont regret it. seriously. I spent cheap and got cheap shots.
 
I have a different take on tripods. Most people here get tripod legs with either 100mm or 70mm half bowl. Personaly I don't like Half Bowl tripod systems, I prefer tripods with geared column. Mine is a Manfrotto 3251. You can set them up very quickly, leveling is very fast, and they can go very high. They are also very, very sturdy, and can support a lot of weight. The only draw back is that they are heavy , about double the weight than a half bowl tripod , which is fine unless you have to carry it around a lot. I have had mine for well over 10 years, and still work like the first day I bought it. I have put 35mm, 16mm cameras and now my HVX. Great tripod. And with a 503 head it should run you a little over $600.
 
thanks for all the tips guys :) i think we're going to go with the 525/503 kit since it fits us well right now. When we make the purchase of a kessler crane, I will probably buy their matching tripod legs and fluid head, to have a matched set from them.

:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top