Alternative to high priced tripods?

Got it!

Got it!

OK, the tripod arrived today and now I can give an objective review. As most everyone who has bought it agrees, the sticks are awesome. Rock solid,
easy to compact and built like a tank. Comes with a nice heavy bag. I like the head too, it's a true fluid, (first I have owned) and to me, buttery smooth. If anything it may be a bit oversized for an HVX with no accessories, which could explain the amount of resistance at minimum settings one poster mentioned. I thought the resistance was perfect in the vertical realm and just a bit heavy in the horizontal. The balance switch is a great feature, with it engaged the camera cannot take a nosedive, but it can still be maneuvered within normal parameters. The drag controls can lock it down in a quarter turn.

The QR plate requires a screwdriver which is my least favorite feature. But it
does slide, allowing the camera to be perfectly balanced.

Overall it's a great buy for around $400, and in my opinion, probably equal to a $1200 name brand tripod/head.
 
1172793094.jpg
 
ZOMG! XD Biggest pict00r evaR!

LOL, thanks , much appreciate, could make a good backup to beat the crap out of.
 
mainstreetprod said:
Overall it's a great buy for around $400, and in my opinion, probably equal to a $1200 name brand tripod/head.
Click to expand...
No way this is equal to a $1200 tripod. This head only has one counterbalance setting, on or off, the pan and tilt locks are the "drag adjustments", there is no separate balance sliding plate and the bubble isn't even illuminated. It's in no way equal to a $1200 tripod. It is what is is, a $400 tripod. Those reviewers that say it's as good as and has the same features as a Vinten 12 are on crack. I like how they name drop equipment like Betacams and Arriflexes to sound legitimate but anyone with a clue about professional fluid heads wouldn't make a statement like that.

IMO, this is a waste of money. If you don't have a lot of money, spend less money. Go buy a $200 tripod so when you upgrade later you're not out a lot of money. Or better yet, save up your money, bite the bullet and buy a quality tripod that you won't need to upgrade again for years or forever. Like they say, buying cheap is buying twice.
 
It does have a separate sliding balance plate.

So you think the guy that wrote this review doesn't know squat about equipment:


"I was pleasantly surprised with this tripod, it is very sturdy, light and well built, the bowl seems smooth and accurate on the bubble. Tested it for a couple of hours, and it is very good, for the price excellent. I use very heavy camera for today’s standards (40 - 45 lb) Sony or Ikegami BetaCam SP with BVV5 back, Chrozsiel Matte box, Anton Bauer Propack 14 digital, and Portabrace cover, and a small body Arriflex 16 with accoutrements and even with all this it holds very very well, all Pans and tilts seem very smooth, and the breaks hold well too. Maybe with time the weight might take its toll but for now it seems a good purchase, the packaging was great, the bag is as good as many top end tripods, and it comes with two handles and adjustment tools, no instructions, (but if you need instructions to use a tripod, then maybe you shouldn’t own one), hehehehe just kidding. Over all, my feeling is that it is as good as a Vinten 10 or 12, with the same kind of features and bag, costing 2000.00. If you use a lighter camera, or less accessories than I do, and use the tripod properly, you should be OK for years to come. Many tripods suffer tremendously because camera operators and even DP’s try to pan or tilt with out releasing the breaks. And for the other member comment about the rings. The rings on the inside of the legs, are for placing weight, ( battery, sand bags etc) under certain, steep angle placement of the tripod, or if Dutching a shot, or heavy winds, moving vehicle, or anchoring, you use those rings to hang weight on the legs for hold or pull down, without restricting you head movements. Maybe im wrong but for years the rings came in handy. Thanks and good shopping. "


If so, he needs to start a writing career. IMHO, if he can spell Ikegami, Chrozsiel and
Anton Bauer, he's not a high school kid making stuff up.
 
Last edited:
RE: real fluid head? Complete description

RE: real fluid head? Complete description

Two Stage Tripod Base:

The Model AT-9903 is a two-stage, lightweight, high-tensile heat-treated aluminum alloy tripod that is extremely rigid, stable and designed to be shock resistant. It has a die-cast aluminum shoulder with a built-in (high impact resistant) 100mm interface bowl, adjustable leg lock levers for reliability and safety in the field, as well as a floor level spreader which aids in tripod leg angle setting. The lowest leg section has twin metal spiked feet as well as spiked feet shoes.

AT-9903 Fluid Drag Head:

The AT-9903 head is a high performance, highly refined, video head equipped with fluid cartridges that provide continuous drag control while encompassing a wide range of friction control down to "zero drag" and operates on both pan and tilt axis with independent pan and tilt locks

Specifically designed for the latest heavy-duty high end ENG and EFP video market, the AT-9903 Head is compact, light, and can support cameras up to 22.46 lbs. while incorporating all of the features required by Broadcasters, documentary and industrial videographers, including an advanced drag system which ensures smooth pan and tilt control, plus smooth stop and starts – Also perfectly suited for use with the new generation of CCD and smaller state-of-the-art ENG cameras. The AT-9903 head features a replaceable and removable pan arm; large knobs for better grip on controls (tilt and pan lock, tilt drag) are located on the left side for easy access.

The AT-9903 achieves counter balance through an adjustable spring for camera weights. The built-in 100mm half-ball conforms to a variety of other manufacturers tripods with 100mm receivers, allowing the quick leveling of the camera with the aid of the leveling bubble. The 9903 comes with two pan arms as well as a long sliding QR plate which adjusts for proper camera balance.

Other features include a separate tilt and pan locking mechanism, low profile which reduces the center of gravity for optimized balancing of heavy loads, ensuring maximum stability. The AT-9903 head can be mounted on any 100mm bowl.

Tripod spreader for spiked feet:

Universal tripod spreader with variable diameter width controls functions beautifully with the twin metal spiked tripod tips. Floor-level spreader with flat pivoting rubber feet provides for outstanding lightness and stability allowing the system to be easily carried and rapidly deployed into action.
​
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]




​
 
More reviews

More reviews

Here are some more reviews from purchasers of the tripod:

Good tripod for the moneyGreat holds well, very sturdy tripod. I use JVC DV500 & DV5000 without any problems. I shoot professionally, alot of work for TV. I recommend this tripod. I have used the BIG names and this is equal to them. The AT9903 is a good all around tripod for both beginners and older photog's.
Problems I encountered with this item:The only problems that I have encountered are; 1 the spreaders need to be beefed up a bit or made from a non-breakable plastic, I have broken this several times, More documentation is needed since it comes with none. Sometimes the quick release trigger on the tripod plate sticks a little, In the world of ENG this tripod will take a lickin' and the only thing to worry about is the tripod spreader breaking.

Can't beat it for the priceI've used Sachtler 18s and Manfrottos that cost thousands more than I paid for this, and this is fairly comprable. Heavy duty, sturdy, and a great head. For a reliable, sturdy tripod, you cant beat this for the price.
Problems I encountered with this item:The legs stick a little bit, but even the most expensive tripods do that from time to time. The friction adjustment on the head could be a little more variable, but unless you're doing quick pans, it won't be a problem.



SUPER TRIPODIt was great to pay so little and recieve so much! I had paid much more for a Libec and experienced slippage on the leg locks on stage one. Using A Panasonic DVC PRO Camera, I needed good support with good mobility, this unit filled the bill. Smooth pan and tilt, quick and easy setup and takedown, its the economical way to go for heavy ENG camera support!
Problems I encountered with this item:Could use a beefier center connector on the ground spreader.

good value with some tech issuesUsed this on a feature shoot and the tripod is nice-- sturdy, good spreader, smooth action on the legs. the fluid head works well but if the pan action is adjustable, i couldn't figure out how. biggest issue was the camera mount on the quick release. the plate seems designed for the bigger, heavier vid cameras. I shot a prosumer canon xl2 and the mounting screw slips through the slot -- it's also too long so i couldn't get the camera tight against the plate. in order to seat it, it was necessary to cut some gasket material and place it between the quick release plate and the camera. apparently amvona does not manufacture a screw that avoids this issue. Recommend this item but with reservations stated above.
Problems I encountered with this item:Pan action adjustment. Camera mounting screw.

Very Substantial Tripod and HeadNothing compares for the money. Great tripod and fluid head w/ bowl level adjustment. I am using a Sony HDR-FX1 HD and it operates smoothly just like the big boys. Sticks are well made and sturdy. I like the fact that the level spreader comes off the bottom for in the field use, (literally), only there wasn't any way of really knowing they came off initially because the package came with no documentation what-so-ever. Would be ok if Amvona would post a manual online, but they don't. Only one posting in the FAQ's asking about the head balance feature on the back of the head for which i still don't understand yet. Would have given this pod 5 stars, but alas, no manual or documentation. There is also 3 rings on the inside of the legs that are unexplanable without documentation. Professional equipment though, without the professional price. I would recommend for anyone who is interested in getting a sturdy, substantial head and sticks for their production.





 
Dude, you sure are defensive about this tripod. Do you work for Amvona or something? I understand if you don't get it since you admit this is your first fluid head, but do your own research if you don't believe me. A Vinten Vision 12 is a $5000 tripod. It has continuously variable drag and counterbalance controls. This Amvona doesn't even have any control over the drag other than using the pan/tilt locks to dig into the head. C'mon how lame is that? If you believe those reviews then you're pretty naive.

Look, if you're happy about your $400 then gold stars for you. But don't pretend it's just as good as a real, full featured professional fluid head and definitely don't quote reviews that don't know what they're talking about.
 
mainstreetprod said:
fluid cartridges that provide continuous drag control while encompassing a wide range of friction control
Click to expand...
a true fluid head, as defined in the 1946 patent, is one in which the drag adjustment is accomplished by moving stator discs in or away from rotor discs. all the "major" tripod companies are very clear about their methods and techniques (to a degree). if we want to compare this chinese kit to the "big leagues" it's only fair they provide a detailed description of the drag mechanism.. otherwise, it's only fair they get ripped on for not doing so.. that's my $0.02
 
Poll Question-Is Ed 209 a Douche Bag?

Poll Question-Is Ed 209 a Douche Bag?

Seriously man, take a pill. The dude likes his tripod, it didn't cost 5G's so what?
 
Thanks for the impressions...this sounds like a good investment. I'd like to try it out though first. Seems solid, though. I'll look into it.
 
Disco Robo said:
Seriously man, take a pill. The dude likes his tripod, it didn't cost 5G's so what?
Click to expand...

Alright, I admit I was a douche bag. But this douche bag is just trying to save you guys some money. I lot of people here don't understand fluid heads that well. I tried to explain why those reviews were probably fake because they don't know what they are talking about. There are huge fundamental differences between this head and standard professional fluid heads. If people listen to those reviews and expect this head to be a real alternative to higher priced tripods, they're gonna be screwed. It's happened to me before. I tried to go cheap on something and eventually am never happy with it so I have to buy something again. You end up wasting so much time and money. Buy quality and cry once. Buy cheap and cry all the time.
 
I'm just a prosumer who wants a better tripod and has to rely on the judgements of pros to make a decision. If all 9 of those reviews are made up, than kudos to the copywriters who did it. They sure fooled me into thinking they knew what they were talking about. Especially when they threw in all the negative points about replacing the spreaders several times, etc.

My point is not that this is such a great tripod, but that a $5000 tripod is
vastly overpriced . For just a bit more than the price of a couple of Vinten 12's I can go buy a Toyota Yaris and drive across the country. Which has more engineering and materials in it- the Vinten or the Toyota? Three sticks and a head, or an automobile with a highly engineered engine, transmission,body,tires,wheels,interior, etc, etc.

If two experienced shooters shoot the same scene, one with my "waste of money" tripod, one with the $5000 Vinten, will the editor be able to tell the difference? Is the guy who buys the $5000 tripod really getting his money's worth? Sorry, but I just don't buy the argument that you always get what you pay for. I hope the Chinese copycats buy a Vinten 12, study it, reproduce it , sell it for under $1000 and give the big time manufacturers a run for their money.:thumbup:
 
Last edited:
mainstreetprod said:
If two experienced shooters shoot the same scene, one with my "waste of money" tripod, one with the $5000 Vinten, will the editor be able to tell the difference? Is the guy who buys the $5000 tripod really getting his money's worth? Sorry, but I just don't buy the argument that you always get what you pay for. I hope the Chinese copycats buy a Vinten 12, study it, reproduce it , sell it for under $1000 and give the big time manufacturers a run for their money.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Well.
if it´s a static shot you of course won´t see a difference, but maybe when you have to panzoomtilt with the tripod...
I also don´t like the idea of cashing out 5K for a tripod, but what is that compared to 45K for an ENG camera...?
It still is a broadcast market and customers and manufacturers are used to certain prices...
Fortunately there are alternatives like the Cartoni now, and after more reviews maybe this 400$ pod will also become a hot deal on dvxuser...
 
Sweet jeezo. I ignore this thread for a few days and the claws come out. Chill out, people. The tripod is what it is -- a good alternative for those of us who need a combo that can support a lot of weight but can't afford a higher-end package.

And please don't tell me that "well you've spent $xxxx on a camera, 35mm adapter, etc. etc., what's another $1200 for a Cartoni?" I'll tell you what it is, it's another $1200 that I don't have because I just bought all the other equipment. I'd love to have a sweet set of sticks and an awesome head, but for now I -- and a lot of others -- will have to settle for something that works safely.
 
I would love to try out a really high end tripod to learn hands on what all of the high end control offers for the money.

At the same time it sounds to me like this tripod is a solid bargain for $400 and if you can get the shots you're after without sacrifising too much ease in getting the shots, then you're in business and have an effective tool at a good price.

Keep up with the feedback. It would be nice to hear a little more about how control over the drag benefits and justifies spending 2 to 5K :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top