Best tripod/head combo under $1k

FiddlerMD

FiddlerMD

Well-known member
I currently have a 193MF3 with a 501 head (weird combo, i know but i already had the 193 and didn't want to invest in another tripod at the time).. the 193 is a photo tripod and doesnt have the stability for video.
I am also not completely happy with the 501 since it's hard to do a smooth starting pan without jerking out of place first. also the lack of a counterbalance sucks.. so ...
I am looking at getting something under $1k - with a real fluid head and legs with decent height .. the higher the better - but not overly heavy
any comments appreciated - thanks!
 
Though many on these boards might disagree, I like the bogen 516 head. You can get the head + decent sticks for under $1000 at b and h.
 
i like the look of that libec...anybody else going to contribute or does everybody own 1k plus tripods haha!!

money, money
 
Hi Mike,

I've heard good things about the Libec LS-38 yet the Bogen's seem to be most popular in your price range. While I'm not sure of our sponsor's pricing, I've picked up a brand new Bogen 503 with a nice case for $500 on ebay. BTW, if you don't mind stretching your budget a bit, the Miller DS-10 is a great tripod.

Happy Hunting, Michael
 
I would highly advise not buying a Bogen 501 or 503, they are toys in comparison to the Libec and or the Cartoni Focus.

I own a 501 as well as a Sachtler and I have a client who made me use their 503s for the past few years. If you are locked off for an interview, great, but try to do a simultaneous smooth tilt pan with either and you will see what kind of quality the Bogens have.

Dan
 
so u really reckon that the Libec LS-38 is a much better legs/head option then say a 503 head and 351 legs by bogan/manfrotto?

thats the two options im trying to decide on....was leaning towards manfrotto
 
well i had a closer look at the specs on both tripods and im now pretty certain ill get the libec.

cheers dan
 
it's funny - i posted this a little while ago and forgot that i posted about this - today while doing my own research, i also came to the libec ls38... 2 questions about it - will there be too much resistance from the spring for an unloaded dvx and 2 - how bulky is it? anyone have pics of it with other equipment/people around?
 
I bought the Libec LS38-2a. Its heavy, solid, has real nice smooth motion (although fixed resistance) and I couldn't be happier. The pic shown is with my Gs300 as my DVX is still in transit. You get an idea of the size of it as the head dwarfs my little panny.
Libec2.jpg

Libec1.jpg

Libec5.jpg
 
I bought LS38-2a for about $600.
I used it for my HVX200 with SGPRO Flipped Lens Adapter, along with the followfocus, Nikkor lens and mattebox.
So far, it holds well and its fluid is superb.
 
I love my Libec LS-55, Its just the multi load version of the 38, and with my full rig it works great compared to my old Bogen set up.


jon
 
Jon Neely said:
I love my Libec LS-55, Its just the multi load version of the 38, and with my full rig it works great compared to my old Bogen set up.


jon
Click to expand...

I have heard from enough happy Libec owners to recommend the Libec LS-38 as the "new Bogen". If you are cheap or broke and cannot afford a Sachtler or O'Connor, the Libec seems to be the way to go. If you can squeeze a few more dollars, there are a lot of satisfied Cartoni Focus owners out there as well.

It looks good and I think it is rated at 17lbs load so most of you with Letus setups can swing this way too for a little over $600.00. I don't think a Sachtler is the only way to go, it's the only way to go if you have the money. If you don't, it seems you can still achieve tripod happines for well under $1,000.00.

Awesome!

Dan
 
I just looked up the Libec and it says it has a fixed counter balence. Is that going to matter with a camera, sgpro, etc. on it? Others seem happy I'm just trying to figure out why its so great and a little cheaper than the 3193 w/516 bogen combo which I was planning to buy. Does the fixed resistance bother anyone?
 
KyleProhaska said:
I just looked up the Libec and it says it has a fixed counter balence. Is that going to matter with a camera, sgpro, etc. on it? Others seem happy I'm just trying to figure out why its so great and a little cheaper than the 3193 w/516 bogen combo which I was planning to buy. Does the fixed resistance bother anyone?
Click to expand...
As far as the the counter balance goes it should not matter. You will be able to achieve perfect horizontal balance by adjusting the sliding plate forward or aft.
The fixed fluid resistance IMO is plenty good enough, if it were harder I think it would be too much, I reckon they nailed it.
 
The counter balance with my Sgpro and DVX set up is great, Doesn't overload it by any stretch. I sure like having the different amount of resistances in my head vs. the 38 with the fixed amount, tho I have never used the 38. But the 55 is just a tank, and it makes some pretty decent pans, I can't wait till I get my FF for the whole thing!
I am looking at an O'Conner 50 now with some heavier Legs for the more cine legs and head set up. But for everything, the LS55 is a good all around tripod.


Jon
 
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