Libec LS38 with an HVX200 and LetusEx

D_DUB

D_DUB

Member
Hello people. I've been reading in the forums for the best tripod system for less than $1000, and I've narrowed my choice down to the Libec LS38 tripod system seen here http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...82A_LS38_Tripod_System_Supports.html/mode/edu

I'm curious if this will support the weight of a an HVX200 outfitted with a Letus Extreme, rails, lens, and Mattebox. I only own the HVX at this point and the 35mm adapter setup is next on my list after a tripod. I'm sure it would hold the camera rig still, but I'm wanting to know if I could still get decent pan and tilt movements with this tripod system under that weight. Any info would be great!

DW
 
Hi:

My Letus rig weighs in around 16lbs without the monitor. This is an HVX-200, Letus Extreme, Nikon 50mm 1.4 lens, Red Rock Follow Focus, Cinevate Matte Box, one 4x4 filter, Letus Rod System, One Panasonic CGD-5400 battery and two P2 cards. Your rig weight may vary, depending on what else you have. Once concern will be a monitor. If you want to attach a monitor to your rig, the monitor will weigh between 2.5 to 3.5lbs, plus battery, plus mounting arm.

So if you have a similar setup, you will exceed the Libec LS-38 capacity, you need a better tripod. Check out the LS-55.

Dan
 
weixiang623 said:
my manfrotto 503 gets the job done.
Click to expand...

Try to zoom in your camera, then do a smooth simultaneous pan and tilt with no jerks or jarring. Not possible on a Bogen 503, the head has tons of stiction in both axis.

Sorry, nothing personal, I was just forced to use the 503 for two years when my boss was too cheap to buy a real tripod and I hate the cheap Bogens with a passion. And he would complain how my moves weren't smooth!

Finally I bought my Sachtler and life is pleasant again ;-)

Dan
 
I just got received the Libec LS38, and so far, I love it. The counterbalance spring is too strong for the weight of my HVX. When I tilt up or down, it tends to pull back to a more level resting position. I suppose once I increase the weight with the Letus and rails, this will balance out easier?
 
I have the LS55 but with my DVX SGpro, Heavy nikon, and my FF there is still too much counter balance, But I have gotten ust to it and I like the feel now.



Cheers on the new Libec, They are TANKS,

Jon
 
D_DUB said:
I just got received the Libec LS38, and so far, I love it. The counterbalance spring is too strong for the weight of my HVX. When I tilt up or down, it tends to pull back to a more level resting position. I suppose once I increase the weight with the Letus and rails, this will balance out easier?
Click to expand...

Hi Dub:

If you load up your HVX with toys, the counterbalance on the LS-38 should end up fine.

Dan
 
Ok, I've read all of the tripod posts, and I believe that I'm ready to spend some money on a setup.... I own a DVX100b with no extras, and no plans to get any kind of 35 adapter... the only type of things I'll be putting on this are wireless mic receivers and hdd recorders... I'll be doing mostly event production (music concerts and such) things where I will sometimes have to zoom all the way in and follow someone around a stage... I've used the 501hdv and the 503hdv, and was only mildly impressed with them... the LS-38 looks to be the right choice, but is it too much for my light stock dvx... I've seen people complain that the dvx is too light, but they said they got used to it, does that mean you are happy with your investment, or would you buy something else if you had it to do over?
 
Well I've not had a lot of time to play with it too much. I love the drag of the fluid head. I've done some simple practice shots panning and following subjects at relatively short distances, and its pretty darn smooth. The only thing that takes me some getting used to so far is the counter balance of the head. If I tilt down and let the handle go, it will gently drift back to a more level point of equilibrium. however I think that Dan is right, once I load it up with a little more weight it will be fine. With a little practice right now, I don't think it would matter anyway. So far I love the Libec, but I've not fully battle tested it, yet. There is nothing that would make me rethink my investment at this point, however.
 
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