Need advice, fast, on fluid head tripod

Randall_Oelerich

Randall_Oelerich

Veteran
I need to order a tripod with a fluid head fast, any suggestions greatly appreciated. I want a fluid head tripod for a consumer camcorder, Canon Vixia HF100. I want smooth panning. I am returning a Bogen-Manfrotto 390RC2 head that I just bought off Amazon. It is horrible, sounds gritty, like there is shaved metal or sand in the head, panning is jerky, horrible; not just this unit, I checked two other units at local best buy store last night and same thing. So I am returning it. Need to order something else fast because I shoot in two weeks. Looking for tripod+head, under $300 if possible.
 
If your budget is that tight you may want to consider looking for a used option.
It's going to be near impossible to find a smooth head for under $300, much less a head/leg combo for that price.

At under 1K I've found the Bogen/Manfrottos to be the best value for the money.
But again, at under $300, I don't know of anything that I would consider smooth.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Actually now I am thinking I might spend up to $600, get a B/M tripod/head that I used to own, retailed I think for $650 or so, but I sold it. It seems like overkill for my vixia HF-100, but my plans are to get a prosumer solid state camcorder in a few months, and at that point the nicer head and tripod would be almost mandatory to own.
 
Second for the Libec H38. The counter-balance may be a little strong for your little cam, but if you are planning on moving up this head works great on cams the size of the HVX.
 
What do you all think about the newer carbon fiber tripods compared to heavier aluminum? If using a stone bag, could carbon fiber be okay? I could sure use the lighter weight for hauling equipment, especially since many of my shorts are written for outdoor locations to take advantage of where I live.
 
Made the leaop, just ordered this (Manfrotto 503HDV head with carbon fiber tripod):
1
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-351MVCF-503HDV-Spreader-MBAG90P/dp/B000SJX5N2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221335746&sr=8-1
 
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Probably a good move.
I think you'll be happy with that combo.
A tripod is definitely not something you want to skimp too much on.

Let us know how it works out for you.
 
so wich one would you choose the libec or the manfrotto 503hdv? I'm making up a list for my new camera, possibly a HMC. Wich would suit best that camera, bare without any additional (well maybe a small light and a mic) hardware on it?


Thanks for your help
 
Ryan Patrick O'Hara said:
Not to be a stickler but these types of posts might get better responses in the hardware section. :dankk2::thumbup:
Click to expand...

I have to admit I get confused where to post certain topics here on dvxuser. Soundtrack? Post Production editing? PreProduction planning (storyboard, locations, etc)? I wish there were more specific forums here sometimes.
 
ilauzirika said:
so wich one would you choose the libec or the manfrotto 503hdv? I'm making up a list for my new camera, possibly a HMC. Wich would suit best that camera, bare without any additional (well maybe a small light and a mic) hardware on it? ...
Click to expand...

I got the combo (kit) tripod and head at the link I posted. 503HDV head, carbon fiber Manfrotto 351MVCF tripod.
 
How is it working? I'm really interseting, cause soon I'll buy the pany hmc151 and I need a new tripod, and is intersting to have some direct experiencies.

thanks
 
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