Ahhhh... can't decide on a fluid head for D300s!

F

fuzzybabybunny

Active member
I'm going to be use the head for real estate videography, so basically panning up and across in rooms. I've had people recommend Millers and Sachtlers, but those are simply not affordable for me. I'd like to limit it to $500.

I'm thinking about the Manfrotto 504HD, what do you guys think? I'd like to use it with my existing Feisol carbon fiber photography tripod. Do I need to buy a separate bowl to level the whole setup?

Lens will be either a 17-55mm f/2.8 or 11-16 f/2.8
 
I just got that head and I'm thinking it's more than adequate for your use and yes, you should have a way to level the head. You can level the head with the legs, but that's kind of amateur.

The 504HD head is great.
 
Thanks! What's a good way to level the head, and can the head be locked in place so I can do regular photography with it as well? I'd hate to have to carry an extra ballhead around and keep on swapping every time I need to take a photo...
 
I think I'm confused. The link you gave is an adapter so that the 504HD can be mounted to a photographic tripod with a flat base mount. I definitely need that if I intend to use my photographic tripod for video.

But does this also allow me to level the whole camera setup like I would with a photographic ballhead? Would I be leveling by rotating around the half ball or something?
 
Well you really need to determine the EXACT model you have, as Feisol make a 75mm leveling bowl replacement center plate for certain models. If your tripod can take that plate, you can use the 504HD in the way its designed to be used, without any extra bits and have mega quick leveling.

BTW The 504 HD is phenomenal for the money, no it aint a Sachtler / O'Conor, but its perfect for most users.
 
Your not supporting a massive camera. How about an open mind and spend about $150 for a head and tripod? Check out cheesycam's site. He talks about a head for $75 which goes by a few names, Fancier is one of them. I ordered this head and tripod and I am very happy with it. I have been out in the weather under 32 degrees for hours at a time lately and they are great.
 
mikecazzx said:
Your not supporting a massive camera. How about an open mind and spend about $150 for a head and tripod? Check out cheesycam's site. He talks about a head for $75 which goes by a few names, Fancier is one of them. I ordered this head and tripod and I am very happy with it. I have been out in the weather under 32 degrees for hours at a time lately and they are great.
Click to expand...

I agree. I have a Sachtler and 2 Miller fluid head tripods. They are great when I have a crew or at least 1 assistant but with a DSLR overkill. I'm looking for a light weight cheapo to drag around everywhere I go. Velbon makes some I'm thinking about.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743093-REG/Velbon_FHD_52Q_FHD_52Q_Magnesium_2_Way_Fluid.html

BTW I also own a few Manfrotto tripods, a large still tripod and set of cine legs and a monopod. While they are built to last like tanks they are also like carrying a tank around.
If i were in the market for a serious small fluid tripod, I would look for a used Sachtler way before any new Manfrotto gear. Same difference between a Ford and a Mercedes.
When you want to sell your used sachtler you get all your money back.

Used Sachtler Ebay/
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sachtler-0375-F...606?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a491d566

New Manfrotto B&H/
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...to_504HD_546BK_504HD_Head_w_546B_2_Stage.html
 
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