Best tripod for HDSLR?

longshanks

longshanks

Well-known member
I've been mulling over this for months...literally pouring over forums trying to find the right set-up for my needs.

I own the T2i and with all my rigging set, its just shy over 10lbs. I'm thinking I need a tripod kit with a max weight limit of 15-20lbs as I'd like to be under. I know Philip Bloom likes his Miller Solo, but I've looked at the sticks on it and I think I would absolutely hate to use twist grips in order to adjust the legs. Preferably, I like the old turn knobs similar to the Libec LS-38 and higher end Sachtler sticks. Although it seems that Manfrotto and Sachtler are doing a lot of lever releases for their legs.

Leg adjustments aside, I'm wondering if I really need to keep in mind weight when moving around a lot. I consider that most event shooting should be slimmed down and as simple as possible. In this case, it would be best to get a lighter weight tripod with no spreader(or spreader removed) for moving quickly to different vantage points. However, when shooting music videos, short narrative, and even some documentary work, I can see myself using a heavier duty tripod with a mid or ground level spreader, especially with the camera rigged-out.

So far I've been looking at getting the Sachtler FSB-6 kit from B&H(my favorite so far), Cartoni F101, and for the lower end, the Libec LS-38 or Manfrotto 503HDV(least favorite).

I've used both the Manfrotto and Libec and I'm somewhat unimpressed. However, I feel that the Sachtler might be over kill for the T2i especially when its not rigged up with extra weight. But then again, it only has a 13lb pound capacity.

Hopefully this thread won't fall into the downward spiral of personal preference(Sachtler v. Cartoni i.e. Ford v. Chevy) as I'm really just trying to nail down the right tripod for my needs.

Thanks
 
I use a Miller DS10 - the solo legs are a thing of beauty. The twist release is super fast and really tactile - try it for yourself before you count them out.

And the customer service from Miller is amazing. I had a problem recently and despite my tripod being well past the warranty period they had an engineer call me to help - and they sent out a part immediately for free.

One thing to bear in mind - you need to change the plate or adapt another plate to get it to work with a HDSLR as the original pin carrier setup has a fixed locator pin (HDSLRs don't have a hole to put it in!)
 
I like the Davis and Sanford (Tiffen) Provista sticks with FM-18 fluid head. Very stout, can handle up to like 17-18 lbs, and its buttery smooth. I like it better than the manfrotto 501 setups they have at school.

Best part is its only like $169 shipped at B&H and comes with a free foldable dolly.

No need to pay almost $7-900 for a tripod for a 2.5 lbs $800 camera. It holds my 7d, shoulder rig and slider just fine.

4476498370_985b48ff5b_o.jpg
 
Hey Jon,

this tripod looks really nice for such a cheap price. This is kind of a silly question because I've never bought a tripod before, but can the camera attach directly to it or must I also pick up the mounting plate they offer?
 
I don't think there is one and I don't think you can ask this question without it turning into a debate. It's all going to come down to personal preference. I'll tell you my experiences with tripods over the years and maybe you'll be able to make a decision based off of that.

When I had my DVX and XH-A1, I was using a 501HDV head with 055 sticks. It was stable and SOMETIMES fluid, but often sticky and had no half-bowl so I had to level with the sticks. I had a mattebox, shotgun mic, but nothing really other than that.

I sold all my gear, including the tripod last year and then when the 7D came out, I purchased that and the 701HDV head with 190x sticks. I figured that I didn't need to buy an expensive tripod for a 2lb camera.

Boy, was I wrong. Once fully rigged, I'm nearing 10lbs and the no half-bowl was driving me NUTS. I wanted to go with a Sachtler FSB-6 - looked really good, but unfortunately was too expensive. I then looked around at alternatives and checked eBay.

I found a Manfrotto 519 head with 525MVB sticks with 75mm half-bowl and mid-level spreader + case with no reserve. I ended up winning it, shipped for about half of what it costs brand new. When it came in, it was in pristine condition. Using it on set has made for everything to go MUCH faster and much smoother. I can walk away from my tripod without worrying that its going to tip over and I can achieve a smooth pan, because I'm using a real fluid head, with different levels of drag.

I guess I just don't understand why when someone posts looking for a Cartoni, Miller or Sacthler tripod...people tell them not to waste their money and buy something cheap. They are looking in the right direction and are realizing the cost of them so they are putting aside money to pay for those systems. Once they have a good tripod and they upgrade their kit or change back to a prosumer camcorder or what-have you, they won't have to change tripods. It's called future-proofing their investment.

Now, if they'd asked for something under $300, of course you're not going to be recommending something from the aforementioned brands. This thread is asking for input on top-end gear, why recommend $200 tripods?

Kegan

EDIT: This was the tripod I ended up getting in case you were wondering:

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-System-Professional-519-MBAG100P/dp/B000FA7POY
 
Ehh, because i think its overkill to purchase a tripod that costs more than the camera that weighs less than 3 lbs. The one I posted is perfectly find, and again its SMOOTHER than the $6-700 manfrotto setups and has a dual handle grip for nice pans.

Is it the best? Hardly.

Best for the money? Possibly.

Now if money is no object, then of course go out and buy a $1,200 satchler or something, BUT im guessing if OP is shooting with an $800 camera, instead of a Red One with $100,000 ziess prime set, then im guessing that money is a factor and money saved here and there can go towards other gear.

I will say this, the bottom stick things that go into that circle at the bottom is made of a hard plastic instead of metal, so are the leg locks. I cant really think they will break unless you are just tossing it around, BUT if you are one thats rough on your equipment something to consider.

Oh and to answer your question OP, it comes with a quick release plate. You can just attatch that to your camera, rail system, slider etc... and then pop it on and off (it has a locking lever ot hte side), makes it very convienent when going from one piece of equipment to the next. (I went and bought a few extra plates to make things easier)

Oh and i will close my comment that my perspective is from the indie film maker with a very tight budget. If i have $1,000 to spend on gear total, im not going to spend it all on just a tripod, when i can also get a glidecam, slider, shoulder rig, h4n and rode video mic all of that price and still have some cash left for extra glass. So if your in the same boat, thats where im comming from. If your more on the pro-side and have a large budget then listen to the other more pro guys who have the kinda funds to drop $1,000 on a tripod like its supersizing their value meal and not think twice about it.

If anything, its so cheap enough he can try it, and if he doesnt like it just keep it around as a spare tripod to stick lights, sound equipment, on or just hang clothes as they dry or something.

jon
 
JonE5,

Thanks for the recommendation. I was looking for a cheap tripod to fit my DSLR and didn't want to spend over $200. Yeah I'm cheap. Did you get the tripod with the airlift? or the gear one?

It's pretty cool that they include a dolly, but since I have no budget for a crane, I wanted to cheat a glide up.

Hopefully you understand the question
 
It is the one without the airlift. Its about 5' tall or so fully extended (dolly ads another 3-4" or so), so i didnt feel i needed it, but if you like to do lots of tall shots, its only another $30-40 for the airlift one. This one does not have a gear that you can raise the middle post like some tripods to, so once legs are fully extended thats the max height. Pretty good value for the money, worlds better than the $12 ebay special i had been using before that. (hell i made 5 short films, a documentary and an add with just that $12 cheapie)

I will say this, it is large, even folded up, the bag that holds it is almost like a golf bag but thinner.
 
JonE5, I love the Davis tripod.

The FM18 head is EXTREMELY underatted. For a budget shooter, the FM18 head is the best head sub $300 in my opinion.
 
My take on this is spend roughly the same amount on your tripod as you did on your body.

Crazy I hear you say. Ok heres my reasoning.
False economies.
It is a valid point that your camera body may only weigh 3lbs, but if you get a tripod that can only support up to that weight you have no roon for expansion, what if you want to add a cineslider, or you get a rig for your camera, or you start adding audio gear, this starts to get heavy very quick.
So instad of having to go out and buy multiple tripods as you get more gear buy one that will allow you to expand.

Fluid Heads.
Many cheap tripods bill themselves as coming with a fluid head. They generally dont. If their under about 500 with sticks their generally going to be a teflon friction system. A true fluid head will allow you to master pans and tilts in a way that has a monsterous relationship to how your finished movie will look. Learning to do fluid pans on a good head is one of the best things you can do as an operator short of learning on a gearhead.

Saftey.
Ok so you went with your cheap tripod at the start, its rated for 5lbs and you now have 12lbs on it (We know everyone does this) your gear thats on it is now worth 10,000 dollars, your more than likely not insured on it. Do you really want to trust your 10,000 investment on a 200 dollar tripod? I wouldnt...

As for reccomendations. If your really tight for cash I reccomend the Manfrotto 501. Not the 501HDV. The 501 was an old Manfrotto head with a true fluid pan and a friction tilt. Put this on a set of heavly aluminimum legs with a mid level spreader. This will come to about 300 dollars used. To reiterate, the 501 is not the 501HDV. Above that a Miller Solo/Compass system is true fluid lightweight and excellent value for money. After that your moving beyond DSLR tripods as the lower weight threshold will start coming into play with the counterbalance.
 
Jay I agree with your sentiment, buy better used. Perfect solution to keeping your costs lower. Forgive me if I am wrong but I was fairly certain the lowest placed fluid head in the manfrotto range was the 503.

Anyway to OP. Honestly the Davis and Sanford is a royal POS. Sorry Jon have to totally disagree with you, yes I was unfortunate enough to use one once. I assisted on a production and thats what they were using. Thing was almost entirely useless for any kind of smooth speed start to finish movements. My recommendation is do not be lured into buying it.

Go to an outlet and try some of the systems. I know your budget is low, be patient and find something used of higher quality.

My tripod systems -

Vinten Vision 10 - about 9 years old, looks like its been through hell and back because it has and still works like new.

Libec ls38, well in fact its not the ls38, it was the ls38's predecessor, and yes its old and again been through hell and back and again still works like the day I bought it - this is a ripper of a little tripod. Wasnt too expensive and just keeps on keeping on. If I were to sell this today (and Im not) I guess it would fetch around 100-200. Thats what Id be looking for.
 
A camera is just a sensor and recording device. That's all. How much you spent on it and how much it weighs is irrelevant.

What you place it on, screw it into, and use to pan, tilt, or eventually dolly and jib on, unfortunately isn't.

Suffer (i.e. wait) for a while, and save to buy a good- if not great- tripod that you can grow into. This will separate you from the rest. Trust me. Or make friends with someone who has great gear and borrow.

By the way- Matt- we're neighbors. Cheers!
 
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jonE5 said:
Now if money is no object, then of course go out and buy a $1,200 satchler or something, BUT im guessing if OP is shooting with an $800 camera, instead of a Red One with $100,000 ziess prime set, then im guessing that money is a factor and money saved here and there can go towards other gear.
jon
Click to expand...

I do agree Jon - I think there is a tendency on forums for more established filmmakers to look down on anyone who asks about cheap gear. I for one was just responding to the OP who did mention more expensive setups as a possibility.

But yes, you are right, a small DSLR doesn't need an expensive tripod rated for 10-20lb payloads. I also think people are missing the point when they buy a T2i/550D and then load it up with L series lenses, matte boxes, follow focus and sliders when they are just graduating from college - or indeed still studying. Yes, to get the best out of a camera you do need extra stuff, but if you don't have paid jobs stacking up there is no way to get anything viable out of the investment.

The tripod, along with the sound kit is perhaps the only thing you will be able to take with you when the next big camera comes along, and therefore it is worth saving for it now rather than continuously replacing inferior models. The main thing is, don't ever build up you accessories around the spec of one camera as things are moving so fast now the camera will be replaced three or four times before you need to replace good mics/tripod/headphones etc.

But that said, if you bought a t2i/550D and have no tripod, you need one, and if money is tight, get a really cheap one for now. But IMO if you can still afford sliders/follow focus/handeld rigs etc after the cheap tripod then perhaps you should just get a really good tripod instead, and just rent/borrow the rest when you need it.
 
Ok, now i think saying that the tripod is the more important part of the equation over the camera is sort of a silly notion.

Tripods are afterall fairly simple mechanical devices. Sure you pay for better machining, better components, etc... but at the end of the day you could stick your camera on top of a 2x4 and it would stay just a still (provided you make sure it doesnt fall over, lol)

The one i was mentioning is rated for up to 18lbs, and can hold your whole rig with other stuff just fine. And as i said it is MUCH smoother than the manfrotto 501, so if your going to go higher quality you def want to skip that and go higher quality than that.

I have spent a pretty good amount on stabilization. (comparitively), just keep in mind if you bargain shop you can have a tripod, slider, shoulder rig, and steadycam / glidecam ALL for just over $500.

At the end of the day, your creativity not your equipment will make you good.

Many people get sucked into becoming gear heads and spend way more than they really need to. Also put it into perspective. If your doing jobs once a week and making your living on this, then of course spend the amount to be able to get that use out of it.

BUT, if your just a hobbyist learning, you wont recoup the cost of a tripod meant for a full size camera, nor will you need it.

I just hate to see people always recommending the most expensive option to new-commers. I mean pay attention to Robert Rodriguez a little or people like that. You can be creative and work with what you have, or try to wash your problems away with money. But if getting an awesome tripod means you have to do without several other pieces of equipment, id still argue (for this particular type of camera ) that its not worth it.

Anyway, didnt mean to start a huge debate over it, in the end just do what your budget allows.
 
I'll weigh in as a long-time prof. still shooter now doing video, DVX, D90, Canon DSLR...

Yeah, you don't need a ton of weight support - until you pimp your rig.

the two major issues to me:

Smooth pans & tilts. I use the oft-mentioned 503 head. Works quite well for the $$. Not smooth as silk, but hey, if you can get smooth shots with it, you'll be fine when you upgrade to some $1200 head.

Bowl leveling. Massive time saver. Monstrously useful. even a 75mm bowl is such a huge step up.

However, coming from years of shooting stills - fashion, product, & annual-report editorial style - a good still camera tripod with a really solid ball head is much, much faster to setup, adjust, and tweak your framing. A big, heavy, pro ball head will get completely second-nature when adjusting framing quickly.

And, you can get extremely low (yet stable) shots, again quickly. I futz and fight with my big manfrotto sticks for the same thing, and it still won't get low.

So, for static shots with no pans or tilts, or even on a dolly, I find I often grab my still tripod. Still shooting really disciplined me to make setups FAST, what with models & makeup standing around on the clock, and allow myself maximum time for LIGHTING.

So, no shame in a (comparably) cheaper still tripod for small rigs.

And the 503 head on some solid sticks? I stick an 8' kessler on it all the time.
 
its a diy one made from 8020 parts (basically same exact thing as an indislidermini, cept mine is 41" long.)
 
I should mention that I have a good amount of experience with video and I'm no newbie. It's just that I've always borrowed, rented, equipment and never owned my own. Now that its coming time to plunk down that necessary cash for good support, I don't want to skimp. I know from experience and from other shooters that having a good tripod is super important. I'm just trying to find something that will set-up/break-down fast and work well with DSLRs since they are so new to the game.

As I said in my original post, my rig with all its rail support, lcd monitor, FF, Zoom, etc. comes in around 10-12lbs so I'm really looking at the Cartoni or Sachtler just not sure if I need to spend $1500. It would be nice to find a used set-up for a $1000 because I'd rather not spend any more than that if I have to.
 
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