Best Tripod for HPX170

B

blindspotlighting

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I have done an immense amount of research on this, but no real world testing, so any help would be appreciated.

As far as my particular needs, quality movement is of the highest importance, and getting it right in one shot is essential, so, from all advice, I am probably going to go with Sachtler. I was also advised not to go under 100mm ball- It seems from what some hvx users have found and some developments, some of their 75mm ball units perform at the same quality, if not better, with a camera as small as the HPX. I am considering the Sachtler DV 6 SB as the best option, but would be interested in why it might be worth going to 100mm ball, if any of the FSB line do the job, as well as if the FSB 8 would be worth waiting for after NAB.

I am hoping to find a setup for around 2,000- Which is why the 100mm question is pertinent. I'd go up to 3 used if it was necessary, but Id rather by new if it works.

Please assume, as I intend to do in all honesty, that no adapters are added- We're just talking about the HPX on sticks.

Feel free to comment in general about what you think would work with the HPX or lightweight cameras in general best, but anyone who can comment to my specific situation will be rewarded. Handsomely.

Also, it took me quite a bit of research and sifting through info to come to these conclusions- If anyone really understands this from experience and can comment to a newbie or someone who has never owned a pro-grade setup before, I am absolutely sure it would prove very useful for some people in the future, there's not much out there about the HPX. HVX experiences welcome. Take all comers...
 
Thanks- I've been through quite a few, the issue is that so few refer to the HPX170- its such a lightweight camera but still can benefit from having really professional quality head movement that I wanted to see what would best suit it.
 
I'm going to use the Manfrotto 503 HDV tripod and head kit. We'll see how well that copes with the Letus incorporated.
 
I own a Bogen 503 on CF 440 legs, a Sachtler 18II with the CF speedlock legs and previously had a Bogen 501.

I used the DV 6SB and for one gig and was very impressed with its 'action' as well as the adjustments I could make (I was using it with my HVX200 with WA adapter - a bit heavier than the 170) . I'd go for the DV6SB and you will be happy every single day for the extra money you spend on the speedlock legs.
 
I've been thinking getting about the Sachtler DV6FSB (with the new sideload plate) which holds a little less than the DV6SB, but still well within the hpx170 specs.. my only concern is about the carbon fiber legs, which I've read twists, I went by Abelcine and looked at the aluminum version and talked to the sales rep about the CF legs (he didn't have one for me to look at) and he said it was fine as well as other people on the internet.. so the Sachtler DV6FSB with CF legs which is a little cheaper, seems like the way to go for my hpx170.
 
hpx tripot

hpx tripot

I am in the same situation as you. I Haven't bought yet.
Still learning the cam. :-)
A tip I got from a sales rep was to put sandbags over the legs if you want extra stability. Mass = stabilty.

The rep suggested the Sachtler DV6. Good up to 6kg so this leaves a little headroom.

Hope this helped.
 
Just received my FSB 8T for my XH A1 and it is AWESOME! The perfect fit for this weightclass of camera and theres plenty of headroom for future cams. The fluid damping works like a charm. The Sachtler heads may appear a bit overpriced but once you use'em there'll be no regrets!
 
I use a Miller Arrow 25 with the CF Solo VJ legs to support my fully rigged HPX-170 setup (20+ lbs) and so far, it's been perfect. For the best performance, the 100mm heads typically need a bit of weight on them to counter-balance properly. Prior to the Miller, I had been using a Libec LS-55 with a stock 170 and they worked great together...

My advice if possible, is to bring your camera to a shop and try a few out models in person to see which one suits you the best and fits within your budget...

Cheers,
 
my vote would also be for the Sachtler DV6SB. I use it with the aluminum legs because I got warned by several people that the carbon fiber legs might twist when you do very fast pans.... Shot with many other heads and I think the DV6SB is one of the best in its class...
 
Hi, i am a bit on a budget. Cant afford right now a 2000$ kit. Can anyone tell me if that kit is decent enough. Manfrotto 501HDV/525 MVB/165MVB/90PBAG
It's 979 $ CAN at Vistek. I will look for a second hand better kit but I did not find any yet.
Thanks
 
Hey opatica, I've been using a Manfrotto 501 with the 525MVB legs for a few years now, first with my DVX, then my HVX and now with my HPX170.

I keep reading people trashing the 501 head and so I've looked at various upgrading options from time to time. But when I take my camera into a shop and try other heads I just can't find enough of a difference to justify the (large amount of) extra money. At the moment my 501 has a bit of slop in it (ie. when it's completely locked off it still moves a little) but that's probably my fault for not ever having it serviced over the past 4 years rather than an inherent issue with the tripod.

I was recently considering upgrading to the Manfrotto 519, but I'm about to go on a shoot to Samoa and I wouldn't really want to take a brand new tripod to a sandy beach shoot anyway! So I've cleaned up my trusty 501 as much as I can and I'm sticking with it. I think you'll find it will do the job for you just fine. Oh, and I love my 525MVB legs, I'd definitely be keeping them even if I ever upgraded my head.
 
Thanks Fritz! I will go ahead and buy it. i feel more confident. Maybe later i'll save up for soemthign else but for now I think it will serve me well...
 
it all depends on what your needs are. i use a mix of things from low end $300 manfrottos to the higher end $7000 miller/vinten/occonor/sachtler stuff...

at the low end, youre simply not going to get a good complex pan/tilt to stop move with a lower end (501, 503) manfrotto without a LOT of manual dexterity. but on the other hand, if you put an un-rigged hpx 170 on a heavy duty head and you'll have the same (yet inverse) problems...

if you want a more than decent all around (affordable) setup id suggest a manfrotto 510-526 head on 3193 legs. i have used that for simple moves as well as support for my kessler crane and ive yet to be hugely saddened...
 
Thanks for all the responses (No one ever responded to my thread before!)

I particularly appreciate the confirmation that a 100mm or heavy duty head can be too much for an unrigged 170 - If anyone would like to refute that, feel free, but it seems to exist- You can get away with some real low budget stuff with these light cameras, but as I described I'm looking for the highest possible quality control, really at any price for now-

Can anyone give a reason why the DV 6 SB would still be better than the forthcoming FSB 8?

Any FSB 8 experience appreciated in detail...
 
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