Best tripod for the money

I had a couple of points to add. I shoot mostly event and corporate work, so consider that in conjunction with my opinion:

- Pan and tilt drag...very nice to have, makes the difference especially on slooooooow pans/tilts, or if zoomed in at full telephoto.

- Telescoping handles...reduces fatigue on longer event-style shooting where you are manning the controls the whole time.

- Illuminated bubble...has saved me twice when I moved locations in a dark theater and needed to reset the head level. I think you can also purchase illuminated bubbles to "add on" but you would just need to be sure it is attached level or else you will always be messed up.

- Real fluid drag...most of the cheaper tripods say "fluid head" but it's actually still just a friction drag. Be sure your head is fluid, there is a difference.

- Standard quick release plate...for instance, I have a Manfrotto monopod and a Manfrotto tripod, so I can switch between the two quickly (identical quick release plate). I also have Manfrotto quick release plates on my crane and my Steadicam, so actually I can use the same rig on all four stabilizers during a shoot without a bunch of hassle.
 
MadHMC150 said:
I wouldn't mess with these if you are looking for long term usage and reliability, let alone smooth pans and tilts....

Bogen has bottom of the line options up to 'good' tripods... A friend got stuck with a cheap tripod like you mentioned and very much regrets the purchase. He cant even sell it for a fraction of the price... I wouldn't even allow him to use it in any of my projects.
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i've had this for a couple years and never had any problems. i wouldn't recommend it for lots of wild movement, nor do i expect it to withstand rugged conditions, but it is sufficiently stable and sturdy for mostly still shots. it is an excellent starter tripod and very cost effective (read: cheap).
 
MadHMC150 said:
Nice, you get the 2nd handle? wellllll worth the investment.
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Second handles with PZFI units on the first handles for all 3, its bliss. Cant wait till I can add some HD 7-9" monitors to the top of the cams. In the meantime the on board LCD is doing the job.
 
True, Im rocking the PZFI too, and libec like in the pic... for monitors these little liliputs are great for the money. IMO, 7" is perfect for in the field...

MadHMC150 said:
Here is how I have mine setup -

halorig-liliput.jpg
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So whats the story with the halo rig anyways, are you one of the creators of this or just use it? Whats it all about?
 
Yeah, I've got the PZFI (P=Panasonic Z=Zoom F=Focus I=Iris).

I have a couple actually. Anytime we're doing event or run 'n gun work I get lots of looks. A fellow camera operator asked if he could borrow mine for his Sony Z1U and I just said "dude, this thing is WAY too awesome to work on anything but Panasonic cameras"

Works great on the Halo Rig too, as well as the Kessler Crane.

On a two handle tripod, it allows you to keep your hands from touching the camera during operation so you don't affect the image (bumps) or sound (if you're using internal or onboard microphones). Also, by using two handles all the way out, you can use your whole body motion for ultra smooth slow pans and tilts.

Sorry, I'll try to calm down a bit. I just like those things a bunch is all :)
 
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