Bogen/Manfrotto Tripod

I

imbread

Member
So I've decided to buy a new tripod for my dvx. I have no idea what to buy. All I know is, I want a bogen/manfrotto with a fluid head. A friend of mine advised me not to spend more than $250 on a tripod, if it's only going to be used with a dvx. And honestly, I have no more than $300 to spend. I looked at B&H online, and there are 4 pages of bogen/manfrotto's in my price range. I have no idea what to pick. They all look the exact same and many of the descriptions are vague. Can anyone recommend a tripod model for me?

Thanks,
Rob
 
For 300 bucks your only chance is 501 head (135$) + your choice of legs. Here are some at B&H - cheapest combo is 230$. Even though 501 is not a *true* fluid head (that would be 503, which is 250$ alone), with your budget it's the best you can get.
However, I must say that you might wanna reconsider and spend some more money on the tripod, because that piece of equipment will last you years easily. Besides, why put a 3,5k camera on some cheap sticks?
 
Did your friend tell you why you shouldn't spend more than 250? Just because you're "only using it with a DVX" isn't really a reason. The DVX is a fine camera (a film shot with it won the award for best cinematography at Sundance) used my many professionals. It may not be a Varicam, but it's capable of great things in the right hands, with the right accessories...one of which is a good tripod.

I understand what it's like to have a limited budget. If 3 hundred is all you can afford, then that's all you can afford. But I'd look for a better tripod used than a cheaper one new (my opinion). I got a used set of 3246 legs for $115 bucks. I added a 503 head for another 250 and had a good setup for 375. (I also added a bowl leveller)

The 501 is a good head and a lot of people hear use them. But everyone who has upgraded to the 503 has been happy they did.

And, if I may...Your "friend" doesn't sound like he's very...experienced. I have NEVER met a pro who recommended skimping on a tripod. Be careful who you listen to. Look for the fruit on the tree.
 
go with the 503 - you'll end up saving money because eventually you will switch from the 501 and then you'll have bought both of them. I ended up with the 516 (for all the support gear that goes with my dvx) and I have to say true fluid head is just fantastic. It's a tough bullet to bite, but one that's worth it. Your smooth pans and tilts will thank you
 
I've got a 503 and it's great. You can pick up a bogan 3182 tripod with a 75mm bowl for around $210 or so at B&H that would cover your basic needs.
 
well, im convinced. ill save some more money and go with a 503 head. i guess it'd be wise to drive up to LA and check these tripods out in person. and my friend who told me not to spend more than $250, he actually just graduated from SUVA with an editing major.
 
And one more thing.. I was just looking at BH, for 503 setups...
After assoring the tripod setups by price, there are 2 I'm looking at, which are priced at $186 apart. What makes the more expensive one so much better? The cheaper one has aluminun legs... Is that a bad thing?

The cheaper model - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353162&is=REG

The more expensive model - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=248855&is=REG

Would it be worth it to drop the extra $186?

There is no way I'd spend more than that, I'd be starving for too long... But I guess it would be wise to buy something I can use for a long time, rather than upgrading sooner...
 
There is a difference in weight between those legs, which will matter if you plan on run and gun shooting, or plan on having to carry it in to where you want to shoot (like nature videos). AFter that the main difference is that the 3068 has a geared center column and mid-level spreader (hence the extra weight), while the 3182 has no center column, but a ball leveller, which can come in very handy. IMHO that doesn't justify the extra money however, since you can get a ball leveller to put on the 3068 for 65 bucks at EVSonline
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=3502
I have one, and I like having the option of the geared column (I have 3246 legs) plus having the convenience of a ball leveller.

One of those packages comes with a case as well.

Either set will do you fine, but I would look used as well. I got my legs at KEH.com
 
I had been using a piece of junk Velbon tripod which was left over from my still photography days. I picked up a Bogen 503 head and 525 legs from B&H (yes, it is not a cheap setup, around $750 as I recall) and never regretted it for a second. It is probably the most useful accessory that I have purchased for the dvx.
 
Out of curiosity, did your Velbon have a fluid head? I have a fluid head Velbon, and I know a $700 tripod would be better. But if yours was a fluid head also, I may put off other purchases to upgrade. If you were working on a Velbon static tripod, I will stay on plan and upgrade my audio first.
 
No, the Velbon was not a fluid head. I could not get anything close to a smooth pan until I went with the fluid head, so you may be ok with the Velbon fluid head for now.
 
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