Bogen Tripod Question

P

Primate Pictures

Member
Sorry, I know there are a number of posts on tripods, but we all have our little issues, so here is one more for you.

I'm very interested in getting a Bogen tripod as I've had some experience with them before. It seems to me that the 503 is probably the best tripod head for me to get for my price range and needs. The main use for it would be to shoot short fiction films both indoors and outdoors, however, I doubt I would be using it on any rough terrain. So, what legs would best suit my needs? The legs I've been looking at are:

The 351MVB2K:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=387808&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

And 3046 (which I think is the one I've used before)

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=3046&Category_Code=4A2&Product_Count=0

Anyone have any advice? I know the head is the most important decision, but I'm unsure about what legs to get. How are these? I don't want to spend much more than 500 if I can help it. As for weight, I'd be using it with my DVX which might have a shotgun mic mounted on it and possibly more equipment (matte box, etc) in the future.

I know the 351MVB has the mid level spreader but that seems to me to be more of a burden than a help (I could be wrong, it just seems like a bit of a hassle), and the 3046 can go higher up. I'm unsure, just hoping to hear from people that have had some experience either way.

Thanks.
 
I would go for the 351MVB2k because I have the 3046 and it's huge! It can go up very high but you won't usually need it that high anyway (hard to control the cam). Plus the 3046 is very bulky and heavy which can be a disadvantage trying to lug it around.
 
I'm trying to decide that exact same thing (503 head but which legs?)

I've searched through the forums and still can't quite grasp the purpose of the spreader. What is it good/not good for?
 
The spreader keeps the legs from spreading. Which is kinda the opposite of what it sounds like, yes?

Mid-level is nice. I like the ones at the bottom, though. Easily sandbagged.

Then again, I've the the 525 legs, so my tripod looks like a gatling gun when it's folded up. :)
 
I have the 351MVB2K and love it. It goes up pretty high too. I also bought a second pan arm for mine.
 
Thanks for everyone's input.

Ok, so in terms of performance and stability, the legs function about the same? It's just the bulkiness and portability that seperate the two? I guess the 351MVB2 is the way to go then, even if I won't be transporting it too much.
 
Well, dude, you don't mention what you'll be shooting, anything about your style, etc.

A lot of my work involves shooting live events, and low-budget projects where we don't have much ability to modify shooting locations. In these cases, the overall achievable height is essential, and also the placement of the spreader bar - often, the tripod has to straddle something (auditorium seats, the edge of a fountain, etc.) for optimum placement. If you foresee this at all in your future, check out which tripods give you the best clearance underneath. I use a 3246, which is I think basically a black 3046, and with the "inner" parts of the bottom segments extended, there's about 5' of clearance under the spreader. Most of the time I'd avoid using this spindliest of setups... but on occasion it's been a lifesaver.
 
I'm with Ullanta. It does depend on what you're shooting and how much value you place on certain aspects of a tripod. I picked up a used set if 3246 legs this year and really like the versatility and steadiness. But they aren't light or compact. I also do a lot of live events and, at times, need to deal with auditorium seats. slanted floors, etc. A bottom spreader would not work for me.

Height is also important to me. The 3046/3246 will raise over 90" with a 503 head and remains pretty steady. The 351MVB2 has a max height of 63". There are times when I've needed that height. It seems to be one of those unwritten laws of the universe that the tallest person in the room will choose to stand directly in front of your camera.

So for what I'm doing, I don't mind the extra weight and bulk but that doesn't mean it's suited for everyone. I would certainly choose a lighter pair of sticks if I needed to hike any distance with it. For the 3046, one accessory I would definitely recommend is a leveling head like:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...536&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

This goes between the top of the tripod column and the your tripod head and allows you to quickly level the head without having to mess with the tripod legs. The 351MVB2 has this feature built-in which is an essential feature in my book.

-Dan
 
About that midspreader, I found it completely useless, it's really flimsy and mine broke after the first week, the legs are great except for that piece of crap.
 
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