Can't figure out what tripod/head to buy

Ferdi Willemse

Ferdi Willemse

Well-known member
Hi guys,

I know there have been a lot of questions and topics about this, but reading one topic after the other got me a little confused.
I'm about to order a tripod with a fluid head. This is what I had in mind:

  • Bogen / Manfrotto 3181 Lightweight 1-Stage Professional Video Tripod Legs (Black) with 75mm Half Ball - Supports 44 lbs
  • Bogen / Manfrotto 516 Pro Video Fluid Head (Quick Release) - Supports 22 lb
... and some additional stuff, like spreaders.

Now there are people that really like Bogan and some who hate it. Also, people say that the 516 is not ideal for an XH A1 because it's designed for heavier cameras. That would mean that I'd have take the 503, which a lot of people don't like either.

Is it actually a good idea to go with Bogen at all? If not, can someone suggest something else? I don't have a big budget and like to stay around the $1000,-
 
It may be that some are just spoiled, I don't know... But isn't it true that the 503 is fluid-like and the 516 real fluid? I've read that with the 503 at the end of a pan it gets kind of jerky.
 
I couldn't answer that as I've never used a 516. Overall, I like the 503, I haven't experienced and jerkyness on my pans.
 
I had the Manfrotto 745b legs and 503 head with my A1. It would pan perfectly, at the end of the pan there was sometimes a slight bounce back, which was very easily solved by leaving the weight of you hand on the tiller. I think however it was less the head and more likely the legs twisting and springing back, as they did not have a spreader. The 745B are pretty lightweight and great for hiking.

Get the 503, you will be happy. I have also seen others write well about libtec tripods and heads. The cost about the same as the 503.
 
I'll throw in the vote for Libec's H38 head - I think I paid just under $400 for it and it is freakin awesome. Paired with the Miller Solo Legs the thing is amazing. Dont know about the libec legs personally, but have read good things. I just wanted to the Miller's cause they're pretty.
 
Ferdi,
I sended you a private message...
ik heb trouwens een nieuwe grote oogcup voor de a1 te koop.
 
Im using Manfrotto 519 with vinten legs. The 519 is overkill for the A1 alone, but I use an M2, rods, mattebox etc etc, so I wanted the interchangable springs for different weights (516 has them also) plus a bit left over.
 
Thanks for the feedback, guys!
I guess I'll go for the 516 as I might add some extra weight to my camera like a mattebox, which I found out, is very handy.


So now I have another question about release plates. This head comes with a release plate, which I was already planning to purchase. But since I never used quick release plates, I don't exactly know how it works. Do I need to purchase another plate to attach to my camera in order to fit the plate on my tripod?

:dankk2:
 
Nope, that release plate that it comes with is what goes on your camera. Being a Manfrotto it should be easy to buy extras though should you have several cameras and want them to all go on and off the tripod easy.
 
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