cheapest fluid head tripod

L

Ldogg

Active member
What is the cheapest fluid head tripod on the market? And by cheapest I mean least expensive.
 
Also keep in mind that even though you specified least expensive, not "cheapest" in quality, you still get what you pay for. From my experience, the heavier duty the fluid head, the more drag it will offer so you don't have a SUDDEN start or stop.
 
Velbon makes a Videomate 607 (706?) model that is cheap. Look at B&H. But you get what you pay for. It got me started nicely, but I need a new one for serious panning.
 
So could someone please tell us which exact one to use plus a link to the product if available.
Thanks for all ya help.
 
Cheapest fluid head tripod

Cheapest fluid head tripod

Ldogg said:
What is the cheapest fluid head tripod on the market? And by cheapest I mean least expensive.
Click to expand...

I have a Cartoni Action Pro I got in mint conditions (was a backup tripod) on eBay for approx 300$. It's lightweight (7,4 lbs overall) but surprisingly sturdy for such a "featherweight". As all one stage tripods it is not the best choice for low shots, but you can lower the legs' height considerably by removing the mid level spreader and using the cheapest adjustable floor spreader model from bogen (you find it new on eBay for approx 30$). It can also be used together with the mid-level spreader for increase stability. The head is very good compared to other more expensive products. Al in all, I'm very pleased with it.

Some specs:
1 stage aluminium tripod with mid-level spreader supporting up to 88lbs + the Action Pro head that features the CARTONI patented FLUID DRAG modules both in pan and tilt and a double spring counterbalance module including "0" spring setting. Payload up to 11lbs.

http://www.cartoni.com/eng/system.html
http://www.cartoni.com/eng/action.html
http://www.cartoni.com/eng/trip_dv.html

Ciao (from Italy)

Lutnik
 
I just purchased a 3066 and 3191 set of sticks on eBay for less than $300. The 3066 is a heavier head with adjustable drag (replaced by 516) and is better suited to a fully outfitted DVX100a with DOF converter, mattebox, follow-focus and on-board monitor.

This head is a suitable back-up for our much loved Sachtler 18+ set-up. If you're willing to buy a used head, don't pass up a quick search for the 3066 online!

e
 
503 head and 3066

503 head and 3066

I have a 503 and i think that this is the best ( cheap)-pro head in the market. Works good and it´s lightweight. I had a 3066 head and worked well but i think that it´s big for the DVX unless you shoot with a micro35+mattebox+monitor+follow focus...
 
I am going to second that, avr, the 503 has been by far the most commonly sold, most rugged and professional fluid head for $250. :thumbsup:
 
I know everyone is in agreement about the bogen 503 head but I just have a few questions. I would really like to buy a complete tripod system and would like to get one in the 300-450 range. I know the 503 head is 250 but where is a good set of bogen legs for 100+ some change? what about the packages here http://home.mvpaudiovideo.com/index.php?Cid=329 ....are the 200-400 dollar packages any good or do I need to go with the 503? Thanks a lot.
 
I just got the Bogen 351MVB2 Tripod w/503 head, as was recommended to me by virtually everyone (supposedly the best leg/head combo for under $1300, and only $500!), but I have a quick question for those of you with that own the 503 head: I'm getting a slight popping sound from the fluid head when panning and tilting, and I'm wondering if this is normal, i.e., does it require a break in period? I'm concerned I'm going to pick up pops when I'm recording from a shotgun mic mounted on the camera.

Thanks,
Paul
 
Yes I agree that is an excellent combo. We have a lot of orders for them, and they will be in from Bogen soon.

As far as the 503 head, it shouldn't pop loudly. If it keeps doing it after a few days, I think there is a problem. I owned one for years and never heard it do that. Make sure you fully loosen the drag knobs (the ones with +/- symbols) on tilt and pan, and work it through in 180 deg pans, and full back to front tilt for a minute or so, to let the fluid warm up. Then add drag and go slowly. At that point it shouldn't pop or scratch.

TJ the DVXuser price on 503-351 is $484.95, 3221WN503 is $449.95, pretty close to your budget.

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=503525PKIT

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=3221WN503
 
Hey Jarred,

I bought a Cartoni Focus (or, as you say, "cartooni") last week from Rush.
It rocks my world in a way the Manfrotto never did. Check it out!

Even so, what reaction did I get from my mentor? ... "Cartoni? I hope you got it cheap. What d'ya pay for it? Oh, that's all? Well, sh!t, Brian. A 15 year old Sachtler head goes for three times that much..."

Huge dose of reality today...

Brian
 
BrianAWells said:
Certainly the best for $500, no doubt. For $1300 there are better products out there! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
For sure. :)
Rush said:
Y Make sure you fully loosen the drag knobs (the ones with +/- symbols) on tilt and pan, and work it through in 180 deg pans, and full back to front tilt for a minute or so, to let the fluid warm up. Then add drag and go slowly. At that point it shouldn't pop or scratch.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip, Rush. It seems like it already quieted down. *whew*
 
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