fluid head

[Filip Staresinic]

What do you suggest as a good fluid head for not above $300?
I think it is very easy to make a mistake when buying this over the net so I better ask arround where people have experience and are will to help.

 

[nsoltz]

Honestly (and I am saying this in my DV Magazine column for January 08), if you are doing anything other than simply locked down shots, a tripod -- and most specifically the head-- is not an item on which you should skimp. A good head allows you smooth movement without start/stop jerks; a good head allows you to balance your camera properly; I could go on and on.

Everything is much more critical when dealing with the greater resolution of HD and particularly if shooting 24p where movement is most critical. As I always say, I know it is easy to spend someone else's money, but this is an area where I urge you to stretch.

Folks here like the Cartoni Action Pro. I lilke the Sachtler FSB-6, but it is considerably more expensive. While no fan of the lower-end Bogen/Manfrotto, I would say to stay away from the 501 but you could get by as a starter with the 503. I still consider the 503 far less than minimal.

Ned Soltz

 

[THoff]

The Manfrotto 501 uses Teflon coated friction plates, whereas the 503 uses a fluid cartridge. It is the lowest-end fluid head in Manfrotto's lineup.