Have 200 for a tripod. Which one?

I just picked up the Davis & Sanford Provista last week, and I really enjoy it. It isn't as nice as some of the tripods I've used in the past, but its good and sturdy, and I feel safe having my camera on it. The only downside is that its crazy heavy, so lugging it around New York is a bit of a pain. But, it was only $200.
 
i wanna know if anyone has used this Davis & Sanford provista with a 35mm adapter ..rails and a matbox. it says it can support up to 18lbs
 
usmlfny said:
I just picked up the Davis & Sanford Provista last week, and I really enjoy it. It isn't as nice as some of the tripods I've used in the past, but its good and sturdy, and I feel safe having my camera on it. The only downside is that its crazy heavy, so lugging it around New York is a bit of a pain. But, it was only $200.
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why wasn't it as nice in ur opinion? how is the head...smoothe quality pans/tilts?
 
everything is smooth, it just seemed a like there was too much drag when panning, even with the pan lock completely unscrewed. but this is in comparison to sachtler heads, so it's like comparing apples and $1000 apples.
 
Ebay for Sticks

Ebay for Sticks

No one has mentioned Ebay as an option. Do the research and buy used on Ebay. That's what I did and I saved hundreds.

Especially with legs, since they are heavy duty and have very little mechanical components. There are guys on Ebay that primarily sell tripods. You can send them a message, let them know your budget and they can even find something for you and sell direct.

I bought Bogen 3036 legs and love them. Great for events and filmmaking! However, I bought a previous generation 503 head from EVS brand new. I didn't want to take a chance with a used head.

Christopher J. Boghosian, Filmmaker
 
got my davis and sanford provista with fm18 head today and love it. one thing is that its pretty heavy and another is that the levers actually get in each others way a tiny bit. but other than that nice and fluid and really sturdy
 
do u guys think that the davis and sanford provista(fm18head) can handle rails/adapter, mattebox ect ? I dont have those things, but i do want them in the future. dont want to have to buy another tripod for that
 
jambredz said:
i wanna know if anyone has used this Davis & Sanford provista with a 35mm adapter ..rails and a matbox. it says it can support up to 18lbs
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I run the HVX/LEX combo with rails. And the Provista holds up pretty well. It is starting to break down. It is great for a year or so of steady shooting but I am going Satchler or Cartoni for sure when I get more money. The Provista has been very good to me though.
 
btw iz the Davis &Sanford a true fluid head? cuz i see stuff called "fluid head effect"...which i gather is not a true fluid head.
 
I think the provista with fm18 head is a great deal. I ordered one a year ago when i ordered my HVX from B&H. It came with a bag and dolly wheels which sweetend the deal for me. While the head is very fluid, it doesn't have any counterbalance mechanism like high-end heads so heavy rigs might be a little unstable. Overall, for only $200, it performs great. I've use millers, sachtlers, Oconnors, Bogens, etc and while some of those are in a league of their own, the provista gets the job done. I'm actually buying a couple more for my fleet of cams. It's not a replacement for a high-end tripod, but will do the job until it pays for one.
 
jambredz said:
baker...hows that tripod working out 4 you
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sorry for the delayed response, but its good i really like it. havent shot a lot with it yet. snowboarding season starts here pretty soon so i will be lugging that up there in a few weekends to film a little bit.
 
I'm having issues with leveling my Pro Vista FM 18 head..all my vertical lines are off...any suggestions?I'm using a XH-a1 AND LETUS ECONO..i have to contstantly watch for horiz/vert. lines.
 
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