Help me choose a tripod for my AF100

I

infinet

Member
In the market for a tripod, but I don't want to break the bank. I would like to be in the 600-1000 range. I have an AF100 and a few lenses. My rig isn't much right now. After my tripod purchase, I plan to get an external monitor (smallhd or a tvlogic), but getting a good tripod needs to be my first step. Here are some I have it narrowed down to. Which do you think is best, or is there a better recommendation you have?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...N_LS_38_2A_N_Professional_2_Stage_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/688719-REG/Libec_RS_250M_RS_250M_75mm_2_Stage_Aluminum.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601882-REG/Sachtler_0373_0373_FSB_4_Aluminum_Tripod.html (not sure if i like the load capacity on this - but hey its a Sachtler)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734609-REG/Vinten_VB_AP2M_VB_AP2M_Camera_Support_System.html (a little over my budget but i hear its really good - and I would be willing to spend a little more if it's worth it)

Also, I probably wont get this but wow is it cheap. Anyone ever used this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ROVISTA7518B_Provista_7518_Tripod_w_FM18.html

Thanks!
 
I wouldn't bother with Libec personally, though I know some like them. The Sachtler is a really good choice, but find the extra to go for the FSB6 rather than 4. Vintens are great - the Vision Blue is a good budget option, saw it at IBC and was very impressed.
 
I bought the Davis & Sanford with fluid head 3 years ago. It was included with the Kessler KC lite. The head holds 8KG and the tripod 18KG.
I only have positive comments about it. Never had a problem with the tripod holding a jib with 7Kg of weight on one side, the camera and a fluid head on the top of the jib.
I have a more expensive tripod and have bought a manfrotto head later, but I still prefer the D&S. Sometimes cheap doen't mean crap.
 
FYI: I like to go overkill on a tripod for camera work and slow movements. If it doesn't have a heavy weight rating you're going to get wobble during operation. Now I use a few Kessler K-Pods and Herculese heads (40lbs tripod each) and surpisingly I find it works better than many of the Manfrottos and alike.
 
I think that in the price range you quote you might not have a choice but to look for something used. I think that you will find that the Sachtler you list is going to be too light, the Vinten would probably be ok until you start loading up your rig with baseplates, rods, FF and lenses heavier than the 14-140. Getting some heads to balance with a light load is just as bad as overloading and unfortunately this can involve a lot of trial and error.

The Vinten Vision 3, 5 and 6 are all pretty good performers but you need to really look a used one over well, the heads are built up from several alloy castings that crack in stress areas, these were all ENG favorites and a lot of them have had hard lives. That said, you can just about rebuild any vinten if you can find the parts.

I've used the Sachtler 18 and 20 quite a bit but they are probably out of your price range, a used Sachtler video14 or 15 might work for you.

I don't think Cartoni's really start working properly until the Gamma model or CS20. I would still probably choose a Cartoni ALFA II or current Focus model over any Manfrotto. I haven't used a Miller in years so I can't comment.

If you can go a little higher you should be able to find a good head/leg combination on the used market for $1500 that will serve you well for many years.
 
I'm a huge fan of Vinten products, but if ur trying to stay in ur budget you might be looking at used tripods.

I have my AF on a Manfrotto 504HD, and I love it. My former Manfrotto sticks were a little sloppy and not very robust, but the 504HD has been excellent, and fits ur budget.
 
I also have the 504 and I think it's a good match. Sachtler or Vinten of higher quality would be nice but also a bit overkill in most situations. I even use the small 701 head on my slider with the AF kitted on rods+mattebox+monitor and it works fine.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. Given me a lot to think about. I thought about getting something used, but I've had issues in the past buying off places like craigslist. So I'm a little weary of getting used. I'd prefer getting a new tripod; using it for as long as possible until I need to get a heavier duty tripod. I dont anticipate my rig getting much heavier in the near future. I'm still starting out.

The Sachtler FSB6 is a nice looking tripod, but is the $400 difference from the Vinten really worth it? Or am I just paying extra for the name?

Also, that Kessler option looks pretty good too. decisions, decisions, decisions...
 
Go for used Vinten or Sachtler. Go bigger than you need in case you need to pile on the accessories or upgrade/rent a bigger camera. Tripods don't really get dated, so they will last for years and years - if you get a good one. I bought my Vinten Vision 11 used five years ago, and it was probably 5-10 years old then. I love it, it still works great and I have no intention of replacing it. Buy a good one then you need not even think about tripods for years.
 
infinet said:
The Sachtler FSB6 is a nice looking tripod, but is the $400 difference from the Vinten really worth it? Or am I just paying extra for the name?
Click to expand...

Consider that I'm using a Sachtler 20 with carbon legs that I bought in '94 and I'd say, yes, Sachtler is worth the extra $'s. The Af100 is the 6th major camera that it has supported!
 
I've had a Sachtler FSB 6 for a year and love it dearly. Im considering moving up to the FSB 8 because the times when my AF is heavily kitted out with 80-200, KiProMini, Matte Box, SmallHD DP6, Zacuto EVF, etc. it starts to get near the maximum counterbalance limit of the FSB6. When zoomed to 200mm I could also really use those two extra stops of drag that the FSB8 offers.

Not sure if I should mention it in this thread but Im seriously considering selling the head but keeping my Manfrotto 535 carbon legs and moving up to the FSB8. If anyone is interested feel free to PM me.
 
I also have the Manfrotto 504HD and basically i can recommend it, espcially if you need to keep an eye on your expenses. The only issue i have is when i use the AF100 with rod support, mat box and FF, i have to pull the baseplate with the cam almost to the end (towards me) to still get balance. Would be curious to know if other 504HD users have similar experience respectively what you do about it?!
 
If you purchase a high quality fully adjustable tripod/head that will be useable with any future camera purchases, you will only need to buy it once, and it will last a lifetime if taken care of.
 
mike9399 said:
I also have the Manfrotto 504HD and basically i can recommend it, espcially if you need to keep an eye on your expenses. The only issue i have is when i use the AF100 with rod support, mat box and FF, i have to pull the baseplate with the cam almost to the end (towards me) to still get balance. Would be curious to know if other 504HD users have similar experience respectively what you do about it?!
Click to expand...

Sounds like you need to make an adjustment on the placement of the tripod plate. The weight of your rig should be centered over the tripod plate.
 
for some reasons libec dont get much attention here, but its a very good and trasted brand, all Libec RS series are very good and they dont break the bank, personally i would choose RS 450, but 2 other models are great as well! i also played for a month with less professional Libec tripod and i can tell it was great as well , very smooth. also its a very good sign that there are almost no used models for sale, to me it means that guys who got it dont want to give it away, but u can find a lot used manfroto tripods, probably means that people would prefer to buy something else.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top