HMC40 Tripod for Off-Road Use...

R

ravencr

Well-known member
I'm new to the higher end video stuff, and in the past, most of my stuff has been shot handheld, but I'm really noticing that almost all great looking video is shot on a tripod. The problems I have with shooting with a tripod is weight, compact size, and the price of these tripods are pretty expensive to me. I've tried to read as much as possible on here about options, but they all appear to be over $500 in price for something with a fluid head, smooth panning, etc. So, I guess what I'm asking is what type of tripod should I be looking for for mobile use on a backpack during off-road events, etc? I notice some of the bracing is either on the ground or midway down the tripod, and I'd imagine midway would be better for me given the irregular contour of the ground. I need something durable that can be beat around without breaking in the bed of a UTV, for example. To me spending over $500 for a tripod seems crazy for the abuse it will get, but what do you guys think? Is there a good tripod that's durable and will pan nice and smoothly up and down and sideways that's under $500, or am I dreaming? Thanks for the help,

Chris
 
Chris,

You might be interested in this tripod.
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-755...TF8&coliid=I356OW0SWN231S&colid=35LN29V8UVDIH

And this head.
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-700...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1255988885&sr=1-1

I'm really fond of this monopod as well. The 700RC2 can also be used on this monopod.
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-560...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1255988985&sr=1-1

Good luck. Once you become used to using a tripod or monopod, they are not that big a burden and your video will be much improved.
 
Just a thought...

Consider a mono-pod... it's light weight, easy to carry, and is low cost.

Now, the mono-pod isn't as good as a tripod, but it's better than nothing. Also, with the light weight cameras, if you hold the mono-pod off the ground close to the video camera, you'll find a balance point. If you hold the mono-pod there, it acts like a "poor man's" steady cam.


Bob Diaz
 
Yeah, I keep going back and forth on what to carry with me...this is so hard, because I lean towards buying the best I can get, but in this case, it's hard to pay that much money for some reason. Dan, do you mind me asking why you recommend that tripod and head, and the monopod in particular? Have you tried many other ones for this type of work/use?

Bob, I'm not sure I understand your last two sentences fully...can you explain to a stupid video person? :)

Chris
 
Chris,

I've got two monopods, but the 560B is the favorite because of its small legs at bottom and fluid base for pans. If I add the lightweight fluid head, I can shoot good tilts as well.

All of these choices, like you, were based on light weight and simplicity because I'm carrying them while hiking or backpacking.

Here is a recent video of Bryce Canyon. All trail video was done with the 560B monopod, and video from rim, the tripod.
http://www.vimeo.com/7107075

Kind Regards,
Dan
 
Thanks for the video Dan...it looks great. When you say add the lightweight fluid head, would this be basically making it like the 561BHDV then? When you're tilting up and down, is that what you were using? I'm so new to all this I feel like and idiot asking these novice questions...just feeling the money crunch since purchasing the camera and want to make the right decision. When panning with it, are you able to tilt up and down at the same time, if needed?

Chris
 
The other thing I wanted to ask you is if you're actually holding it or letting the base legs hold it? I wasn't sure what type of camera you were using on it in relation to the size/weight of the HMC40. Thanks again Dan.

Chris
 
You're right on Chris! If you purchase a monopod get the 561BHDV, then you can pan and tilt at the same time. If you purchase a tripod and monopod, you can use the 700RC2 on either and save a little money.
 
Ah, gotcha. So, how quickly can you switch the 700RC2 over to the other piece? Since you're shooting outdoors, have you had the monopod get too dirty where you had to clean out the lower ball, for example? The other thing I was wondering is how you level it? Does the monopod pivot in all directions on the lower feet, or do they need to be on level ground for the most part?

Chris
 
I've been using a Sony SR11, but believe a heavier camera would actually be a benefit. Both 560 and 561B are good for around eight pounds of camera.

Just to be clear, the small feet and fluid base won't hold the camera upright without you holding the monopod.

With a little more research, I hope to be using the HMC40 with this monopod soon.
 
Cool...the HMC40 is pretty darn light for it's size to me. So, just to be clear, is the 561B the 560 with the head you referenced, or is it a different head?

Chris
 
The head screws on and off quickly just like our cameras. No problem with dirt yet. You can be on almost any kind of unlevel ground because the base swivels in all directions.

This monopod often gets my "product of the trip award" because of its usefulness. I believe there is a review on eventdv.net and several videos on youtube.
 
I'm going with the 561B...thanks for the help. Now on to lights...yuck, this is one costly endeavor, but I think I'll need some lights for inside use with the HMC40. Thanks so much for the help,

Chris
 
Thanks Dan. It has a weird jump to it as I'm panning around that's annoying. Basically as I'm panning all of a sudden it jerks up or down...can't really tell, which obviously sucks in the video. Does yours ever do that?

Chris
 
ravencr said:
Thanks Dan. It has a weird jump to it as I'm panning around that's annoying. Basically as I'm panning all of a sudden it jerks up or down...can't really tell, which obviously sucks in the video. Does yours ever do that?

Chris
Click to expand...
Chris, is your OIS on or off. It's not uncommon for an OIS to really mess up a nice smooth pan.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top