libec rs450m and 450

jambredz

jambredz

Veteran
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...450_RS_450_Professional_2_Stage_Aluminum.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...0M_RS_450M_Professional_2_Stage_Aluminum.html

the M is for medium spreader. I'm going to buy one of the versions in the next month or so....but i'm not sure which to get. I'm coming from http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ROVISTA7518B_Provista_7518_Tripod_w_FM18.html which had a medium spreader. I've never used a ground spreader tripod but i see them in pics all the time getting superlow shots which i would love. I'm not sure if this libec with ground spreader can go down that low because both minimum heights on both versions are the same.

So my question is 3 fold :

1.which do you guys prefer..ground spreader or mid?

2. do you know if the ground spreader version of this can get down real low?

3. My reservation with ground spreaders is that on uneven ground where the legs have to be different lengths does that pose a problem?
 
I prefer the mid-level spreader because it is more practical on uneven ground. Ground level spreaders really need an almost-level surface (or at least a slope that isn't too rocky) to be stable. I also feel that the mid-level spreader offers more stability, as it stops the tripod twisting as much when you are panning.

If you're paying that sort of money, I would also seriously consider the Vinten Vision Blue (provided your payload won't exceed 5kg or 11lbs).

You can probably buy the ground-level spreader as an accessory later if you find you really need that extra inch or two. Oddly, B&H list the same minimum height for both those models - I'm not sure if that is correct.
 
hey Mike thanks for the response. My decision is based on this review (below)of Nigel Cooper comparing this tripod to satchler and vinten (vinten which he personaly shoots on) and the fact that my weight payload will most certainly past 11 lbs and satchlers and vintens that can go to 20lbs are out of my range. My ccurrent dslr rig when fully loaded weights 14lbs (counterweight, external monitor included) and i'm aiming for this to be my last tripod so i need to be able to use this with whatever happen to upgrade to. The 350 modell is also a consideration.

See review:

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=228

It seems to be quite an impressive tripod.
 
Yep, the Libec seems to be pretty good. I have no personal experience of their latest models, but Nigel Cooper and others have found their RH range to be very good.

You're right, you're above the weight limit for the Vinten Vision Blue. From what I can tell, the Libec RS range are excellent pieces of kit, I have heard high praise of them from several very critical sources.
 
I use an RS-450M with an HPX 370 mounted. It is indeed a nice tripod and is very stable even when panning at telephoto. If there is something I'd have to dislike about it, it's that the counter-balance knob requires effort to adjust, but it's more of an annoyance than anything. I do wish that the spreader allowed for more flexible placement of the legs as well, since as it is, it doesn't allow the legs to splay out very wide.

Other than that... no complaints.
 
thanks Kolor...its good to get first hand experience feedback. I'm pretty much decided on the 450...just which model is the next question. medium spreader or floor...and that minimum height for the floor spreader model on B&H must be an error. I will double check with them on that.
 
I like the mid spreader because it means I don't have to get on the floor just to move the camera through a doorway :grin: useful if the party moved to another room and you need to relocate quickly.
 
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