T2i Lightweight tripod head for backpacking T2i

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DCAD

Member
I need a LIGHT tripod head for backpacking with my new T2i with 15-85 Canon lens. I will be shooting a combination of stills (my primary objective) and some not too complicated video as well.

Currently, I have a Gitzo 0531 with a RRS BH-25 LR head. I see that I may need a fluid head to shoot video. I think approx. 1 lb to 1.4 lb is my upper limit for the head weight—8 oz would be a lot better:



  • Would something like a 1.4 lb Slik 504QF-II Video Fluid Head work?
  • Is there something lighter that would work for simple video?
  • And for 16 oz I could get a RRS BH40 LR ball head, which as an independent drag setting and supposedly smooth motion. Better for stills than the Slik but probably not as good for video.
DCAD
 
Maybe one of the following? I've seen the Giottos in person and it's tiny.

Giottos VH-6011-658D Mini Video Head

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Feisol Video Head

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Macaholic262 said:
I actually really like this head:
http://www.evsonline.com/sales/trip...s-lightweight-professional-tripod-system.html

Can support a good amount of weight (13lbs) and is actually incredibly smooth. I know its pretty light, but not sure the specifics. It's a 75mm bowl head so it is removable. This was matthews first shot in the tripod world, and most of us know them for c-stands and combo stands, but they did pretty well with this guy.
Click to expand...

That's pretty amazing from Matthews for $169. A c-stand cost more than that. I don't really need it, but for the price could be cool to have around. Really smooth pan & tilt? What's it made out of at only 7 pounds?
 
the legs are dinky, and without weight easily knocked over. The head was really what got me, its really nice. if you have enough money you can get the safari (http://www.evsonline.com/sales/trip...safari-safari-carbon-fiber-tripod-system.html) and the Matthews, and use the safari legs with the Matthews head. thats a light weight match made in heaven:love4:

If you are local to Los Angeles come check us out at EVS, we've got both the tripods in and you can feel for yourself
 
I've researched on tripods quite a lot and used many of them over the years. When it comes to price and portability, which is crucial with these DSLRs, nothing comes close to the Manfrottos.

I'd consider the 701 fluid head as it's a great value for the price:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001AT314M

Apart from normal tripods, I think it works especially well with monopods, which are just great if you have to move quickly and want to get that shot. I was really surprised how well these monopods work when I first used them only a few months ago with my new T2i/550D (I'm used to larger video camera rigs were something like these monopods are out of the question).
Check out this monopod, I think it works quite well with this head: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009PSF9O

If you want to add more weight to your setup by using really long lenses (like a 70-200mm) or a mattebox, rails, follow focus and so on, you need a larger head than the 701, something like the 501HDV http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000N26QVW

Manfrotto gear isn't perfect for sure (but then again, no gear is), but it offers most bang for the buck. If you want a REALLY good tripod head that suits all your needs, you have to spend much more. I recently bit the bullet and spend a small fortune on my new Sachtler setup, but I mainly need it for "real" (larger) camcorders.
 
By the way ... stay away from strictly photo gear like this Giotto thing. It's useless for video, you can't pan with it. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise - you need a fluid head for video.
 
Manfrotto 701.

There's also the 561B which is a fluid monopod head and very small/light but I think it only comes bundled with monopods and I also am not sure if it even pans (I've used it but I can't remember)...I think it might just tilt.
 
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