I am looking for a good tripod that will produce smooth action, is rugged, and under 1000 dollars. I film alot of outdoor extreme sports, and I want a tripod that will withstand some abuse, as well as adapt to uneven ground easily. I also need it to have quick smooth action. I have been looking at some of the Sachtler DV series, as well as the Libec LS-22 and LS-35. Any suggestions? I am using a DVX100A without many add ons (matte box etc) so My camera doesn't weigh very much. Anyhow, your advice would help me out alot!
Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
- Thread starter PDX_DVX
- Start date
Bill_Bolton
Well-known member
Re: Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
The Sacht DV with carbon fiber sticks is a winning bet.
The Sacht DV with carbon fiber sticks is a winning bet.
Shane Realm
Well-known member
Re: Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
PDX,
Here's something to think about before you buy your outdoor tripod. Because your going to use it outdoor you will be carrying it a lot more, so you want something light, also you will probably be setting it on rocks, dirt, grass, so you want a tripod to really grip the ground, also I would recommend a tripod that has a couple places to change the height because you will be setting it on uneven surfaces a lot. so if you budget is around a grand then go with something carbon fiber. You mentioned the libec 22&35 the look like they are complete systems, I’ve never used a libec, but you will have no real use of a spreader in outdoor shoots, also it doesn’t appear the tripod or head have a level so you would have to “guess” if you shot is level. As TC mentioned the Bogen 3221WM and the 503 head would be a great outdoor package. The 3221WM is light weight has two places to change the height of the tripod for uneven surfaces, also is easy to handle because it has a foam grip, and the feet are spiked for all types of surfaces. And the 503 head is a great head for any type of shooting, its not the best but it sure makes you life easy. Oh and the 503 head has a little ball level which is very handy. I think if you start looking at a tripod that will make your life easier then that would be the way to go.
PDX,
Here's something to think about before you buy your outdoor tripod. Because your going to use it outdoor you will be carrying it a lot more, so you want something light, also you will probably be setting it on rocks, dirt, grass, so you want a tripod to really grip the ground, also I would recommend a tripod that has a couple places to change the height because you will be setting it on uneven surfaces a lot. so if you budget is around a grand then go with something carbon fiber. You mentioned the libec 22&35 the look like they are complete systems, I’ve never used a libec, but you will have no real use of a spreader in outdoor shoots, also it doesn’t appear the tripod or head have a level so you would have to “guess” if you shot is level. As TC mentioned the Bogen 3221WM and the 503 head would be a great outdoor package. The 3221WM is light weight has two places to change the height of the tripod for uneven surfaces, also is easy to handle because it has a foam grip, and the feet are spiked for all types of surfaces. And the 503 head is a great head for any type of shooting, its not the best but it sure makes you life easy. Oh and the 503 head has a little ball level which is very handy. I think if you start looking at a tripod that will make your life easier then that would be the way to go.
taubkin
Veteran
Re: Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
The Sachler DV2 with 3-stage carbon fiber legs will not disappoint you. But study a equivalent miller and a cartoni systems. get the one that you like better, and don't buy anything without testing yourself. Some stuff are just a matter of preference.
The Sachler DV2 with 3-stage carbon fiber legs will not disappoint you. But study a equivalent miller and a cartoni systems. get the one that you like better, and don't buy anything without testing yourself. Some stuff are just a matter of preference.
lordofmetropolis
Member
Cartoni's
Cartoni's
Anybody try Cartoni's DV tripod. I have mix feelings about that. Unless there is another Cartoni DV tripod I'm not aware of. The one I used (that was provided) had no drag options at all. Instead it had its own "set" drag, and I wasn't a big fan of how it was set or how this tripod counterbalanced.
Sachtler I know makes good stuff, kinda leaning towards getting DV 4 II.
later,
lordofmetropolis
www.marksofil.com
Cartoni's
Anybody try Cartoni's DV tripod. I have mix feelings about that. Unless there is another Cartoni DV tripod I'm not aware of. The one I used (that was provided) had no drag options at all. Instead it had its own "set" drag, and I wasn't a big fan of how it was set or how this tripod counterbalanced.
Sachtler I know makes good stuff, kinda leaning towards getting DV 4 II.
later,
lordofmetropolis
www.marksofil.com
Shane Realm
Well-known member
Re: Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
PDX,
I'm interested to hear which tripod you plan on buying.
PDX,
I'm interested to hear which tripod you plan on buying.
Re: Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
I will probably end up buying a Sachtler DV 4 II, I am super strapped for cash right now though. But hopefully in a few months I will be able to justify the cost. I believe I am going to try and buy a hard disk recorder before a better tripod, the one I have right now works ok, but I will deffinetly need something better.....
I will probably end up buying a Sachtler DV 4 II, I am super strapped for cash right now though. But hopefully in a few months I will be able to justify the cost. I believe I am going to try and buy a hard disk recorder before a better tripod, the one I have right now works ok, but I will deffinetly need something better.....
Norm Sanders
Script Wrangler
Re: Looking for a good tripod for rugged use...
Hey folks, I just got off the phone with EVSonline, and purchased a Libec LS-22 for $399 (listed through libecusa.com for $495). Tommy, the rep I was dealing with, and I were really trying to decide between the LS22, LS35, and LS50.
Here's what we discovered, after looking at Libec's site ... they all use the EXACT same legs. So, really you're just paying more for the head, and that's it. It appeared that the LS22 was the best bang for the buck, and Tommy had also used it and recommeded it, saying he got some great results from it ... he could have easily sold me the more expensive one (I was ready to buy it), but he felt the LS22 was the better value.
Now, when you order it (if you change your mind and go with the Libec), order it with a mid-level spreader instead of the floor spreader. This way, you can use it more easily on uneven ground, and it DOES have a bubble level in it (I've used Libec before).
That tripod should completely fit your needs for the DVX, as well as fit in your budget.
PDX, I'm guessing you live in Portland, OR? I'm just across the river in Vancouver, WA. Happy shooting!
Hey folks, I just got off the phone with EVSonline, and purchased a Libec LS-22 for $399 (listed through libecusa.com for $495). Tommy, the rep I was dealing with, and I were really trying to decide between the LS22, LS35, and LS50.
Here's what we discovered, after looking at Libec's site ... they all use the EXACT same legs. So, really you're just paying more for the head, and that's it. It appeared that the LS22 was the best bang for the buck, and Tommy had also used it and recommeded it, saying he got some great results from it ... he could have easily sold me the more expensive one (I was ready to buy it), but he felt the LS22 was the better value.
Now, when you order it (if you change your mind and go with the Libec), order it with a mid-level spreader instead of the floor spreader. This way, you can use it more easily on uneven ground, and it DOES have a bubble level in it (I've used Libec before).
That tripod should completely fit your needs for the DVX, as well as fit in your budget.
PDX, I'm guessing you live in Portland, OR? I'm just across the river in Vancouver, WA. Happy shooting!