Manfrotto

Hans Moleman

Hans Moleman

Carbonite Member
I'm in the market for a tripod (system) that can perform well for me, but isn't going to top $300.

In my experience at work, I've grown to like the bogen/manfrotto stuff.

I am especially looking for a fluid (or fluid like) head, but not too many other bells 'n' whistles.

suggestions?
 
A $300 total budget is going to necessitate some compromises.

I would suggest that you may want to consider that you may wish to upgrade your solution over time and if you bias your purchase so that you have a popportionate investment in both the tripod (sticks) and the head, then when it comes time to upgrade, you will likely need to purchase both parts to appreciate any improvements.

A slightly different approach would be to invest in either a great set of sticks or a great head and invest the balance of your budget in the other part with whatever is left over. Myself, I would get the stiffest sticks that you can afford and a decent head (perhaps used market). No matter how great the head, without a stiff set of sticks, it won't perform.

As for Bogen / Manfrotto, their products are well made and appropriately priced. Personally, I would try to stretch the budget and get into something like either the 515MVB or 525MVB sticks and a decent head like the 501 or 503; however this would exceed your $300 limit.
 
Stick with the bogen. Try to find a nice used 501 head with some decent sticks. Or, just buy a new 501 head($150 or so) and buy some used sticks. I have used the 501 and it is a good head for the price, especially for the dvx.
 
Here's my current set-up, works fine for my current uses. I'm certainly not going to impress anyone, but it's worked well for me. Besides, there are times you want a light weight system, even if you can afford those that cost ten times this price.

Here are the legs -

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=168060&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I acutally like these better than comparably-priced Bogens because they're a little stronger (though just a tad heavier, too.) I already had these for still photography, so I just bought a 501 head -

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=162660&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

There are also several kits under $300 at B&H that will offer sturdy, reliable support. -

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=5136

I think this is a perfect price range for a first video support. It can do what you need to do reliably and when you strike it rich, you'll still use it as a lightweight run and gun system.
 
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