Multi-Purpose Tripod $1500

[Heartfelt]

I have read a lot of posts on tripod but it seems my request may be a bit different.

I am going to a DSLR and have the following configuration considerations:

• DSLR direct on Tripod 3lbs-ish
• DSLR in Rig on Tripod 5-10lbs-ish
• DSLR on jib (CLICK) on Tripod 15-22lbs-ish

I have been looking at the Manfrotto 509 head with legs (CLICK) for about $1599. It certainly handles the weight (29lb cap) but what I don't know is if it will handle the lighter weight applications well enough.

Is there a better option?
Thanks
Rob

 

[Heartfelt]

Maybe I need to just keep it on a rig or jib and never by itself.

 

[henryqiu]

what I don't know is if it will handle the lighter weight applications well enough.

Use a lightweight fluid head that costs around 1/10 of your system?

 

[Heartfelt]

Use a lightweight fluid head that costs around 1/10 of your system?

Are you suggesting purchasing a 2nd tripod? That is what I hope to avoid. Not only do I have the light load to contend with but also the jib.

 

[Greg Smith]

It seems to me that if you get a tripod that is sturdy enough to handle your loaded jib, it is likely to be heavier (and perhaps bigger) than you'd want to carry around when you're using the light DSLR rig. You're also likely to trade smoothness for capacity a bit, especially in that price range. I suppose it depends on your style of shooting, but extrapolating from what I do, I have almost entirely separate equipment for spontaneous event coverage/ENG style shooting and for scripted productions with a few other crew people. I'd suggest a light-but-precise tripod like one of the low-end Sachtlers or Vintens for your first two scenarios, and then look for something like a used Quickset to support the jib. I have a beast of a tripod I got on eBay for under $200 a few years ago that would work just fine for that purpose. It's got some battle scars but is sturdy and smooth with a heavy load and didn't cost much at all. I wouldn't even think about throwing it in my van for a quick ENG shoot, though.

Just some thoughts ...

- Greg

 

[Heartfelt]

Thanks Greg.

 

[bgundu]

Check out the soom system:

http://www.sachtler.com/us/xl-system-soom.html

 

[Heartfelt]

Thanks. A bit out of my range but a cool product.

 

[ben_r_]

Just to throw something else out there, the setup I have right now is a Gitzo 3541LS with a Gitzo 75mm bowl adapter and a Manfrotto 504HD head. I have seen a few examples and youtube videos of the Kessler KC-Lite on the 504HD and it seemed to work very solidly, so thats the option I was thinking of going and it would be less than youre looking to spend. You could also just get a whole Kessler bundle setup and it would be lower than your price range as well: LINK

 

[Mark Williams]

This looks interesting at around $800 http://philipbloom.net/2011/09/09/ace/ I think I read somewhere that the legs can hold up to 40 lbs but the head is rated for around 8 lbs.