Multi Purpose Tripod & Head(s) combo

[M.R.]

Hi,


I need to do more research, and already asked some time ago about gitzo legs.
But maybe some of you already have the perfect solution.

I'm looking for a tripod & head combination that works for video as well as for photo.
Of course you can use a video tripod and head for photo with certain limitation but I'll make a list beneath.

Can go high as wel as very low to the ground
The head is either swappable (easy, fast) or 90° vertical orientation is possible (probably swap option)
Is sturdy and solid, but doesn't have the weight of a cinema tripod & head
Can be used with lightweight camera, but also rigged out camera (still lightweight though) Between 1kg and 3kg
Easy to carry and to use, but no need for hiking or such

Of course the heavier the sturdier (most of the time), I'm aware of that.
And budget friendly probably makes certain things difficult as well.

Sachtler Flowtech legs for instance are out of the budget. Besides, I've used them on a shoot and wasn't actually that fond of them...


Thanks!

 

[morgan_moore]

I think it is really and endless thing and there are not really any good answers.

The bottom line is I have 3 manfrotto stills tripods of different sizes, a micro tripod, miller solo sticks and full sachler ENG sticks and two 100mm heads, one excellent one cheap light manfrotto

Each job I reach in the cupboard and get the right tools for the job.

--

Id probably say miller solo legs, 100mm video head and a bowl with an arca top, and an (arca fitting) L - this would cover you for video, stills and upright stills.

 

[Peter C.]

I agree with morgan impossible to find one to do all that you're asking. I'm not a fan of swapping heads. In fact I use a tread locker to keep head from loosening while doing video pans. I learned early on, one of the worst things you can happen during a video recording is have the head come lose.

I have a bunch of tripods and will sometimes put a few in the trunk for a job. If at any point I need a specialized tripod I go get it. A video head tripod will do most everything for photos except vertical shots.

 

[NorBro]

I agree with morgan impossible to find one to do all that you're asking. I'm not a fan of swapping heads. In fact I use a tread locker to keep head from loosening while doing video pans. I have a bunch of tripods and will sometimes put a few in the trunk for a job. If at any point I need a specialized tripod I go get it.

Are you using heads that screw onto 3/8 screws? Just wondering because the above doesn't exist with 75mm/100mm bowl tie-downs, which are almost mandatory.

Can you link to the thread locker you use?

 

[Peter C.]

Are you using heads that screw onto 3/8 screws? Just wondering because the above doesn't exist with 75mm/100mm bowl tie-downs, which are almost mandatory.

Can you link to the thread locker you use?

I have bowl and non bowl tripods, but you're right the bowl ones are less likely to unthread. I have a manfrotto cranking center column that is extremely useful because it can get over people heads. Naturally you can't easily have a bowl on a center column tripod.

I use Loctite, but now a days you can get generic equivalent. It's fancy glue that sets when a bolt and nut are tightened, but it is not permanent, you still can un-thread and doesn't damage anything.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-e&q=loctite

 

[NorBro]

Thanks, I was thinking about picking up a head with only a 3/8 female thread for my existing cheap tripod legs (but have been concerned about the head coming loose during pans).

 

[Peter C.]

Not only is it useful for the center bolt, its good for the screws that hold the head in place. Those are prone to loosening over time.

 

[Greg Smith]

I use Loctite, but now a days you can get generic equivalent. It's fancy glue that sets when a bolt and nut are tightened, but it is not permanent, you still can un-thread and doesn't damage anything.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-e&q=loctite

Make sure you get the right kind. The BLUE Loctite can be loosened with a bit of force, but the RED is intended for permanent bonds and can only be removed by essentially burning it out with a torch. Not something you'd want to do to a valuable tripod.

 

[M.R.]

Thanks for all the replies already

I think it is really and endless thing and there are not really any good answers.

The bottom line is I have 3 manfrotto stills tripods of different sizes, a micro tripod, miller solo sticks and full sachler ENG sticks and two 100mm heads, one excellent one cheap light manfrotto

Each job I reach in the cupboard and get the right tools for the job.

--

Id probably say miller solo legs, 100mm video head and a bowl with an arca top, and an (arca fitting) L - this would cover you for video, stills and upright stills.

I totally get what you and Peter C. are saying, there's a right tool for a specific job.
But i'm curious interested in wild tricks from other people.
The miller arca combo for instance is interesting, I know Arca Swiss, but didn't think about them!

I have a tripod and fluid head combo for film, not really for the lighter camera's.
Since I now have access to a good lightweight camera (mirorless) as well and am shooting quite a lot of stills the question popped up.

Is there a reason to prefer miller solo legs over Gitzo legs? I thought they were similar but might be totally wrong here.
Gitzo is a bit more easy to find here.

Also a stupid question, but there's no adapter that goes from 75mm legs to 100mm bowl right? I'm asking since manufacturers sometimes come up with solutions! I know there are from 100mm bowl legs to 75 bowl.