Need help selecting Tripod and Monopod.

rundavids

rundavids

Well-known member
Hey guys, I need help deciding what Tripod and Monopod and heads to purchase. i'm looking for something decent that's heavy and stable.

I'm looking to purchase from BH Photo or Amazon. If there are any other places you would recommend, I'd appreciate it. Thanks guys.


Also, off topic. has anyone used the Hoodman Viewfinder that attaches from the top shoe? I'm looking into getting one of those instead of the Zacuto.
 
Hi, i have both, tripod Manfrotto 701HDV 755XB and monopod Manfrotto 561HDV are heavy and stable, totally recomended.
 
I was looking at the manfroto one myself.

Any one got experience of the MONOPOD 561B? (without the HDV bit at the end.)

The specs seem very similar... but the older version is about 100 quid cheaper.

I see the older one is slightly heavier... but if that is the only draw back I would go for that instead.
 
I like the 682B with the 701RC2, the 701HDV looks nice but have never tried it. I bought 2 heads and keep a smaller Manfrotto tripod handy just in case I need real stability.
 
That is quite a cool tripod - free dolly as well? I wonder how much to ship to the UK - might drop them a line.

I have now changed my mind... i don't want a monopod - I want a tripod. But am confused about what kind of head to get.

Main use will be on the beach filming surfers.... need to be able to do a really smooth pan - but the mechanism will inevitably be exposed to sand.

So - what is best - fluid head or ball head? I can't get a feel for what the pros and cons to the different types are.

Any good UK deals people have spotted on tripods that would fit the bill? How about that one linked from bhpphoto?
 
For smooth pans a fluid head would be better than a ball head. Ball heads are good for photography.

Another good, affordable tripod is the Libec TH-650.

For me, I had Manfrotto legs already, so I just picked up an old Miller fluid head on ebay and screwed it in. Really smooth, but weighs a ton.
 
I picked up a Sony VCT-60AV tripod a few months ago for around $100. It has remote controls for some Sony cameras on the handle and at first look ignored it because of that.

When I actually handled it, a few surprises.

It's light but for the weight, stability isn't too bad.
It has oil damped pan and tilt (both lockable).
Has a cloth carrying case.

All-in-all, I feel it's an excellent shooting aid for lighter weight cameras although I wouldn't want to go too much heavier than a GH1 with kit lens. I do recommend keeping the tilt partially locked when not holding the handle as it does tend to tilt when not held.
 
In the market for a standard pod myself. Having worked with other pods, I know I want something with click lock legs, not twist tighteners prone to "the droop"..and a ball leveling head to make uneven terrain quickly manageable. Unfortunately, most reasonably priced pods with those two features don't seem to include a pedestal. I think Davis & Sanford makes one but it may be a bit fussy in terms of ergonomics.

I've been seriously considering: http://www.kesslercrane.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=252&Itemid=104
 
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I personally would take a libec over manofrotto. I had nothing bad bad experiences with manofrotto tripods....
 
pianoboy said:
For smooth pans a fluid head would be better than a ball head. Ball heads are good for photography.

Another good, affordable tripod is the Libec TH-650.

For me, I had Manfrotto legs already, so I just picked up an old Miller fluid head on ebay and screwed it in. Really smooth, but weighs a ton.
Click to expand...

After doing a bit more research i have gone with your Libec TH-650 suggestion - ordered last night.... hope it is good!

Cheers.
 
It does seem that there are mixed reviews on many of the lower end Manfrotto heads (501, 501hdv). There are new Manfrotto models that may be better.
 
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