AC130: Need suggestion for tripod

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donnyb

Member
I am planning to get an AC-130a in the next 60 days or so. Does anybody have a good suggestion for a tripod? It will be used in a church sanctuary and will probably be put away in a locked room each week, but rarely if ever used anywhere else. The budget is about $500, and I saw a Manfrotto MVH502A and 546B combo advertised for $429. Is there a better-suited tripod combo that is within the budget?
 
That must be used equipment to be such a low price. If this is a legit offer, I would certainly grab it, as it is a very good deal.
 
That must be used equipment to be such a low price. If this is a legit offer, I would certainly grab it, as it is a very good deal.
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It is all new and is at B&H. I just checked again today, and it is now at $449, regularly about $530. Sounds like a good deal regardless.
 
I made my own, got a 502 head and 3068 legs, like a tank and can easily go over anyones heads. Got the head here and legs on ebay. Rock solid heavy but it dosent twist at all, cant stand it when you turn most of the newer tripods as they start to twist when fully extended. The one you found is a good price, but lighter weight overall. Tripods are very personal, a good tripod should easily outlast the camera.
 
I've never been impressed with the counter-balancing of the Manfrotto heads, and ended up going with the Sachtler ACE tripod for my HMC-150 camera. It's one of the lowest cost tripods with a decent video head.

Sachtler Ace M : $535
 
I can't make a recommendation other than don't look at the sub $200 "fluid head" tripods (like listed on Amazon). Way too many issues with those.
 
Another Vouch for the 502 546B install. I love it with my hmc40. Have my field monitor and wireless receivers attached on the 1/4'" accessory mounts. The counter balance is good for these size cameras with a few accessories mounted on as well. legs are fairly adjustable, though can sometimes be a pain when raising once the camera is mounted with all accessories. 75mm bowl isn't as standard as 100mm bowl, in case that bothers you. I'm still growing, so I'm fine. The closest thing that might match is the satchler Ace from what I have read before I bought mine. Satchlers are supposed to be a bit more durable than manfrotto, but I think this should hold up well. I could e biased as I haven't owned a "better" tripod to extensively compare to, but I work well with this combo. I don't think you will hurt if you go either the Ace or the 502.
 
Try a Manfrotto 475B with 501 or 503HD head. I've used that a lot for shooting in our church's sanctuary. I like the height it can get up to. I think B&H still has them.
But my favorite set-up is the Manfrotto 536 cf sticks with the 509HD head. Now that sucker has the height! 80+ inches, I believe. Great for shooting in a church, though its much more $$$.
 
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