Newbie question about tripod with bowls

N

nikkorray

Member
Sorry for the newbie question but I've tried researching the forums (and Google) but haven't really found anything that answers my questions and none of the local stores carry tripods with bowls so I can't really test one out. I want to make sure I'm getting the right product before spending around $1K on a tripod/head combo.

So far, I'm pretty much set on buying this Miller SOLO DV Carbon Fiber tripod but still undecided on the fluid head:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=293495&is=REG

I have ruled out tripods with spreaders and I like the easy set up of the grip twist knobs. I want to invest in a REALLY good tripod and this will probably the only one I will buy for the next 10-15 years. I will primarily use it for video DSLR - I have absolutely no intention of upgrading to pro camcorders in the future. I do have a rail and follow focus system but I don't see myself buying a mattebox. I will also use the tripod and head for my large format still work so 15-20 lbs. is probably the max weight I'll be using.

My questions are:

1. Does the Miller tripod on the above link come with a 75mm bowl? It implies that it does but I just want to make sure.
2. Can ANY 75mm bowl fit on it? If so, is one brand any better than the other?
3. I have a 3 feet Igus slider with a 3/8 thread, can I attach it directly onto the 75mm bowl or will I be better off getting a 100mm bowl for extra stability?
4. How much leveling adjustment is there on a 75mm bowl? + / - 15 degrees?
5. How exactly does a bowl lock in place? Does it lock by twisting the stem or is there a some kind of knob on the side?
6. I've heard there are short and long stems for the bowl. Are there any other advantages to them beside getting low to the ground?
7. Is it easy to install/remove the bowl from the tripod or do I need special tools to carry around with me?

I know there are other newbies like me with similar questions so I hope this can be the thread the answer most of them. I would also appreciate any additional advice you may have given the equipment I will be using above - sometimes there are just small nuances that aren't on the spec sheet.

Thanks in advance,
Ray
 
1. It comes with a 75mm bowl (concave.) Your head needs to have a 75mm bowl attachment on the bottom of it (the convex side.) Or alternatively, a flat base tripod with a bowl adapter.
2. Yes. Not in my experience.
3. I don't have any experience with sliders, so I can't say for sure.
4. I haven't measured. I've never had to worry about it, and if the bowl can't level it, then you can always adjust the legs.
5. There's a stem on the bottom that clamps the head to the tripod.
6. Long stems are easier to grab, but as you've noticed, you can get as low to the ground with one.
7. The stem is adjustable by hand. If you get a bowl adapter (like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553993-REG/Manfrotto_520BALL_520BALL_75mm_Half_Ball.html) there are three set screws that keep the head on which require a flat head screwdriver.
 
I'm not sure I'd want to use a video head to carry a L/F camera, probably a heavy duty ball head or a Manfrotto geared head (The 400 IIRC). What sort of L/F cam are you using? I've got away with using my MPP Microtechnical 5x4 on a fairly standard photo 'pod (A Manfrotto 055 with 329 head) but my Arca Swiss 10x8 monorail needs heavier legs, and the 329 head isn't adequate despite having a a higher load capacity than the camera weight.
Dave
 
I have miller solo sticks and an arrow 25 head

-I shoot my hasseblead h1 and nikon D3 with 80-200 on it all the time

-it is strong enough for use of a small slider say 0.75cm to 1m with a DSLR on it

I also have major issue with the solo sticks

Making small height adjustments is a real PITA if you are used to a stills tripod with a centre columb

because you can only do this by extending the legs one at a time

yes the solo is good for RnG but not so good for more fomally copmposed shots

The best sticks I have trialled are satchler speedlock (after buying the Miller Solo :( )

I seriously recommend going to a physical store and playing with your intended purchase

including setting up some accurate compositions that rely on exact height adjustment

My miller head is excellent making my Frotto 501 head feel like a mushy toy

S
 
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I find the solo DV legs fine for formal composition but I don't use them for stills as I have an old Manfrotto stills tripod for that side of things. I think what Morgan is saying about the centre column is more about the choice of head as opposed to the legs?

They are superb as a one man setup and are very solid and fast in use. That said, if you are going to be putting really heavy loads on them, you may be better off with the bigger 100mm bowl ENG version.
 
Using any sticks without a centre columb is a compromise, for formal composition

a compromise worth taking in exchange for a bowl head which aids levelling and a fliud head which makes panning possible

the ease of changing the satchler speedlock in height is the best solution IMO

I suggest the OP goes to a shop and attempts to frame the google logo in the center of a screen while retaining the screen squarely framed in the image

The choice of legs is critical to this process because you either need a set of legs you can change the hight of accurately and easily or a have centre columb

you wont have a centre columb on video sticks so you have to rely on the legs and satchler sppedlock give the finest adjustment

Do you want to post some formal compositions with correct verticals created with your solo sticks?

I have no issue with the quality of Solo sticks just the design which is fatigue-ing to use and hard to frame with - there is probably a reason every professional camera man I know has traditional sticks, cats may make other choices


S
 
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daveswan said:
What sort of L/F cam are you using? I've got away with using my MPP Microtechnical 5x4 on a fairly standard photo 'pod (A Manfrotto 055 with 329 head) but my Arca Swiss 10x8 monorail needs heavier legs, and the 329 head isn't adequate despite having a a higher load capacity than the camera weight.
Dave
Click to expand...

I have a Super Graphic 4x5 and primarily use a 90mm Angulon lens. All together they don't weigh that much.

Just to clarify, I wanted a tripod for both video and photography and I'm aware that there will be some compromises - I'm just trying to find a happy medium between the two.

I plan on buying two 75mm bowl adaptors and outfit one with a fluid head and the other with a traditional ballhead (hence question #7 above). I don't see myself shooting video and large format at the same time so I would just take the particular head that I'll be using that day.

Thanks again for everyone's input and I'm still open to any advice/opinions/recommendations.
 
Your Speed Graphic looks similar to my MPP, so a good ball head might do.
OTOH, if you're photographing with the cam leveled, then maybe just mount it on the half-ball without a separate head, saving weight and vibration.
Dave
 
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