Official Tripod F.A.Q's

Official Tripod F.A.Q's

Hey guys, I have just recently purchased an HVX :2vrolijk_08: but I am a student I now I have less than no money available to me :cry:. Because I was using very cheap equipment before the purchase, I have a craptastic $30.00 tripod - which I refuse to but my 5k camera on top of.

I am really looking for something to get started with but I have less than $500.00 available to my name. I was wondering what people thought of this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...C3_LS_22_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html/mode/edu

Anyone else have any recommendations?

Thanks
David
 
HVXOU said:
Hey guys, I have just recently purchased an HVX :2vrolijk_08: but I am a student I now I have less than no money available to me :cry:. Because I was using very cheap equipment before the purchase, I have a craptastic $30.00 tripod - which I refuse to but my 5k camera on top of.

I am really looking for something to get started with but I have less than $500.00 available to my name. I was wondering what people thought of this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...C3_LS_22_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html/mode/edu

Anyone else have any recommendations?

Thanks
David
Click to expand...

Hi David:

I have heard good things about the Libec LS-22 but for smaller, lighter cams. If you have an HVX, I would spend the extra $142.00, if possible, and get the LS-38. Bogens are the last dying gasp, if you must.

Best,

Dan
 
Per puredrifting above and now me.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458956-REG/Libec_LS22M_LS22M_Tripod_System.html

This tripod has no drag adjustment. It is set what youd consider about a mid level for clean control and not super fast movement. Also, if you ever wanted to add a 35mm adapter in the future, this set up will struggle with it.

Its good for cam only and couple of cam mounted extras, mic, fs-100, matte box.

Within those confines, the best shots for your $.
 
puredrifting said:
Hi David:

I have heard good things about the Libec LS-22 but for smaller, lighter cams. If you have an HVX, I would spend the extra $142.00, if possible, and get the LS-38. Bogens are the last dying gasp, if you must.

Best,

Dan
Click to expand...

I have read a lot about the bogen/manfrotto - have you had bad experiences with them?

Also, what makes you recommend the LS-38 over the 22 just out of curiosity.

Thanks to everyone's quick response too.
 
HVXOU said:
I have read a lot about the bogen/manfrotto - have you had bad experiences with them?

Also, what makes you recommend the LS-38 over the 22 just out of curiosity.

Thanks to everyone's quick response too.
Click to expand...

Yes, I own the 501 head with the mDVe legs and I used to work a lot with a company's 503 head. Bogen are pretty much bottom of the barrel, at least these are. They make some heads that are decent but they are way over $1,000.00.

I also own a Sachtler DV-6SB with the Miller Solo DV legs. Great setup but pricey.

I recommend the LS-38 because the head is rated for 17.8 pounds and has no backlash, the LS-22 head is rated for I think 7 or 8lbs capacity and it has backlash. The LS-38 is worth the extra $$.

Dan
 
HVXOU said:
Hey guys, I have just recently purchased an HVX :2vrolijk_08: but I am a student I now I have less than no money available to me :cry:. Because I was using very cheap equipment before the purchase, I have a craptastic $30.00 tripod - which I refuse to but my 5k camera on top of.

I am really looking for something to get started with but I have less than $500.00 available to my name. I was wondering what people thought of this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...C3_LS_22_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html/mode/edu

Anyone else have any recommendations?

Thanks
David
Click to expand...

David
Congrats on getting the HVX!

If you want to spend under $500 and still get a decent tripod for the HVX I'd recommend a Feisol CF tripod and Bogen 701RC2.

http://www.feisol.com/english/feisolen.htm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/341507-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_701RC2_701RC2_Video_Fluid_Head.html

This combo is plenty stout for a bare HVX.

Regards
JohnG
 
Thanks

Thanks

Thanks for the suggestions, if anyone else has any set-ups that would be great, as for now I will go do my research more on the area. We shall see. Thanks for everything.
 
puredrifting said:
.......
I also own a Sachtler DV-6SB with the Miller Solo DV legs. Great setup but pricey.
Dan
Click to expand...

Dan, do you have the aluminum or carbon fiber version of the Solo DV?
I am seriously considering the setup you have. I notice there is a $200 difference between aluminum and carbon fiber for only a 1lb. difference in weight; 5.5lb vs 6.5lb.
Just curious which version and any further thoughts you may have.
thanks,
Gary
 
gco said:
Dan, do you have the aluminum or carbon fiber version of the Solo DV?
I am seriously considering the setup you have. I notice there is a $200 difference between aluminum and carbon fiber for only a 1lb. difference in weight; 5.5lb vs 6.5lb.
Just curious which version and any further thoughts you may have.
thanks,
Gary
Click to expand...

Hi:

I didn't even know that Miller made these in aluminum, I have the carbon. Get the carbon. Honestly, the Sachtler head is no featherweight, it's pretty hefty so that extra pound makes a big difference when you are hiking around with it on your back all day. The Miller comes with a really nice air padded strap that fastens near the head and at the bottom of the legs. You carry it upside down, it fits your body well that way. I have done some serious hiking with the Sachtler on my back and the HVX in my backpack, it works.

These are the best legs I have ever owned. I used to own the Sachtler carbon legs with my Video 18 when I had my Betacam and they were okay but spreaders suck! Not having spreaders is the best feature any tripod can have. Unless you are using a jib on it or something, spreaders are useless and a hindrance to setting up in weird places like we all end up doing. Viva la spreaderless tripod legs!

Dan
 
Ok, the Solo DV alloy (1630) @ 6.4lbs:
http://www.millertripods.com/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=201
and the Solo DV CF (1501) @ 5.5lbs:
http://www.millertripods.com/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=178
and the DV6SB @ 5.3 lbs :
http://www.sachtler.us/index.php?id=1109&exp_pid=300&exp_cid=34&exp_mode=product&exp_flag=tech_facts

Total weight for each combo:
11.7 lbs for the head+Solo alloy and
10.8 lbs for the head + Solo cf.

10.8 lbs isn't bad --that is what I am used to carrying with the Cartoni Focus single stage. BUT, your point on saving weight is well taken. 1lb doesn't sound like much but 1lb over and above what I am used to carrying is a different story.

With regards to spreaders, the mid-levels on the Cartoni don't bother me. The knobs are on the top of the spreader not sides which is far more convenient but I rarely tightened them anyway. What I would really miss is the latches on the legs. I can put them down or pull them up quickly which is very important to me. Not sure how I will like the twist lock action of the Millers but on the other hand the Millers obviously pack up smaller and would seem to adapt better to uneven terrain which is very important to me. Regardless, your comments on spreaders is well taken being that you have far more experience than me, so I'm all ears and really appreciate your feedback Dan. I also appreciate your comments on this particular head as they confirm pretty much everything else I have read or heard about it. I'm pretty much sold on this combo and want this to be my last tripod purchase.
 
gco said:
Ok, the Solo DV alloy (1630) @ 6.4lbs:
http://www.millertripods.com/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=201
and the Solo DV CF (1501) @ 5.5lbs:
http://www.millertripods.com/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=178
and the DV6SB @ 5.3 lbs :
http://www.sachtler.us/index.php?id=1109&exp_pid=300&exp_cid=34&exp_mode=product&exp_flag=tech_facts

Total weight for each combo:
11.7 lbs for the head+Solo alloy and
10.8 lbs for the head + Solo cf.

10.8 lbs isn't bad --that is what I am used to carrying with the Cartoni Focus single stage. BUT, your point on saving weight is well taken. 1lb doesn't sound like much but 1lb over and above what I am used to carrying is a different story.

With regards to spreaders, the mid-levels on the Cartoni don't bother me. The knobs are on the top of the spreader not sides which is far more convenient but I rarely tightened them anyway. What I would really miss is the latches on the legs. I can put them down or pull them up quickly which is very important to me. Not sure how I will like the twist lock action of the Millers but on the other hand the Millers obviously pack up smaller and would seem to adapt better to uneven terrain which is very important to me. Regardless, your comments on spreaders is well taken being that you have far more experience than me, so I'm all ears and really appreciate your feedback Dan. I also appreciate your comments on this particular head as they confirm pretty much everything else I have read or heard about it. I'm pretty much sold on this combo and want this to be my last tripod purchase.
Click to expand...

Hi:

I have had my setup for about a year and half and have used it in a lot of different situations, it is solid and you will be very happy.

The twist lock legs take a little getting used to but once you are in tune with them, they are just as efficient as the clamps. I still have a Bogen mDVe set of aluminum legs that are part of my cheapo tripod setup that I bring when I fly (I don't fly with the Sachtler, too many pieces of lost luggage these days and trying to get an airline to cough up $2,500.00 to replace it if they lost it would be a joke). The mDVe legs have the clamps so I use both and honestly, there isn't that much difference in use.

The Miller legs have these adjustment clips at the top of the tripod for determining the angle you want the legs to spread at. They work well. With spreaders, you will never get really low shots without disassembling the whole tripod, removing the spreader, etc. What a pain! I see spreaders as a leftover remnant of the old heavy film camera days, they are stupid on tripods for small light cameras.

Enjoy it!

Dan
 
I once saw Matt (McGeeDigital) whip those Solo legs out and set that thing right down on the floor. Couldn't believe it. No way I could do that with my Cartoni.

I'm curious if there is any particular reason to get the DV6SB over the FSB6.
DV6SB has a payload of 2-20 LBs, 5 steps tilt & pan.
FSB6 has a payload of 2-13 LBs, 3 steps tilt & pan.
Both have 10 steps of counterbalance.
6SB appears to be more robust. On the other hand, I won't be in the 13-20 LB range and the FSB6 is about $300 less.
 
Last edited:
Some Truip[od

Some Truip[od

"Hey, everyone. I am going to be purchasing a tripod within the next two weeks and, relative to my budget as well as what I've read here and elsewhere, I've narrowed it down to three models: Cartoni F101, Cartoni F102, and the Sachtler DV-6SB.

So, if you guys could clear up a few things for me it would be greatly appreciated and enable me to choose the best one. I have read through the various posts on tripods, but still have a few questions. Here's what I am hoping you can help me with:

1.) What's the major difference between the Sachtler 75mm bowl and the Cartoni 100mm. I mean, obviously the 100mm is bigger and should support more weight, but when does this become an issue? What weight, or kind of kit are we talking here? I'm sorry if this is vague, but I'm trying to better understand this distinction and want to buy something that will cover me even if I want to add on items...

2.) Is there any advantages to either the Sachtler 6 step fluid damping vs. the Cartonis variable fluid damping?

3.) Same thing regarding the Sachlter 10 step counterbalance and Cartoni variable.

4.) What is the main advantage to having a 2 stage tripod (only the Cartoni F102 out of these three) over a 1 stage? Is it just that you have greater range to adjust or is it more than just this?

5.) What is the difference between the Cartoni F102 "fast action lever" leg lock vs. F101 flip locks and Sachtler model?

Other than these questions I just would like to know any other general thoughts you may have. From reading the posts, for instance, I saw that many thought the Sachtler the best head, but then didn't like the sticks and recommended the Miller Solo legs. However, I would say that my absolute max would be the Sachtler at around $1,750. In fact, I should get the Cartoni, but will strain myself if it seems like it's best in the long run.

I'm sorry for the lengthy post, but if you could answer any or all of these questions it would really help me out. Thanks so much for reading."
 
Quick n00b question regarding monopods...

How effective are they when used as a 'steadicam'?

Holding a dvx via a monopod and walking/jogging/running will you get less shake holding a mono with two hands away from your body than without one at all?

Thanks
 
I know everyone's going to be bashing the 503HDV, but I bought one off the forums and it arrived today.. So far I really like it.. Pans are smooth, its a joy so far!
 
Do you consider the HPX500 still as a light camera. In other words will the Miller solo 1505 carbon + Sachtler Video15SB do the job for the HPX.? I am a bit afraid the solo with show twisting when panning fro m left to right. What do you think?

puredrifting said:
Hi:

I have had my setup for about a year and half and have used it in a lot of different situations, it is solid and you will be very happy.

The twist lock legs take a little getting used to but once you are in tune with them, they are just as efficient as the clamps. I still have a Bogen mDVe set of aluminum legs that are part of my cheapo tripod setup that I bring when I fly (I don't fly with the Sachtler, too many pieces of lost luggage these days and trying to get an airline to cough up $2,500.00 to replace it if they lost it would be a joke). The mDVe legs have the clamps so I use both and honestly, there isn't that much difference in use.

The Miller legs have these adjustment clips at the top of the tripod for determining the angle you want the legs to spread at. They work well. With spreaders, you will never get really low shots without disassembling the whole tripod, removing the spreader, etc. What a pain! I see spreaders as a leftover remnant of the old heavy film camera days, they are stupid on tripods for small light cameras.

Enjoy it!

Dan
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top