Opinions on the bogen 3046 legs with 501 head?

Bryan

Bryan

Well-known member
Before anyone chews me out, I tried to search for 3046, 501, bogen, tripod. But for some reason 3046 and 501 weren't included in the search. So it just turned up hundreds of threads.

Anyway...I'm looking to get a tripod. A few weeks ago I used my DVX100A on a Bogen 3046 tripod legs and 501 head. I had a very good experience, I liked using it. And for $349 at EVS, it's a pretty good deal.

I just wanted to check here first to see if anyone else had an opinion on this tripod setup?
 
Hi Bryan, just wanted to let you know that is one of our most popular tripod combos, next to the 3221-WN501. The perks of the 3046 is that it is a heavy tripod base, with a geared center column, that lets you go taller than any other tripod in its class. The silver version is cool if you do a lot of crowded shoots, since people trip on it less than the black legs.
 
I have this exact setup. The pros are its price and its quality. The thing is extremely sturdy and can take a real beating. Plus the head is very very smooth (as long as you keep it clean) and I never feel like I'm lacking control. The cons; it gets heavy to carry around after a while, and the 501 head is not rated at enough weight to support a decent jib or crane arm.
 
Bryan said:
Before anyone chews me out, I tried to search for 3046, 501, bogen, tripod. But for some reason 3046 and 501 weren't included in the search. So it just turned up hundreds of threads.

Anyway...I'm looking to get a tripod. A few weeks ago I used my DVX100A on a Bogen 3046 tripod legs and 501 head. I had a very good experience, I liked using it. And for $349 at EVS, it's a pretty good deal.

I just wanted to check here first to see if anyone else had an opinion on this tripod setup?
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I used this fluid head previously and did not like it at all. I felt it was flimsy and didn't produce the kind of silky smooth movement I wanted. The 501 is their lowest price head in the line. I ended up with a 503 (much beefier) and was very happy with that one.

I still like the O'Connor heads the best but there is huge diff in price between them.
 
The 501 is plenty and although it may not be true fluid, it's extremely smooth and responsive. I have two and for the price I think they are outstanding.
 
I have a 501 and it's nice. Great value but whenever this discussion comes up, people say "go with the 503."
 
I used a 501 on a shoot once. That experience made me go with the 503. But if you've used it and like it, by all means get it. Don't listen to me.
 
For the price the 501 is alright. But you get what you pay for. I was on a shoot with somebody elses grea, and had to do some long lens work covering a show. After the strugling and cursing , I brought my miller head for free, as I did not want jerky camera work effecting my reputation. It is not really a fluid head, so I found any fine moves to be jerky, but alas I am spoiled on really good heads. So after running on so long what I am really trying to say is spend the extra 100 or so dollars and get the 503, you will be much happier.
 
I guess one thing that would sway me is if the 501 could not support a crane or jib arm. Can it?
 
Personally, I've never experienced any jerkiness with my 501's. But I also use two pan arms as well as a zoom controller so I think that gives me better overall control.
 
I just got a 503... I was deciding between the 501 and 503 in B&H (although I bought it from EVS because they rock) and I noticed the 501 was sticky. The guy said "Well you know, that gets used alot because it's on the floor" Well, mine would get used alot, too. Get the 503.
 
i had a 501, sold it, got a 501HDV and honestly i think i liked my older 501 better... never used a 503 though...
 
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