Purchasing recommendations...

armisiano

armisiano

Veteran
So I've upped my budget a little bit so I can hopefully avoid too many of the speeches about how I can't get a good tripod for whatever amount.

I have a DVX100B with a LEX, and a couple fairly heavy lenses. The thing weighs a ton in my opinion, and so I need a new tripod.

I have a LIMIT, nothing over, of $500.

I need some recommendations. Argument. Counter argument. Pros. Cons. I've searched thread after thread but my question is pretty specific. I want to get the best I can for every penny of that $500.

What do you all suggest?
 
You should get an exact weight (and take into account any future on-board monitors or attachments), but for that price range you may be able to get something with the Bogen 503 head. They're good for up to 11lbs or 13lbs (check specs), though for that price the legs you'll end up with will likely suck. Still, I know people who use the 503/nicer legs with DVX100B/Brevis and do ok.

Alternatively I'd suggest scouring eBay for a while and see if you can find something Used for cheaper, maybe the Bogen 516, though even used you'll be lucky to get it for $700.

Good luck!
 
I've got the dvx and 503HDV/525 setup, and I am awaiting my 35mm setup in the next few days so I will let you know.
 
armisiano said:
So I've upped my budget a little bit so I can hopefully avoid too many of the speeches about how I can't get a good tripod for whatever amount.

I have a DVX100B with a LEX, and a couple fairly heavy lenses. The thing weighs a ton in my opinion, and so I need a new tripod.

I have a LIMIT, nothing over, of $500.

I need some recommendations. Argument. Counter argument. Pros. Cons. I've searched thread after thread but my question is pretty specific. I want to get the best I can for every penny of that $500.

What do you all suggest?
Click to expand...

I think at your price, you are stuck in BogenLand. There isn't much else out there that is as good as Bogen for under $500.00 and the Bogens aren't too bad if you don't need smooth moves. Maybe you could find a used Cartoni Focus or Libec head for under your budget but probably not with sticks that are any good.

It's an expensive hobby.

Dan
 
puredrifting said:
It's an expensive hobby.
Click to expand...


You said it.

I think between camera, adapter, rails, lenses, and NOT including my DSLR (similar field), I've already put in $5k.

But hey, my car cost me $10k, and I have more fun with the above mentioned, so there ya go.

Second thought: I'm seeing a number of these around the ol' inter-web, and they only cost $200. I'm assuming they're potentially crappy, but anyone have any experience with them? Just curious.

"Davis & Sanford Provista 7518 Video Tripod w/ FM18 Head"
 
All I will say is that especially with tripods and heads, you get what you pay for and all of the good ones are about five times your budget. I have used most of the cheapies, tons of Bogens, Velbon, etc. and they are all pretty junky. Best cheapo tripod is going to be Bogen.

Dan
 
Armisiano,

With $500.00 budget, puredrifting is right, your limited to Bogen. I have a 503HDV & it "will do". Shoot to edit is my philosophy when it comes to using this kit. It's great on zoomed out shots but close up pans are a pain & you'll do it 5-8 times before you get that perfect pan. One trick I sometimes use is getting an elastic band (I have 3 of em on my pan bar) and wrap it around the panbar & do the diagonal pan with the band. It works like magic when I am fully zoomed in & get driftback on the head.

In the short term I'll use this while I wait for enough paying gigs to get a better rig.


Steve
 
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