purchasing tripod cant decide between these two

M

Marduk

Well-known member
whats up guys,

I'm about to purchase a new tripod and i have narrowed it down to the libec ls38 but then i saw the ls-50. now they're both the same price but the ls-50 supports 22lbs and the ls-38 supports 17.6lbs. anyone that knows more about these tripods that can shine in would be appreciated.

ls-50
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/203652-REG/Libec_LS50_LS_50_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html

ls-38m(2a)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...2A__LS_38M_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html

thanks
Ninos
 
Go for the heavier system unless you will be carrying it around in the forest for a distance and weight will be a concern. Heavier systems are often more robust and allows you to add accessories (matt box, ff, lens adapters...) on your camera w/o compromising your sticks.
 
It looks like the LS50 package has a better head but a cheaper leg (floor spreader, single stage), which is why they're the same price.
 
right now its just the hmc150, i have the sgblade which is going to ship in about two weeks. I'm going to also add a matte box, follow focus, and a 7-10 inch LCD. i don't have the exact models so i cant really give you an estimate on weight. I was hoping it would not get near 17lbs so that i can just get the ls38m. but if its going to get heavier then i have to rethink this.


Thanks
Ninos
 
I used Libec heads some time ago, they were built to a price , not a standard. possibly the worst head i've ever come across. we had 3chip sony's with triax backs on them, getting a smoothe pan or tilt was near impossible, especially shooting "live gigs".
If your budget only allows you this level of support, look at "real sticks" later on.

If you have low expectations , then you'll never be dissapointed.

PS, I currently have a Vinten vision 11, Two Millers, and One manfrotto, each one has a purpose. I retired and sold my early "El Cheapo" sticks some time ago.

Cheers
Tom K
 
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Tom 4 said:
I used Libec heads some time ago, they were built to a price , not a standard. possibly the worst head i've ever come across.
Click to expand...

It's probably helpful to mention the model # of the head as there can be quite a bit of variation across their line up. The LS38 for instance had been highly reviewed and considered to be one of the best options under $1k. I've used the Bogen 501 and 503 and I consider them to be pretty bad, but I wouldn't say that Manfrotto makes shi*ty tripods in general. I own a Bogen 516 for instance and it handles my 15 lbs camera rig admirably. It's no Sachtler, but it works well for under $1k.
 
I second the the 516, it is a good tripod, I had one before I bought my Sachtler DV8. I also had the 501 and 503 and they where total crap. The Sachtler is alot nicer then the 516 was but it all depends on how much you want to spend and what your needs are.
 
Hi Huy Vu,

the heads we were given on those "Live" gigs did not have any models marked, only libec brand, cams were about 5-10kg load depending on the lenses we used.
they were replaced with Bigger Vinten heads, they were fantastic by comparison, a 30x lenses with the doubler kicked in (ie 60x) stable smoothe pans and tilits were possible.

Yes. Danwreid, it does all depend on how much you want to spend and what your needs are.
Let that be your guide and you'll do ok.

Cheers
Tom K
 
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I've got a 55 system which I use as a spare. It's not as good as my expensive vintens, but much, much better than a manfrotto/vinten 501/503. The sticks are fine, fairly rigid and quite light. The pan and tilt has two drag settings, one is about right, the other much too slack. The important thing is that with a small light camera, performance is pretty good. with a big heavy camera then it will fall forward or back - only remaining where you leave it in a very narrow angle range. Anything near to the upper limits (like full size DV cameras is not too hot, but this applies to most.

If it got stolen, or I damaged it, I'd buy another. I have a 501 and a 503 and I use them for locked off cameras, or for fitting on a bracket mount where it can be set. I broke one just tightening the drag, and there's not really much in them.
 
interesting.....I'm wondering if i should just get the ls-50 for now and then later on i can upgrade the legs when i get enough money. I looked at the manfrotto 516 and that's more then what i want to spend. i blew all my money on the hmc150, sgblade, lenses, some lights, computer gear etc... the only problem i see with getting the ls-50 is that it has the floor spreader which i don't want. I'm wondering if there is a site where i can mix and match the tripod heads and legs other then b&h because they dont sell just the h-50 head.

Thanks
Ninos
 
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