Quality Tripod Suggestion

R

Roman707

Member
I am looking for a good quality, long lasting tripod and fluid head. I want to be able to use this for photo/video.

Budget is $150 - $1200.

The reason my budget has such a wide margin is because I am not sure if I really need such a great tripod setup. I am a casual user, new to the whole dslr video movement, but I do not mind investing in good gear if it is worth it.

Option 1) CHEAP - Fancier WD717 Tripod Kit ($139)
Supposed to be a good value for the money, I have read mixed review about quality, but what do you expect for $139?

Option 2) Sachtler System Cine DSLR 2MD ($1229)
Head Payload 2-11 lbs

Option 3) Vinten Vision Blue system ($1127)
Head Payload 4.6-11 lbs - might be an issue with GH2

Option 4) Sachtler 0375 FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System ($1177)
Head Payload 0 - 8.8 lbs

So here's my dilemma. Like I said, I am a noob, so maybe I should buy Option 1 to start of, then invest in something nice in the future. Question is, should I just buy quality from the beginning? I read a blog about noobs going through the rounds with several tripods with incremental upgrades before finally settling on quality. If they had purchased quality from the jump, they could have saved some $$$.

So if quality it is, which one would be it. The Vinten seems to be a great value, the head itself is only $697. Maybe I can pair this with some quality sticks, perhaps Gitzo GT2531 6X Carbon Fiber tripod ($500). This would give me quality sticks and head at my budget. This sounds like a great setup to me, the problem is the weight requirements, will the GH2 be to light??? I could alway mount my shoulder rig on top I guess, but this would be a workaround, so not an ideal solution.

Option 2 sounds great, but I have read that those sticks in that package are not good. Being that the head itself sells for $1025, I would assume the sticks are not that great.

Option 4 sounds great as well, carbon fiber sticks, but the max payload is only 8.8 lbs. Not sure if it will work once I start adding shoulder rig, follow focus, etc. I guess this is why I like the Cine DSLR head better.
 
I'd go with the Vinten head with the Gitzo sticks. It's nice to see some noobs that are interested in quality over cheap flashy gear. I wish I had done the same. I bought cheap cheap cheap and during the past year or so I've had to re-buy almost everything because the cheap gear either broke or isn't very good quality anyways. That being said, if you are looking for something that can be beat up and used in bad conditions it is nice to have that old $100 tripod that you bought a few years ago as opposed to using one you paid a lot for.
 
Save money, you buy libec ls950. It's notorious and so great! Not bad! Sactler nice but waste of money for people who only got money for cheap panasonic gh.
 
Roman707 said:
I am looking for a good quality, long lasting tripod and fluid head. I want to be able to use this for photo/video.

Budget is $150 - $1200.

The reason my budget has such a wide margin is because I am not sure if I really need such a great tripod setup. I am a casual user, new to the whole dslr video movement, but I do not mind investing in good gear if it is worth it.

Option 1) CHEAP - Fancier WD717 Tripod Kit ($139)
Supposed to be a good value for the money, I have read mixed review about quality, but what do you expect for $139?
Click to expand...


I was shocked how great the Fancier head and tripod is. BUY THIS SET NOW. If you really feel another $1000 is needed to spend on a tripod then SELL IT. It is a massive value. A tripod is very important. This $150 set is fantastic for a DSLR, your not jacking up a car with it! It is light years ahead of your Best Buy tripods etc.
 
What about the Libec RS-250 with middle spreader? Would this be a good compromise for a complete system at $765? Is this still a very good system? Or is this not even close to the Vinten and Sachtler heads?

Like I said, I think the Fancier is a good value, for the price you cant go wrong, even if it only lasts a couple of years. But will it have the super smooth pans and tilts like the pro heads? I know it wont be as good, but will it be sufficient for a light camera like the GH2? If so, maybe I should spend the leftover dough on other gear, like the new Rode VideoMic Pro and some lighting.

Any thoughts guys???
 
Mr. Roman. Libec 250 just as good as sachler but it's wrong tripod for your camera..don't waist money on that one because counter balence no good for gh1. You buy libec 950 or libec 22. Much cheaper than the other one! You buy it. Be carful!
 
Roman707 said:
What about the Libec RS-250 with middle spreader? Would this be a good compromise for a complete system at $765? Is this still a very good system? Or is this not even close to the Vinten and Sachtler heads?

Like I said, I think the Fancier is a good value, for the price you cant go wrong, even if it only lasts a couple of years. But will it have the super smooth pans and tilts like the pro heads? I know it wont be as good, but will it be sufficient for a light camera like the GH2? If so, maybe I should spend the leftover dough on other gear, like the new Rode VideoMic Pro and some lighting.

Any thoughts guys???
Click to expand...
My Fancier is slightly stiff. I went out in the freezing cold weather for hours and was pulling off nice smooth as glass pans. It sounds like you want to "feel" better by spending a whole lot of money. Buy the Fancier - use it - if you hate it - sell it. Its a winner and you will always find a buyer.
 
I echo the recommendation for the Fancier/Weifeng 717 tripod. It's a fantastic video tripod at an unbeatable price, but it does come with a few caveats.

The quick release plate is non-standard, and no Bogen/Manfrotto equiv exists. Fancier just came up with its own design, and while it's solid, it's not for guys who want to leave the plate on the camera to make tripod to cage to steadicam swaps quick and easy. This can be solved by adding another QR such as the cheap and decent QR01 Vitaliy reccomended. I have one on each of my camera supports and it works well.

Some complain of stiffness in the 717's fluid head. I found this myself, and was able to fix it by removing the cheap, sticky gunk Weifeng lubes the inside of the head with and replacing it with silicone grease. Acetone cleaned off the sticky gunk very well, and the silicone grease gives the head a much smoother and more professional feel. You can always tighten the knobs down if you want a stiffer feel.

The stock Fancier 717 is a steal at 130 bucks. It's a real video tripod with a real fluid head. Add a 10 dollar QR01 quick release adapter and relube the head and you're all set.
 
I'd recommend the Bogen Manfrotto 058B. I have the Bogen 3051, and if the Wife hadn't had it stolen, I'd have the one I bought 35 years ago... as it is we have 3 of the 3051's. The 058B is the 'modernized' version.

The tripod runs about $350-400, and the head, about $250, that would support 25 lbs. You can leave it to your grandkids...

On the topic of 'weight'. While it is true that one has to lug around a heavy tripod, the 'weight' of the tripod stabilizes the setup for some set of outdoor conditions that a lighter tripod would require sandbaging, or other methods of keeping it steady.

I'd go with a composite if I was still backpacking my 4x5 up Mt. Whitney... but even for normal 'travel' I've tended to just go with a lightweight monopod.
 
Last edited:
shaveblog said:
I echo the recommendation for the Fancier/Weifeng 717 tripod. It's a fantastic video tripod at an unbeatable price, but it does come with a few caveats.

The quick release plate is non-standard, and no Bogen/Manfrotto equiv exists. Fancier just came up with its own design, and while it's solid, it's not for guys who want to leave the plate on the camera to make tripod to cage to steadicam swaps quick and easy. This can be solved by adding another QR such as the cheap and decent QR01 Vitaliy reccomended. I have one on each of my camera supports and it works well.

Some complain of stiffness in the 717's fluid head. I found this myself, and was able to fix it by removing the cheap, sticky gunk Weifeng lubes the inside of the head with and replacing it with silicone grease. Acetone cleaned off the sticky gunk very well, and the silicone grease gives the head a much smoother and more professional feel. You can always tighten the knobs down if you want a stiffer feel.

The stock Fancier 717 is a steal at 130 bucks. It's a real video tripod with a real fluid head. Add a 10 dollar QR01 quick release adapter and relube the head and you're all set.
Click to expand...

This is the kind of response I have been looking for! Thanks for all of the input guys. I will go this route and purchase the Fancier 717, and some QR01's. I will also re-lube the head.
 
shaveblog said:
The stock Fancier 717 is a steal at 130 bucks. It's a real video tripod with a real fluid head. Add a 10 dollar QR01 quick release adapter and relube the head and you're all set.
Click to expand...

Where can this tripod and QR adaptor be purchased? Thanks.
 
There's this new Internet web-site called Amazon dot com that sells a bunch of stuff. Also there's another Internet web-site called eBay dot com, it sells a bunch of stuff too. I'd try them.
 
shaveblog said:
There's this new Internet web-site called Amazon dot com that sells a bunch of stuff. Also there's another Internet web-site called eBay dot com, it sells a bunch of stuff too. I'd try them.
Click to expand...

Well that's what I get for assuming these were some unique special order item. Should have known to always go to Amazon first. Thanks.
 
shaveblog said:
I echo the recommendation for the Fancier/Weifeng 717 tripod. It's a fantastic video tripod at an unbeatable price, but it does come with a few caveats.

The quick release plate is non-standard, and no Bogen/Manfrotto equiv exists. Fancier just came up with its own design, and while it's solid, it's not for guys who want to leave the plate on the camera to make tripod to cage to steadicam swaps quick and easy. This can be solved by adding another QR such as the cheap and decent QR01 Vitaliy reccomended. I have one on each of my camera supports and it works well....Add a 10 dollar QR01 quick release adapter and relube the head and you're all set.
Click to expand...

I purchased this tripod and QR01 adapter, but I do not see how to make it work together. Do I need to purchase anything else to make the QR01 work with the Weifeng 717 tripod? The QR01 is just a plate, and it does not fit the same size as on the Weifeng tripod. Am I missing something here???

Here is a link to what I purchased:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486906-REG/Induro_490_001_QR_01_Quick_Release_Plate.html
 
That isn't the QR01 I was talking about. This is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/K7L-QR-01Quick-Release-Plate-4-Nikon-Canon-Pentax-Sony-/280555927472?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41526fb7b0#ht_2404wt_996


Roman707 said:
I purchased this tripod and QR01 adapter, but I do not see how to make it work together. Do I need to purchase anything else to make the QR01 work with the Weifeng 717 tripod? The QR01 is just a plate, and it does not fit the same size as on the Weifeng tripod. Am I missing something here???

Here is a link to what I purchased:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486906-REG/Induro_490_001_QR_01_Quick_Release_Plate.html
Click to expand...
 
Not too impressed with the Fancier Tripod

Not too impressed with the Fancier Tripod

Fancier tripod going back to Amazon!

I know this is supposed to be a good value, but I am not impressed. It might be capable of doing a decent job, but it just seems so cheaply made. Stickers coming off immediatly, the way it is built just screams cheap chinese clone. I am sorry to say, I think this tripod is going back to Amazon.

I am ordering the gitzo carbon figer GT2531 sticks, and the 701 HDV fluid head from Amazon. I have a feeling the 701 HDV head will suit my needs, since I will probably just use the GH2 and whatever lense. I will just use quick release plates to swap between my shoulder rig and the tripod.

I guess we'll see how this combo works.
 
My Fancier/Weifeng WF717 didn't come with any stickers or decals on it, and it's built to an equivalent standard as any Manfrotto in the 2-300 dollar range. If you feel like it, take a pic of your tripod and upload it, because I wonder if the Amazon seller sent you the right product. It doesn't sound at all like the genuine WF717 I bought not too long ago.


Roman707 said:
Fancier tripod going back to Amazon!

I know this is supposed to be a good value, but I am not impressed. It might be capable of doing a decent job, but it just seems so cheaply made. Stickers coming off immediatly, the way it is built just screams cheap chinese clone. I am sorry to say, I think this tripod is going back to Amazon.

I am ordering the gitzo carbon figer GT2531 sticks, and the 701 HDV fluid head from Amazon. I have a feeling the 701 HDV head will suit my needs, since I will probably just use the GH2 and whatever lense. I will just use quick release plates to swap between my shoulder rig and the tripod.

I guess we'll see how this combo works.
Click to expand...
 
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