Michael Carter
Veteran
Disclaimer: we regularly get "what first tripod should I buy" from junior members, and we universally tend to steer them towards $500 and up solutions with the "buy it once" philosophy. But some people getting into this field just don't have the cash to drop on a great tripod while lusting after lenses, lights, and grip. and I get that - if you want to start shooting, sometimes you have to scrounge up what you can. This post is more for that mindset, perhaps consider replies with that in mind? Consider "buy it once" already suggested in this thread.
Anyway - I have a very nice Manfrotto setup, I regularly use a beautiful Miller, and will likely get a Sachtler Ace for a good 2nd. But lately I've had gigs where I've really desired a third camera but there's just no budget for it (things like experimental performances with local rockers and symphony players, etc). I've stuck a DSLR on a stills tripod and found someone involved in the project with at least half a brain to aim, focus and "hit the red button". Overall it's been great, useable footage and it's wonderful having more angles when cutting. But... putting a 200mm 2.8 on a stills tripod for video? Well, as long as you don't touch the damn thing while it's rolling....
So I got myself one of those cheapo asian fluid head setups from Amazon.
Yep, it's cheap... cheap "ish". Fairly lightweight and kind of like your nice tripod was shrunk in the dryer. Tubular legs are sturdy, some of the sliding and locking bits look like they could fail with a good knock. Zipper bag's zipper will surely not last too long. But for $144? It's pretty impressive.
It looks pretty legit as well, as long as it's not standing next to a for-real set of sticks. Yep, another point of contention 'round here, but clients like seeing gear that doesn't look like what they take on vacation - it does make a difference with many paying people, and when a client says "whoa, if I knock that over I'll owe you my house" - referring to a T2i with rails, matte box, loupe and a monitor - I get the sense the client feels his budget's a little more justified.
But on to the star of the show - the head - the head feels really nice on mine. Shockingly nice. Smoooth and the drag is great (and adjustable). I've rented some serious tripods and I know that magic feel of the best - this isn't in that league, but it feels as nice as any $300+ Manfrotto head. Pretty freaking stunning. So much so that I decided it would be my slider head, and save me swapping stuff around on "real" shoots.
Alas, the bolt is 1/4-20. Sadly, none of my 325n fittings are that small. (The bolt is also pretty short, the first couple mm are not threaded, and it's pressed into the head). This also means you'll want to take extra care of the (whatever you call the twist knob that tightens the head to the bowl) as it's non-standard. The head has a nice steel release plate, but you'd want to track a couple spares down.
Yep, it's lightweight and is obviosuly more fragile than the pro stuff. But a kid starting out will generally baby his/her gear, especially if it was his sole bday gift or he mowed lawns all summer to buy it.
So, tripod-virgins... you have my blessing to buy one of these to get you through a year or two while you save up for that killer 2.8 lens or that kino knockoff, or your first Sachtler or Vinten. If you take good care of the thing, I wouldn't be surprised if it's supporting one end of your slider or running b-camera after that.
Anyway - I have a very nice Manfrotto setup, I regularly use a beautiful Miller, and will likely get a Sachtler Ace for a good 2nd. But lately I've had gigs where I've really desired a third camera but there's just no budget for it (things like experimental performances with local rockers and symphony players, etc). I've stuck a DSLR on a stills tripod and found someone involved in the project with at least half a brain to aim, focus and "hit the red button". Overall it's been great, useable footage and it's wonderful having more angles when cutting. But... putting a 200mm 2.8 on a stills tripod for video? Well, as long as you don't touch the damn thing while it's rolling....
So I got myself one of those cheapo asian fluid head setups from Amazon.
Yep, it's cheap... cheap "ish". Fairly lightweight and kind of like your nice tripod was shrunk in the dryer. Tubular legs are sturdy, some of the sliding and locking bits look like they could fail with a good knock. Zipper bag's zipper will surely not last too long. But for $144? It's pretty impressive.
It looks pretty legit as well, as long as it's not standing next to a for-real set of sticks. Yep, another point of contention 'round here, but clients like seeing gear that doesn't look like what they take on vacation - it does make a difference with many paying people, and when a client says "whoa, if I knock that over I'll owe you my house" - referring to a T2i with rails, matte box, loupe and a monitor - I get the sense the client feels his budget's a little more justified.
But on to the star of the show - the head - the head feels really nice on mine. Shockingly nice. Smoooth and the drag is great (and adjustable). I've rented some serious tripods and I know that magic feel of the best - this isn't in that league, but it feels as nice as any $300+ Manfrotto head. Pretty freaking stunning. So much so that I decided it would be my slider head, and save me swapping stuff around on "real" shoots.
Alas, the bolt is 1/4-20. Sadly, none of my 325n fittings are that small. (The bolt is also pretty short, the first couple mm are not threaded, and it's pressed into the head). This also means you'll want to take extra care of the (whatever you call the twist knob that tightens the head to the bowl) as it's non-standard. The head has a nice steel release plate, but you'd want to track a couple spares down.
Yep, it's lightweight and is obviosuly more fragile than the pro stuff. But a kid starting out will generally baby his/her gear, especially if it was his sole bday gift or he mowed lawns all summer to buy it.
So, tripod-virgins... you have my blessing to buy one of these to get you through a year or two while you save up for that killer 2.8 lens or that kino knockoff, or your first Sachtler or Vinten. If you take good care of the thing, I wouldn't be surprised if it's supporting one end of your slider or running b-camera after that.
