Tri-Pod Recommendations
- Thread starter ProAmateur
- Start date
I bought a Manfrotto setup with a 503HDV head and MPRO 536 legs. My local shop had one in stock and I went ahead and bought it. I lose some stability due to it's lack of a mid spreader, but in a pinch I figure I could fold up the legs, leave one a little longer and I have a improvised mono pod.
scapsinger
Well-known member
Aside from weight capacity, the 503HDV has other features that the 501HDV doesn't, so it's worth considering whether or not you need those additional features.
MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
Kind of...
The 503 has a telescoping handle, 501 does not.
The 503 has a true fluid head, the 501 has...erm, something else, but it's not "fluid"
The 503 has 4 spring positions (0-8.8 lbs, including "off") for different payload weights...the 501 has a single fixed spring (for 5.5 lbs).
The 503 has an illuminated (LED) leveling bubble...the 501 has a non-illuminated bubble.
The 503 has continuously variable tilt and pan drag, the 501 has single step.
The 503 weighs almost 1 lb. more than the 501.
NOTE - that's all for the current "-HDV" versions. The older 501/503 models also had some notable differences (mainly payload weight capacity) but not nearly as severe of a difference.
Oh, one other difference...the 503 costs about twice as much
Most of the features I can for go... I guess i do need some 'real' fluid in the head and variable weight/drag options...
So... to drop $500ish on a used 503 or libec 38... that is the question.
Variable spring weight settings is really nice. You can load up a tripod pretty quick once you add on a LCD screen , matte box etc. If you are shooting with just the cam one day then fully loaded the next it really helps if you can adjust the spring.
It's been a few years but I used to really like the Cartoni and Satchlers when we were using DVCPro cams.
I'm getting back into the game and due to budget overruns, I bought a cheaper e-image 717 from HK. Not much different than a 501 IMO other than build quality (which is important but I plan in buying a nicer tripod when I start making decent money). Someone on here has 3 of these and has no problems what so ever though.
I had to take apart the pan section of the head and wet sanded a plate due to a bur in the aluminum. Also replaced the gummy "fluid" (looked like gummy silicone) with some high quality molybdenum grease. Might do the same with the tilt section but it seems OK right now.
Other than the problem above, which was noticeable right away (HK products tend to be hit and miss), the head works great now. My buddies 3 yr old 501 seems less responsive.
I've heard of people having problems out of the box with manfrotto's as well. Usually the 501's. Anyone else hear this? Not slamming manfrotto but their lower end line does not seem to have the same build quality as there higher end stuff. At least IMHO.
As far as cheaper tripod like the 717 go. I would never use a cheap head on any camera above 12 lbs. Your dealing with to much weight when you start hitting the shoulder mount style cameras (plus batteries and other accessories). But then, if you have the budget for Pro cams and there relative equipment and accessories, you probably have the budget for high end tripods/heads.
It's been a few years but I used to really like the Cartoni and Satchlers when we were using DVCPro cams.
I'm getting back into the game and due to budget overruns, I bought a cheaper e-image 717 from HK. Not much different than a 501 IMO other than build quality (which is important but I plan in buying a nicer tripod when I start making decent money). Someone on here has 3 of these and has no problems what so ever though.
I had to take apart the pan section of the head and wet sanded a plate due to a bur in the aluminum. Also replaced the gummy "fluid" (looked like gummy silicone) with some high quality molybdenum grease. Might do the same with the tilt section but it seems OK right now.
Other than the problem above, which was noticeable right away (HK products tend to be hit and miss), the head works great now. My buddies 3 yr old 501 seems less responsive.
I've heard of people having problems out of the box with manfrotto's as well. Usually the 501's. Anyone else hear this? Not slamming manfrotto but their lower end line does not seem to have the same build quality as there higher end stuff. At least IMHO.
As far as cheaper tripod like the 717 go. I would never use a cheap head on any camera above 12 lbs. Your dealing with to much weight when you start hitting the shoulder mount style cameras (plus batteries and other accessories). But then, if you have the budget for Pro cams and there relative equipment and accessories, you probably have the budget for high end tripods/heads.
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MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
Yeah Cartoni and Sachtler are ideal tripods... especially for heaver camera setups. I've used the $1200 (cheap) Sachtler and don't think I will need something like that for a little hmc - even fully loaded.
From what you guys say, I think a 501 is about 1/2 step better then the bogen heads I currently use... personally I would like to go a few large steps up keeping it well under $1k.
Either way, I would like to be using one of these on my next shoot.
From what you guys say, I think a 501 is about 1/2 step better then the bogen heads I currently use... personally I would like to go a few large steps up keeping it well under $1k.
Either way, I would like to be using one of these on my next shoot.
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Superfresa66
Well-known member
The 501HDV is working good for me so far, but there's days that you need to smooth it out first (Specially those cold days here in chicago) what you do is go thru all the head movements for a couple of minutes, and you start to feel how the head starts to respond and gets smoother!
I usually do this with no camera on top!
I usually do this with no camera on top!
As for the ei717 I bought off a recomendation in here somewhere. The moly grease was to smooth. It was way to quick. So I wiped it all clean and used dimethylpolysiloxone (which is the fluid in most, if not all, fluid heads) and the grinding came back.
Damn, I don't have time for shipping it out and waiting for a replacement and I don't have the cash to buy anything better as I spent twice as much as I thought on a new computer system to edit AVCHD.
Damn, I don't have time for shipping it out and waiting for a replacement and I don't have the cash to buy anything better as I spent twice as much as I thought on a new computer system to edit AVCHD.
ArtByHumanDotCom
Member
I just got the HMC in today. I use the "Manfrotto 055XBPro" sticks and "701HDV" Fluid head
Total = $320.
I am Pretty satisfied, in terms of it seemingly holding the weight of the camera nicely and the sturdiness; especially for the price. The setup seems to be a level below spending serious cash for a tripod.
I have yet to find/see something horizontally comparable.
Total = $320.
I am Pretty satisfied, in terms of it seemingly holding the weight of the camera nicely and the sturdiness; especially for the price. The setup seems to be a level below spending serious cash for a tripod.
I have yet to find/see something horizontally comparable.
Peter Wayne
Member
Got new manfrotto 055XB legs with 701HDV.
Works great for me. 055XB has low level adapter, so the minimum height is nearly 8cm.
So I can use it on trolley without lower base(Hi-Hat).
Works great for me. 055XB has low level adapter, so the minimum height is nearly 8cm.
So I can use it on trolley without lower base(Hi-Hat).
I'm looking for another tripod for my 2nd 150. I've tried Bogen and Libec and I hate them. I was real interested in the cartoni focus until I read the follow up Posts on the article http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=46898. The Sachtler 1006 DV-10 SB Fluid Head is a nice 100mm ball head but it's $2400. Vinten makes a V4044-0001 Vision 5AS Fluid Head for $1850 but it's only a 75mm ball but holds 23 lbs. I may have to go the used route. Any other ideas out there?
Some other discussions on tripods.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-sticks-heads/78067-cartoni-focus-vs-vinten-vision-3-a.html
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-sticks-heads/78067-cartoni-focus-vs-vinten-vision-3-a.html
MadHMC150
DVXuser Sponsor
Could you be more specific with your experiences? I am looking into these 2 brands...
They felt too small and not very well made. I'm use to a larger beefer tripod. I didn't like the feel of the small Sachtler tripods either and I think they are the best manufacturer.