Tri-Pod Recommendations

Okay well,

I am having a horrible case of "over analyzing" I think but I have to ask...

Which one of these would YOU pick:

The 503HDV kit above: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html

Or the Libec LS38 here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...2A__LS_38M_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html

And I am having trouble finding the difference between the LS38M(2A) and the LS38(2A) listed on B&H right below the one above. They are the same price on B&H.

It seems the 503 has variable pan/tilt drag and the LS38 does not. I just wonder, are these the things I should be considering? Or am I not even considering the right factors?

Regards,

G.
 
The 503HDV also has variable setups for different camera weights (normally this would be accomplished by adding or removing springs on a higher end tripod). It's nice to be able to customize the head to your exact payload (well, not "exact" but it's variable, that's what counts).

Either of those kits would be fine. I would only consider the Bogen/Manfrotto kit since it comes with a free video monopod and that's something you mentioned as being useful for the kind of work you do. The 503HDV is a good head.

And as far as "El Cheapo," well...it is relatively inexpensive compared to fuller featured (and fuller priced) tripods...but it's not like it's on sale at Wal-Mart for $78.88 this week, either.

Point taken though, and very well advised...through all the fancy new camcorders every year, your tripod will keep on working if you buy a decent one now. It's like getting married...it may last longer than you need/want it to last sometimes. Best to get a good one now if you can rather than having to eBay your tripod later.

Bogen/Manfrotto tripods are a "prosumer" tripod, just as much as the DVX and HMC are prosumer camcorders. A pretty good match in my book.
 
I agree the 503 is a nice head and works well with dvx or hms . I have one in my lightweight/backpack kit with Fiesol carbon legs. it is a great head and you can call it prosumer if you want but it is pro in my books. I work my Sachtlers hard but this head stands up well beside them and like any tool if you take care of it it will last a long time.
 
Thanks for all the great info... :dankk2:

At some recent shoots I've noticed a need to shoot as high as possible - to say shoot a stage while people are standing up in front of you....

Most of these tripods are in the 50" range which, for the money, I really wouldn't be happy spending this much.

What about something like this on ebay - its close to 70" high...
http://cgi.ebay.com/FT6907-Pro-Heav...QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f0QQsalenotsupported


Anyone have any recommendations on a tall 70"+ stable tripod?
 
having used both the 503 & the libec, I would go for the libec - much smoother like a real fluid head, the 503 always has a bit of slack when you start to pan - libec was rock solid. I own the 503 but wish i had the libec
 
Don't know where you are on this yet, but in addition to the free monopod deal on the 503HDV kit at B&H, there's also now a $25 mail in rebate on top of that.
 
I too like the Libec a lot more than the 501 or 503 heads. I think they are overpriced for what they are for sure. I would almost put my Tiffen tripod up against those and it was 150 bucks.


Personally I tend to always want the biggest and strongest tripod. I got an old 3063 Bogen Head and some really big heavy duty sticks. They retail for like 1300 but I got them used for 500. They go up to about 75" and rock solid... can handle a bump and you can really shoot telephoto on the rig... I love the tilt and pan drag and it's just a solid solid set of sticks... I'd say to get a set of sticks that's rated for a 25 pound cam and you'll be stoked...


I'm in Oralando and have access through my church to both the 501 and 503 and of course what I own. I always HATE having to use those bogens... BUT I think that you should try some of them out. Don't make a decision before buying it. I did, I used my set of sticks a friend had.. then I searched and found a used set and I've had them for 10 years.. So that works out to 50 bucks a year. Not too bad and I'm sure it'll still be able to be used in 10 more years.


One other major advantage to getting a heavy duty set of old time sticks and head.. you can use them for Jib work and to hang a teleprompter from them. I've done both tons of time and I don't think a 501 or 503 would work in either capacity.... So don't get hung up on the Mc.Donalds of Tripods...


If you want a lightweight one, there's tons of good ones out there for 250 bucks and then get a solid set of sticks for your everyday kind of shooting. You won't be disapointed...
 
yeah if you go with the 501 head, all you have to do is make sure you keep it clean. I have kept mine in shape for the past 4 or 5 years and they seem to pan and tilt as smooth as when I first purchased them. Only downfall is much like the focus ring on the HMC150...does not like to move too easily in cold weather due to the silicone cushioning.
 
MadHMC150 said:
There a big difference between the 501 and 503 heads?
Click to expand...

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 :)
 
is the libec ls38 really that much better than the 503?

so far i've found two stores locally that carry one or the other... the libec is not in stock, the 503 is. i'd like to purchase locally, although the free monopod is pretty tempting...
 
grinner said:
I have a high end Cartoni I'll let go fro a fraction of the cost.
pm me if interested.
Click to expand...

i tried to PM you. it said you weren't accepting PMs. i'm guessing that means your inbox is full?

anyway, i'm interested in the tripod if you still have it.
 
green thumb said:
is the libec ls38 really that much better than the 503?

so far i've found two stores locally that carry one or the other... the libec is not in stock, the 503 is. i'd like to purchase locally, although the free monopod is pretty tempting...
Click to expand...

i went to a completely different store today and looked at a 501hdv. granted i used it without my camera, but it seems like it will do the job. i ended up getting the guy to order a 503hdv, but i'm still not sure whether i'd rather go with one of those or the libec ls-38m.

i noticed there are a lot of bogens on ebay and literally no libecs... maybe that means something
 
I am new to tripods , but iam interested to buy ls-38 or ls-22. Libec website recomend ls-22 for hmc-150 becose it is under 4lb camcorder. I digg 3 hours on some forums for this and some people thinks that hmc-150 have not enough weight and it not balanced good enogh on ls-38. So whats the deal ? Is ls-38 too much for hmc-150 ? Diffrence in price is about $150 so i hate to buy wrong one. Is anyone used ls-38 and ls-22 on hmc-150 ? Mounting is diffrent on bouth heads as well. Which is better mount - quick relise or slide in (ls-22 have quick relise). Iam interested in wedding videography. How much more heavy ls-38 is in wedding event to move around? Because ls-38 is havy how much more stable it is compered to ls-22 ? And last thing - is monopod like manfrotto 561B good enough ? - tradeoff is stability , but i can jump from place to place quicker. How fluid manfrotto 561B is compared to ls-22 and ls-38? Iam sure its less but is it good enough?
I know ,its a lot of questions but You guys here are pros compared to me and i hate to buy wrong gear , especialy after spending over 3K for hmc-150
Thanks - Peter
 
MadHMC150 said:
At some recent shoots I've noticed a need to shoot as high as possible - to say shoot a stage while people are standing up in front of you....
Most of these tripods are in the 50" range which, for the money, I really wouldn't be happy spending this much.
What about something like this on ebay - its close to 70" high...
http://cgi.ebay.com/FT6907-Pro-Heav...QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f0QQsalenotsupported
Anyone have any recommendations on a tall 70"+ stable tripod?
Click to expand...

BTW - The tripod I referred to above is a total POS, I had a chance to mess with it. The tiny brass gear striped and had to be replaced, now it still needs help up and down. I just wanted to share that and make sure no one makes the same mistake :P

I found a used Bogen-manfrotto 3046 that gets close to 70" and just love it...

5286.jpg
 
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Any of you guys that were on the fence make any decisions and would like to share?

If the libec is going to out shine a 503 and close in price... hrmmm

Anyone use a bogen 3066 head?

3066.jpg
 
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I picked up a Bogen 475B/503HDV/522P kit that is really cool. The 475B/503HDV can be had at B&H for about $625, and is worth every cent. Very sturdy, and can go pretty high if need be.
 
MadHMC150 said:
Any of you guys that were on the fence make any decisions and would like to share?

If the libec is going to out shine a 503 and close in price... hrmmm

Anyone use a bogen 3066 head?

3066.jpg
Click to expand...

yeah i got 2 of those, well actually the ones that the 3066 replaced. 116MK2, i had those for those big ol shoulder mount cameras... now days i use the 501HDV :happy:

One of those heads alone weights as much as a new tripod & head!
 
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