Tripod for DVX100A

Benny1414

Benny1414

Member
I am about to purchase a DVX100A and was wondering what tripod I should get. I have heard suggestions ranging from the Libec -22 (375$) to the Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head and 525 legs combo (750$) with many others in between. I have heard to buy the best tripod you can afford, but before spending money on the Bogen (or a comparable model), I would like to know what specifically makes it twice the price. If the Libec has a fluid head and a high enough weight rating to support the DVX, what more do I need? Again, I'm not adverse to spending more money if someone can help me justify it. Thanks in advance for any input you can give.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

[quote author=HorseFilms link=board=Links;num=1100203217;start=0#3 date=11/11/04 at 16:10:44]I've got the 503/525MVB combo and love it.[/quote]


Same here. Nice set up.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

My DVX was bought as a Kit, the tripod was 'Miller DS10 (828)' the price down here was AUD$1245.00. Our dollar is about US$0.74 at the moment. Seems to be an axcellent product.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

I've been loking at the Libec-650; one or two UK websites recommend it with the DVX - anyone agree/disagree?
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

Although cheaper tripods may also feature the same weight support capacity or claim to have "fluid" heads, the truth is you get what you pay for when it comes to tripods.

Is there a counterbalance system in the tripod? A good tripod will allow you to point your camera up or down at severe angles then retain its position without tilting or losing balance (top of the line tripods even offer multiple counterbalance weights so you can accomodate a number of cameras with the same tripod). If you lock the tripod head in place, it should stay in place as well and not sag. One day you may want to add a crane to the top of that tripod...

Similarly, for panning and swinging movements, the head should move fluidly yet keep from swinging or "bouncing" back. Additionally, some tripods feature drag knobs to add resistance for certain moves. More expensive models have several degrees of resistance instead of just one or two or none at all. Over heavy use, this drag system tends to break down with cheaper tripods, or the fluidity of the tripod decreases, especially with constant temperature changes.

How easy is the tripod to setup? Is it light enough to carry around for what you intend on shooting (important for wildlife videographers for example, or event videography). Is the tripod tall enough when fully extended? How about its minimum height? Because this could matter if you take it on a plane, and will determine if you want a single or dual stage tripod. What is the tripod made of for that matter? For some, carbon fiber is a good idea whereas aluminum is more than adequate, for example.

Does the tripod include a ground or mid-level spreader? Does the tripod have a bowl base for easy leveling, and for accomodating different kinds of heads? Is there a bubble level built in? How about a quick-release plate so you won't have to be constantly screwing the camera on and off the tripod?

These are just some of the things to think about when buying a tripod, although I have to admit, I didn't think much of these issues until I got to see some of them first hand.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

the manfrotto legs are pretty good, I have the 540 ART carbon legs and love them.
When it comes to fluid heads I think Sachtler is the better (though more expensive)
choice.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

I have a question about legs.  I'm looking at the 3046 and the 755b.  The costs are close at my local dealer (197$ and 189$ respectively)  The 755b has a ball leveler, and if I remember right, you can remove the center column and put it back in horizontally; a feature that might come in handy.  The 3046 has the tandem leg section up top, which I assume makes it a little more stable.  But it lacks the two features of the 755 which I just mentioned. This is about all my budget will bear so I need a little help.  They don't stock the 3046, so I can't try it out, but I did look at the 755, which I liked.  Any input on the pros and cons of these would be appreciated.

Also, I can't talk my wife into the extra money for the 503, but she will go for either the 501 or the 701.  SO I have the same problem there.  Again, I tried the 701, and it seemed fine.  They don't stock the 501, so I can't try that out either.  I'm actually impressed with the 701, but I'm moving up from a 20 dollar best buy special so I don't want to be fooled.  I'd like to save for something better but money is really tight and I'm not sure when I'd be able to get the extra dough.  ( I work for United Air Lines...so I'll soon be unemployed)  I'm not sure which of these 2 to go with. I'll be shooting a lot in the coming months (the upside of not working) and I need something better than what I have.  Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

Jim Brennan- If it were my decision to make, I'd go with the 755b sticks over the 3046. You have no idea how much you'll fall in love with the ball leveler until you've used it for awhile and then have to get by without it for a shoot.  I know there's a leveling adapter available for use with the 3046, if you decide to go that route.

Here it is: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=203536&is=REG
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

Thanks. That is the way I'm leaning. It seems like a great feature. I know I can use a spreader and sandbags for stability if I need it. Still, having not used the 3046, I can't help but wonder what features I'd be missing out on.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

[quote author=Jim Brennan link=board=Links;num=1100203217;start=15#15 date=11/24/04 at 08:12:38]I just saw a good deal on the 516 head on e-bay.  is that better than the 501/503?
[/quote]

Supposedly quite a lot better, but I've never used one myself.
 
Re: Tripod for DVX100A

The 516 is a great head, but it's super heavy duty. It's meant for a camera 2-3 times the weight of the DVX.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top