Tripod for DVX100A

S

shaypeeh

New member
I have a DVX100A and need a good tripod. The type of shooting I will be doing will mostly be outdoors, off the path. So I need one that is easy to transport but at the same time sturdy. I am looking to spend around 100-350. Any ideas?

Thanks!
 
i know this has been covered many many many many times...but is the 503 really worth the extra couple hundred $$ over the 501? I can handle a simple yes or no.
 
Good question

Good question

I found a strong, lightweight BOGEN 3221WN tripod w/ 501 head for $330

evsonline 501

and the same thing, a BOGEN 3221WN w/ 503 head for $470
evsonline 503

I don't really want to spend more than $350, so the 501 would probably be the likely choice for me. But if the 503 is a better investment, I can spend all of my cash and get it. I'm assuming the 501 is a nice head because of who makes it and the price.

Comments / suggestions?
 
Outdoor shooting? Packing a lot? I'd go for a mono-pod with feet. I've used it with a 501 head and a 3265 with a rest. Depending on what your doing this may accomdate your outdoor movement better.
 
I acually have a davis & Sanford, and despite what some people may say about them, it has lasted me and lived up to about 90% of all my tripod needs

-Matt-
 
You should really try a bunch of them at once, and see what you like.

Several months ago I put together $2500 for a Sachtler or Vinton, got the local dealer to line them all up so I could try them out -- and I ended up buying a $500 Japanese Libec! The Libec was much lighter, very smooth, had the right amount of tension, and no extra features I'd never use (I can control my own panning speeds, thank you.) More importantly, it just felt right. I was very surprised, but it's held up over several very rough shoots just fine.

I'm not saying one's better than the other, but that you have to find out what feels right for you. Take your camera to a large store, and try their tripods out.
 
I had a Bogen 3021pro for 10 years before I bought a $1K+ tripod... and with my current pod I wanted stability over light weight... and now I wish I'd put the priority the other way 'round.

If you get a tripod that's light you'll wish it was more stable and if you get one that's really stable you'll wish you bought one that was lighter... so the question ends up being: How old are you and what kind of shape are you in?

I think all the above suggestions are good for your budget... but I just gotta' agree with the post directly above mine on weight... I'm going to buy another 3021pro just for run 'n gun.

I have a couple monopods too and those come in handy... but get a decent tripod first. I always expect to use the monopod more and when it's crunch time I just like the certainty of 3 legs.
 
MattinSTL said:
I had a Bogen 3021pro for 10 years before I bought a $1K+ tripod... and with my current pod I wanted stability over light weight... and now I wish I'd put the priority the other way 'round.

If you get a tripod that's light you'll wish it was more stable and if you get one that's really stable you'll wish you bought one that was lighter... so the question ends up being: How old are you and what kind of shape are you in?

I think all the above suggestions are good for your budget... but I just gotta' agree with the post directly above mine on weight... I'm going to buy another 3021pro just for run 'n gun.

I have a couple monopods too and those come in handy... but get a decent tripod first. I always expect to use the monopod more and when it's crunch time I just like the certainty of 3 legs.
Click to expand...


Mattin,

I checked out the 3021bpro today and I really liked it. I've had my eye on the 3221wn and 351mvcf and am still trying to make a decision. The 3021bpro is the most versital from what I can tell.

I was just curious to know what your preferred head is for the 3021. Also the guy at the store told me I would need a ball camera level (3502) in order to use the legs for a video camera. do you know if that is true.

What I'm looking for are tripod legs I could use for both photography and the dvx.

Any advice would be great, thnx
 
I had a cheapy head on that pod... a 3130. Originally I bought the pod for still photography and used the Bogen grip head on it most of the time (don't remember the model no. it's the vertical grip).

If you want a decent option in the lightest possible portable solution I'd get the 701rc2... or maybe just get the 501. I really like the 701rc2 for it's minimalist design... but on long zooms the lack of mass will probably start to show as vibration... so the 501 may be a better choice.

If you want leveling, and you should, the easiest solution to get that and keep weight down would be one of the MDeVe pods. One of those would be of very similar construction to the 3021pro but would integrate a 15 degree leveler in the center post.

And if you keep me talking on this I'll end up explaining why I actually like bowl systems the best and don't really care for center posts... but if you get one of the MDeve pods with the stubby little center post (so that you can't rely on the center post alone for height) you should be happy. The gist is that the 3 legs gives your shot stability... and the thicker/heavier the better (for stability) but if nothing else, the multiple legs goes a long way to improving your shot... once you extend a center post above those legs you're just asking for a shaky shot.

So anyway... on a budget... that's what I'd do. MDeve with stubby post and 501 head (or 503 if you can afford it)... but 501 should get the job done well.
 
You might also look into online auctions for some sources. I bought a Libec from EVS a year ago and it is very good for standard quick setups. But when I needed something more heavyduty I found some vintage wood sticks made from Miller and with a Fluid Miller head, made to hold 16 and 35mm cameras and it is awesome. Paid $200 for it and it is really smooth.
 
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