Tripod Guide?

A

ASchear

Well-known member
I've searched and PM'ed a few people but to no avail. I'm graduating from college this May and was thinking it would be a nice idea to get a really really nice tripod as a graduation gift from my entire family. Something that will last me my entire life in making short and feature films. Used or new, I do not have a preference. I'd assume the price range is $2,000 to $3,000, and I want to be able to use it now (with an HMC150 or GH2) and in the future (maybe with something like a RED or Alexa, if I'm ever so lucky to be using one).

The problem I'm facing is I have no idea what to ask for. I bought my Manfrotto 501HDV/546BK kit because I'd used it at school and knew it to be a solid tripod in my price range at the time. I didn't really know much about tripods when making the buying decision.

So I'm looking for a guide that will explain all the facets of tripods - from the ground level spreader all the way up to the head - so that I may make a fully informed decision when asking for a tripod for graduation. I know it's important to actually use some, so I plan to check out some local rental houses to test some models out before I make my final decision. Can anyone offer some help?
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk=Price_%242000+to+%242999.99&ci=3909&Ns=p_PRICE_2|1&N=4291074044+4291240513+4291563579+4291332260+4291126699+4293918146

Go through that list. Check the specs tab for each, check load capacity, features you might like then test some out. Thats new.

Add a few thousand to that search and then see what of those you can get used within your price range.

Many people have different preferences when it comes to a tripod. You need to find yours. Learn to be flexible as often you'll shoot on something else. Anything on that list however would perform in your price range.
 
Well, the problem is that each tripod head will have a counter balance range, and making sure that your camera rig falls into this range is vital for both safety and operational reason. If your camera is too light for the head, you'll find yourself fighting the head every time you do a move, and if it's too heavy, the whole thing might nosedive when you let your hand go. So a tripod head that works well for an AF100 might not work well for a DSLR or a RED. Decide what system you're most likely to be using, then look up the counter balance range of the head. Some cheap heads like the Manfrotto don't even offer adjustable counterbalance, just drag adjustment. Other things to consider is the leg. How high/low do you need it to go? Mid level spreader or ground spreader (I prefer mid level because it takes up less space). Carbon fiber or aluminum (carbon fiber is lighter but more expensive)? Does the leg have good torsional rigidity to prevent snap back on a pan?

With that said, I am selling a tripod system that you might want to take a look at. It's a Sachtler SOOM combo that's been very good to me for the past two years. Feel free to PM me if you have any question.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?268678-Sachtler-DV6-SB-and-SOOM-Tripod-Setup&highlight=
 
if youve got up to $3,000 to spend id suggest getting a good set of tripod legs like the Miller Solo VJ's and getting 2 heads. one to cover your light weight like your Gh2 and another to cover the heavy cameras you mentioned.

for the smaller i like the Vinten Blue but for lighter weight the Ace although i havent used one but still guess its very good quality since its Sachtler.

miller legs and a smaller head should come in under $1,300- 1,400 dollars leaving around $1,500- 1,700 for a bigger head for medium to heavier cameras.

i dont know of any head that will accomadate the extreme weight range your looking at.

david
 
I don't think there is a tripod that works well with the weight range from a GH2 to a Red. There are quite a few nice tripods around $1000 that would suit the GH2 and HMC150. Most shooters I know have several tripods they use when paired with different cameras or shooting conditions. I have two. One for mobile situations and a heavy load capacity one for jib and slider shots.
 
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