Tripod / Head Recommendations For Video?

D

djanthonyw

Member
I'm looking for a good pan head video tripod that will let me remove the head, place a slider on the tripod, then put the head on the slider.


If I get someone like this, should I also purchase a head separately so that I can tilt the slider and also tilt the camera on the slider for more degrees of movement, or would putting the slider on the particular tripod without the head do this for me already so that I can just purchase the tripod without an additional head?


As of right now I'm looking at getting this:
http://www.amazon.com/Dolica-AX620B...&qid=1345634930&sr=1-18&keywords=video+tripod


and this:
http://www.amazon.com/ePhoto-Profes...=1345606782&sr=1-1&keywords=video+tripod+head


My slider would be placed in-between.


What are your recommendations? Anything good for around $100?
 
djanthonyw said:
Anything good for around $100?
Click to expand...

No.

You're going to have to invest a bit more to get something serviceable. Also, a ball-head such as the one bundled with the tripod above is not going to do you any good; those are designed for still photographers and are not of much use with video. You want a reliable fluid head with quick-release plate on your tripod. Further, you'll need a tripod/head with a loadbearing capacity equal to (ideally, greater than) the combined weight of your slider rig and camera rig.

Further, your best bet is to get a tripod/fluid head kit, and then get a second fluid head identical to the first. Keep the second head on your slider, and keep the spare quick-release plate on your slider. That allows you to remove the camera from the tripod, mount the slider, and then mount your camera to the slider... all without having to swap out heads.

Davis & Sanford ProVista systems get a few mentions around here as decent, low-cost tripod systems. There was also a recent thread around here (can't find it) about THIS being a workable, low-cost solution. I have no experience with any of those. Next up, Manfrotto 546B legs with a 502HD or 504HD head (both heads use the same QR plate), possibly a 503HDV head. Vinten Vision would be the next step up the ladder, with Sachtler being top-of-the-line.
 
Ok, thank you for the reply and letting me know about avoiding the ball head tripod. What about that tripod head that I linked to? Would it be ok to get that, then also get a video tripod with the same style head?
 
djanthonyw said:
Ok, thank you for the reply and letting me know about avoiding the ball head tripod. What about that tripod head that I linked to? Would it be ok to get that, then also get a video tripod with the same style head?
Click to expand...

I use that exact head strictly for my slider and I find it serviceable for its price point. It has a smooth pan and tilt but once you get the chance to use some of the higher end tripod heads, you definitely see the difference between a $85 and $1k tripod head. But I guess it depends on what you're trying to do, you're type of camera, and if thats all you can afford right now then its better then nothing considering it is a decent head for the price point. If you want to upgrade later on then you'll probably make your money back with ease.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quinQ17sje8

This is the video that sold me on getting it strictly for my slider.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top