tripod/head...Vinten or Bogen?

[wvgo]

I need to start thinking about support for my DVX100B.
I've scanned the messages here, and see the Vinten Vision 3 mentioned along with the Bogen 503/315 combination.
I have some experience with Vinten stuff with larger ENG cameras, and I'm wondering what the experiences here with these two systems are with a camera such as the DVX. I haven't yet used such a light camera in a demanding situation, and I know the support system is, if anything, even more critical than with a larger, heavier camera.
I know the Vinten system is more money, but is it worth it over the Bogen?
Any thoughts would be great appreciated!
Thanks
Guy

 

[Demistate]

I'm not sure about the vinten heads, but I'll let you know about my expierence with my bogen.

I've got a Bogen/Manfrotto 504,351mvb2k combo kit here locally for $490 and it has been worth all of it.

It's got springs in the head to counterballance the weight of the camera, a quick head release which is smooth, and the tilts and pans can be done with with a push of your finger. These tripods can definantly take a beating because we used these at my university, and they still operate fairly well. (Students constantly drop equipment and use it in the rain without protection!!!)

The bag that it comes in is very professional and is capeable of putting in other various accessories, plus its got multiple straps so you can carry it just about any way you want.

When it comes to buying a tripod you're going to find that its going to be close to driving a car. The car that you've driven all of your life is just going to feel better, even though it may not be as good of a car as a new one that you may be trying to test. Get good with a good tripod and stick with it.

My best advice to you is to just find a local store that might have these certain tripods in stock.

I can take pictures of my tripod setup and post them here if you want to see it.