Tripod Oh Tripod...

CaptainMench

CaptainMench

Carbonite Member
Ok -- enough of the "hey man, get a tripod for God-sakes!" comments.

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/...ode=3178N&Category_Code=4A1A1&Product_Count=3

Please help.

I want to spend some $$ but I don't need to support a 22lbs camera... just the DVX. I want a nice head on it, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

All I know is that I have two tripods here at home. One is a little sony light weight thing that when I put some tension on the head for pans it jitters. I think it just turns around the post. Don't like it... hardly use it.

Then, I've got this 30lb thing that again, has a head on it... but you might as well just lock it off and walk away. It's not turning very nicely.

So -- Toss the sony because a good wind and it's over.

Toss the old one because it is just way too heavy. Plus, it has screws to extend the legs!! Ugh! Old school.

So how about the link above? I've been looking at prices from this to $550.

I've got NO idea what to look for and am worried that if I take my camera to a Ritz and try out a tripod there I might "like" something... but only because I don't know what I'm really looking for and then end up spending huge price.

Thoughts?

Thanks

CaptM
 
I use Bogen 3011BN Legs with the 501 Fluid Head. I have two sets. I think each set cost me around $250.00. The 501 is an excellent head for DV camcorders. It comes with a quick release plate as well and has a level bubble on it. It's a little beefier than the set your looking at but certainly not cumbersome. The B&H has a pretty extensive listing of all the Bogen/Manfrotto stuff.

Here's a link to the rig-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221742&is=REG
 
Try a manfrotto (called bogen if your in the USA) head no.136 if its still available. put it on a say a Manfrotto No. 144 legs. I got 4 of this setup. I think a 136 is reasonably low priced and stable enough head for the dvx.
 
501 -- thanks. I did notice that the 'old school' tripod I have IS a bogen, but the head isn't anything to speak about. Plus, I swear it ways 15 lbs!! (probably not...).

If I just buy the 501 head, what should I be looking for on my tripod to make sure the head will fit? What about the post... do I need a special post?

I like the price (sorry, don't mean to skimp here...) of the 3011/501 combo if I need to go with a full set-up.

Thanks for the help.

CaptM
 
CaptainM,
If you're just buying the head, you'll be happier with the 503; it's a lot smoother than the 501. The 525/503 kit is a good value (under $750 at EVS as I recall).
It has a a 75mm ball head for easy leveling, a spreader and bag. Once you use the ball leveler you won't want to be without it.
Just my .02.
Ken
 
Hey Rush,
I purchase the Bogen 3221 legs and 503 head from you awhile ago. But now since the release of the Micro35, I don't think it's going to handle the weight. What is your recommendation for a new tripod system? Something that can handle 22 lbs. Fluid head of course, ball head for ease of leveling...etc.

best regards and god bless
jun
 
Sachtler would be my choice for sure. They have the DV 2 (holds approx. 8lbs) and the DV 4 (14lbs). Sachtler is a bit pricier, but the fluid heads are truly superior and the sticks with the mid-level spreaders are great. And I think B&H just dropped their prices a bit.

Good luck~
 
Hi Marin, unfortunately that would not help Jun, since the 501 can already handle 13lbs., so he will need more capacity. Jun, my mind initially goes to the 516, since it will handle the 22lbs and more (I have had 40lbs on it, not recommended, but it still worked!)

There are smoother heads out there that will handle 22lbs, but you will pay at least double, here are some suggestions:

Bogen 519 (Excellent! I tried it at Cinegear, has adjustable springs)
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=519

Vinten Vision 3 (Super smooth, even at full capacity, and has interchangeable springs if you end up using just the camera, also has 'perfect touch' balance)
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=35433

Cartoni Focus (Up to 20lbs, Cartoni quality)
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=F100

Miller DS-20 (Legendary handmade Miller, up to 22lbs., been surviving in our rental department for a year now)
http://www.miller.com.au/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=15

Bogen 3274 (old 316, super heavy duty at 35lbs.)
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=3274

Libec H60 (Up to 35lbs)
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=H60Z

Sachtler DV8 (Pricey, but it's a Sachtler)
http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=800
 
I just got the Cartoni Focus and it's very nice. A bit less than comparable Vinten and Sachtler heads also.
 
eric, I checked that tripod out at Cinegear, and it was incredible. We just ordered 40 units, and we feel they will revolutionize tripods. The sticks are based on the rugged 3182, but 2-stage (more compact), levelling head, and a 503 with a free bag. I honestly couldn't believe the deal, originally they were supposed to go for $899, but Bogen got them down to $499. Very high quality, superb tripod. :thumbsup:

Still, not enough girth for a Micro35 setup.:undecided
 
Hi everyone.

I bought the 525MVB hooked with a 503 head ay NAB. One of my clients uses the 501 which I used prior to buying the 503. The 503 is worth the extra green. If possible get the 503. It's worth every dime.

Good luck,

-Kris
 
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