Tripod question for HPX170

B

Butcher

Well-known member
So eventually we'll move up to HD, and right now I'm leaning toward the 170 over the 300. We currently shoot with the Panasonic AJ-PD900WP, 2/3" chips, SD, weight about 14-16 pounds with lens and battery. It's old, but it's a full size shoulder mount. So we have an older O'Connor 1030 tripod head. Works beautifully with this camera.

I know the 300 will work a treat on this tripod (about 11lbs, plus the tripod plate is the same). However, I'm wondering how the 170 will work on it being such a lighter camera.

I don't plan on loading the 170 up with rails, adapters, follow focus, etc... At least not at first, but probably someday. So my question (finally)....

Will the 170 be too light for this tripod? Will there be enough weight, with just the camera and battery, to maintain a smooth pan or tilt? Or will I need to set the tripod aside and invest in a new one? I'd like to keep our old SD cam as a B cam so we'll need the tripod for that, but it's main use would be with the 170.

Look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts.

Thanks in advance,

Michael.
 
The tripod should still work fine, the only place low camera weight is really an issue is any counterbalance system the head might have. If you can move it smoothly with no camera attached it'll be nearly the same with a lightweight one.

If there is a counterbalance and you can't turn it off, you have to push against it which can be tricky, once you tilt too far off level. I use an HPX on an old heavy Miller for macro and long telephoto work, but it's a monster to carry about so a lighter newer M20 gets more use. You might need a different tripod screw or plate, HPX has 1/4" but most big heads have 3/8" screws.
 
There's counterbalance on the tripod. I'll see if I can borrow a 170 for a few hours and put the tripod through the paces to see if I can adjust it to work well. I'll probably try to work a new tripod in the budget anyway when we finally upgrade. I love the o'connor, but the stupid thing weighs more than the camera!

Thanks for the help Brian. Much appreciated.
 
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