Tripod Shopping

C

Cyberskip

Member
Greetings All,

I'm currently doing a little research on purchasing a new tripod.

I received a little prize money for a short I did, so I figured my next addition should be a decent tripod. My budget is around 700.00 to 800.00 dollars and I would like it sturdy enough to handle my ProMax CobraCrane II if needed. I was looking at a Bogen set-up over at EVS in
Glendale, but I wanted to get a few other opinions before hand.

Thanks in advance.

Skip
 
Re: Tripod Shopping

The Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head and 525 sticks are a good, sturdy match for the DVX, and run around $700.

The 503 head may not be as smooth and silky as a true fluid head, but a real fluid head with variable drag will generally cost you a lot more. The 503's counter-balance is almost perfect for the DVX's weight, especially if you've got any accessories like a mattebox or anamorphic lens on the camera.

Sachtler's lower-end DV series fluid heads, (the DV 1, for example), are reasonably priced, but have only one drag level, which may or may not suit your style of shooting.

Also consider whether you want a tandem leg design or single leg design. The single leg design is lighter and easier to tote around, but I find that overall, single leg designs aren't quite as stable, especially for quick panning. You want your tripod to have some heft to it, so the legs don't twist and so the tripod stays put when doing extreme camera moves.

Other, higher-priced tripod brands to consider: Miller (check out their new "Solo DV" kit, and Cartoni.
 
Re: Tripod Shopping

Actually, the 503 is a true fluid head. It also has variable drag. And it's pretty smooth and silky.

It's the 501 that's not a true fluid head. I'd say try one out if you can. My 503 rocks. The Sachtler is great (from what I hear), but it doesn't have the variable drag of the 503 and it's more expensive. Miller and Cartoni are more expensive yet. With your budget, I would go with the 503.
 
Re: Tripod Shopping

I got my 503/525 kit from Rush at EVS. It's a great package.
The weight may be a bit more than single leg designs, but the balance is perfect for the DVX100a and the ball leveler is indespensible for me in quick setups. Go for it.
Ken
 
Re: Tripod Shopping

[quote author=Cyberskip link=board=Links;num=1083826438;start=0#0 date=05/05/04 at 23:53:57] I received a little prize money for a short I did, so I figured my next addition should be a decent tripod. [/quote]
You shoulda gotten more moola, man. You had four guys in my lobby laughing their arses off, watching it on a 640x480 laptop screen. Great work Skip!
 
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