GH2 Tripod Suggestion

ajamils

ajamils

Well-known member
I'm looking for a good (but as cheap as possible) tripod for my GH2/Gh13. Any suggestion ?
 
That Manfrotto combo has no ball head levelling, which I have always found is extremely useful. For me, one of the most important aspects of any tripod in the field is how fast you can set it up. Often that's critical to getting a shot, and the ball head enables super fast levelling, without which, it's s-l-o-w. I have used this head with legs with a mini-ball and it was reasonable, if a little under-damped..

I recommend the Libec 650DV or 950DV. That's Japan's best tripod company. Very slick tripods, all of them.
 
Agreed, fast leveling is very useful. For $150 you can get a high quality Acratech leveling base that be be placed on any tripod system without leveling. I've even used it with a Gorilapod Focus. It also comes in a 1/4" version:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/431861-REG/Acratech_1117_Leveling_Base.html

+1 on the Libecs. Just bought an RS-250 system that I'm hoping lives up to the rep - should be here tomorrow. Unfortunately, doesn't fall into the "cheap" category, but is considered a good value for what you get.
 
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ajamils said:
I'm looking for a good (but as cheap as possible) tripod for my GH2/Gh13. Any suggestion ?
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This may be a strange suggestions, but, have you went into your local Salvation Army, or Goodwill Thrift stores?? I picked up a Vebrone(sp?) videomate III with leveling bubble and fluid head, for $5!!! And, the legs splay out, so you can get down to about 3 feet or so. Everything works perfectly, it's light weight, and I was probably never used.

It's a bit on the light side, but definitely does a fine job for video with the pan head. Takes just seconds to set up, etc.

I also purchased an older German tripod, that was more heavy-duty, for also $5.
So, my suggestion to all is "think outside the box". You don't always have to buy new. Go to your local Thrift Stores, and Pawn Shops(amazing deals on old glass there, for sure-as they haven't a clue what a GH1 or 2 is), and see what you can find.

Last suggestion, and this one doesn't come up much, but; Rent!!! I see come guys looking at buying very expensive steady cam rigs, dolly's, etc. Look at just renting. Especially if your new/independent, and not getting paid a whole lot. I'm telling you, you would be amazed at what you can find at the Thrift/Pawn stores.......
 
Lucas Adamson said:
Nice tripod that RS-250 tflak. Please tell me you went for the M suffix (mid level spreader).
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Yes, mid level spreader. Not crazy about the aluminum but wanted that system because it's supposed to be rock solid steady. Also am getting the Miller Solo DV 3-Stage 75mm Carbon Fiber Tripod which will give me a lot more flexibility for outdoor and wildlife shooting (no spreader needed) plus it goes really low and really high, is light, and folds up small for travel.
 
I looked at some of the suggested tripods online and although they look great they seems to be a little more expansive than what I was hoping for. Since, I do not do any professional work I'm not looking for something hifi. All I need is a decent tripod that I can use for home videos of my son :)
 
tflak said:
Yes, mid level spreader. Not crazy about the aluminum but wanted that system because it's supposed to be rock solid steady. Also am getting the Miller Solo DV 3-Stage 75mm Carbon Fiber Tripod which will give me a lot more flexibility for outdoor and wildlife shooting (no spreader needed) plus it goes really low and really high, is light, and folds up small for travel.
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I think those Miller legs will live on there.
 
ajamils said:
I looked at some of the suggested tripods online and although they look great they seems to be a little more expansive than what I was hoping for. Since, I do not do any professional work I'm not looking for something hifi. All I need is a decent tripod that I can use for home videos of my son :)
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Yes, sorry to have gotten off your original request here. Really think any of the low cost Manfrotto systems would serve you well. Agree with RaviSun3D that the 701HDV is a nice head. Have used it and it works well enough. If that's more than you'd like to spend take a look at some of the Slik stuff. Or maybe you could pick up something like a used 701HDV on eBay.

Letting folks know your price range would sure help. After all, expensive is relative.
 
I have a Velbron Videomate(don't know the model number), with fluid pan head, bubble level, etc. works great. Picked it up at the local thrift store for $5.00.
 
I have a pretty good collection of tripods including the Miller Solo with Cartoni Focus head and the Gitzo 1380 with a nice Vinten head as well as lighter, cheaper setups including Manfrotto sticks with the 701 head. But I really wanted something under 5-6 pounds for travelling with my DSLR (now a GH2) and tried out several tripods this past year, including the Mathews M25, which I didn't like because the head was too stiff. Then I happened to be in Toronto for their Boxing Day sale a couple of weeks ago and picked up a Velbon C500 at Vistek for $69. Love it! It's super light, sets up quick and is surprisingly smooth. Maybe I just lucked out. It's pretty cheaply made and there's no ball level but it's just what I was looking for, and at that price it's semi-disposable. If it breaks I'll get another one. By the way, Vistek also had a bunch of the elusive spare batteries for the GH2 and they were on sale too! Here's a link to the tripod: http://www.vistek.ca/store/ProPhotoTripods/242749/velbon-velbon-c500-fluid-video-tripod.aspx
 
tflak said:
That's what I'm thinking too. We'll see how they compare to the Libec sticks when using ETC on a telephoto. I've actually also ordered the Vinten Vision Blue head.
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I am thinking about getting the Vinten Vision Blue head, will this work with the light GH2? The only thing holding me back is the Vinten's weight requirements (4.6-11 lbs). I was thinking if the GH2 is too light by itself, maybe I can use my shoulder rig to add weight, like the baseplate and a set of rods.

My other option would be the Sachtler Cine DLSR (2-11 lbs). But this head costs quite a bit more.
 
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