Tripod System Recommendation for AF100 Setup

[BollingerPro]

Hey Friends,

I am needing to update my tripod system. Right now have an Vinten Vision 3 head with a #2 spring installed and some cheap 1 stage, legs. My setup is currently a rail system with various lenses, prime- canon 70-200mm, 7" marshall monitor etc.
I want to get a matte box later this year but I also want to make sure my "new" tripod system is sufficient for the extra weight.

What legs + head do you all recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Nathan

 

[Scott Wellington]

hey man, the tripod is the one thing that will last you thru your next 3 cameras, so don't be cheap, be smart about it. I bought a vinten vision 11 used with 2 stage vinten posilock legs for $1000, they are 10 years old, used, but still function great, they were $6000 new... look in places like TVbay and call around to shops that carry used gear. there are also online auction sites for broadcasters. but more than likely you could find a set of sticks on here. IF you want to buy new, I like the vintens, the miller is nice, as well as the sachtlers. Make sure the weight of the head can hold 30 - 40 lbs. so if you do get a job for a bigger camera, you don't have to rent a set of sticks with it. Oh and stay away from manfrotto, and any korean/chinese knockoffs.

 

[Pookie]

Hey Friends,I am needing to update my tripod system. Right now have an Vinten Vision 3 head with a #2 spring installed and some cheap 1 stage, legs. My setup is currently a rail system with various lenses, prime- canon 70-200mm, 7" marshall monitor etc.I want to get a matte box later this year but I also want to make sure my "new" tripod system is sufficient for the extra weight.What legs + head do you all recommend?Thanks in advance!Nathan

It would be easier to help if you gave an idea of your budget, and if you're looking for a full rig including head or just the sticks.

 

[BollingerPro]

My budget is under $2,500.

 

[wbrock001]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...2020_Compass15_Solo_3_Stage_Carbon_Fiber.html

This is a wonderful flexible solution. I personally got the Sprinter II carbon legs...if you can squeeze a little more out of your budget, the Sprinter II carbon legs with the Compass 15 head should be quite a nice combination.

 

[dhart1949]

Check out ebay for a used Sachtler. I brought a mint 18 III with legs for $2,500 a while ago. Make sure it's in good condition, rebuilding a head is expensive.

 

[metrospace]

I also bought a used Vinten Vision 11 and love it. The camera changes but the tripod does not. Find a good used Vinten or Sachtler.

 

[bcolgate]

This might be too small for your needs, but we just bought two, and like them very much:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601884-REG/Sachtler_0375_0375_FSB_4_Carbon_Fiber.html

Sturdy, light, quick setup and strike. We do have a Video 25-II for larger cameras, but for day-to-day, these work well.

 

[Multi-Media]

For everyday running around shooting - Manfroto 525MV three stage legs with 503 fluid head - folds up really small, is rigid and smooth for pans & tilts. light & qiuck to setup.
for studio and jib - Quickset Herculese two stage legs with Quickset fluid head

Also, and really helpful is a quick release adapter... I bought four of these... one for the jib, the steadycam, the quickset head, and one to quickly mount the rails... the top slider part matches the manfroto 503 slot: bonus is that since I only needed one of the "male" parts for the AF100, I had extras left over and put them onto the two GH1s so they can share a tripod quickly. Initially I only got one to make sure it would fit with the tripod, then ordered three more... they save a lot of time and trouble...
Manfrotto 577 Rapid Connect Adapter w/Sliding Mounting Plate (3433PL)