Tripod Systems?

[Downtownmjb]

Good evening all!

Well, I've purchased my Dvx, a hard case, and pro tapes. All with a little help of these forums, so thank you.

Now, I have begun my search for what I now know to be called a "tripod system".

I am extremely confused on what makes a tripod a "good" tripod as these specs that I'm looking at might as well be in French.

Any recommendations on systems that I could scour eBay for, I can't afford another $500-$600.

Thank you for your time!

-MB

 

[Steve2012]

what makes a tripod a "good" tripod

* No driftback
* No slight vibration on start of pan
* Excellent cross pan ability
* Controlable smooth, even drag
* Strong, stable legs that dont move when panning
* A REAL fluid head



For these things to happen, your going to invest some serious coin. Well beyond that $500.00 - $600.00 that you can't afford to spend.

I have read good things from people on this board as well as others that the Libec LS-38 is a really good buy, but I have never tested one myself.

I have used the Manfrotto 503HDV & on zoomed in shots, the tripod suffers from all listed above.

These two tripods mentioned are going to run you around $600.00 to $800.00 depending on the kit you get.

To avoid those problems, invest in a Cartoni, Miller, or Satchler system starting at around $1500.00 should get you at a decent starting point.

I know that the Manfrotto 519 head is built very well & that head alone starts at around $1000.00

If your serious about film making, then you will intuitively know what I'm talking about once you have sampled lower end tripod systems.

Spend what you can afford for now (so you at least have something), & prepare for the future.

Enjoy your new DVX!

 

[Moseph]

i'd probably go with an LS22 or if you really can't afford that, a TH-950DV (which is what i currently own). The 950DV has the same head as the LS22, the only difference is that the legs aren't quite as good. They're three stage with a fixed spreader and cam locks instead of rotary / set screw locks. So you're naturally going to get a little bit of wind up in the legs when panning fast. It doesn't have adjustable drag but it's fixed at a very good setting. From what i can tell, no rebound, no vibrations at the start of a pan or tilt, and most importantly, the drag is very consistant.