Tripod

Chris Messineo

Chris Messineo

Veteran
Okay so it turns out my 20 year old still camera tripod isn't up to the task of holding my new digital video camera.

Any recommendations for a new tripod and features I should look for?

I'm hoping I can get something decent for under $300 - am I dreaming?

Thanks,

Chris
 
Re: Tripod

No one is responding - does that mean a good tripod for under $300 is not possible.

I keep hearing the name Bogen (on web sites) and when I look at BHPhoto I see dozens of Bogen Tripods for under $300. Are these not any good or are they missing basic features I should have.

I have searched these forums and I'm not finding too much info on tripods so any guidance would be appreciated. I would like to order something asap.

Thanks a bunch,

Chris
 
Re: Tripod

This is what I have and budget was of considerable importance.


3221WN501.jpg


BOGEN 3221WN-501
3221 Wilderness Tripod (Black) -501 Professional Video Fluid Head - Max Capacity 13.2lbs. - Lightweight Tripod Bag
Price: $273.95


It works for me. And EVS didn't try and upsell me. I explained that I was an entry level filmaker and was torn on which to get. Dude explained to me that if I was just getting started that it would be more than enough and when I am ready for a more expensive rig this would work as a B CAM tripod. I agree.

I love it and it works great.
 
Re: Tripod

I, too, am in the market for a tripod... I admit, it's my first time shopping for a heavy-duty set of sticks. I'm getting a bit frustrated with all these model numbers and head-legs configurations. I wish it were as easy as buying a car. That's another frustration.. where I live, there's no place to GO and get a tripod.. I have to mail-order. Can you tell me where to begin? Given budget of, say ... $500.
 
Re: Tripod

What do people think of Manfrotto's 350MV legs (Bogen's 3190's)? I was thinking those with the 516 head. I will need to mount the camera full loaded...mattebox, follow focus, etc..how is the 516 head with camera load only? Would the 13lb max load on the 503 head be good enough for a full rigged DVX100A? I noticed Manfrotto uses this long post to secure their heads into the tripod bowl.

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=12&itemid=374

Would this post be too long to mount the head on a Hi-Hat?

Sorry for all the questions.
 
Re: Tripod

i have a set of 3046 with the 503 head, and it works pretty well for me...
 
Re: Tripod

Kai,

Do you have your camera fully rigged on your 503 head? You have a matte box and follow focus right? What does the camera weigh more or less with everything attached..i figured it must be around 12-15lb? Do you know anything about any issues attaching to a Hi-Hat?
 
Re: Tripod

Yes, I use the 503 with it fully rigged (mattebox, rods, follow focus, me66, wireless, etc), and it holds up just fine. The camera probably comes in around 10-11 lbs or so. I don't have an exact scale to weigh it however. The 503 has been a pretty good head so far for me.
 
Re: Tripod

[quote author=Steve Rogers link=board=Links;num=1074984473;start=0#3 date=01/25/04 at 17:07:37]you're dreaming.  :D

First off, the bare minimum head you should look for is a Bogen 503, that is like 250.00 You can go extremely cheap and get the 501, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you just can't manage to afford it.

For sticks, I wouldn't recommend less than the Bogen 3046, which is like 229.00. Bogen 525 would be more optimal.

[/quote]

LOL :D

I knew you would say something! :D

It works for me. Trust me, if I had another couple hundred (Need sticks with the head) I would have!
 
Re: Tripod

Thanks everyone for the feedback

At this point after purchasing the camera if I spent more than $300 on a tripod I'd have to come up with money for a divorce lawyer as well.

I think I will go with the 501 tripod that John recommended.

Thanks,

Chris
 
Re: Tripod

I just bought a second DVX from eBay. Arrived in a few days, in perfect condition, original box, all accessories, 9 hours on the heads. $2450.

Of course, I also SOLD a few items, but for one of them, the guy refuses to pay the shipping, even though I posted it clearly.
 
Re: Tripod

After more research (and some deep digging in the couches for spare change), I just ordered the Bogen 503 Head and 3046 Sticks.

I know it's not the perfect solution, but it should be fine for me now.

Thanks everyone for the advice on this,

Chris

p.s. For those who are interested, one of the reasons I went with this setup is that used ones were actually selling for 90% of their orginal price on ebay.
 
Re: Tripod

..you know what works great.. those cool consumer velbon tripods.. they are so heavy duty. i got one out of a lucky charms box..  ..

agreed... that 503 setup should work great for you.  
 
Re: Tripod

You made me laugh out loud, because the tripod I am replacing is my 15 year old Velbon (how they got it in the cereal box I'll never know).
 
Re: Tripod

..hey , I got one too..lol its for my digital camera though. works fine for that. it was free ,so i said why not .. still shots dont ask for much from a tripod.

it was a big cereal box.. from sams food club or somthing..lol
 
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