Tripods for HVX

T

tommyd

New member
Ok, so I've been reading and researching tripods for several weeks now and have been reading tons of threads on this site and am very grateful for everyone's insightful comments. So I'm trying to make a final decision on a tripod for the HVX.

My front runners: Manfrotto 516 head (prob 545 legs $1200); Cartoni Focus (A304 legs, the 2 section ones that come in the F102 package $1400); and the Libec LS38 package ($640)
My wish list cause I'm kinda broke: Vinten Vision 6 and Sachtler FSB 6 or 8 (ideally with the dope Soom tripod but I don't think I'm winning the lottery anytime soon).
Definitely out: Manfrotto 503, just not true fluid head and that bothers me a little

So I get why the Vinten and Sachtler are worth it, but just practically speaking, video production is expensive and I still need P2 card, light kit, boom pole, etc... I need something that looks and works pro, but not top of line as my day rate is nowhere near top of the line. So basically a good mid-quality tripod setup would be perfect for me. Is the Cartoni (basically at top of my price range) worth it, or do I really shell out the extra for Satchler because it's that worth it? Or can I get by for a couple years with Libec and buy Sachtler when my rate increases? Any help is much appreciated. Is the Libec as good as they say? What about the next model, the LS 55?

I shoot a variety of stuff, including sports, concerts, interviews, short films, time lapse, etc..

Thanks,
Tom
 
Tom... there are probably 10,000 posts on here about tripods. They need to start a forum just for tripods.

FYI, I got an older used Manfrotto 3066 head that I use on my slider and it's very good (and cheap).

Otherwise, Miller, Sachtler (some think overrated), and Libec are all good, but consider used for non electronic/optical gear.

.
 
Thanks for the advice Chris. I thought about used as that would enable me to buy a higher-end model for my lower-end budget. I worry, however, that I don't quite know what to look for when examining used equipment (assuming that it's local) so I'm not sure if I know how to tell if it's knicked in the wrong spot or something has bent ever too much rendering it delicate or even useless. Also, I want to deduct purchase off my taxes so it seem precocious and a little strange trying to ask people for receipts.

I guess my main question is about the "drift back" from Cartoni and Manfrotto. Is it that noticeable or is it a reviewer being a bit of a perfectionist? Will the client/producer care? Will I not get hired for a shoot because my awesome pan on my demo reel is spoiled by "drift back" causing 2 bricks or whatever to move when they should be stationary? I'm just trying to quantify to justify spending...
 
I have Manfrotto sticks and the 501, 503 and 516 heads. All worked OK. Then I
moved up to a Sachtler FSB 8. Day and Night IMHO. Extremely fluid for pans/tilts.
Really helped give me a more professional finsh.

Get what you need (and can afford) now and work from there.

Good luck.

Mark
 
The Sachtler FSB 8 should be night-and-day different with the 500's. It costs 3 or 4 times as much.

I don't know what "drift back" is and I never experienced anything out of the ordinary with the used heads I own and have owned. Even an old O'Connor 50 is fine as long as it's not leaking and fully functioning.

If you're looking at used gear, try and buy from reputable people who actually use the stuff, not dealers or resellers.

.
 
Used is great but really good deals are few and far between although you will find one if you are patient and can wait a while.

If not, Libec LS38 is the best cheap head and legs IMHO. Great for the money.

Dan
 
Got a Sachtler DV6SB for myself (way better than the Manfrotto 501/ 503 but also pricier). If you can't afford the Sachtler, I would also vote for the Libec LS38...
 
Chris Santucci said:
I don't know what "drift back" is and I never experienced anything out of the ordinary with the used heads I own and have owned. Even an old O'Connor 50 is fine as long as it's not leaking and fully functioning.
Click to expand...

Drift back is the phenomenon at the end of a pan, especially on telephoto, where the head will slowly move back a few mm instead of coming to a complete stop. Not evident on wide shots but try going to the max telephoto on your camera and do a very slow pan, you'll notice that you're unable to make it come to a graceful stop on cheaper heads.
 
Exactly Huy Vu. I was responding to a review that criticized the Manfrotto low-end series and the Cartoni for that phenomenon.

Even so, the Cartoni has several advanteges, including lighted illumination (a big plus in low-light situations like live music); variable tilt and pan drag; and an adjustable spring for weight. But for my use (light HVX mostly) and the limitations of the expensive for its class, I feel like the Libec was a terrific option. The Cartoni Foucs looks awesome, like the top-of-the-line middle class. But with the Libec system, I was able to buy fluid head, good legs and an adjustable dolly for less than a grand. The similar Cartoni option was 2 grand fora little bit cooler and more functional with more drift back.

My final reason was that I would love to be able to upgrade to the higher-end Sachtlers or Vintens at a later date, but its nice to have a second, functional and useful tripod, albeit without all the bells and whistles of something 4x5 cost.

Just wanted to extend a big thank you to everyone who replied and, in general, at this forum. Life is so much sweeter having people help you.

--Tom
 
I own the Cartoni Focus. I have noticed the drift back. It's never been a problem for me but it's def. there and it's noticeable. I haven't really tried adjusting the drag to see if that helps but I think that it would to some extent.

I emailed Cartoni with a few questions and never heard back from them.

Overall I'm happy with my tripod and I use it a lot but if your spending big money keep asking for advice and see what most users are the happiest with.
 
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