Used Vinten Vision3 or New Manfrotto 504HD kit for AF100?

A

Alex Ratson

New member
So I am in the market for a tripod to go with my new AF100. Originally I was going to go with a Manfrotto 504HD head with 535 CF legs. This hit my budget (=/< $1000) and on paper will be able to hold my average payload (10 pounds) plus it is not to bad weight wise.

Now, the confusing part; I recently was offered a used Vinten Vision 3 (none AS model) complete system for $800.
It seems like this is a better quality setup although on paper its payload is less and it does weigh more (shoot some adventure/travel).

What are peoples thoughts, should go with the used vision 3 and ignore the payload ratings or go for something brand new?

Thanks for any input on this. I am going to check out the Vinten tomorrow night after work and an going in circles over weather I should jump on it or not.

Cheers,
Alex
 
From memory the Vinton's max payload is 20 pounds while the Manfrotto's is 15 pounds. Both are 75mm ball heads. If your rig is never going to be more than 10 pounds then either one might fit the bill.
But... If you ever expect to use a heavier camera in the future you might look at saving for a higher quality used 100mm bowl head. I use lenses which weigh over 10 pounds alone on a regular basis so my rig can push 30+ pounds.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
How about the Vinten vision blue + Manfrotto 535 legs. They are both compatible per info I got from Vinten. Should come in around $1240.
 
I was looking a bit at the blue. If I am going to spend over a $1000 I'd like to weight a bit more and buy a even better setup. At the moment though I am trying to just get the ball rolling with this new camera and don't have more the $1000 for a tripod.

If what Dave says is correct regarding the vision 3 supporting up to 20 pounds then it might just be the winner.
Although most of the time my setup is 10 pounds I do own a 300 f/2.8 that might come out once in a while.

Is 800 a fair price for a used vision 3 kit?
 
the Vinten Vision 3 uses "replacement springs" to get proper counter balance. i have 4 different springs to accomodate from very light loads to an EX1 loaded with several attachments.

the Vision 3 will smoke the Manfrotto without an effort.

on my Vision 3 i use Miller Solo VJ legs.

i also have 2 "Blue" heads, one with Miller Solo VJ legs and the other with the Vinten legs that come in the Blue kit. Vinten's legs are very nice and sturdy and fast to set up.

when i was looking to add a few more tripods after my first Vision 3 i bought a Sachtler FSB 8 head thinking it might be an improvement over the Vision. it wasnt as nice for many reasons so i returned it and bought 2 Vision Blue with legs instead. i highly recommend wither of these Vinten heads. the Blue is just as nice a head as the Vision 3 by the way. great quality and especially the feel is most unique.

david
 
I have two Vinten Vision3 systems, one with carbon fiber sticks and the other with aluminum. I love the carbon fiber one a bit more but the heads are both really nice and a notch better than the Manfrotto products.

My only beef with Vinten products is the high cost of repair parts or upgrade parts. I've had to replace 3 tilt brake knobs over the years and they take two weeks to order from the US. The cost of a replacement plate is well over $100. And if you want an extension pan handle or a mid-level spreader, let's just say they will cost more than you paid for your used Vision3.

But I know you will love your Vision3.
 
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