Will this tripod work for video's?

M

MR Fanny

Veteran
This will be my first tripod purchase and i really like this particular gitzo one. GT2541EX

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=548397&is=REG

What I really like about it is its ability to articulate at really odd angles which is something that really suits my odd ball shooting style.

Has anyone ever used this with the gh1 for videos? other than not being super fast slide, lock and shoot tripod is there any issues that should be of concern? I'd like to eventually wack a bigger fullframe dslr for videos on it in the future, recon it will hold up?

Also what am I limited to in terms of fitting fluid heads onto it? Am I stuck with the flat based heads? I am looking at putting either a bogen 501hdv or 503hdv head on it. Will it work? 501 or 503 which one would you choose...or anything else for that matter. My budget is reasonably flexible..to a sane extent.=)

cheers.
 
You should be able to use Manfrotto heads(Bogen) on Gitzo legs, no problem, I've done this in the past. From memory I don't think you need an adapted thread as they are universal.
 
If you're interested in light weight, you might consider the 701HDV (not to be confused with the original 701). It gets knocked for not being a true fluid head, but unless doing some fancy tilt/pan combo moves it does pretty well.

There are several other 701 users here who might chime in.

This was shot using the 701: http://www.vimeo.com/7897107
 
Thanks guys. Is it possible to fit those heads on say a joby gorilla focus and a glide rail too? Great vid by the way tflak...mmm leica 25mm f1.4.

tflak said:
but unless doing some fancy tilt/pan combo moves it does pretty well.
Click to expand...

well its one of those things where it would be nice to be able to do if needed kinda thing. that is one light unit though compared to the 501 and 503. I'd like to find a good balance between weight and pro functionality. At the moment it looks like its either one or the other.

I have also come across tripods with bowl mounts. is that applicable for video? where do they stand in the tripod/head pecking order? I have read that Libec rates better in performance for value like the H38 that has a fixed bowl mount so no idea how to mount or what tripod to use.
 
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Thanks, MR Fanny. I love that Leica.

Yes to both the Joby and the glide rail. But I doubt the Joby would give you the stability you'd want with that set-up. I have the Focus and never even considered mounting the 701 on it. You'd have to use one hand to steady the Joby and would lose the ability to adjust the camera. I suppose there are some situations where it would work.

One advantage with a bowl head is you get a built-in leveling head. Have heard good things about the Libec H22.

Manfrotto sells bowl mount adapters for non-bowl tripods - check B&H
 
I have a GH1/Manfrotto 055A/501 combo and must say that i look for an upgrade. A very light camera like the GH1 needs greater stability than my old DVX100 for clean panning. I guess also that a sand bag could help here to add weight (mae sure that you can hang it on the Gizo).

Fluid operation in 1080 24 P seems not very easy to get. I will shoot in the same physical conditions and camera settings the same choir concert i filmed last week but in 720 60P to see if it help.

Btw, the resolution, colors, luminosity and low noise images i got on the first try are no short than fantastic when i make a comparaison with my numerous previous live stage shoots with the DVX100.
 
You would be much better off finding something that is more like this if your looking for a dedicated video tripod. You definitely want a bowl for leveling.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601882-REG/Sachtler_0373_0373_FSB_4_Aluminum_Tripod.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/274103-REG/Miller_828_DS_10_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366495-REG/Cartoni_F101_F101_Focus_Aluminum_Tripod.html

The few hundred dollars more you spend now is a blessing in disguise.
 
Kevin,
I noticed that you gave links to tripods with mid-level spreaders - do you prefer this type over ground spreaders? I always thought ground spreaders were better because you can step on them to quickly pull the tripod up.

You're right about spending on a the right tripod. I used to argue that even a consumer DV camera can shoot great shots with the right tripod, but a good camera will look like crap on a bad tripod.
 
tflak said:
Manfrotto sells bowl mount adapters for non-bowl tripods - check B&H
Click to expand...

If i use this adapter, i will loose the self leveling function of the bowl head yeah? I can't figure out how it locks the head it place without popping out.

logiquem said:
I have a GH1/Manfrotto 055A/501 combo and must say that i look for an upgrade.
Click to expand...

Is that the 501HDV or the old 501? Is it more an issue with the weight/stability of the tripod or the head itself? My one concern with getting a lighter tripod like the carbon fibers is it getting the shakes from the elements. I'm pretty sure that gitzo has a hook for hanging too. What are you looking to upgrade to?

mediamilitia said:
You would be much better off finding something that is more like this if your looking for a dedicated video tripod. You definitely want a bowl for leveling.

The few hundred dollars more you spend now is a blessing in disguise.
Click to expand...

Completely agree. Ideally though im after a tripod that has a good balance between photography(adjustable) and video(solid), if it even exist. Something that can get quite low to the ground and can articulate like the gitzo for super low and odd angled shots, especially for macro. I guess with the low shots I can live with a gorilla focus pod to do the job.

I would consider my shooting style to be very much opportunistic and on the run/walk about. No paid gigs..ha

Those sachtler and miller kits look good and fall within my budget. Do you know if you can take the bowls of those sachtler and miller heads to fit them onto flat mounts say a guiderail? Do these kits outperform say a gitzo, libec and manfrotto setup of the same price, especially the fluid heads?

So my options so far is to:
1. buy a great head and see if i can wack it onto those gitzo legs with the ability to future fit it to video legs if i decide to upgrade. Top heavy?
2. buy a decent head (501/503HDV or Libec H22/H38+adapter) and try to wack it onto those gitzo legs.
3. go all out and buy a dedicated video kit like that sachter and miller.

I dunno anymore..ha its all too confusing. heck, i think a poxy cheap set of legs and head might just do me. I'll see if i can find a store here in Melbourne that stocks the above and have a play. Only 3 weeks till xmas..ho ho ho.
 
I guess that a very rigid/light carbon fiber tripod with a true fluid head would be most versatile combo. You can add weight to a tripod, but you can't add rigidity.

I have the old 501 and it is not even barely adequate to my tastes for any move. THE 055 legs are not rigid enough also.

I have used a sub $1500 Sachtler combo a couple of times and it is definitely in a different league.
 
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thanks logiquem,
because this will be my first head and tripod ever, there is reservation as to whether i will feel or appreciate the difference/benefits of getting a sachtler/miller/cartoni vs a manfrotto/libec. Then there is the thought of, darn I should have paid abit more and got so and so.

Hopefully a play with some of those heads at the store this week will confirm my choice.
 
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