Tripod suggestions

[erikbaldwinson]

Hey there I was thinking of getting the velbon 7000, but when I went in the shop I saw all these tripods that allowed different heads. Would they be a better option? I really only wanted to spend a few hundred though, so the velbon 7000 fits in my budget. From the looks of the different heads option is more expensive, but I'm sure it has more benefits for later down the track.

Are you from Canada?
Unless you're buying used "www.henrys.com" will be able to beat anything instore by at least 50 bucks as well spare you from paying pst tax. Shipping is only 10 bucks, I'd check them out. Otherwise I believe B&H photo in the states is the same sort of deal.

Manrotto has nice tripod/head combos. Like this one for example... Manfrotto 190XDB plus 128RC head.

Pay a little more and you can get this which is an excellent grab.701HDV with 190XB

I steered away from the 190XB though because it was reported "light and not sturdy enough".

I ended up looking at the Manfrotto 055 series and picked up the 501HDV. Overkill for the HV20 but it's a product that won't lose much value in my opinion and will always serve a purpose. That came out to about 450 after tax/shipping. I got a deal with henrys (I'm a student) and ended up saving about 200 dollars if you compare what blacks photography or london drugs was pricing it at.

Hope that helps.

Earwiggs

[jackson may]

I ended up getting the Slik pro 700dx.

It looks good and does the job wonderfully.

[wondering]

Hmm no I am not from canada, but from Australia. Everything is much more expensive here.

However, after thinking some more I really do need to have a tripod that allows this kind of set-up https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/218254/example.jpg

I do a lot of experimental video and I do do a lot of birds eye view. So should I go more for a Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod?

[erikbaldwinson]

Hmm no I am not from canada, but from Australia. Everything is much more expensive here.

However, after thinking some more I really do need to have a tripod that allows this kind of set-up https://dl.getdropbox.com/u/218254/example.jpg

I do a lot of experimental video and I do do a lot of birds eye view. So should I go more for a Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod?

I was headed that route but people on this forum and reviews suggested it wasn't very sturdy. I ended up going with a heavier and more sturdy tripod, the 055XPROB. Just got it the other day in the mail and it's not even that sturdy! I'm going to be needing to weigh it down when I'm shooting most of the time because any of the heavier tripods mean 150 dollars more.

[scotthampton]

I'm using the manfrotto 3100BPRO, the one before the 190 series. It's rock solid and very well made. Had it since 2005 and used it for stills with a Canon 20D with a 70-200mm telephoto strapped to it.

If you want the setup as in the picture you can do it, but use common sense and apply a weight. You can buy a sandbag from B&H for about $15 and fill it with water on location.

I used my legs with an HV20, Raynox 6600HD, lenshood, and GlideTrack. Works fine.
Scott

[zephyrnoid]

I'm spoiled beyond redemption. I can't see backing off of my Miller Solo/DS-10 . Just one question to the Ausies out there. Are "Made in Australia" products really made there?

[rick3000]

Hi,
I am planning on filming a car in my next short film. The car has a roof rack so I am going to rig up some piping coming down so I can point the camera into the car, at the wheels, etc.
The weakest point of the entire project is mounting my camcorder. I think it will best to go with an all metal tripod head without a quick release, but beyond that I have no idea which one to get. I would like to stay under $40-50. The biggest issue is that it needs to lock down tight and not move around, especially if I use a friends DVX100.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

I was looking at these:
http://www.adorama.com/VNPH157.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...d.html#reviews
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc....html#includes

[Assault]

Here's a rig that was used on a bmw 540i touring for a shoot I was involved in. It was strapped to the roof rack runners and strapped to the bonnet hinge's with some rubber feet against the roof to hold the scaffolding in place. The Red One camera (as seen in the car) was put on various places along the scaffolding including pointing down at the wheel and into the side windows from the outside. If you're wanting to do something like this I would suggest using a super clamp to attach some sort of arm and plate combo to the scaffolding rather than the traditional tripod and/or head.

sorry about the pic quality, phone camera's dont work to well in the dark:

[psyburn]

Just got a Velbon 607, I am very surprised. For under $100, it is a very sturdy tripod and has some pretty smooth pans. Highly recommended. However, if you move around a lot, be warned, it's a pretty heavy tripod.

I do a lot of really lot shots, the thing is way too tall even when fully closed...

[cjcook]

My setup is the Manfrotto 3046 legs (now called the 028B) and 701HDV head. This is a great setup and I love height of the 3046 legs (89.4" with column extended) for getting above crowds.

[rick3000]

So I am looking for a new tripod. My current one has a plastic head, and it is breaking, so I would prefer something with a metal head. I can normally borrow a pro tripod from my school, but I would like my own just in case they don't have any available. Does anyone have an suggestions for under $200?
I like the way the 701HDV head looks but I wouldn't now which leg to get.
Also, what's the difference between a fluid head and pan and tilt head?

Thanks!

[HueyNRolf]

This one is sturdy, smooth and has claw-ball leveling. It's the best $200 i've spent

http://www.libec.co.jp/int/products/dv/th-650dv.html

[rick3000]

Thanks for the Libec Suggestion, but it's bigger than I want. I an looking more for a run and gun tripod, light but sturdy, and legs without a center brace would be best. I can always borrow a pro tripod when I need something with a lot of features, I want something for personal stuff (with HV30) and as a backup (for DVX100).

Right now I can't decide between these:
Slik 504QF II for $130 (No braces; I can upgrade the head)
Velbon DV-7000 $110 (Has a center brace; but I can upgrade the head.)
Manfrotto 728B $128 (No braces; head in not upgradable; head is metal)
An opinions on these?
Thanks again!

[Yzed]

Hey,i am in need of advice! please.

I have to buy a tripod on this site because i have a coupon:
http://missnumerique.com
On the left, select ‘trepied video' (french website).

Which of these tripods would you suggest for between say, 100 and 200 euros? head (rotule in french) could be bought separately.

Cant find suggested tripods like velbon 7000 on this site.

Thanks


edit :
- what is better between heads 128RC and 700RC2? Which would you recommand if any , for below 1.5kg camcorder equipment
- between manfrotto 190 and the 055 is the upgrade (i think 055) worth having for a weight below 1.8 kg.

[rick3000]

I am looking more for a run and gun tripod, light but sturdy, and legs without a center brace would be best. I can always borrow a pro tripod when I need something with a lot of features, I want something for personal stuff (with HV30) and as a backup (for DVX100).

Right now I can't decide between these:
Slik 504QF II for $130 (No braces; I can upgrade the head)
Velbon DV-7000 $110 (Has a center brace; but I can upgrade the head.)
Manfrotto 728B $128 (No braces; head in not upgradable; head is metal)
An opinions on these?
Thanks again!

Anyone? Anyone? ...

[Yzed]

Anyone? Anyone? ...

looking at the comments in this thread it seems obvious to go for the Velbon... seems you can't go wrong with that one !
However i don't think you can upgrade the head from what i read ...

Myself i cannot go with Velbon since it's not sold on the website i have to buy the tripod at

This is why i posted my dilemna above.

[designbydave]

My setup is the Manfrotto 3046 legs (now called the 028B) and 701HDV head. This is a great setup and I love height of the 3046 legs (89.4" with column extended) for getting above crowds.

Holly S! I was just about to ask about the exact same setup!

A buddy of mine is letting me use his 3046 sticks, but it has a 3160 head that has a small photo style plate.

Price is good on the 701: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...uid_Video.html

Think I may have to go this rout.

[Lightloch]

Add another vote here in favor of the Velbon DV-7000's awesomeness. What a great product for the price!

[The Crowing]

Dumb Question i'm sure. What does fluid head actually mean?

[shponglization]

I have this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...specifications

Anyone know if I can mount a Manfrotto 701HDV head onto it? Seems like a nice head.

[KJSmitty]

I have this tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...specifications

Anyone know if I can mount a Manfrotto 701HDV head onto it? Seems like a nice head.

The 701 requires a 3/8 inch stud/head-mount on your tripod. The tripod you referenced has a 1/4 inch stud/head-mount.

So the answer would be "no", as is...
- But you could always fabricate/purchase an adapter.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...1_4_20_to.html
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-088LBP-Adapter-4-Inch-8-Inch/dp/B001CZUSUE"]Amazon.com: Manfrotto 088LBP Adapter 1/4-Inch- 20 to 3/8-Inch with flange: Camera & Photo[/ame]


Cheers

[shponglization]

Ah, awesome. Thanks a lot

[tvnewsbadge]

I'm using the manfrotto 3100BPRO, the one before the 190 series. It's rock solid and very well made. Had it since 2005 and used it for stills with a Canon 20D with a 70-200mm telephoto strapped to it.

If you want the setup as in the picture you can do it, but use common sense and apply a weight. You can buy a sandbag from B&H for about $15 and fill it with water on location.

I used my legs with an HV20, Raynox 6600HD, lenshood, and GlideTrack. Works fine.
Scott

Got the 'pod, but I have a 3-way friction head on it... What kind of fluid head did you go for?

[zephyrnoid]

Anyone? Anyone? ...

I'll say it once more then it really need to be published as a sticky.

1) You get what you pay for
2) Tripods are supposed to be stable. The formula is simple, the heavier your base, the more stable it will be. Light tripods must at least be very rigid and certainly able to take additional ballast weights to make them stable. Use an apron filled with gear or shot bags at the feet.
3) The heart and soul of an effective video tripod is smooth, adjustable fluid pan and tilt action. Again. You get what you pay for. I owned a Manfrotto 701RC2 and it was OK for just the camera and very slow pans. I never thought it was possible to get really smooth moves at a premium and I was wrong. So finally, politely...
You get what you pay for in video tripods
Even my staple Miller DS10 that I use now needs additional weight in some shooting situations. If I had to get a Manfrotto, it would have to be the top fluid (not fake fluid- REAL fluid) head with a matching set of legs.
Video is NOT still photography. I travel the world with a tripod that fits into my back pocket when shooting stills. Video pans/tilts are different.
The Libec is highly respected in this forum. Never tried it, but I respect those that own it so I endorse it by proxy. YMMV

[petewalton]

Hi, I'm very new to film making and have just bought an HV30 and would be grateful if anyone could suggest a tripod that go well with the Manfrotto 501HDV head. Weight/stability are important to me, and am looking for something around 400 US dollars or less.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

Pete