Nature Tripod 75mm Ball question (Help please!)

[mbamber]

Hi I've had my HV20 for a while now and am looking at getting a good tripod/fluid head setup for doing some nature/fishing footage.

I am looking at the Manfrotto 503HDV fluid head as it sounds really good from all i've read: http://www.adorama.com/BG503HDV.html

And I also liked the look of this "wilderness tripod" that goes 71 inches tall and 3 inches off the ground and has spikes: http://www.adorama.com/BG055XWNB.html

But what I'm wondering is if the tripod needs a "75mm ball" which seems to be something mounted on the tripod that I'm not familiar with but is added to the higher end tripod packages: What do you think of this package: http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-351M...4586638&sr=1-4


Could you give me some advice on what tripod I should use. Awaiting your wisdom. Thanks

Marshall

[whyisjake]

Hi I've had my HV20 for a while now and am looking at getting a good tripod/fluid head setup for doing some nature/fishing footage.

I am looking at the Manfrotto 503HDV fluid head as it sounds really good from all i've read:

The 503 HDV is a great head, but may be WAY overkill for an HV20. It is really built--more suited for larger/heavier cameras. I have one of these, and I used it extensively with my XH-A1, but, for how small the HV20 is, I think that you would be better off with a smaller tripod.

The kit that you are looking at is huge and heavy. If you are looking to be out in the woods, I would look for a smaller tripod that is light enough to throw in a backpack. Even a monopod would be a great idea. A camera that weighs a few pounds, and a 20 pound tripod... Yuck.

To summarize, yes, it is a great tripod, but may not be exactly what you are looking for.

[mbamber]

If you are looking to be out in the woods, I would look for a smaller tripod that is light enough to throw in a backpack. Even a monopod would be a great idea. .

I have a monopod, not gonna cut it.

I want to make a documentary about fishing and really want professional pans and movements etc.

I'm really not concerned with carrying a heavy tripod, thats really not the issue. I just want quality. I'm pretty much decided the 503HDV fluid head is gonna work great, I want really fluid shots! But I'm not sure about the tripod legs/75mm ball/(bowl?) thing...

Any good tripod that would go good with the 503hdv or any info on wether or not I need the 75mm ball would be much appreciated. Thanks

[Terfyn]

If you are set on Manfrotto - go with Manfrotto. The Velbon V7000 is a popular choice. I have the Velbon 700 from Hi-8 filming days, it is a fine tripod.

[mbamber]

Ok so last night I ordered the Manfrotto 3221WN Wilderness Tripod Legs w/503 (3460) Pro Video Head and MBAG80 Tripod Bag

+shipping and tax it was $540 dollars


I hope it's a nice setup, cost me half the price of the camera!

What do u think?

Thanks for the help guys!

Marshall

[darkprints]

Ok so last night I ordered the Manfrotto 3221WN Wilderness Tripod Legs w/503 (3460) Pro Video Head and MBAG80 Tripod Bag

+shipping and tax it was $540 dollars


I hope it's a nice setup, cost me half the price of the camera!

What do u think?

Thanks for the help guys!

Marshall

You still should have a leveling device (which is what the bowl would do).

Did you read this thread? - http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=3505
The Matthews M25 would have cost you $155 + shipping, and includes a leveling bowl.

[zephyrnoid]

Manfrotto 3221 is actually a GREAT choice for the HV20. It's what I got after too much research (and I should already know by now). I ditched my Gitzo Giant Gremalier for it. For my way of work it gets the job done and can be pressed into service for still photo work. For the HV20 with gobs of accessories piled on it's just right- not overkill. Let us know how you fare wit the 503 - I couldn't go that price or size for a head and settled on a 701RC2 which is just 'OK' for acceptable pans. I absolutely wanted the TOTAL pacvkage weight to come in at a certain measure, and my support does that, your's is only a couple of pounds heavier.
RE: Ball on the column. If you can it's a great feature that will make leveling easier. Again, you can upgrade the Wilderness Tripod to the ball/bowl topped column anytime.

[HalD]

My choice for the tripod/head for the HV20 is the Manfrotto 745B with the Manfrotto 501 head. As you can see they are about as big as you would want with an HV20. You asked about a 'ball' The ball is a leveling device (+-10deg.) and on the tripod is the red portion. It is built-in on the 745B. I find the 501 head easy to set up and very smooth. This is the older model 501 which has been replaced with a new model that all the reviews say is junk compared to the older 501. So if you decide on a 501 head shop around for the older model that looks like this one. I put the ball at the side and front limits to show how much play there is. In the field you set your tripod legs for a rough level and then finish up with the ball. It adjusts with the black handle under the tripod (not too visable).

[zephyrnoid]

HalD - Nice illustration of the Ball head! The pictures are not quite showing it's big forte- leveling on uneven terrain. The picture should show the tripod (with different length legs extended) planted on a SLOPPING hill and the camera positioned perfectly upright using the ballnBowl to achieve this result quickly and accurately for flawless pans. I'm sure that's what you intended- I just wanted to clarify that.
The alternative is what I have to do- tweak leg extentions to achieve a level head on flat and sloping terrain- takes longer!
The BallnBowl is not intended as a pan/tilt device. That's what your true head is for.

[mbamber]

Thanks guys for all the great feedback! My tripod setup should arrive on Monday or Tuesday...

Until then, can you recomend the "ball"/bowl? whatever setup that I need for leveling my tripod on uneven ground. Since that will definently be something I need! Model name #

Thanks!
Marshall

[Terfyn]

And why not? Its as good a way as any to align the camera plane to the horizontal. Adds weight but probably not that much.
I'll just stay with altering the length of the tripod legs and hope for the best!
In my opinion, a ball and socket is a "nice to have" . I find, in reality, adjusting the legs is easy.

[zephyrnoid]

Here's the whole tripod > Bogen / Manfrotto 745B MDeVe

Thanks guys for all the great feedback! My tripod setup should arrive on Monday or Tuesday...

Until then, can you recomend the "ball"/bowl? whatever setup that I need for leveling my tripod on uneven ground. Since that will definently be something I need! Model name #

Thanks!
Marshall

[mbamber]

Here's the whole tripod > Bogen / Manfrotto 745B MDeVe

Well considering I already ordered the Tripod and the Head........

I thought I could just add the ball/bowl whatever thing?

No?

[wolferic]

Well considering I already ordered the Tripod and the Head........

I thought I could just add the ball/bowl whatever thing?

No?

Unfortunately, I don't think you can. The really nice Manfrotto MDeVe bowl uses a ROUND center column and your 3221WN uses 'a center column with an innovative three-faced design' according to the company literature.

There are lots of other bowl/leveling units you can find however. I have exactly the same problem with my 3021BPRO legs, but I still love 'em.