A good tripod for the HMC-150?
 

Hello,

Just bought the HMC-150. Can anyone recommend a good tripod for about $150 or so?

Thanks,

Simon

Hi Simon,
I think unfortunately you'll need to double your money to get anything that falls in line with your camera... A half way decent fluid head is pretty essential.
The Libec tripods are pretty good for the money and you can get those for around 300-350 dollars... I have an LS38, which works ok with my Z1 but costs a bit more.
Many people decry the old Manfrotto 501, but I have one of these too, they are a reasonable place to start... but is a bit heavy.
I think you'll find if you pay 150 bucks for a tripod in a year you'll be buying another. If you have a three or four grand camera the general thought is buy a tripod that costs 20% of the camera's value...A good tripod will out live your cameras...

Regards
Gareth

Good advice.

Thanks for the information.

Simon

Can't get a fluid head for a tripod for $150....
I have a rather basic setup, that does seem to work well, although it ain't $150. I just got a Bogen 475B / 503HDV / 522P setup. So far so good. The tripod and head were about $625.

wow!

That is expensive. Oh well, that won't be in the budget. I will have to live with a cheap one for now.

Thanks,

Simon

Simon, try ebay.

I picked up an older manfrotto setup, with fluid head, a couple of years ago in your price range.
No quick release, but I added one later.
Got it from photo studio that was upgrading to newer stuff.

My son just picked up one just like for about $150...

They are both in decent shape and work well...

Its just a heavy son-of-a-gun if you move around a lot.

The key is to be patient.

I already ordered one from Amazon for 150 bucks.

Of course, if it really sucks, I will return it and check out ebay.

Thanks for the tip.

Simon

I picked up a Manfrotto 503HDV on eBay for $395. It was this one:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 351MVB2 Tripod | 503HDV,351MVB2K

in mint new condition. If you can wait, you'll find some deals. I'm happy with mine.

Simon,
I know you already ordered a tripod but here is some information for others that may be considering a tripod combo purchase. After reading reviews and browsing the forums I ordered a Libec LS22M2A for almost $500.00. The HMC-150 is not very heavy and may not work well on some tripod heads that have a higher weight rating because of the balancing spring. The LS22M2A can handle up to 8.8 lbs and I have read that is a fantastic match for the HMC-150 and balances nicely. I am chewing on the side of my desk right now because the camera should be arriving today. Best of luck with your choice.

I feel the same way!

But mine won't be here for another 2 weeks.

:(((((((

Simon

Simon, unless you plan on just using your tripod for fixed static shots you are going to do away with the point of having a great camera by not having a decent fluid head tripod.

The absolute minimum head / tripod combo I would consider for professional results would be the Bogen/Manfrotto 501 or 503HDV head with the appropriate tripod to go with it.

I have the 503HDV with 475B legs and then a Satchler FSB6 head and tripod. Even though the Satchler is a better system ($1600 vs. $600 for the 503HDV/475B) I end up using the Bogen a lot more because the 475B tripod has a geared center column that cranks up so that I can gain enough height to shoot over the heads of people standing up when I don't have a balcony to shoot from for music events or weddings.

Point taken.

When I have more money, I will get a better tripod. Thanks for the tips on which ones are good.

For now, I am enjoying the HMC-150 even with my low budget tripod.

Great camera!

Simon
p.s.
for now I just need it for fixed positions (interviews).

You were right. I am getting the Libec LS22M2A any day now.

Though my Silk tripod was not bad, it was difficult to use for pans. I hear the Libec is much better. I can't wait to try it out!

Next time, I will listen to the forum FIRST before I buy anything.

Happy New Year!

Simon

Hi Simon

Just for interest I got myself a Weifeng e717 which is a "copy" Bogen for just under $200!
It's pretty well built and the feature I like the most is the bowl head so I don't have to fiddle around with legs to get my verticals right. You can get it dead level in seconds and the legs are pretty robust too (although it's a tad heavy!!)
Pan and tilt is silky smooth ..yeah I'd like one of the Libec bowl units but here they start at $1000!!!
The Weifeng supports my HMC72's easily even though they are heavier than the HMC150! (With a Rode mic and radio mic they weigh in at 8 lbs and the tripod is quite happy)

Chris

Hi Chris,

Enjoy your tripod.

That is a great deal you got.

Thanks for sharing.

Happy New Year!

Simon