Are high-end tripod accessories worth their price? at DVinfo.net

Daniel Browning · August 23rd, 2007, 11:42 PM

Are the accessories for high-end tripod systems worth their prices? Take the Vinten 3219-78 Pan Bar, for example. To the untrained eye it appears to be just a simple pipe with a little foam handle. Why does it sell at $150? Does it have a titanium alloy? Platinum? Or do they inflate the margin on their accessories just because they can? $675 spreader, $150 mounting plate, etc.

Daniel Browning · January 16th, 2008, 01:12 AM

No, they are not worth their prices. No, they do not have titanium alloy, platinum veneer, or quality commensurate with their price. Yes, they do price them high just because they can.

All that may be done about it is to try to find compatible products to alleviate the accessories extortion. For example, the $80 Manfrotto floor spreader works on Vinten FibreTec legs, for a savings of $600.

Chris Soucy · January 16th, 2008, 02:15 AM

Yep, hit the nail on the head.

The "Corporate Bodies" who buy this sort of gear can write it off every which way you like, so no problems there then.

For bods like us - yep, they're extortionate prices, no doubt.

That is, unfortunately, the cost of going "semi - pro" (damn, I hate that expression!).

Your comparison between Vinten and Manfrotto is apt, this weird wonderland of compatible workwise, but fairyland pricewise works not at all in their favour, not something Vitec have taken a great deal of note of.

Who knows, if enough people like yourself stick their heads over the parapet and yell "Enough", maybe they'll listen in your favour.

Else, they could get really nasty and make them all incompatible - now, what a bummer that would be!

I don't have an answer, I'm afraid, but agree wholeheartedly.

CS

Chris Soucy · January 16th, 2008, 11:29 AM

How do you know the cheap Manfrotto spreader works on Vinten FiberTec legs?

I've only ever told one bod that rather interesting snippet, now the entire planet seems to know!

Come on, come clean!

CS

Daniel Browning · January 16th, 2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Soucy

How do you know the cheap Manfrotto spreader works on Vinten FiberTec legs?

I've only ever told one bod that rather interesting snippet, now the entire planet seems to know!

Come on, come clean!

CS

I got it straight from the horse's mouth. :-) Your posts are always very informative.

Harold Schreiber · January 16th, 2008, 11:53 AM

Hi Daniel,

What the other's said about the costs.

I made up my own single and double extendable control handles for about $25. Made up my own attachment unit for them too. Can change between them in about 3 mins. Sometimes DIY is better/cheaper.

Harold

Chris Soucy · January 16th, 2008, 12:33 PM

and there's me thinking that by posting on DVinfo, I'm having a quiet little chat "mano a mano", in strictest confidence.

Glad to hear SOMEBODY actually reads this stuff!

Thanks for the compliment, BTW.

CS

August 23rd, 2007, 11:42 PM	#1
Daniel Browning Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 949	Are high-end tripod accessories worth their price? Are the accessories for high-end tripod systems worth their prices? Take the Vinten 3219-78 Pan Bar, for example. To the untrained eye it appears to be just a simple pipe with a little foam handle. Why does it sell at $150? Does it have a titanium alloy? Platinum? Or do they inflate the margin on their accessories just because they can? $675 spreader, $150 mounting plate, etc.

January 16th, 2008, 02:15 AM	#3
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Hi Daniel........... Yep, hit the nail on the head. The "Corporate Bodies" who buy this sort of gear can write it off every which way you like, so no problems there then. For bods like us - yep, they're extortionate prices, no doubt. That is, unfortunately, the cost of going "semi - pro" (damn, I hate that expression!). Your comparison between Vinten and Manfrotto is apt, this weird wonderland of compatible workwise, but fairyland pricewise works not at all in their favour, not something Vitec have taken a great deal of note of. Who knows, if enough people like yourself stick their heads over the parapet and yell "Enough", maybe they'll listen in your favour. Else, they could get really nasty and make them all incompatible - now, what a bummer that would be! I don't have an answer, I'm afraid, but agree wholeheartedly. CS

January 16th, 2008, 11:29 AM	#4
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Er.............. How do you know the cheap Manfrotto spreader works on Vinten FiberTec legs? I've only ever told one bod that rather interesting snippet, now the entire planet seems to know! Come on, come clean! CS

January 16th, 2008, 01:12 AM	#2
Daniel Browning Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 949	No, they are not worth their prices. No, they do not have titanium alloy, platinum veneer, or quality commensurate with their price. Yes, they do price them high just because they can. All that may be done about it is to try to find compatible products to alleviate the accessories extortion. For example, the $80 Manfrotto floor spreader works on Vinten FibreTec legs, for a savings of $600.

January 16th, 2008, 11:53 AM	#6
Harold Schreiber Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 309	Hi Daniel, What the other's said about the costs. I made up my own single and double extendable control handles for about $25. Made up my own attachment unit for them too. Can change between them in about 3 mins. Sometimes DIY is better/cheaper. Harold

January 16th, 2008, 12:33 PM	#7
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	and there's me thinking that by posting on DVinfo, I'm having a quiet little chat "mano a mano", in strictest confidence. Glad to hear SOMEBODY actually reads this stuff! Thanks for the compliment, BTW. CS