Tripod recommendation
 

Hi, I'm looking for a fluid head tripod+legs combo for around $200. I've heard Bogen has some models in this price range, still with a nice fluid head. Does anyone know which it is? Or if you can recommend some other models? Thanks

gitzo makes some nice stuff.

Check out B & H. Here's a link to one for $222.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh6.sph/...ID=F5B769FDB00
Just do a search on their site and you'll find many to choose from. I have a Bogan 3221 black tripod with a 501 head and love the combo.

I have Bogen 3021 Pro Legs with 3029 3-way Pan/Tilt Head and a 394 Quick Release Adapter --no fluid head though. It supports great my pd-150 --for more support I use a sandback. I'm very happy with it.

You can find it at B&H around $180.

The Manfrotto #136 fluid action head and 075B legs shouldn't cost much more than $210 US.

The 136 has been discontinued unfortunately.

What!! That's a nice head.

The 501 looks good to me. As far as legs, can I get away with using those single poled legs? Not the kind that expands from wide to narrow. I'll be using a DVX100 on it. Sorry about the wording. But will it still be stable in that case?

The 3221 legs ("single poled" as you say) are quite sturdy and work fine for a smaller camera. I have the 3221/501 combo and it's a good choice for the money, although I paid closer to $300 (I think) which came as a package including a nice soft carrying case.

The only drawback to the 3221 is those NASTY spring loaded clips. Even if you're very careful they will "bite" you either opening or closing. The spring action is way too powerful. This has been discussed frequently around here...

If you are trying to stay under $200 try the Libec M20

Hope this helps...

Hows the head on this compared to the Bogen 501?

I haven't used the creature itself. However, a number of people have told me its a nice tripod for a light cam (something that weighs less than an XL-1).

The 501 is a good fluid head. You can use a 501 all the way up to an XL-1. With that, you still will need a good set of sticks (tripod legs), and a ball leveler. It will be pretty hard to do that for under $200.

Hope this helps...