what tripod to buy at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Tripod Sticks & Heads

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old December 10th, 2003, 11:40 PM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 356
what tripod to buy

hi,

i am looking to buy a good, sturdy, and acurate tripod. anyone have any sugestions? looking for best overall value.
Joel Corral is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 10th, 2003, 11:58 PM   #2
Warden
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Clearwater, FL
Posts: 8,287
Do search you'll find a multitude of opinions on this subject. It would also help to provide more details as to camera model, intended uses, budget etc.
__________________
Jeff Donald
Carpe Diem




Search DVinfo.net for quick answers | Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors
Jeff Donald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 02:40 AM   #3
Trustee
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,483
Have you considered a tripod without a center column?
What camera are you using?
Dave Largent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 03:19 AM   #4
New Boot
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
gitzo's are really good..they're costly though.
Onauj Oliveros is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 04:31 AM   #5
Outer Circle
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hope, BC
Posts: 7,524
Joel, for which cam?
Frank Granovski is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 11:33 AM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 356
for my gl2. i want something very very stable as i wont be shooting with the image stablizer on.
Joel Corral is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 02:33 PM   #7
Trustee
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,483
What price range are you looking?
I just got done evaluating the Sunpak Ultra 757B. I'll be putting up a review soon. It's the second in a series of tripod reviews I'm doing. First review was of the top-of-the-line Sony with the built-in Lanc controller.
The Sony was not recommended. The Sunpak I looked at is not for you as it doesn't meet your criterium of being "very, very stable".
Dave Largent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 08:29 PM   #8
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 356
why do tripods that are very stable cost a ton more? isnt that what most people looking for a tripod look for. man, i would think that being very stable would be at least the minimum standard. who wants a tripod that will jerk or shake everytime you make a pan?

joel



thanks for all input please keep em coming
Joel Corral is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 08:53 PM   #9
Major Player
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Posts: 936
Seriously, I would expect to spend $500 at the low end and $800 for the "mid range" and after that the sky's the limit... for a cam in your range I wouldn't raise an eyebrow at the idea of spending $800-$1000 for a pod you'll always have.

A $300 pod won't actually shake, but more cash equals smoother motion in the head and more stability/versatility in the legs.

If you break it down I don't think good pods (sub $1K) are really that out of line. The ones in the $500 range are generally an even better value for the dollar.

As an example, a good Gitzo pod, could be around $350. But then you need the bowl. $50. And your choice of head. That can easily be around $400. Each component is a specialized piece that's machined in fairly limited quantities.

Matt Gettemeier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 08:55 PM   #10
New Boot
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
I agree /\. You should just purchase an expensive tripod like Gitzo, they are really well made and they have a LIFETIME warranty so you do not have to worry about that.
Onauj Oliveros is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 11th, 2003, 10:09 PM   #11
Trustee
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,483
Joel,
I just got done evaluating two more tripods --
still got one to go, but the pub is calling my name.
Anyways, I may have something for you. What are
you going to use the tripod for? Do you need it
to just go your height, or do you need it to
go over your head?
Dave Largent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 12th, 2003, 12:07 AM   #12
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 356
well i need it to be around head high. i will be shooting surf footage so i realy need light wight and very stable. also are there any tripods that can act as a monopod?
Joel Corral is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 12th, 2003, 12:39 AM   #13
Outer Circle
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hope, BC
Posts: 7,524
Joel, who much are you willing to spend?

Why do you want to use the OIS with a tridod?
Frank Granovski is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 12th, 2003, 12:51 AM   #14
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brea, CA
Posts: 356
ois what is that. i want to spend the least possible without sacrificing quality and preformance. i need a "best buy" so to speak.

joel
Joel Corral is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 12th, 2003, 12:53 AM   #15
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 42
I just got a sachtler dv2 II for $720 and i love it. It is SOOOOO much nicer than the bogens that i used to work with. I cant stand those 501 heads. All i can say is you get what you pay for!
Brian Maier is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Tripod Sticks & Heads

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:05 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network