Tripod question
 

Hello,
first, I am new to this board and I would like to say hello to everyone.
I haven't bought XL2 yet, but thinking about buying one end of this year.

Anyway, here is my question.
I need to buy a new tripod, something that is capable of handling XL2. My budget is around 700~800 US dollars.

I was thinking about buying Bogen / Manfrotto 525MVB with 503 Video Head (load capacity of 13.2 lbs).
But I am afraid that 503 head might not be good enough to handle XL2(7.8lbs) with extra accessories, such as a bigger battery(Power-2000/ 6000mAh ), on camera LCD(about 3 lbs with a battery), filters, Century Optics wide angle adapter etc.


http://www.simplydv.co.uk/Reviews/canon_xl2.html
according to the review above, they recommend something better than 503.


Would you recommend 503 for XL2 users or would you go for 516(22lbs load capacity)? Isn't 516 overkill for XL2. I can't afford 505 or 510, so my option is down to 503 or 516.
I prefer 503 since it is about 200 dollars cheaper.

What do you guys use?
any 503 or 516 users here?


Thanks alot.

Chris,

When considering a head, my general rule is to double the weight of the camera; and, than, look at heads that meet this new limit. This should give you a good safety margin when all of your goodies are loaded on.

I use the 516 with my XL-1s. I don't consider it's use as over kill at all.

Might I suggest you Think Future, as I try to do. After all, I may purchase a cam in the future, that weights half again as much as my present camera. What would I do then if I had the smaller head? Obviously, I would have to get a head that would handle this new weight.

Add a rain/winter outfit to your load/weight list.

Also, add a light + mount to camera adapter.

While I wouldn't at all recommend using a 503 for a DSR370 I use the 503 for a fully loaded PD150. WA lens attactment, on cam light head, big shotgun mic, big battery AND a wireless receiver. I've had ZERO problems with the head handling the weight. By the same token, I agree that if in the near future you are planning on stepping up to a bigger, heavier camera, then the heavier duty head would be a way to go.
I don't think your XL2 is really much different in weight than the loaded up 150 so the 503 works fine and as I've said I've had a DSR370 with a 5 1/2 lb AB battery on it as well. Not my 1st choice but when you gotta, you do what you gotta do.

Don B

I've used the XL2 on a 503 head and while it was ok most of the time, if you want to take advantage of the 20:1 lens at the far end, the 503 just won't be smooth enough.

Robin

If I can piggyback on this thread - I have a Canon GL2 camcorder. I'm looking at the Gitzo G-2380 head and the Gitzo G-1228 legs. How would these be for the camcorder, both by itself as well as with a 20X telephoto lens?

Stephen,

Read my reply to Chris above. It applys to any combo of head and TP.

But, I will repeat: Think Future! It pays operational dividends.

Stephen,

I use the G-2380 head on the 1127 legs with an XM1, often at maximum zoom with a Sony 1.7X convertor fitted.

It pays to hang a weighted bag from the hook on the centre column, especially outdoors. One problem if you do not is that the legs are so light that panning tends to move the legs, Newton's third law in practice! The drag on both movements of the head is a bit much for these very light legs.

I used an XL1s on my 501, and it handled ok, so the 503 SHOULD work. However, my 501 head is less than fluid, despite what the ads say. I have heard better things about the 503, but you may still want to go up to the next head.

Thanks alot everyone for helpful informations.
I guess I am going to listen to Robert J. Wolff and go for 516 head.

Has anyone ever used Bogen/Manfroto 3181 lightweight tripod + 516 head?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=256012&is=REG&si=spec#goto_itemInfo

This is the cheapest 516 head+ball head tripod set I found. It looks nice, but has very high minimum height(38"), I often do low angle shots and I guess I am going to have to buy a separate lower tripod(baby legs) for that.

I really wanted to buy 503 head + 525MVB Lightweight 2-Stage tripod + 75mm half ball set http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=272984&is=REG&si=inc#goto_itemInfo
but I guess it isn't burly enough for XL2+accessories.

Does anyone know how the Gitzo G-1228 legs compare to the 1127 legs?

Stephen,

Why not try the Gitzo web site?

http://www.gitzo.com/products/metric/tripods/mountaineer/rightscreen.php3

I'll cetainly do that - but I'm also interested in real life experience from users.