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-   -   Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-sticks-heads/509675-non-bankruptable-crutch-tripod.html)

Dale Simmons July 30th, 2012 11:15 AM

Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
I have been searching for a crutch style tripod w/fluid head with 2 expandable panning arms. Everything I see is $1500 and up and I do mean UP!. What s out there that will support the hm750, Red Style large matte box and focus and zoom controls? Suggestions?

John Sirb July 30th, 2012 12:57 PM

Re: Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Dale Simmons (Post 1746123)
I have been searching for a crutch style tripod w/fluid head with 2 expandable panning arms. Everything I see is $1500 and up and I do mean UP!. What s out there that will support the hm750, Red Style large matte box and focus and zoom controls? Suggestions?

Dale, your packing a lot of weight on those sticks (20+ lbs) even a Manfrotto to handle that type of weight lists at 2500.00. The Vinten that I use on the other hand has lasted thru three cameras all in the neighborhood of 18lbs.

sticks isnt something you wnt to 'cheap' out on. JMHO

Mike Kujbida July 30th, 2012 01:07 PM

Re: Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
Dale, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but with tripods you do get what you pay for.
My department has a Manfrotto tripod and so-called fluid head that ran around $1,000 and it isn't close to being as good as our 30 yr. old Miler that was around $8,000 originally.
Play with a cheap one and then a good one and you'll see what I mean as there's a world of difference in the feel.
You don't need to spend that much money as prices have come down over the years.
Total up the weight of everything you want to put on it, add at least a 10% safety margin and start looking at tripods that will handle the load.
The Miller DS-20 is a really nice 2-stage system that will support up to 20 lb. and, with proper care, will last you a very long time.
It's $1,50.00 at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/178845-REG/Miller_848_DS_20_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html
Sachtler also make some very good tripods.

Bill Bruner July 30th, 2012 11:24 PM

Re: Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
Dale - my Ravelli AVT Professional holds up to 27 lbs, has a 75mm bowl, two handles and crutch-style legs - and you could buy 10 if them for the price of the Miller. This is one case where you get a whole lot more than you pay for. .

Good luck with your decision,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

Brian Drysdale July 31st, 2012 12:42 AM

Re: Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
It really depends on how demanding you are about smoothness and a lack of sticking. Glancing through the Ravelli AVT reviews, this head does seem to suffer from an element of the latter. You really need to test them yourself to see if a tripod and head meet your needs.

I suspect the Millar could still be working in 10 years time.

Steve J. Nordahl July 31st, 2012 10:40 AM

Re: Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
Hate to be another bearer of bad news but I've been there and done that..

Peruse this link.. you will see what I went through.. I loaded mine down and had a cheapy Manfrotto system.. I went to a Vinten 8AS CF system.. Your money shots won't come from the Camera.. The tripod is what makes money shots..

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-s...do-i-need.html

Steve..

Ben Lynn September 11th, 2012 07:19 AM

Re: Non Bankruptable Crutch Tripod
 
I agree with the people who's said that you get what you pay for and that the additional cost is worth the money. Spending a lot of a tripod to get the right shots is worth every dollar you spend.

Something else to think about is the re-sale value. If you buy a Miller or Vinten then you could use it for a while and sell it for 70-80% of what you paid for it (although after using one of the better units I doubt you'd want to let it go). If you buy a low-budget rig you'll be stuck with eating the cost.

Another option is to buy a quality used tripod from someone here on the forums, use it, and then re-sell it. It's possible you could do that and not even take a loss on the transaction because tripods hold their value much better than cameras.

Just some stuff to consider as you plan your productions.


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