Tripod Suggestions for XL cameras at DVinfo.net

Jon Pavli · February 14th, 2006, 11:09 PM

I know I will get a bunch of answers, but I am open to any Tripod suggestions XL owners use.

Thanks. Jon

Tony Davies-Patrick · February 15th, 2006, 05:34 AM

I’d steer you towards the Pro Manfrotto range. My choice is the Manfrotto 028 legs with the 116Mk2 or Mk3 Head or 501/510 tripod head and the Manfrotto 438 Levelling Head (for adjusting quickly for straight horizons). Manfrotto main site is here:

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/cat...id=1&manufid=1

You’ll need some sort of control on the Pan & tilt head arm. The Canon ZR-1000 is OK, but I much prefer the superb Manfrotto 522C, shown here:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache...sf=103&child=1

The above system is extremely stable and smooth for most of my filming needs, but when I'm travelling very light, and swapping between video and stills, the 028+116 head+ 438+522C combo can get very heavy on the shoulders, so I then prefer to use the lightweight Manfrotto Nat190 tripod legs plus Manfrotto Pro ball head.

Don Palomaki · February 15th, 2006, 05:35 AM

Lots of options at lots of price points, some better for certain type of activity than othes, What is your tripod budget, and what kind of shooting do you plan to do?

Tony Davies-Patrick · February 15th, 2006, 06:08 AM

Note, the 522C that I use is no longer produced, although it is still sold at many outlets. The current version (similar to the 522C) made by Manfrotto is the 523 pro, shown here:

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache...sf=103&child=1

Jon Pavli · February 15th, 2006, 04:56 PM

First off, let say sorry for posting this in the wrong section. I will try to do better next time.

As for budget, $200-500.

I am a former tv news photographer and I use to use a Sachtler tripod. I enjoyed the ease and reliability of it. Don't know if I can afford a Sachtler at this point in time.

I am looking for something that will keep the camera as still as possible when I am shooting. I don't like movement with the camera on the tripod. Once I set it set and lock it down, I want to get a perfectly still shot.

Hope that helps. Thanks for the early suggestions.

Cheers, Jon

February 14th, 2006, 11:09 PM	#1
Jon Pavli Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington, USA Posts: 81	Tripod Suggestions for XL cameras I know I will get a bunch of answers, but I am open to any Tripod suggestions XL owners use. Thanks. Jon

February 15th, 2006, 05:34 AM	#2
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	I’d steer you towards the Pro Manfrotto range. My choice is the Manfrotto 028 legs with the 116Mk2 or Mk3 Head or 501/510 tripod head and the Manfrotto 438 Levelling Head (for adjusting quickly for straight horizons). Manfrotto main site is here: http://www.manfrotto.com/product/cat...id=1&manufid=1 You’ll need some sort of control on the Pan & tilt head arm. The Canon ZR-1000 is OK, but I much prefer the superb Manfrotto 522C, shown here: http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache...sf=103&child=1 The above system is extremely stable and smooth for most of my filming needs, but when I'm travelling very light, and swapping between video and stills, the 028+116 head+ 438+522C combo can get very heavy on the shoulders, so I then prefer to use the lightweight Manfrotto Nat190 tripod legs plus Manfrotto Pro ball head. __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk Last edited by Tony Davies-Patrick; February 15th, 2006 at 06:05 AM.

February 15th, 2006, 05:35 AM	#3
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	Lots of options at lots of price points, some better for certain type of activity than othes, What is your tripod budget, and what kind of shooting do you plan to do? __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

February 15th, 2006, 06:08 AM	#4
Tony Davies-Patrick Trustee Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 1,589	Note, the 522C that I use is no longer produced, although it is still sold at many outlets. The current version (similar to the 522C) made by Manfrotto is the 523 pro, shown here: http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache...sf=103&child=1 __________________ www.WILDCARP.com www.NIKON.me.uk

February 15th, 2006, 04:56 PM	#5
Jon Pavli Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington, USA Posts: 81	First off, let say sorry for posting this in the wrong section. I will try to do better next time. As for budget, $200-500. I am a former tv news photographer and I use to use a Sachtler tripod. I enjoyed the ease and reliability of it. Don't know if I can afford a Sachtler at this point in time. I am looking for something that will keep the camera as still as possible when I am shooting. I don't like movement with the camera on the tripod. Once I set it set and lock it down, I want to get a perfectly still shot. Hope that helps. Thanks for the early suggestions. Cheers, Jon