Tripod recommendations for the Canon XL2
 

I would like to match my Miller DS-10 tripod with a Canon XL2 and 16X Manual lens, along with a Chrosziel mattebox (clamp on or otherwise).

Do you guys think that this may be asking too much of the DS-10 or should I be considering an upgrade to the DS-20?

How much does your setup weigh? The DS10 has an internal spring counterbalance for 10 pounds.

New XL2. Need advice on Tripods and Heads
 

My new XL2 is on it's way (I'll have it Thursday & I am soooo excited) and I will be in need of a new tripod and head (the tripod doesn't need to be new but I imagine a new head should be?). Monopod as well. The tripod will be used for commercial (low budget) and event production. I blew the bulk of my budget on the camera so I want to pick up most of my other gear used. ie. lights, sticks, maybe lenses (if they are in good shape) but I'll check the appropriate forums for that stuff.

I'm looking for advice on products that have worked for people and what they may recommend for this camera or the XL1(s) as it is so new.

Thanks.

OK, No response at all.

Well, I've been out looking and there are many great tripods out there many of which are overkill and way expensive.

Is anyone out there using the Libec LS-35? Some people are selling the LS-22 as part of a package with the camera but that seems like too minimal a tripod especially once you add batteries, lights, hoods...

These seem like a good bang for the buck but no salesman is going to convince me. Does anyone out there have some real world experience with this product?

What's your budget?

I'd like to get the best product for the lowest amount of money. I am not opposed to buying a good used tripod.

At the most, I'd pay up to 450 for used and up to 650 for new (which is about what these Libec units cost).

My suggestion: Look for a used Miller DS-10 or DV-10 (Solo) rig. You may be able to find one in the $600-$700 range.

For your consideration, and as I've said so often: A truly high-quality head and sticks will serve you far better for far longer in a far wider range of conditions than an inexpensive rig employing marginal manufacturing and materials. A good support rig will also long outlive your camera, and its grandchildren and maybe its great-grandchildren. It's a longer-term investment than a camera.

Good luck in your search!

A new report on Miller DS-5 tripod.

One of my colleagues purchased a Miller DS-5 about a year and
a half ago. He came into our gear check out facility yesterday and asked
about a tripod. I asked why he wasn't using his Miller.

The leg set knobs have ALL cracked and are now broken off rendering the
tripod useless. He has to send it back and wait for repair . . . ugh.

My guess is that Miller used crummy plastic.

A bummer considering he paid close to a grand for it.

That's -very- surprising, Jacques, for two reasons. First, to the extent I can determine, the plastic used on my DS-10's leg locks is basically the same as on my Sachtler and Vinten. It is not a brittle materia, more like a polyethylene / nylon material. Second, it's hard to imagine applying enough force to my DS-10's leg lock knobs to ever break them, even when they're very cold. They snap right into a full-lock position.

<shrug>

He has the DS-5, so there is the possibility Miller used different
parts than the 10. How long have you owned yours?

Coming up on 3 years.

Maybe Miller went with cheaper parts a year after you bought yours.
It's been known to happen ;|

Give some head suggestions
 

I have a pretty good boom, but I need a head for the camera(XL2)
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

Looking for Reasonably Priced Tripod for XL2
 

I have an XL-2 with an MCE digital drive system attached underneath. Looking for suggestions for a reasonably priced tripod that will support/balance both. Thank you.

Please take a time to look around this forum and do a search on
head (you can limit the search to just this forum). Heads (and sticks)
have been discussed at great lengths already.

Thank you.