Tripod suggestions for Canon XH A1

Bill Pryor · June 4th, 2008, 03:47 PM

The short answer to that question is yes. They don't like the cold. But I agree the Libec is a bit sticky when it's really cold. I only used it one time when it was about 8 degrees below zero (F). Not great. My old O'Connor 50 would tighten up too when it was that cold. A Gitzo I used to have didn't seem quite as affected. My feeling is that if it's too cold for the tripod then it's too cold for me too.

Kevin Kimmell · June 10th, 2008, 09:29 AM

I'm planning on getting either the LS-22 or LS-38 pretty soon here. It appears as if TT is beating Zotz by as much as $40 on price. Can anyone tell me if there's a compelling reason to order from one or the other keeping in mind that slow shipping isn't an issue for me?

Thanks,
K

Bill Pryor · June 10th, 2008, 09:38 AM

I've had great customer service from both places. You can't go wrong with either. I got my 38 from TT and shipping was timely.

Peiter Jerzak · July 20th, 2008, 05:32 PM

Does anyone have an opinion on whether the LS-38M, with the Mid Level Spreader is worth the extra 25 bucks, over the LS-38 with the Bottom level Spreader?

Thanks-Peiter

Chris Soucy · July 20th, 2008, 06:00 PM

Depends on your type of shooting.

If you always shoot on smooth, flat, hard surfaces then the bottom spreader is fine, tho' it doesn't provide as much leg bracing as the mid level unit.

For undulating, lumpy or soft surfaces (grass for example) the bottom spreader is pretty much useless, and the mid level unit is the way to go.

Because my shooting can be on any of the above types of surfaces, I eventually did away with the bottom spreader pretty much all together. The only time it comes out to play now is if I'm shooting on a polished wooden or concrete/ tile floor. If it is imperitive the tripod cannot move on such surfaces, a couple of sand bags on the bottom spreader works very nicely.

If you can spring for it, I'd get both.

CS

PS: Sorry about the missing "e".

Bill Pryor · July 21st, 2008, 04:20 PM

As noted above, the ground level spreader is nice because you can sandbag it if needed. However, I got the mid-level spreader. I like it because I never have to take it off on unlevel ground. You can, for example, put 2 legs on a step, and then extend the third one down to the next step with a mid level spreader. Also, on the Libec 38's mid level spreader you can lift up and squeeze the legs in and lock the spreader in the 45 degree position. This gives you a little extra height quickly when needed. For me it was worth the money.

Karim Amanali · August 7th, 2008, 02:08 PM

Hello Guys,

I am looking to purchase a tripod for Canon XH A1, I do not have much experience in tripods just yet but I am wondering what the users of A1 think of this tripod. Does anyone has this or used it in past. Can you provide any input if possible please.

http://www.adorama.com/CCAP11.html

Thank you.

Karim Amanali · August 8th, 2008, 03:40 PM

Any help/suggestions on the above request???

Thank you.

Bill Pryor · August 8th, 2008, 03:48 PM

I think that's undersized for the XH A1. For about the same money you could get a Libec 38. Check Tapeworks Texas, they seem to have the best prices on that model. I'm not promoting Libec just because I have one. I think they're the best deal in low cost tripods in this range. The lowest I'd go with Cartoni would be something like the Focus. You never want a tripod rated just above the camera weight. The Libec 38, for example, is rated to 18 pounds, or something like that. That means you can safely put that much weight on it. Doesn't mean it works well with that much weight. My XH A1 has the TA-100 quick release plate, a wireless receiver on the hot shoe, and a shotgun mic for ambient audio in the mic mount, so I'd guess it is around 7 to 8 pounds total, and that's just about perfect for the Libec 38.

Garrett Low · August 9th, 2008, 10:19 AM

Hi Karim,

This setup balances perfectly with the quick release plate, the largest battery and a shotgun mic. In that configuration I can tilt through the full range of the head and when I release it it won't move at all. Be careful about getting a tirpod that is rated for a much larger payload than what you're going to use unless it has a good counterbalance adjustment. If you can't balance the camera correctly when you release it the camera will creep back up or down from a tilt.

If you're going to load your camera with a mattbox, external screen, or 35mm adapter you will overload the tripod. However, if you're looking for a fairly light good solid tripod that will give you smooth pans and tilts, the Cartoni will fit the bill. If you're going to load up the camera I'd look for a used Miller DS10.

Garrett

Dom Stevenson · August 10th, 2008, 06:59 AM

I'm off the the Middle East soon and need a Cheap and cheerful tripod for the job. I have a libec ls38 but it's way too heavy. I can live without the silky smooth tilts/pans and i don't mind if it's a bit smaller than ideal. Something i can throw over my shoulder without too much worry.

Any ideas?

Jayson Corcoran · August 13th, 2008, 10:10 AM

As you guys know, I purchased a cheap £20 tripod off ebay which was a decent enough unit and for a noob like me seemed perfect.
I was sent a pm by a couple of people about the manfroto so decided to buy one.
I have to say it is awesome, a real serious piece of kit.
The ability to pan up and down, left and right with ease is amazing, no judder, just sweet movement throughout.

Has to be one of the best purchases so far !

Denise Wall · August 13th, 2008, 11:29 AM

Which model did you get? They have a bunch.

Pietro Impagliazzo · August 13th, 2008, 11:32 AM

Maybe the 503HDV, the finest for a low price.
Just a guess...

Karim Amanali · August 13th, 2008, 11:51 AM

quick question for anyone, I too am looking for a desent tripod but I need something that would have wheels so i can move the tripod along. I havent seen many with wheels on legs or is it something that one can attach to any tripod. I am interested in the Libec 38 for my soon to be XH A1.

Thank you.

June 10th, 2008, 09:29 AM	#167
Kevin Kimmell Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 209	I'm planning on getting either the LS-22 or LS-38 pretty soon here. It appears as if TT is beating Zotz by as much as $40 on price. Can anyone tell me if there's a compelling reason to order from one or the other keeping in mind that slow shipping isn't an issue for me? Thanks, K __________________ Kevin Kimmell http://www.yurplebliss.com/ Last edited by Kevin Kimmell; June 10th, 2008 at 09:29 AM. Reason: error

July 20th, 2008, 05:32 PM	#169
Peiter Jerzak Tourist Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Honeoye, NY Posts: 2	LS-38M vs. LS-38 Does anyone have an opinion on whether the LS-38M, with the Mid Level Spreader is worth the extra 25 bucks, over the LS-38 with the Bottom level Spreader? Thanks-Peiter

July 20th, 2008, 06:00 PM	#170
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Hi Peitr.............. Depends on your type of shooting. If you always shoot on smooth, flat, hard surfaces then the bottom spreader is fine, tho' it doesn't provide as much leg bracing as the mid level unit. For undulating, lumpy or soft surfaces (grass for example) the bottom spreader is pretty much useless, and the mid level unit is the way to go. Because my shooting can be on any of the above types of surfaces, I eventually did away with the bottom spreader pretty much all together. The only time it comes out to play now is if I'm shooting on a polished wooden or concrete/ tile floor. If it is imperitive the tripod cannot move on such surfaces, a couple of sand bags on the bottom spreader works very nicely. If you can spring for it, I'd get both. CS PS: Sorry about the missing "e". Last edited by Chris Soucy; July 20th, 2008 at 06:01 PM. Reason: Whoops.

August 7th, 2008, 02:08 PM	#172
Karim Amanali Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 69	Is this a descent tripod for A1 Hello Guys, I am looking to purchase a tripod for Canon XH A1, I do not have much experience in tripods just yet but I am wondering what the users of A1 think of this tripod. Does anyone has this or used it in past. Can you provide any input if possible please. http://www.adorama.com/CCAP11.html Thank you.

August 10th, 2008, 06:59 AM	#176
Dom Stevenson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: London UK Posts: 430	cheap and light travel tripod for XHA1 I'm off the the Middle East soon and need a Cheap and cheerful tripod for the job. I have a libec ls38 but it's way too heavy. I can live without the silky smooth tilts/pans and i don't mind if it's a bit smaller than ideal. Something i can throw over my shoulder without too much worry. Any ideas?

June 4th, 2008, 03:47 PM	#166
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	The short answer to that question is yes. They don't like the cold. But I agree the Libec is a bit sticky when it's really cold. I only used it one time when it was about 8 degrees below zero (F). Not great. My old O'Connor 50 would tighten up too when it was that cold. A Gitzo I used to have didn't seem quite as affected. My feeling is that if it's too cold for the tripod then it's too cold for me too.

June 10th, 2008, 09:38 AM	#168
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I've had great customer service from both places. You can't go wrong with either. I got my 38 from TT and shipping was timely.

July 21st, 2008, 04:20 PM	#171
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	As noted above, the ground level spreader is nice because you can sandbag it if needed. However, I got the mid-level spreader. I like it because I never have to take it off on unlevel ground. You can, for example, put 2 legs on a step, and then extend the third one down to the next step with a mid level spreader. Also, on the Libec 38's mid level spreader you can lift up and squeeze the legs in and lock the spreader in the 45 degree position. This gives you a little extra height quickly when needed. For me it was worth the money.

August 8th, 2008, 03:40 PM	#173
Karim Amanali Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 69	Any help/suggestions on the above request??? Thank you.

August 8th, 2008, 03:48 PM	#174
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I think that's undersized for the XH A1. For about the same money you could get a Libec 38. Check Tapeworks Texas, they seem to have the best prices on that model. I'm not promoting Libec just because I have one. I think they're the best deal in low cost tripods in this range. The lowest I'd go with Cartoni would be something like the Focus. You never want a tripod rated just above the camera weight. The Libec 38, for example, is rated to 18 pounds, or something like that. That means you can safely put that much weight on it. Doesn't mean it works well with that much weight. My XH A1 has the TA-100 quick release plate, a wireless receiver on the hot shoe, and a shotgun mic for ambient audio in the mic mount, so I'd guess it is around 7 to 8 pounds total, and that's just about perfect for the Libec 38.

August 9th, 2008, 10:19 AM	#175
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	Hi Karim, This setup balances perfectly with the quick release plate, the largest battery and a shotgun mic. In that configuration I can tilt through the full range of the head and when I release it it won't move at all. Be careful about getting a tirpod that is rated for a much larger payload than what you're going to use unless it has a good counterbalance adjustment. If you can't balance the camera correctly when you release it the camera will creep back up or down from a tilt. If you're going to load your camera with a mattbox, external screen, or 35mm adapter you will overload the tripod. However, if you're looking for a fairly light good solid tripod that will give you smooth pans and tilts, the Cartoni will fit the bill. If you're going to load up the camera I'd look for a used Miller DS10. Garrett

August 13th, 2008, 10:10 AM	#177
Jayson Corcoran Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Barnt Green, England Posts: 76	Manfroto tripod - dont bother with anything else ! As you guys know, I purchased a cheap £20 tripod off ebay which was a decent enough unit and for a noob like me seemed perfect. I was sent a pm by a couple of people about the manfroto so decided to buy one. I have to say it is awesome, a real serious piece of kit. The ability to pan up and down, left and right with ease is amazing, no judder, just sweet movement throughout. Has to be one of the best purchases so far !

August 13th, 2008, 11:29 AM	#178
Denise Wall Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Advance, NC Posts: 153	Which model did you get? They have a bunch.

August 13th, 2008, 11:32 AM	#179
Pietro Impagliazzo Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rio de Janeiro, BR Posts: 170	Maybe the 503HDV, the finest for a low price. Just a guess... __________________ Pietro Impagliazzo flickr.com/photos/impagliazzo

August 13th, 2008, 11:51 AM	#180
Karim Amanali Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 69	quick question for anyone, I too am looking for a desent tripod but I need something that would have wheels so i can move the tripod along. I havent seen many with wheels on legs or is it something that one can attach to any tripod. I am interested in the Libec 38 for my soon to be XH A1. Thank you.