Recommend a tripod?
 

Could anyone recommend a good, solid tripod, with fluid head combo, for the 7D?

What is your budget?

I was originally thinking it was going to be somewhere around 1k, but if I can get good performance and a stable support for less, it wouldn't hurt my feelings. Someone recommended the Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head, but what legs to put under it? I looked at some of the combos on B&H, with that head, but wasn't sure about the legs support. I'd like to go as cheap as possible, but get the best support. If that means spending 1k, then that's what it means. If spending half or 1/3 that gets me good quality, then I'd be happy to go that route.

Yeaaaaahhhh..... ("Office Space" guy)
 

Hi Jeff,

Here's my recommendations.

My first choice would be the Gitzo Ser.3 6X + Video Kit at B&H for $1631.90. This kit includes the Gitzo 1380 fluid head and the GT3531LSV legs. Total weight is 9.13Lbs. Legs fold up to 26.4 inches and have a max height of 58.7 inches.

Runner up is the Sachtler FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System at B&H for $1,177.00 (a great bargain!). This kit includes the FSB-4 fluid head and the Speed Lock 75 CF Tripod. Total weight is 10.8 Lbs. Legs fold up to 25.6 inches and have a max height of 57.9 inches.

I like the Gitzo legs better than the Sachtler, but the Sachtler legs will get the job done. Gitzo is faster for me to set up and a bit lighter.

With the Gitzo, you have to swap out springs to set up the head for the weight of your camera, whereas the Sachtler is all done with adjustment knobs.

I'm not familiar with the Vinten line, but I've heard they're also a good choice. Maybe someone else can recommend a specific model.


Shot out!

There are other considerations that you may overlook.

I need a super-fast set up as a doc maker, I am put into situations that I have no control over. I also need the lightest weight (don't we all) as I may have to carry it (well my assistant anyway) over mountainous paths for an hour or two.
So think about where you will be shooting and what carefully. I spent one full day just setting tripods up to see how long it takes.
I found Sachtler and a few others took far too long to set up properly. Standing there with your camera while you watch your assistant struggle with set-up and the shot disappearing is not fun.

I chose the Miller Solo legs. Super fast set-up. Very strong and light (carbon fiber). Can go tall and very low.

Jeff,
Tripods don't change much. If you haven't already done so, do an Advanced Search on the Tripods and Legs group here on DVInfo using "DSLR". There's 38 results some of which basically as the same question.

I think you'll find the same models discussed over and over. From my research on this, I an important thing to keep in mind that's a little unique to DSLR shooting is balance when a long lens is used. A head with a sliding plate that lets you shift balance will help you. But there are ENG camcorders that are also front heavy so again, not so special with DSLRs. Some heads have a longer slide range than others. You can find that information in the specs along with the weight a head will handle and it's counterbalance specs.

I'd take a look at the Vinten Vision Blue. There's a nice review on this site. It's solid and accommodates light camera setups.

Concur on the Miller Solo (DS 20 Head). Serves me well on both ends of my camera spectrum...7D & Sony EX3. Great sticks.

For light weight, solid and smooth it'd hard to beat Gitzo.

One of my tripods uses a Sachtler FSB head with Gitzo CF legs (and a 75mm bowl). A nice combination.

There is a comparison text "brewing" at the Sticks section of this forum.

Libec
 

I've been very pleased with my Libec RS350 system. A little more than $1k, but worth it. Variable counter balance is great.

i have the manfrotto 701 hdv head. it's a lot lighter than the 501.
i have manfrotto 756xb tripod as it's only 60cm or so when folded up.
it's a very lightweight set up but pretty sturdy.
i need a small set up as i travel by vespa.
total cost 315€

Tripod
 

I've got a Manfrotto 525MVB tripod with 519 Head, sturdy and robust but heavy to lug around.
I picked it up for ebay for just under £300 but love it!

I've got a similar setup, but with the 516 tripod. The problem is that the 516 wants a heavy camera. The spring wants to pull the camera level.

At work, we have the Vinten 3AS, which has a continuously adjustable spring that supports somewhat light cameras. They can also provide a lighter spring, if you run with few accessories. It's absolutely great!

But today, I would get the newer Vinten Blue as it also supports light cams, but at a more attractive price. :)

Whats everyone's opinion on the upcoming manfrotto's?
Manfrotto 504HD,546BK - MIDI TWIN SYSTEM(MS)

I went cheap and not really happy with it:
Smith-Victor SMTB990 TB-990 Tripod
Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head

The Manfrotto 501 / 503 heads are not really up to the task for HD. Don't take my word for it - search the sticks forum on this site. The 504 might be different - the Chris Soucy comparison test (in progress) will be interesting. The best choices would be true fluid heads from sources such as Sachtler or Vinten.

all the manfrotto / bogen 500 series heads are crap. they are cheap, and the will not do what you want.

personally I have the predecessor to the vinten vision blue, the vision 6 head. its a decent setup and you can pick one up for $1k or less used. only single stage legs, but for more basic shooting its ok. I finally got myself a set of baby legs to go with it. if you can get 2 stage legs, do it. you'll have no regrets.

as for the gitzo tube legs, they are such a PITA to work with... you can to turn each leg lock, its slow, clumsy, and if you don't get it 100% it will slide. then most folks have the gitzo without a spreader so you will be messing around to even up the set of the legs. if you are on a slippery surface, they can move. I'm sure some one will tell you how great they are, but having used them in real run & gun news / doc shooting, they suck to use more then most pro legs out there.

get something with a single motion leg lock, where you know its fast, its locked.

I tried a Sachtler DV1 head on ENG 75/ 2D sticks recently, and it was perfect for the 7D with a medium sized zoom lens. The configuration is really light weight but stable, and the fluid head works perfectly for a lightweight camera.
I don't think they make the DV1 head anymore, but any of the small heads for DSLR or HDV cameras should be fine.

Every Manfrotto tripod I ever used was mediocre at best, some were horrible. Sachtler is another league, their products are more expensive, but they're worth the money.
I mean you can use a good tripod forever, so why not invest in a really good one?

my guess
 

I have the single stage Miller DS-20. The head is amazing and the legs have 3 knobs you turn and the legs fly out and you tighten. I have the mid spreader which is what you want and not the floor spreader.

I would get carbon legs to make it lighter.

My two stage Miller is a bit more of a pain to open and close and for documentary you might not need the extra height.