Manfrotto for GL2?
 

Is manfrotto tripod 503 and head 755B a good choice for Canon XM2?

Is there any similar tripod (and head) but more cheaper out there?

After much debate I ended up getting the 501 head - it is designed for use with cameras of weight like the XM-2 and I got one for about (£120). The 503 is designed for heavier cameras (like the XL1s).

501 VIDEO HEAD
Designed to support the latest range of small digital camcorders. The 501 head gives best-in-the-market value and performance. The light but positive fluid movement_provides exceptionally smooth control though 360 degrees pan +90 to -60 tilt. It has Teflon friction adjustment to increase drag and separate pan and tilt locks. The head supports up to 6kg. has a Quick release sliding plate and a_ built in spirit level._
Its ideal for Sony VX2000/1000, Canon XM1/2 plus all other handheld camcorders.

Manfrotto do 'kits' where the head and legs come together which works out cheaper than buying them seperately - the 501 comes with 525 legs. Although there are cheaper legs which you could get - I got the Manfrotto 755B ones (£150).

Thank's, but...
 

I thought that the difference between 501 and 503 heads was that 501 was without fluid. But I can see now that 501 also has fluid. And both 503 and 501 have almost exactly the same "max load" (6.0 kg). But then, what is the real difference between these two, because here in Sweden 503 is double as expensive as 501.

This month I bought a 3221WN tripod with a 503 head from B&H.
This is for my GL2. I had read of people being disappointed with the 501. Some did not like the smoothness of the 501. Anyway that is why I went with the 503. I went with the 3221WN because each leg was independent, had a wide range from nearly on the ground up to around 6' or so. I opted for a compact ball leveler to go with the 503. It makes setup much easier.

You might want to check out the Bogen 3063 head, it's a fluid head but much cheaper than the 501. I went with it because of my low budget but also because its quite decent. If money's not your problem it's probably best to go with the 501 because as Torsten said, its quite big for the GL.

The 501 is a pretty big head, especially when paired with the GL2 (even to the point of looking goofy). I recently bought Manfrotto 3001n legs with a 3130 quick release fluid head. This setup supports up to almost 9 pounds, so it is well within the GL2 range, and it even looks good. The quick release plate for the 3130 is pretty small and isn't too supportive, so i've ordered the 3273 quick release adaptor with 3272 sliding plate. It measures in at 5.5"x2" which is just perfect for the base of the GL2. Plus, with the adaptor and plate, you (or the person you're buying this for) won't have to constantly screw in and unscrew the head's tiny quick release plate just to sit the camera down on a flat surface. You should be able to get the legs, head, and adaptor for substantially less than your original setup, and is probably worth a look.

Nicholi

I got a 756B with a 700C2 head. It is a smaller head for cameras under 11#. What I like is the light weight of the tripod allows me take it everywhere. And I still have a ball for leveling.

I have and use a 501 head. It is relatively big, but that's a good thing.

However it is not a fluid head. Hate to disappoint. If you read the description is says "fluid movement". Yep, the movement is very fluid, but from what I can tell, it's not a fluid-filled head.

Doesn't matter. I own it. I like it.

The 503 on the other hand is a fluid head. I'm glad I've got it for the GL2 and I don't feel it is way too big for the camera. It is big yes, too big no. It works just great.

the 501 nad 503 are both tue fluid heads. the spring in the 503 makes the feel smoother but they are basically the same head. the 501 can be considered the stripped down version.

here is a reply bogen e-mailed me when i asked whether or not the 501 was a true fluid head:

" Again, any head we call fluid is a true fluid head. No exceptions. The 503 is the next step up from the 501, in terms of smoothness. They are the same in all other respects.

Regards,
Kevin V. Lackey
Technical Support

kevin.lackey@bogenphoto.com"


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