Good Tripod System for XH A1 and LetusFE at DVinfo.net

Ben Waller · September 26th, 2007, 09:10 PM

I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a good support system for an xh A1 and a letus on the front? Or do I even need to worry about the whole rig being too front heavy in the first place? I'm looking at a lower priced bogen (3130 fluid head on a 190XB) or a davis and sanford pro vista. Thanks!

Alex Lucas · September 27th, 2007, 04:26 PM

I am a professional ENG photographer by trade, and work on a tripod all day every day.

Worked with Sachtler, Vinten, Peter Lisand, O'Conner, and all the rest.

Miller tripods are the best. Period. If you can afford one, they're the best.

I had to spend an extra $200 for one. Had to.

Shoot every day on an Arrow 30, and I love it. Best, most durable tripod I've ever owned.

Bill Pryor · September 27th, 2007, 07:36 PM

I have an O'Connor 50 I bought in 1985 that still works like new, but it's a bit overkill for the XH A1; I use it with a DSR500 and some dockables. I also use a Gitzo 1338 for a DSR250, and it would be good for the XH A1. You can get a Gitzo with a lesser spring for lighter cameras. The one I have is for something like 10-22 pounds. Your camera wth the Letus, and a long lens and rods and all will probably approach 10 pounds. The Gitzo is around $!500. An O'Connor for this camera would probably be $4,000 or so. Miller and Sachtler have some lighter weight ones under $3K.

You might also look at Libec. I have a really lightweight Libec 22 I bought for the XH A1 because I wanted something light and small for shooting quick and dirty interviews. It would be undersized for your setup, but Libec has larger models. I'm impressed with their quality for the money, although they're not in the same class as the more expensive setups. I think the 38 is only about $700. Be sure you get a tripod with a 75mm ball head, at least. A 100mm is better but heavier and costlier. The cheapo Bogen you mention probably is not going to cut it. I think the cheapest good quality tripod would be a Gitzo, followed by one of the lower end Sachtlers. Also make sure it has a sliding plate so you can balance your load, otherwise it's going to be way too nose-heavy. Most tripods are rated assuming the load is balanced fore and aft. If you get a professional tripod you also will have to buy Canon's quick release tripod adapter plate because the camera comes with a cheesy 1/4" threaded tripod socket like a still camera, and the standard size for professional tripods is 3/8", although some like the smaller Libec have 1/4". The adapter plate allows you to use the Canon on any tripod head. I think it's about $135.

Mickey Mackwan · September 28th, 2007, 03:44 PM

i have read a lot of good reviews about arrow 30

Jeff Kellam · October 1st, 2007, 12:10 PM

I have a Pro-Vista with whatever head came with it, maybe a F-10 or F-12. I got it when I needed an extra tripod for a project and went cheap (was maybe on sale @ B&H for $149 w/case)

The Pro-Vista is a very heavy, but stable tripod, especially for the price. Not worth a dang for field work, it is way too heavy and tall when fully compacted. The heads on these things are a "get what you pay for" thing, but usable with practice.

For a good and cheap Davis & Sanford tripod, get the Compact Gear model. It is light & small enough for taking most places and is quick to setup. It is only about $250 with the factory head (which is usable but you really have to upgrade for a good & cheap setup).

Most cheap video heads (ie: the D&S F-10) are based on a balanced camera, there is no balance adjustment system. The XH-A1 is normally in balance and actually works pretty good with the cheap heads. With a front heavy camera you will be flopping forward every time you let go. At least D&S made the heads with a limit to forward travel so the lens dosent bang on the legs or post.

If you are wanting a good cheap tripod and will upgrade later, D&S is probably the best of the cheap ones. If you are going to start out with something nice, listen to the other guys.

Eric Weiss · October 1st, 2007, 02:29 PM

The Pro Vista is heavy but very cheap for that smooth, fluid head.

I use Libec. They are still quite cheap, very fluid, and most important for me..light as hell.

Jeff Kellam · October 1st, 2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Weiss

The Pro Vista is heavy but very cheap for that smooth, fluid head.

I use Libec. They are still quite cheap, very fluid, and most important for me..light as hell.

I would love to have a really light setup, but don't want to spent the ~$1,200 for it. Some of those Miller carbon fiber legs would be awesome!

Im not sure if that was sarcasm or not on the Pro-Vista head, but Im guessing sarcasm.

But, if you replace the head on the Pro-Vista or Compact-Gear legs with something like the Bogen 503HDV, you have a great, $500ish mid-weight setup.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...luid_Head.html

Bill Pryor · October 1st, 2007, 03:26 PM

I got the Libec 22 for my XH A1 because I wanted a small, light tripod (I have access to a larger and heavier Gitzo) for quick in-and-out interview shots. It's very smooth but marginal and takes some care to be steady at the end of a move. There's a Libec 38 that's only about $700 and is significantlly better if you want something a little heavier but still in the lightweight category.

Eric Weiss · October 1st, 2007, 03:52 PM

Jeff, I wasn't being sarcastic...for once.
I have the Pro Vista. I use it for in-studio work like product shots or recipes.
For me, it's really too heavy with the A1 and WA to be dragging all over the place.

I use the Libec in the field. I cover a lot of resorts and destinations for travel segments and b-roll. My set up is well under 20 lbs and really easy to travel with.

Alex Humphrey · October 2nd, 2007, 07:13 PM

I had to pick up an extra decent pod last month. Mathews M25. $180. Friction head, but it's pretty good. If you are in a jam the Mathews is a deal. Not as good as a $1,500 legs and head, but it's $180. MUCH better than my Manfroto 501 Pro (which isn't pro no matter how much metal you pack around the head unit...... sticks, wobbles and grabs like crazy.)

Mathews used to be a subcontractor for Libec heads and pods, but Libec is apparently outsourcing to another company now. So if you thought Libec was OK, this is a similar pod for about 50% of the price.

Eric Weiss · October 2nd, 2007, 08:45 PM

The MAthews has great reviews. It's sold out at B&H. I was going to replace a Libec with it. I also need something with a really smooth pan.

Anyone use this Cartoni?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...eo_Tripod.html

It's only 10lbs and seems ideal.

September 26th, 2007, 09:10 PM	#1
Ben Waller New Boot Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 12	Good Tripod System for XH A1 and LetusFE I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a good support system for an xh A1 and a letus on the front? Or do I even need to worry about the whole rig being too front heavy in the first place? I'm looking at a lower priced bogen (3130 fluid head on a 190XB) or a davis and sanford pro vista. Thanks!

September 27th, 2007, 04:26 PM	#2
Alex Lucas Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 50	I bought Miller. I am a professional ENG photographer by trade, and work on a tripod all day every day. Worked with Sachtler, Vinten, Peter Lisand, O'Conner, and all the rest. Miller tripods are the best. Period. If you can afford one, they're the best. I had to spend an extra $200 for one. Had to. Shoot every day on an Arrow 30, and I love it. Best, most durable tripod I've ever owned.

October 1st, 2007, 12:10 PM	#5
Jeff Kellam Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 656	I have a Pro-Vista with whatever head came with it, maybe a F-10 or F-12. I got it when I needed an extra tripod for a project and went cheap (was maybe on sale @ B&H for $149 w/case) The Pro-Vista is a very heavy, but stable tripod, especially for the price. Not worth a dang for field work, it is way too heavy and tall when fully compacted. The heads on these things are a "get what you pay for" thing, but usable with practice. For a good and cheap Davis & Sanford tripod, get the Compact Gear model. It is light & small enough for taking most places and is quick to setup. It is only about $250 with the factory head (which is usable but you really have to upgrade for a good & cheap setup). Most cheap video heads (ie: the D&S F-10) are based on a balanced camera, there is no balance adjustment system. The XH-A1 is normally in balance and actually works pretty good with the cheap heads. With a front heavy camera you will be flopping forward every time you let go. At least D&S made the heads with a limit to forward travel so the lens dosent bang on the legs or post. If you are wanting a good cheap tripod and will upgrade later, D&S is probably the best of the cheap ones. If you are going to start out with something nice, listen to the other guys. __________________ Panasonic HMC150/Canon A1/JVC HD1/Sony Vegas 8.0c

September 27th, 2007, 07:36 PM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I have an O'Connor 50 I bought in 1985 that still works like new, but it's a bit overkill for the XH A1; I use it with a DSR500 and some dockables. I also use a Gitzo 1338 for a DSR250, and it would be good for the XH A1. You can get a Gitzo with a lesser spring for lighter cameras. The one I have is for something like 10-22 pounds. Your camera wth the Letus, and a long lens and rods and all will probably approach 10 pounds. The Gitzo is around $!500. An O'Connor for this camera would probably be $4,000 or so. Miller and Sachtler have some lighter weight ones under $3K. You might also look at Libec. I have a really lightweight Libec 22 I bought for the XH A1 because I wanted something light and small for shooting quick and dirty interviews. It would be undersized for your setup, but Libec has larger models. I'm impressed with their quality for the money, although they're not in the same class as the more expensive setups. I think the 38 is only about $700. Be sure you get a tripod with a 75mm ball head, at least. A 100mm is better but heavier and costlier. The cheapo Bogen you mention probably is not going to cut it. I think the cheapest good quality tripod would be a Gitzo, followed by one of the lower end Sachtlers. Also make sure it has a sliding plate so you can balance your load, otherwise it's going to be way too nose-heavy. Most tripods are rated assuming the load is balanced fore and aft. If you get a professional tripod you also will have to buy Canon's quick release tripod adapter plate because the camera comes with a cheesy 1/4" threaded tripod socket like a still camera, and the standard size for professional tripods is 3/8", although some like the smaller Libec have 1/4". The adapter plate allows you to use the Canon on any tripod head. I think it's about $135.

September 28th, 2007, 03:44 PM	#4
Mickey Mackwan Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: sydney Australia Posts: 60	i have read a lot of good reviews about arrow 30

October 1st, 2007, 02:29 PM	#6
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	The Pro Vista is heavy but very cheap for that smooth, fluid head. I use Libec. They are still quite cheap, very fluid, and most important for me..light as hell.

October 1st, 2007, 03:26 PM	#8
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I got the Libec 22 for my XH A1 because I wanted a small, light tripod (I have access to a larger and heavier Gitzo) for quick in-and-out interview shots. It's very smooth but marginal and takes some care to be steady at the end of a move. There's a Libec 38 that's only about $700 and is significantlly better if you want something a little heavier but still in the lightweight category.

October 1st, 2007, 03:52 PM	#9
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	Jeff, I wasn't being sarcastic...for once. I have the Pro Vista. I use it for in-studio work like product shots or recipes. For me, it's really too heavy with the A1 and WA to be dragging all over the place. I use the Libec in the field. I cover a lot of resorts and destinations for travel segments and b-roll. My set up is well under 20 lbs and really easy to travel with.

October 2nd, 2007, 07:13 PM	#10
Alex Humphrey Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: california North and South Posts: 642	I had to pick up an extra decent pod last month. Mathews M25. $180. Friction head, but it's pretty good. If you are in a jam the Mathews is a deal. Not as good as a $1,500 legs and head, but it's $180. MUCH better than my Manfroto 501 Pro (which isn't pro no matter how much metal you pack around the head unit...... sticks, wobbles and grabs like crazy.) Mathews used to be a subcontractor for Libec heads and pods, but Libec is apparently outsourcing to another company now. So if you thought Libec was OK, this is a similar pod for about 50% of the price.

October 2nd, 2007, 08:45 PM	#11
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	The MAthews has great reviews. It's sold out at B&H. I was going to replace a Libec with it. I also need something with a really smooth pan. Anyone use this Cartoni? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...eo_Tripod.html It's only 10lbs and seems ideal.