Tripod, microphone and Light for XL2.
 

Well I have a problem and I need it to be solved ASAP... Basically I need a good tripod preferably a "bogen/manfrotto" tripod that can support the full weight of the xl2 with the on camera light on full telephoto lens setting (20x optical).

Tripod needs:

Won't shake or move when there are 5-10 MPH on full zoom (20x lens)
Needs to be under $650

Looking at this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_System.html

Camera light needs:

Adjustable brightness

Under $255

Microphone:

Not sure if I want directional or omni (whats best for weddings, gyms, recitals, etc.. etc.. The distance will be within 12 ft) I was looking at the NTG-2 mic for graduations in particular on a mic stand within 5 ft.

Under $350


Please help me out here, I could read tons of articles, but that still won't answer my questions, I need to know your personal experiences with your equip and if they are good choices, thanks so much for the help.

-Scott

Scott, the truth is you're asking too much out of too little, especially with the tripod.

Hey Jay, as long as you're being honest, I appreciate honesty, thats why I came here, hopefully someone here could kind of tell me what they have what they've experienced etc.. etc..

Hi Scott,
I'm thinking you'll have to do some reading after all, but since what you are looking into isn't really specific to the XL2, you'll be better off perusing the specific forum threads dedicated to each of the various items you are asking about.

Here are where you will find the most detailed discussions pertaining to each area of interest.

For the tripod and head, look into the Support Your Local Camera threads:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=42

For the lights, look into the Photon Management threads:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=41

and for the Mic, look into the All Things Audio threads:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=53


For your indicated budget, I would say you will be able to find some very decent gear that will perform admirably, however since each shooting situation will place different demands on what is the right tool for the job, reading these threads will help give you a wider scope of user experiences from which to make your purchasing decisions.

Hope this helps.
-Jon


PS: What I use - basically a very similar tripod setup. An older bogen/manfrotto 3246 set of of sticks with a 501 head. Sturdy and proven gear IMO, For my most often used mic, an AT-897 short shotgun mic for much of my shooting (and a variety of others for controlled studio or near-field situations), I don't own the NGT-2 but have heard very good things about it, and for on-camera lighting, a Bescor light kit - which has been a great budget performer though the battery pack is a pain in the a**. (Would prefer LightPanels or similar LED kits, but not in my budget right now.)

Hi Scott,

Don't know if I'm late with my two cents, and hopefully you've gotten some answers already. But here goes...

Can't answer for the Bogen tripod/fluid head; we use the Libec LS22 with H22 fluid head (specs say it supports up to 8.8lbs), and its okay. Which is to say that it adequately supports the XL2 with the 3X lens, and just barely with the 20X lens (with very minimal camera movements unfortunately). Should've upgraded to the beefier LS38 sticks with H38 fluid head :(

For on-cam lights we use the dimmable Bescor light (MPL-645 with barn doors) with 50W bulb; it has the dichroic flip filter for 5600/3200K capability. We run it with a small, but heavy lead acid battery.

For audio, we use the Audio-Technica 897 short shotgun mic; we've been using for a good year now and we've found it to be very good indeed. Like most shotguns, it's directional; but if you're running and gunning by yourself, it's a very good on cam mic.

Best,

--JA
www.madjavaproductions.com

Not too late at all. Where did you buy your tripod and where could I find the one for the 20x lens that would be good? I couldn't find any reliable sites for the "LS38"? Maybe you could recommend a site?

Hi Scott--

We bought our Libec tripod system complete with ground spreaders from Zotz Digital, a forum sponsor. Brian, the owner, will be more than happy to answer questions and give out advice. One caveat though (worth two cents of course :)...

If I had a chance to put the XL2 on any tripod and play with it first, I would have; those shoulda, coulda, woulda moments, and always great in hindsight! I guess if you aren't near any stores with pro gear, you have to go on user's experience and advice on these wonderful forums.

Best,

--JA
www.madjavaproductions.com

PS--Saw the Libec LS38 system on B and H:

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

Plus, Zotz might be selling them as well.