It is also important to point out that if you have the Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging quick release adapter you won't have to balance the camera very often.

Therefore, the stand will be used just a few times and of course it will be weighted down for the risk of the camera falling.

Simon

bike stands (good ones) are made to hold a 40+lbs downhill rig, while turning pedals, manipulating brakes et cetc etc. if you buy a good one rated for a downhill bike to begin with, you wont need any weights.

quick release plate
 

Simon,

Well put. We don't include that plate and mount (Manfrotto 577)

577

as we don't know which tripod the buyer has. It's a great accessory and does save time with the front to back balance as well as quick movement from stabilizer to tripod and back. Well worth the price.

As Charles Papert has said in many places -- you always seem to be fine-tuning the balance during a shoot.

Tery
Indicam

Stand:
 

I received the mic stand that Terry recommended recently and it works great.

I need about 5-10 minutes to balance my video camera. Very easy now!

And for the HMC-150 with one shotgun microphone and the release adapter mentioned earlier I DID NOT have to weigh down the mic stand. I am sure if you are using a heavier video camera you might have to but not for my setup. The mic stand is very stable and was a great purchase!

Good day!

Simon