need a precise tripod head at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Tripod Sticks & Heads

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old July 9th, 2004, 05:20 AM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Kuwait, Kuwait
Posts: 100
need a precise tripod head

Hello,
I own Bogen 3046 Tripod Legs with 3433 Pro Video Fluid Head, pictured here:

Bogen 3046 Tripod

I use it with Canon XL1s. It's working OK so far, but I have a problem: the panning is not super precise. for example: if i wanna pan the head 1 inch or less, the shot will slightly "jump". it's like there's a gap in the fluid head. you can pan fast shots, but you can't pan in millimeters.

I donno if it's because the tripod is cheap, or a problem in the head.

anyways, i'm looking into buying a more professional tripod, which is super precise in movement. budget doesn't matter. any suggestions?
Nawaf Alali is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 9th, 2004, 05:29 AM   #2
Wrangler
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Mays Landing, NJ
Posts: 11,787
The 501 head is frequently discussed here and it's interesting to see that people have some strong conflicting opinions on it. I suppose it has to do with your expectations and shooting style.

I have a 501 myself, but hardly use it anymore, unless I need two tripods. I had the same sort of problems you describe, and I think it's just the nature of the 501. It works fine for quick panning, or shots on the wide end of the zoom. But if you zoom all the way in and want smooth motion then it doesn't do a very good job.

I replaced mine with a Miller DS-5 which was a huge improvement, and cost around $800 with the legs. It also has a ball leveller which I don't know how I ever lived without.

I don't know anything about the legs you have, but I suspect most of your problems are in the 501 head, especially using a heavier camera like the XL-1, since I'm only using the little PDX-10. Browse through this forum and you'll find lots of discussion of the 501, and plenty of suggestions for upgrades from different manufacturers.
Boyd Ostroff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 9th, 2004, 08:52 AM   #3
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 6,609
The legs are fine, I use 3 of them and love 'em. The 501 is not a true fluid head so thats where I think you should start. Although I have and use the 501's I also have a 503 which is way ahead of the 501 for smooth moves. There is also the 510 and 516 but they are a little costly, (the 510 about 8 or 9 hundred and the 516 anout 5 hundred) so if I were you look at the budget you have and then go from there. The 503 might work well for you but it almost sounds like the 510 or 516 might really be what you want.
Don B.
Don Bloom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 10th, 2004, 05:41 AM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Kuwait, Kuwait
Posts: 100
I've looked at the 516 & 510. I'm probably going for the 516.

thanx for the advice
Nawaf Alali is offline   Reply With Quote
Old July 10th, 2004, 06:02 AM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 484
I just want to second Boyd's comment about the ball leveller. I bought a tripod, head and optional centre column with leveller last month at B&H. From the minute I started using it I couldn't believe I'd shot anything without it, and I still feel that way every time I use it. The time and shots it saves are amazing.

David Hurdon
David Hurdon is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > The Tools of DV and HD Production > Support Your Local Camera > Tripod Sticks & Heads

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:50 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network