Tripod For XM2/GL2
 

Hallo I'm new to digital cameras, I've bougth an XM2 one month ago and i'm very happy, but for some shots I've noticed that a tripod should be very useful. But I know anything about tripods. I have a budget of 500 sFR (~350$). Can someone give me some advices.

I thank you very much, Dave

Libec M20
 

I think the Libec M20 would be your best bet. Some of the Watchdog vendors sell them, but as you are in Switzerland....

I'll second the Libec unless you get a big break on Manfrotto tripods and heads. Your budget is right in the middle of many tripods. The Libec should only run about $200. There's not much else until you hit $450 to $500.

Jeff

The libec Tripod seems to be intresting and has a fluid head i'll check the price here in switzerland.

Before I was thinking at a sony vct-870RM for the remote controller, but the 870 hasn't a fluid head. The sony vct-1170RM seems cool but it's 829 sFR (~520$) too much for me.

Are there alternatives for lanc remotes?

Tnx Dave

VariZoom makes controllers http://www.varizoom.com/index.htm If you use the search function (search for varizoom) you'll see it is highly regarded by most. There are reviews on DV Info, click the link at the bottom.

Jeff

Hi yesterday i went to some photo/video shops in Zürich looking for an intresting tripod. I didn't find any libec, are they released in europe? I found a manfrotto with 500mv legs and 136 head for 589 sFr (~400$) Is it a good leg/head set? Is the price ok?
I thank you, Dave

Manfrotto has a different distributer in the Us so it is sometimes difficult to compare models. In the US the tripod is #3141 and the head is #3063. The #3063 Mini fluid head is around $125. It would not be my first choice in fluid heads. It is modestly priced and it's pan and tilt are not very smooth. It is not a true fluid head and uses friction to dampen the action. This accounts for the lack of smooth control. The #3141 legs are a pro 2 stage tripod. Very nice construction and given reasonable care, can last lifetime. It includes a ground spreader, which is not as versatile as a mid-level spreader outside. It retails for around $350 to $400 depending on color (425 extra for black). The #3141 requires a 100mm bowl fluid head. The 3063 is not a 100mm bowl head and requires the #3141 Ball and is around $50. It does not appear that Bogen packages these pieces as a kit in this country.

Video tripods are only as good as their weakest link. The #3063 heads leaves much to be desired in my opinion. I would look at either the #3460 ($250) or the #516 ($400). They will both require the 3141 Ball to adapt them to the 100mm bowl tripod.

Your original combination seems a good deal, price wise ($400 vs. $575). Check see if the dealer can order in other heads more suitable for the XM2.

Jeff