The best tripod for $1200

[Al Ioimo]

Hello

What is the best tripod I can buy for about $1200? I am supporting a Sony PD170. The salesmen at the store was saying that Miller is far better than Bogan for the same price. I would like an opinion from the professionals out there.


Thanks Al

[Mark Sasahara]

I'm loving my Vinten Vision 3 Head and Vinten 2 stage aluminum legs. Usually, my XL2 is on there but I have used heavier and taller cameras, all with good handling. You will be ready for any upgrades to larger and heavier cameras. You'll just need to get a different spring depending on the weight and center of gravity. The Vision 3 is really good for smaller MiniDV cameras.

The different springs for the Vision 3 head help you fine tune payload counterbalance from 2.2 Lbs to 22Lbs. Springs are numbered 1-10 and correspond to the camera weight in Kilos.

If you can, the best thing is bring your rig to the store, or use theirs and try it on the tripod. I like some of the Bogen legs, but their heads are really bad IMHO. The newer legs are good.

Miller is more robust and will last longer than the Bogen. Sachtler, O'Connor, Panther, Gitzo, are all great too. Panther is from Germany and is beng re-introduced to the US. It comes down to personal preference and personal ergonomics.