Bogen/Manfrotto 351MVB2 at DVinfo.net

Brian Critchlow · July 27th, 2006, 07:39 PM

I really have to recommend this tripod/head combo package to everyone who is in the mid range price market. The kit is $495 and includes the 503 head, three stage aluminum sticks, a mid level spreader, rubber feet, and a padded bag. Its really sits in its own price range, and its the best mid-level pod I found. If you go lower, they get really cheap in design, if you go higher, they are MUCH more costly.

I am using it with my XL-H1 and it is a great combo!

Just a little recommendation for anyone in the market for a tripod like it.

Scott Hovey · August 2nd, 2006, 04:05 PM

We are in the process of purchasing this for our Agency (State Agency in Hawai`i). I'm glad to hear it works great. My supervisor initially wanted to go for a more expensive combo (Bogen / Manfrotto 532ART Roadrunner 2-Stage Tripod Legs with 3460 (503) Fluid Head and Softcase). We don't do lots of studio or professional work, mainly archiving of cultural activities and areas, etc. So I'm sure we'll get more use for our money from the MVB2 set...

Beth Dill · August 4th, 2006, 01:32 AM

Hi, you've talked me into it! If you don't mind, where did you get the kit for $495? I can't locate it on B&H.

Thanks!

Brian Critchlow · August 6th, 2006, 12:00 AM

Its funny, I have told a few people that I got it for 495 at B&H & it seems like only when I send them the direct link, they can see it.

Anyway, if you search for 351MVB2 you will get two results, the 395 unit with the 501 head and the 495 with the 503.

Well it appears their site is down right now, otherwise I would post a direct link as well.

Beth Dill · August 6th, 2006, 12:24 AM

I'm sorry, I thought I did look fairly thoroughly. Thanks so much for the help and the recommendation. I really do appreciate it :-)

Tom Hardwick · August 6th, 2006, 02:33 AM

I'll second that. I have the Manfrotto version that's called the 503 (head) 525MVB (sticks). My only wish is that it was say 6" higher, for when all the guests stand up to toast the bridesmaids.

tom.

Floris van Eck · August 7th, 2006, 12:41 PM

Ok, I am considering to buy one of the following two tripod setups at this moment, so I would like some feedback from the boards.

Bogen / Manfrotto 351MVB2 Aluminum Video Tripod Kit with 75mm Half Bowl and 3460 (503) Pro Head, Mid-Level Spreader, Rubber Shoes & Padded case - Supports 13.5 lb (6.1 kg) ($484 at BH Photo Video)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

and the other combination

Bogen / Manfrotto 755B MDeVe Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black) with 3460 (503) Fluid Head and Softcase - Supports 9.7 lb (4.4 kg) ($590)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

For me, the first combination looks very sturdy. Furthermore, it can take a 6kg heavier load, which is good when I switch to more proffesional equipment in the near future. Also, I have seen some professional film teams on the streets and most of them if not all of them have the type of tripod legs of the first combination, the pyramide like legs.

At the other hand, the second combination looks really flexible, is not as heavy to carry and has the quick leveling bowl. But what I have learned from my trip to Italy, is that you can look at the weight of things from a carrying perspective, but at the end, if you are taking all your gear, you need to move a lot of weight anyway.

But I am not sure which one to choose. So feedback is appreciated.

Brian Critchlow · August 7th, 2006, 12:59 PM

The 351MVB2 has a quick-leveling bowl too.

Denis Danatzko · August 7th, 2006, 01:59 PM

I use this combo for my HVX200. I removed the spreader, but combined with the 3156 Manfrotto dolly, all work fine for me thus far. However, I haven't yet hung more on it than the camera, battery, and shotgun mic. I'm hoping I'll be as happy once I add the weight of a Cineporter and mabe even a prompter. It seems able to deal with that added weight, but time will tell.

If you can't find it at B&H, I got mine at the $ 495 price from another vendor that is not a DVINFO sponsor, so I think I'm not supposed to mention where. (They were close enough for me to pick it up, and that was before joining in this forum).

Floris van Eck · August 8th, 2006, 02:24 AM

About the legs, what is the difference between the two?

Floris van Eck · August 10th, 2006, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Critchlow

I really have to recommend this tripod/head combo package to everyone who is in the mid range price market. The kit is $495 and includes the 503 head, three stage aluminum sticks, a mid level spreader, rubber feet, and a padded bag. Its really sits in its own price range, and its the best mid-level pod I found. If you go lower, they get really cheap in design, if you go higher, they are MUCH more costly.

I am using it with my XL-H1 and it is a great combo!

Just a little recommendation for anyone in the market for a tripod like it.

Does the 351MVB2 also has spiked feet? Or in other words, does it work great in outdoor situations or is it more suited for indoor usage?

Tom Hardwick · August 10th, 2006, 03:37 AM

Yes, spiked feet or rubber soles. Must admit I use it on the rubber+spreader all the time, and kicking the spreader upward with the toe of my show means I can quickly zip to another location, legs snapped together. I'm with Brian that this is a wonderful combo.

tom.

Joe Carney · August 10th, 2006, 12:01 PM

zgc (one of dvinfo sponsors) has the kit for a similar price.

btw, what is the max height you can raise the camera? I need to get close to 72" occasionally.

Thanks in advance

Floris van Eck · August 10th, 2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Hardwick

Yes, spiked feet or rubber soles. Must admit I use it on the rubber+spreader all the time, and kicking the spreader upward with the toe of my show means I can quickly zip to another location, legs snapped together. I'm with Brian that this is a wonderful combo.

tom.

So the standard combination, has both spiked feet and rubber shoes? Or are the spiked feet optional? It would be great if you could clarify this!

Greg Watts · August 10th, 2006, 04:37 PM

It affords you the option of either spiked feet or rubber pad. It comes with both. I love mine and for the money it's unbeatable.

Cheers

July 27th, 2006, 07:39 PM	#1
Brian Critchlow Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 133	Bogen/Manfrotto 351MVB2 I really have to recommend this tripod/head combo package to everyone who is in the mid range price market. The kit is $495 and includes the 503 head, three stage aluminum sticks, a mid level spreader, rubber feet, and a padded bag. Its really sits in its own price range, and its the best mid-level pod I found. If you go lower, they get really cheap in design, if you go higher, they are MUCH more costly. I am using it with my XL-H1 and it is a great combo! Just a little recommendation for anyone in the market for a tripod like it.

August 2nd, 2006, 04:05 PM	#2
Scott Hovey Tourist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kaneohe HI Posts: 3	sweet! We are in the process of purchasing this for our Agency (State Agency in Hawai`i). I'm glad to hear it works great. My supervisor initially wanted to go for a more expensive combo (Bogen / Manfrotto 532ART Roadrunner 2-Stage Tripod Legs with 3460 (503) Fluid Head and Softcase). We don't do lots of studio or professional work, mainly archiving of cultural activities and areas, etc. So I'm sure we'll get more use for our money from the MVB2 set...

August 7th, 2006, 01:59 PM	#9
Denis Danatzko Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NYC Metro area Posts: 579	I'll second that recommendation. I use this combo for my HVX200. I removed the spreader, but combined with the 3156 Manfrotto dolly, all work fine for me thus far. However, I haven't yet hung more on it than the camera, battery, and shotgun mic. I'm hoping I'll be as happy once I add the weight of a Cineporter and mabe even a prompter. It seems able to deal with that added weight, but time will tell. If you can't find it at B&H, I got mine at the $ 495 price from another vendor that is not a DVINFO sponsor, so I think I'm not supposed to mention where. (They were close enough for me to pick it up, and that was before joining in this forum). __________________ Denis ------------ Our actions are based on our own experience and knowledge. Thus, no one is ever totally right, nor totally wrong. We simply act from what we "know" to be true, based on that experience and knowledge. Beyond that, we pose questions to others.

August 10th, 2006, 12:01 PM	#13
Joe Carney Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centreville Va Posts: 1,828	zgc (one of dvinfo sponsors) has the kit for a similar price. btw, what is the max height you can raise the camera? I need to get close to 72" occasionally. Thanks in advance __________________ Boycott Guinness, bring back the pint!!!

August 4th, 2006, 01:32 AM	#3
Beth Dill Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 45	Hi, you've talked me into it! If you don't mind, where did you get the kit for $495? I can't locate it on B&H. Thanks!

August 6th, 2006, 12:00 AM	#4
Brian Critchlow Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 133	Its funny, I have told a few people that I got it for 495 at B&H & it seems like only when I send them the direct link, they can see it. Anyway, if you search for 351MVB2 you will get two results, the 395 unit with the 501 head and the 495 with the 503. Well it appears their site is down right now, otherwise I would post a direct link as well.

August 6th, 2006, 12:24 AM	#5
Beth Dill Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 45	I'm sorry, I thought I did look fairly thoroughly. Thanks so much for the help and the recommendation. I really do appreciate it :-)

August 6th, 2006, 02:33 AM	#6
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I'll second that. I have the Manfrotto version that's called the 503 (head) 525MVB (sticks). My only wish is that it was say 6" higher, for when all the guests stand up to toast the bridesmaids. tom.

August 7th, 2006, 12:41 PM	#7
Floris van Eck Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 993	Ok, I am considering to buy one of the following two tripod setups at this moment, so I would like some feedback from the boards. Bogen / Manfrotto 351MVB2 Aluminum Video Tripod Kit with 75mm Half Bowl and 3460 (503) Pro Head, Mid-Level Spreader, Rubber Shoes & Padded case - Supports 13.5 lb (6.1 kg) ($484 at BH Photo Video) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search and the other combination Bogen / Manfrotto 755B MDeVe Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black) with 3460 (503) Fluid Head and Softcase - Supports 9.7 lb (4.4 kg) ($590) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search For me, the first combination looks very sturdy. Furthermore, it can take a 6kg heavier load, which is good when I switch to more proffesional equipment in the near future. Also, I have seen some professional film teams on the streets and most of them if not all of them have the type of tripod legs of the first combination, the pyramide like legs. At the other hand, the second combination looks really flexible, is not as heavy to carry and has the quick leveling bowl. But what I have learned from my trip to Italy, is that you can look at the weight of things from a carrying perspective, but at the end, if you are taking all your gear, you need to move a lot of weight anyway. But I am not sure which one to choose. So feedback is appreciated.

August 7th, 2006, 12:59 PM	#8
Brian Critchlow Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 133	The 351MVB2 has a quick-leveling bowl too.

August 8th, 2006, 02:24 AM	#10
Floris van Eck Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 993	About the legs, what is the difference between the two?

August 10th, 2006, 03:37 AM	#12
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Yes, spiked feet or rubber soles. Must admit I use it on the rubber+spreader all the time, and kicking the spreader upward with the toe of my show means I can quickly zip to another location, legs snapped together. I'm with Brian that this is a wonderful combo. tom.

August 10th, 2006, 04:37 PM	#15
Greg Watts Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Louisville, Ky Posts: 66	It affords you the option of either spiked feet or rubber pad. It comes with both. I love mine and for the money it's unbeatable. Cheers