I use an old Bogen 3221WN and a 501 fluid head. Works very well. If I were buying one today I would move up to the slightly more steady Bogen 3046 with the 501 fluid head. And you're only talking $500.

Not to be picky, or hurt anyone's feelings, but the $150 Bogen/Manfrotto 501 is not a true fluid head.
If I were going the Manfrotto route, I would step up to a 503, which is a much better head than the 501.

And yes we do own a 501.

wow, thanks guys. if i can get away with $500-$700 on this and get great performance, I can get a mic setup as well :)

Mark,

As someone mentioned in this thread, the "perfect" tripod really comes down to personal preference. Tapeworks is a direct dealer for all of the main tripod manufacturers on the market including Bogen (Gitzo and Manfrotto), Vinten, Miller and Libec.

As a dealer, I recommend the manufacturer that fits within budget for the client and provides the best customer support. Libec has provided the best support to my clients over all the others. Libec is always there for my clients needs and requests. Their products are in stock majority of the time and ready to dropship straight to the client.

If you budget is in the $500 - $700 range, then Libec can supply a professional tripod system within that budget. Someone mentioned earlier in this thread about the LS38 which is a nice system. The LS38 had a great write up in a couple DV magazines. TapeWorks sales this system for $599.00 with the mid-level spreader.

However, I generally recommend the Libec LS55 as it has Strong and weak torque change for pan and tilt where the LS38 does not. The LS55 system runs for $849.00 with the mid-level spreader.

If you have any questions on the Libec systems or any of the others (Bogen, Vinten, Miller) Please contact me at TapeWorks and I would be glad to provide any information you need.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
TapeWorks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
866-827-3489 TOLL FREE
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

for 400 dollars what stick set up would you go with
 

ok so again with the budget questions. I have an A1 and only about 400 dollars to spend on a tripod and head what would you recomend?? Ill be shooting high school sporting events and weddings here and there


the libec 22 seems reasonable but im not sure about its head
bogen 501 or the 503 are also some of my other choices

what is the take on the bogen 701 rc

Click on the 'Search' link above, type in "701" (without quotes) and you'll find about 20 links referencing the 701 on this board.

Here's an example (an older thread, but lots of info): http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...&highlight=701

I own and use a 701RCII and Manfrotto 756B legs with a small, consumer type DV cam (Sony TRV38) and it performs well enough for my non-commercial applications.

Hope this helps...

Allen

the 701 head is not bad. It is way better than not having a fluid head.

The 501 is better though. You can adjust the friction on the 501 more and i think it feels a little smoother.

I have used both with a vx-2000 with the big battery and both will give acceptable results.

If weight, portability is a big issue or if what your doing is just for personal use I think the 701 will be find for you.

I have two 701RC2 heads that I use with a VX2100 to film dog sports. With experience, you can develop a light touch to make the head work well for pans, but its harder to get smooth movement if you need a diagonal (more so if you're zoomed in, of course). Its not bad for the price, as long as you recognize its limits.

For me I'm mostly set up on the field and don't need to tilt. But if you're filming from the top of the bleachers you'll need more combinations of movements and may find yourself wishing you had gotten a more expensive head. Also, I'd say the VX2100 is at about the limit weight-wise for this head. Mine holds the camera level just fine, but if you're looking down on the field its hard to tweak it so it doesn't sag. An XH A1 might be a little much.

Keep in mind that heads last a long time. Maybe see if you can find a local users group where you might be able to hit people up to try their equipment and see what you like before investing the cash.

-Terence

The Gitzo G2180 head is worth looking at for $250. It is very small, very light and quite smooth in my experience. That leaves you $150 for legs.

Best wishes,
Peter
______________________
http://www.parkfilms.com

If you start looking more seriously @ the Bogen route you might want to look locally :p

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=86460

:)

(noticed the threads while looking @ new posts :)

In that price range, most heads you'll find will be flat-base heads. It's a HUGE time saver to have a leveling ball, so you don't have to be absolutely perfect when setting the heights of your legs. Bogen makes a nice, inexpensive set of legs that incorporates a column and system to level flat-base heads. The number is 756B and it comes in kits with a few different heads. Its a cheap way to get decent lightweight legs that level a cheap head.

Alternatively, the Libec LS-22 is just barely in your range, and while its overall capacity is lower than the 501, it's a fair bit smoother, and it's a true fluid head (from what users say) with a 75mm leveling ball, whereas the 501 is a lubricated friction system. That's not to say you can't get good results with the 501 - it just takes a lot of patience and delicacy. The 501 will be a lot more durable in terms of throwing it around and putting it in checked-baggage. But the Ls-22 system is smoother, I have tried both. Unless money is no object, any tripod system will be some balance between features, performance, durability and personal preference. You could spend $400 or $4000 (seriously!) on a tripod for your exact camera, but in the end if you get great results, it doesn't matter what you spent - nobody will look at your footage and say "hey that pan looked like a bogen 501 head, but your tilt was more O'connor 1030b-ish." If you practice with your own kit to the point where you're comfortable, it'll be smooth enough to be invisible.

newbe tripod question for a1
 

Bought the a1 love in it
mostly a photograher here just starting to get into video
any recommendations for an all purpose
tripod and head
not to heavy?

Congrats on your new Canon A1, but if you've any tripod questions then post it here. http://dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=118

Also, I use the Libec LS-38 which is a very nice tripod and not very expensive.

deleted message

Tripod for Canon A1
 

I looking for a good tripod system for the Canon A1. I will use most of the time inside, but my first big project (two weeks in the forest, making hunting video) will be outside.
I looking these two system:

Cartoni F101 Focus
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

or
Sachtler DV-2IISL
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

The Schactler's leg is Carbon Fiber, but both has a same weight. In the forest I think I need a light system. Also, I wonder if I can add spike feet to these legs.
Or some cheaper Bogen system is enough?
Any recommendation?

Thanks: Laszlo

I've owned two Sachtler systems and loved them both, but I just sold both of them as I'm moving to smaller form cameras and after doing a lot of looking around, the Gitzo system at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation
is the best value in my not so humble opinion. It works with loads from 2 to 22 pounds, but I've seen it loaded with a Sony F900 (a beast) with no problems. It uses different springs you can swap to allow a variety of different weights to be used, so no matter how much stuff you load on the cam you are not going to overload it. At 9.5 pounds, and a shoulder strap included, you could easily carry this anywhere. And while the stock handle which tightens the head is too long to lower the sticks as far down as they go, Bogen will send you a replacement knob which WILL allow you to go as low as you can (forgot buying baby legs).

Thanks I have two of this Gitzo system, but it's way too heavy in the forest.

If you use the Sachtler 6SB head there is no need to buy the extra C.O.G. DV-2 plate, to bring the A1 in balance. You can use the standard camera plate that is standard with the head, change the pin setting and attach it to the XH-A1. (I know that you need the extra DV plate $ for use with the Sony V1).

How do you get around the limitations? I was looking for a tripod for a soon-to-be-purchased A1, and the 501/525 combo is accessible here. But sounds like that may not be a good bet?

Scott,

You recommended the LS-55 with the mid-level spreader. Can you provide a few details about the pro's and cons of the mid-level vs. the floor spreader and why you suggest the former? Thanks. I am thinking I might follow your advice even though I just purchased some brand new Bogen 3246 legs on eBay and was planning on putting a Bogen 503 on it. :-(

My Tripod Choice
 

I like a Manfrotto 055MF4 Magfiber Pro Carbon Tripod with a Manfrotto 3502 Compact Leveling Head - Ball Camera Leveller with a Manfrotto 3130 Micro Fluid Head. This easily supports my Canon XH-A1 and is extremely portable.

Works Great!

Raymond, how are you liking this setup?

I'm really torn between the DV6 SB and the Vinten Vision 3. I know the DV6 is more $$, but you don't have to change springs. I just got off the phone Vinten and they said a #2 spring would be ideal for the XH-A1, but if I anticipate adding a mattebox, etc. go with the #3 spring. I really don't feel like having to switch between springs and futs around with rebalancing too much. As for the Vinten Vision 6, they said that would probably be too much for such a light camera.

XH tripod heads
 

Hi everyone,

Did a search of forums but could not find anything specific on this.

I am trying to decide between to bogen video heads for the Canon XH A1.
The bogen 503 or the bogen 516.

Questions:

Are both heads identical in technology, but just different load capacities?

Considering the relatively light weight of the XH A1, is going with the bigger 516 head better than the 503?

...Or should I be concerned with matching up the camera's weight with the right size head such as the 503?



Thanks,

Mark

I am using the 503 with the XH-A1, with the 523PRO remote control (a real plus I would highly recommend, even with the Push AF limitation for Canon camcorders). I have not used the 516.

I am quite satisfied with the setup, even though it is not perfect. One of the issues is in the counter balance spring, which is not adjustable. It is not far off, though. Looking at the spec sheet, I guess the 516 would be definitely worse in this regard, as the spring is designed for a 16.5lbs camcorder vs. 5.5lbs for the 503.

Why does this matter? Imagine you balance the camcorder (by adjusting the locking position of the quick release plate on the head). It will then stay horizontal at minimal friction. If you then tilt the camcorder up or down, it should ideally stay at the angle you select without having to lock it in position. With the XH-A1 on the 503, the position will slowly shift as the spring strength does not exactly match the camera. But this should be significantly worse with the 516.

The new 503HDV head, introduced at NAB and scheduled for release this summer, might not be much better than the 503 in this regard. Sure, it has an adjustable counter balance spring, but it is not continuous, with only 4 positions. Not sure one will be a closer match than the 503.

--
Fred

thanks
 

Frederic,

Thanks for your reply. I did notice the new version of the 503, the 503HDV is not available until July from B&H. That figures, very tough for me to get the regualr 503 when I know the other model is due out. Unfortunatley I need a head within a couple of weeks. I was doing some searches and saw the Gitzo G2180. I do not know anything about this head and searches turned up very little.

Does anyone have experiance with the G2180?

How does it compare with the Bogen 503 or 516?

Thanks,

Mark

Miller DS-10 for Canon XH-A1
 

Budget allows getting the DS-10 for the XH-A1. Would this be overkill? Would the Libec LS-55M or 38M be a better match..?
Thx, Rgds, Ross.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The DS10 is definitely not overkill, its a great head and works extremely well with my Z1 and previous PD150. The canon will fit it fine and its well worth the money.

Joe,
Thanks for the endorsement..! Just as well, as it's already on order..!
NZ, eh..? always fancied a trip down there to do a spot of trout fishing; heard it's pretty good.. (I'm British, but born in OZ, left when I was 3, never been back but always yearned to get back down to your part of the world...)
Rgds, Ross.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am looking at the 755B legs, similar to 745.
May I ask why the 503 head? What are the advantages over 501HDV, specifically for XH-A1?

Hello,
I too have XH A1 and am wondering, how good is Manfrotto 525MVB Tripod?
It's a part of the 503/525 kit I can get here.

My needs would primary be shooting outdoors, including taking the tripod on hikes.

Thanks

From what I've read, the 503 is a true fluid head while the 501 is only fluid-like. As a 501 owner, I have to agree. Horizontal movement is quite nice on the 501, but the tilt movement is often started with jerk that is totally visible in the footage. Perhaps this is due to my lack of grace with only a Sony VX2000 or Z1U.

Anyway, compare the use of the term "fluid head" in the specs :

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Pro_Video.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...luid_Head.html

Andreas,

I just received a set of 525mvb legs. I have a miller head on them and I am very pleased with them so far and I have used them about 2 hours of taping. They have a floor spreader and it is very easy to use. They fold up inside. they are kind of bulky. I am making a Velcro strap to put around them to hold them together when not in use but being carried by hand. There is no torsion movement that is noticable and my miller head can be relatively stiff for slow easy pans. They are reasonably easy to use and set up quickly. They are are fairly heavy but not excessive to me.

I get some very nice tilts/pans with my 501... still learning... but on a budget for $400 with legs and a case (that I fly with) I couldn't be happier...

http://www.lousyheros.com/videos/xpslpat.wmv I agree some parts are bad, and other parts are very smooth, this was the first time out with my new cam (HDR-FX7) and this tripod, still figuring out how to level it better, the terrain I was on was uneven (on the sidelines) and still getting used to all of it... like at 7-9 seconds... I didn't notice any jerk when I stopped...

And at :26, that's my fault... not the tripod :)

I'm talking about the slight jerk when starting a tilt with the 501. Perhaps I just need to master the head and even use a longer tripod arm.

Tripod Recomendations
 

Can anyone can give me a good recomendation on a these tripod. I'm on a budget, but I've been looking on other sites and I've seen a couple in my price range, I don't want to spend over $380. This is what I've seen:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ipod_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...m_2_Stage.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_System.html

I guess these are the low end prosumer tripods which fine with me, my main concern is durability and weight support for my A1. And all of these range from 9lbs-17lbs in support therefore I'm good. But anyways, tell me what you all think and if you have used any of these? Thank you everyone. :)

For the money, Libec. I use the TH-M20 too.

I also have that Davis and Sanford. It's not too good.

I have this tripod:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...od_System.html

It's looks like it's the next step up from the Manfrotto you had picked out. This kit comes with a bag, and let me tell you, YOU WILL WANT A BAG. I wouldn't go anywhere without a bag for my A1, and I wouldn't go anywhere without a bag for my tripod.

The 3221 Tripod is awesome, and then you put the 501HDV head on it and youv'e got the best tripod under $500 for only $409.

One quick question. Do you do most of your filming indoors or outdoors. If indoors then you might want a tripod with a ground spreader like the Libec. If you do most of your filming outdoors then the Manfrotto will be great.

Really, cool. Yeah the Davis & Sanford looks good but looks are a different story when you try it. Thanks Eric, I notice the TH-M20 is less than the LS-22, hmmmm... saves me a little but still a good tripod, cool. Thanks again. I'll get a couple more recomendation then I'll grab one of them. :)

Yeah, I saw that one too Kevin, good look man. Yeah I do want a bag, as far as my A1 I bought the 1510 Pelican case for it, so I'm covered regarding the A1. Yes I will be doing inside and outside shooting, mostly interviews, music videos & short skits for my cable access-show. But I will start doing some small films too, but that's to come because I'm still new at all this but I'm learning fast. So thanks for the recomendation. :)