A1 w/ Libec 38
 

I have both the 503 and the Libec 38. I can tell you that there is no comparison between the two. The libec 38 is a great head. I describe it as my 503 if all the settings and adjustments are absolutely perfect. The difference is with the 38 it is always there. No adjustments. No bounce back. Great mid level spreader with a 45 degree lock option for tight spaces.

I miss my adjustable length pan handle, but that's it. No complaints so far.

Jonathan Schwartz
Owner, CA Video Productions

Bought Solo DV Carbon Fiber with DS-10
 

I just bought the subject combo for my Sony Z1, which has a similar weight and balance to the Canon XH-A1. I considered two Sachtler models, a Vinten, and a Bogen. The Sachtlers were pretty close and I could have afforded their DV-6SB, but chose the Miller because it filled the bill very well.

My priorities were (1) performance (2) ease of operation, and (3) lightness and totability. Initially I rejected the Solo DV because it seemed too basic, but it the end, it has an extremely smooth pan and tilt without backlash, balanced my camera well, and easily won in the totability face off. It is easy to carry, in its case or by itself, with included padded strap. Of those I considered it had the greatest range.

It was also the least expensive.

Has anyone used the Bogen / Manfrotto 561B monopod with the XH-A1? I'm interested in hearing pros and cons.

Also, I know you're supposed to turn off the Image Stabilizer when using a tripod. Is the same true when using a monopod?

I just got a Libec 38 in yesterday, also from Tapeworks Texas. I didn't put the feet on yet, but it appears the bag is big enough at first glance. I'll have to check that out tonight.

So far this tripod appears perfect for the XH A1. I had bought a Libec 22 and it has a nice, smooth move, but with the addition of the Canon tripod adapter plate, a shotgun mic and a wireless receiver, and their associated cables, I felt the total weight was pushing it. On a long lens shot it was a bit hard to control. Useable, but I preferred something a bit heavier. The 38 is a perfect fit for a reasonable price. It also goes up a little higher than the 22, which I needed. And I agree, that 180-45 degree thing on the center spreader is nice.

The 22 was nice in that it was a single stage, small and light and could be tied onto the side of the camera bag with the velcro strips (Petrol bag has those). The 38 is a bit too large for that, but that's OK. I sold the 22 to a guy with just a naked XH A1 and it is working fine for him.

By the way, TT's price on the 38 is significantly less than even B&H.

The reason I use the tripod adapter plate is that the XH A1 only has the 1/4" socket on the base, and I often use it on bigger tripods with teleprompter, and they all have the standard 3/8" screw. The plate has both 3/8" and 1/4". It would seem a simple thing to put a normal 3/8" socket next to the 1/4" in the camera baseplate.

I have two LS38s and the bag that comes with them fits with the feet and floor level spreader but it doesn't fit the feet with the mid-level spreader. It's good to hear Libec is getting some bigger bags.

I use 'em with the XH-A1 as well and think they are great and especially a great value.

I'll try to check it out tonight. It looks as if will fit, but I didn't attach the feet last night. I did leave the Canon tripod adapter plate on, and the bag zips closed around it nicely.

Scott at TT, by the way, said Libec has excellent customer service.

Would most agree that the Libec LS-38 is a little smoother than the Bog/Man 503?
There seems to be only a $50 difference....

which one seems to be more favorable to everyone?

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

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...3HDV_HEAD.html

Oh and where has anyone found these the cheapest??

Thanks!!!

Bill, You've had your LS38 system now for almost a month. I am interested in your opinion of the product. I tend to recommend Libec quite often and always like to hear feedback. Please provide a review!

I haven't done much shooting with it yet, only for test purposes, but I'd say it's an excellent match for the XH A1.

Originally I bought a Libec 22 when I got the camera. I wanted something small and as lightweight as possible. The 22 has a nice smooth movement but is a bit undersized for the camera with the Canon mounting plate, shotgun mic and wireless receiver. I think that puts it over the limit of the 22.

While I thought the 22 was very well made for its price range, the 38 is significantly better. Everything is heavier duty, even the spreader and the feet. Overall it's a bigger, heavier tripod, but still lightweight by my standards.

In my initial testing I do not see any of the "bounceback" the 22 has. This is common to most all inexpensive tripods. That refers to what happens at the end of a pan...you stop and the head wants to move back just a bit. It won't stay put exactly where you stop. The workaround to this is to use the lockdown lever at the end of a pan--just squeeze it gently so it locks lightly and you can stop a pan perfectly.

The Libec 38 does not seem to have any of this bounceback, which is amazing in a tripod in this price range. Movement is smooth, and I can zoom in all the way and make a steady tilt or pan with no wiggle. I think it is perfectly sized for cameras like the XH A1. I believe the specs say 8-18 pounds, but as we all know, tripod manufacturers like to exaggerate the upper end. My old O'Connor 50 is rated at 50 pounds, but you don't want to put 50 pounds on it. You can do it, but it's a lot like running FCP with the minimum amount of RAM specified. Just because you can do it doesn't mean it's a good thing to do.

Same for tripod weight specs--consider the low end when looking. That puts the Libec 38 right in line for the XH A1. I wouldn't change a thing on it.

One thing that's very cool with the 38 is the way the center spreader works. You can get it with either center or ground spreader. I like the center spreader. What's different about this one is that, say you want to squeeze the legs in just a little to raise the tripod quickly. You push the big button in the middle of the spreader and that unlocks the 180 degree position. Lift up and the spreader will then lock into place in a 45 degree elevated position, so you don't have to worry about your legs sliding out.

I got the 38 from Tapeworks Texas, which has a good price on all Libec stuff, and you get something almost unheard of these days: decent customer service.

Best tripod for xh a1?
 

Anyone have any recommendations as far as a tripod goes?

Thanks!
-Rick

Best bang for the buck is a set of Manfrotto 055 legs and a 503 fluid head

There are some cheap fluid heads out there but they dont have the sheer bulk mass of the Manfrotto head units.

The A1 is substantially heavier (at least half a kilo) than a fully loaded DVX/HVX or a PD170

In general, the heaviest, most rugged you can afford. Beyond that general advice, it depends on what you are doing, what portability you need, and your budget.

Plan to spend a minimum of around $275 for a decent portable video tripod and head, likely a good bit more if you are a serious shooter needing serious support.

I am using a Bogen 501 head on a set of discontinued Bogen legs.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I think I may have a decent enough tripod actually... I'm using the Amvona AT 6703 so maybe I just need a new head to support the weight of the xh a1. Recommendations?

I first bought a Libec 22 but with the added weight of the quick release plate I use, the shotgun mic, and a wireless receiver, it felt a little light. It also had that cheap tripod bounceback, but it was quite well made for the money. I sold it and got a Libec 38 which is excellent for the XH A1 and has none of the bounceback. It was only around $600.

I'm using the 501 Bogen head on a Manfrotto setup as well. I love it. It might not be rugged enough for certain filming applications, but it suits me just fine.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ith_351MV.html

The 501 Bogen head/manfrotto setup looks slick. It pretty light?

Yeah it's not bad. The specs on it on the B&H page says 12.5 lbs. The case has a shoulder strap and a handle so it's easy to cary either way and is really padded. I really like it.

I use a 501 head on
on these 055 legs
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/14795
Its a stills tripod
but IMO better than any video tripod at that price.
Legs are free folding out to a certain point which makes
levelling a sinch. just pull in whichever leg to where you need it
to level the shot.
They are not linked by a spreader so it makes this possible.

Also leave just one leg down for a good monopod with a good head on it.

We have very nice Vinten Vision systems at our production group, but more often than not I use a $60 Velbon VideoMate. Laugh if you want to, but I do so much run-n-gun, one-man-band shooting that I don't want to carry all that heavy gear. For lock down interviews and simple camera movements, and when I'm in a tight space, the thing has been a life saver. Sure it won't impress anyone, and people make wisecracks, but if I use it skillfully it can do the job- and I can travel that much lighter.

I hear ya, Benjamin. I've used this same tripod going on 12 years, and with the exception of several pieces of broken plastic, thanks to Super glue, it still works. Of course, I have a real tripod I use in situations where more precision is required, but for many shoots, the VideoMate is perfect. Can't weigh more than 5 lbs. (And I know what you mean about the snickering.)

Need a good tripod for Canon XHA1
 

Can anyone recommend a good tripod with a fluid head that will suit a Canon XHA1. This will mainly be used for shooting at air shows, so full zoom will be used often, so the steadier the better.

Many thanks,

Mark

Investigate the Vinten Vision 3.

I know both the Cartoni Focus and the Vinten Vision 3, the Vinten has better built quality but reaquires a spring exchange for different weights while the Focus has a progressive counter balance regulation. Both are very good heads, I can't say I prefer working whith one or another. However, I would prefer another release system on the Cartoni and not so many plastic parts.

I have a Focus for my HD200, and I'm very satisfied. If you can afford also consider the Vision 6 (the same as the vision 3 but with counter balance regulation) and the Sachtler DV8.

Anything better than the LS-38M(2A) in $700 Range for XH-A1?
 

Ok.... I worked some overtime to help a buddy out, and have some cash to burn! Instead of paying down the mortgage, or making an extra car payment, I want to blow it on upgrading my tripod!

I've had my eyes set on a Libec LS-38M(2A), which seems to get great reviews and can be bought for a little under $600 from one of the sponsors here at DVi.

I have about $700 to spend, and am now wondering if there another system which would be even better for me and my Canon XH-A1?

I haven't read anything here about any tripod for $700 that would be better than the LS-38.

At the next level, among the usual suspects are:
Cartoni Focus plus legs
Gitzo 1380 head + legs
Sacthler FSB-6 + legs
Miller Solo
Vinten (not the one that is the same as Bogen)

...and all of these come in between $1300 and $1700 (or more?) I believe.

However, many there is something I'm missing.

All I can say is that I'm delighted with my LS38 - it works perfectly for me and I can't seethat anything else in the price range could be noticeably better.

LS38 for 5kg< setups only?
 

The LS38 is intended for cameras from 5-8kg, according to Libec's website. (Actually there are two different sets of figures on the same page, the other stating 4kg). I was intending to buy one for my XH-A1, but my set-up, which realistically isn't going to grow very much, is under 2.5kg.

Am I right in thinking, therefore, that the LS38 isn't the best companion for a plain and simple A1 (with just battery, filter(s), gun mic and radio rx) as it would offer too much resistance? Wouldn't an LS22 or TH950 be better suited - regardless of budget - as these are designed for lighter weight camera systems?

If your camera isn't "pimped up" with extras (Matte Box, mics, big batteries etc.) then you will struggle with tilts on the LS-38. I made that mistake, and it was reasonably expensive. Panning is fine, but tilting isn't much fun.

The LS-22 head is 'OK'. Not brilliant. I find it very hard to use it at any level of zoom, there's no adjustable tilt or pan friction and, to be honest, the fluid system isn't brilliant. But at that price point, you probably can't do better.

The legs on the 950DV are rubbish. I tried it with my Sony V1E (similar in weight to your Canon) and it wouldn't hold up. Nearly collapsed a few times when i tried to do a tilt or pan. The legs on the LS-22 are a bit more robust.

I took the LS-22 head from the 950DV (both models have the same head - the 950 even has "LS-22" inside the tripod plate!) and put it on the single stage legs that come with the LS-37 - these are the same as the LS22 legs. It wasn't bad, it was a bit more solid, but the limitations of the head were still there.

If I had the money, I'd be going for either a Vinten Vision 3 or a Sachtler 6, but that's anywhere from £1000-£1500 depending on model. These are perfectly suited to smaller cams, just very pricey!

Hmm...

I use my LS-38 with a a pretty bare XH-A1 and I find tilting to be OK. It might well be that I'm not being very critical - I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, and it might well be that if I was working fast under pressure to get the shot right first time every time I'd be less happy.

I knew about the weight range before I bought, but I decided that more solid was better than less solid, and I seem to be able to use the slider on the head to find a good balance position for the camera.

I guess I also worked on the basis that I wouldn't be getting perfection at this price, and the balance of compromises works for me.

Another Tripod/Head query
 

Hi,

Long-time reader, but not much of a poster. Finally got my hands on a XH A1 and now, like us all, I'm eyeing all the goodies that I can spend my cash on to complete the "basic" kit.

First on the list, a decent tripod and fluid head. I'm in the UK and am looking in the £500-£700 range for a solid set of legs and a decent head that can grow with my kit. I'd quite like to add the Letus (or similar) at some point so the weight the sticks can carry is important so I dont have to re-purchase later down the line. I was, of course, wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I'd love the vinten, but, as already mentioned, budget must be a consideration, or I'll be hearing from the divorce lawyers :o)

Thank you in advance.
Shaun

you can't get a Vinten for $700?

their main office is in Milton Keynes - maybe they have some scratch and dent?

Unfortunately, a vinten system will cost me well over a thousand pounds, much as I'd like one.

get an old Miller system or O'Connor from ebay. For a Miller fluid head system (legs+head) the price will be less than $600 but the quality will match those that are $5,000+ (the O'connor will run you around 1,000 but the quality matches new systems that cost $8,000+)

wow - they have gone up by $500-$800 since I bought mine 5-6 years ago.

The weak dollar I guess

Vinten Vision 3! Great place to start looking.

I have a Libec 38, which cost less than $600 in the U.S. Since it's a British company (although the tripod is, of course, made in an oriental country) you might be able to get one cheaper there. It seems to be the only under-$1K (USD) system that doesn't give you the bounceback at the end of a pan. Before getting the 38 I bought a Libec 22 because I wanted the lightest tripod for a specific purpose. It was OK, but I felt the camera with the Canon TA100 plate I use was overweighted a bit. It had the bounceback but was controllable with care. I sold it for the bigger and heavier and therefore better Libec 38.

I asked a very similar question in this thread over on the Tripod forum. I was told the LS-38 is a great tripod, but it's designed for a heavier camera than the XH-A1, and as such, tilting the camera is more work than it should be. Others have posted in the thread that they don't have any problems whatsoever with their XH-A1 and Libec LS-38.

I have the ls-38, I've read somewhere that it's a true fluid head.. not sure if that's true though. Anyways it's really great but very simple in features. I don't have an A1 but a friend tried his on the tripod and it was a little too light for it. However I think if you add some extras, like mattebox of follow focus, it should be just right.

Thanks very much. I'll have a look at the libec. Any other suggestions, manfrotto etc?

For info - the best price I've seen in the UK for the LS-38 is GPB329 + 10 shipping.

The dealer isn't a forum sponsor, so if you'd like further info, PM me