how does this compare to the Sachtler FSB-6? is the Sachtler worth the extra cash in you guys opinion?

I think the Sachtler FSB heads are worth the money. There is extensive discussion about allthe heads in this range here. Perhaps someone will put up a couple of links to those threads.

It also depends on what you are shooting. If the Bogen head is not good enough for your needs, then it is necessary to go to one of the more expensive heads. I have a Gitzo that is excellent. I have used the Sachtler and several people I know own them, and all find it an outstanding head. Some people like the Cartoni Focus, but it is a 100mm bowl and I think not as good as the Sachtler. Several people have praised the new Vinten series suggestedin another post in this thread.

I have never found the middle price heads to be worth buying, though for some people they work well from what I read.

I don't have the 3AS but the previous 3 model and I can't see any reason other than loading it up with a really heavy unit, that you would want or need to spend more money. Both the Vinten models are superb and will serve you well.

Thanks everyone for your replies. Anyone else have any advice. Will the satchler work well with a 7d also or do I need to look at a different combo for that camera?

I agree with the above advice regarding tripods. My previous tripods were for stills only - as long as they kept the camera off the ground they were OK.

I Shoot with a Canon XH-A1, 5D, 5Dmkii and a 7D. After researching this site on tripods, I narrowed it down to either Miller or Gitzo. I bought the Gitzo GT3541XLS after looking at the extensive selection at my local store - West Photo.

For travel I bought the Gitzo GT0540. Disassembled it fits inside my carry on.

For a head I bought a G2380 and a G2180 for my Glidecam. These work fine for the DSLR's but are somewhat difficult to level with the XH-A1 - they are both flat mounted heads.

For future use I also picked up a GS5320V 75mm bowl adapter for either a Sachtler FSB-6 or the new Vinten 3AS.

Pretty much blew the budget on tripods - now I can't afford the Sachler/Vinten head.

However, I don't think I will be forced to upgrade my tripods!

So are you saying that you think the fsb-6 would work well for both the xh-a1 and the 5d?

The FSB 6 and other video tripods do not allow turning the camera for portrait framing, only landscape framing.

The FSB 6 would be fine for holding a stills camera in landscape position, or for using one of the new photo cameras for shooting video. The FSB 6 might be overkill for a light camera, but it would work to hold the camera in landscape mode.

Hi

I bought the kit FSB6/2MD which contains the Sachtler FSB6 together with ENG75/2 tripod legs, mid level spreader and a bag. I own a Canon XH-A1 and made a long research to really get the right kit for my purposes. Like others I have used a Manfrotto 503 head earlier and to be honest I've never really liked it. It makes a 'gluing' sound and it's hard to make a soft panning/tilting start, it suffers from kickback when I stop panning/tilting and it's more or less impossible to do a tilt and a pan at the same time.

After long research with alternatives like Libec LS-38, Vinten 3AS and Sachtler FSB4/FSB6 I went for Sachtler FSB6. The Libec have a fixed balance spring and no drag adjustment, the Vinten 3AS seems to be made for cameras a little heavier than the XH-A1 as some reviews says. The Schtler FSB4 is for cameras up to 4kg which would be OK for the XH-A1 but to be a little safe for the future and perhaps heavier cameras I went for the FSB6.

The FSB6 head is absolutly fantastic. It have a 10 step adjustable balance spring which for my XH-A1 without any extras is perfect at step 1 or 2 so there is a lot of power left for extra equipment on the camcorder like lights, mic, matte box etc. The fluid system is adjustable in 3 steps + zero for both tilt and pan.

I can now do things as tilting and panning at the same time without risking hangups or strange sounds. No kickback at all. Pans and tilts can be performed really slow without any problems. Be aware that panning/tilting is an art by itself and can only be mastered by training.

What I don't like is the legs though. They are OK if I don't fold out the lower part of the legs but when I do that, the legs will suffer from twist if I'm not careful. If I have had the money when I bougt the kit I probably would have chosen the carbon fiber legs.

All in all I give the head 5 points out of 5 and the legs 4 points. This is absolutely my own oppinion and for my own needs. Read reviews and other peoples experiences and if you have the possabilities, try the kit before you buy.

Regards,

/Bo

Thanks to advice I read in these forums, I went with Sachtler. I have an FSB-6 with carbon fiber legs, for use with a Canon XH-A1s. I also bought the FSB-2 with the cheapest aluminum legs (because the head was not available separately) and will pair this with Gitzo CF legs (with 75mm bowl) for use with a Canon HV40 (which cost less than the video head!), and for possible future use with a Canon 7D. The Sachtler FSB heads are wonderful. I will sell my Manfrotto stuff.

Cheap tripod for XH A1
 

I'm new into the prosumer video world. I bought a used canon XH A1 a few months ago and I've been using a crappy tripod my grandfather let me have. It 'works', but its not really made to hold the full 5 pounds of my XH A1 and the legs are starting to mess up.

I would like it to cost less than $75, go up to at least 60 inches high and have some sort of bubble level on it. Beyond that, the extra features dont really matter. As long as it pans and tilts smoothly and is pretty stable I'll be happy. I dont really need an adjustable head on it as that probably costs more and I dont mind leveling it by adjusting the legs.

Steven,

I'm afraid you're not going to get that functionality for $75. You can have cheap, or you can have good, but in the world of tripods you can't have both.

I wouldn't trust a $75 tripod to even hold my camera, let alone try to get smooth pans and tilts out of it.

- You need to spend $1000 on something like a Sachtler FSB-6 to get good results.
- You can get acceptable results on a Libec LS-38 (around $600).
- You can get sort of acceptable results on a Bogen/Manfrotto 503 for around the same price.

At a pinch, you could use a Libec LS-22 for around $380 (but don't expect too much from it).

A sub-$75 tripod is a toy. Sorry, it's tough, but I have to say that. You couldn't even take your hand off the camera and walk away without fear of a $3000 camera falling over and hitting the ground.

Normally I would take the view that everyone has to start somewhere - but with a camera of that spec and price, an ultra cheap tripod is just too risky in my opinion.

Mike, there is no way I can afford a $1,000 tripod. I'm a student with a very tight budget. I can probably go up to $150, but I'd rather not. I've used a $20 tripod from walmart with that camera (and a lighter one) with no problems. Besides, the smoothness of a pan has more to do with the operator than the actual tripod.

Hi Steven,

Sorry, but the smoothness of the pan is very much a *combination* of operator skill plus the quality of the tripod head. You can't get lemonade from a lemon no matter how talented you are with the pan handle. Mike's advice is spot on, but if you're not able to afford a good $1000 tripod then you might want to consider watching our Private Classifieds forum and look for a decently used one, they will show up from time to time.

Also, try a little creative financing. As Mike points out, at the very least you'll need a budget of close to $400 for the bare basic Libec LS-22. There are a number of ways in which you can raise this money, including temporary part-time work (true story: back in 1985 when I was a struggling college student, I spent a couple of late Saturday nights at the local city newspaper distribution center folding inserts into the Sunday morning paper... not at all glamorous, but it was short-term work that gave me the extra cash I needed that month). And you might look around your stuff for anything of value that you don't need to keep anymore, and put it on EBay. One person's junk is another's treasure, and you'd be surprised how easy and quick it is to generate some extra cash that way.

A $75 tripod is a hinderance at best -- get rid of it. Target a decent set of sticks such as the Libec and then work toward acquiring them. You need only the will and the effort to make it happen.

Hey Steven,

Just to throw my 2 cents in, you have yourself a nice camcorder, you will definitely want, if not need at least an entry level tripod with fluid head. The tripod and head really can make or break your shot (not to mention break your camcorder if the tripod falls over)

Libec just provided an extension until this Friday on the promo's I have mentioned in the "Sticky" section above. The LS22 system really is about as cheap of a system you want to go with to get satisfactory results on your panning with your XHA1 camcorder. I would normally recommend the LS38 system, but do understand your situation with your budget.

Best advice, if you can't afford the right tripod now, hold off and save some extra money until you can. Or, Christmas is right around the corner, put a bug in your friends and family's ears and maybe they can team toghether to get you a nice gift!

Best of Luck to you!
Scott Cantrell - DVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net
866-827-3489

Instead of a $75 tripod, get a $20 tripod from craigslist - and talk them down to $10. That will give you something to support your camera with, and you'll be able to take good fixed shots if there is no wind. You'll be able to do bad pans and tilts, but it might be all you need for a while.

Rather than a tripod, you might find a friend with an electric saw and drill and buy some aluminum from Home Depot or Lowes to build a shoulder rig. You can work BMX handles over square 1/2" aluminum tubes. You can bend some strap material to form to your chest and shoulder. Total cost should be just over $50, depending on how much you scrap on your first prototype.

A shoulder rig isn't a tripod head, but viewers won't know if you used a $50 homebuilt job or a $2,000 Zacuto setup. If you build it well and paint it black, people outside of the business will think it's totally pro.

Essentially, it will allow you to be a human tripod head. :)

A Libec LS22 for approx. $340???
Steven, order NOW! (if feasible, of course...)
I have an A1 & use a Libec LS22:
yes, it might be borderline (weight-wise), but it works pretty well,
the Libec head is smooth (much better then a Manfrotto, which I owned before),
and the whole contraption is pretty lightweight
(that's why I bought it in the first place).
Oh, and it's really really cheap!

Just my two cents, of course...

Best

Vasco

Why is it that folks that are on a "tight budget" and can't afford to spend any money at all on tripod systems, somehow have the funds to get first class HD cameras like the XH-A1s? I fully understand limited budgets. What bothers me is mis-allocated limited budgets.

Because I spent all my money on the camera now I want to even my budget out around other things. I used a cheap crappy tripod on a shoot yesterday. I think it was made for still cameras and I got some nice pans on it with no bumps or imperfections or anything. I just had it as loose as I could and just used a steady hand. I would keep using if the legs weren't messed up. Since no one can recommend me a cheap tripod, what are some of the best brands I should look at?

Hi Steven..................
 

Bottom line is that no one can recommend a cheap tripod because no one CAN recommend a cheap tripod, there simply is nothing to recommend.

There is absolutely nothing to prevent you using the cheapest, nastiest stills tripod for video if you can put up with the imperfections, and imperfections there will be.

You may not notice them now but you will at some point. Then it is simply a question of your pain threshold.

If you can accept this basic fact now, you can start working on the piggy bank to afford what the posters here on DVinfo consider the bare minimum for shooting HD succesfully, and, of course, everybody's mileage varies.

The Libecs mentioned previously seem to be a firm favourite at the bottom of the food chain and seem to outperform Manfrotto which are nevertheless popular.

Often overlooked but worth looking at are the Vinten Pro 6 system:

Vinten | PRO-06-HDVM Protouch Lightweight Tripod | PRO-6HDVM

which keep the entire package below 4 digits.

With every step upwards from these the piggy bank needs fattening considerably, the amount of pork inevitably tied to that pain threshold.

Mine must be extraordinarilly low as my support rig set me back in excess of $5K, but I sleep real good at nights 'cause I've never once had to say to myself "I should have spent more money!"


CS

PS: As an excercise you might want to spend some time playing with piggy bank figures as compared to what's available here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Tr...9/N/4291074044

My personal belief is that any system under a grand is pretty quickly going to go head to head with that pain threshold, but don't mind me, I'm anal.

Not to put a damper on new conversation, but haven't we been over this problem far too many times already?

Please read this:
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/tripod-s...y-why-why.html

Chris Hurd: We need a sticky on this. Whether it is my thread or a new one or someone else's, we need something where people can see the folly of cheapo tripods and then get answers on how to get what they should be getting instead of arguing with new people every time that they are looking at things the wrong way.

As I try to say in the thread I have referenced, a tripod system is not just some lump of material that exists between the camera and the ground, it is an integral part of the final image. As such, the tripod system demands, yes demands, as much consideration in the budget as the camera itself. It is better to not have a tripod at all and just hold the camera than waste money on junk that will ruin the shot or worse break the camera.

Such a sticky should show why crummy tripods don't do the trick, and should also offer some alternatives.

For instance, one can keep an eye on craigslist and ebay for a deal. In my case, I got a Bogen 516 with 350 legs for just over $300. I use it for the 5D2. The one shortcoming is that the spring isn't adjustable. For short takes or pan-only, this isn't a problem. On the other hand, if you shoot long events, proper balance is a must.

Another option is to buy a reasonably sturdy photo tripod and lock the camera down, when that's appropriate. Then build yourself a shoulder rig, fit a loupe, and become a human tripod when you need camera motion. Sure, it's not as smooth as a real tripod, but it's smoother than pure handheld. And with $50, a saw, and a drill, you can build something as light and sturdy as a pro rig. It just won't be adjustable without tools, won't have rails, and won't impress gear heads. If you use a wide enough lens, and develop some skills, the audience will never know.

You can also get a Steady Tracker for not a lot of money. It's not as smooth as a $5k+ Steadicam, but, again, it beats handheld, as well as a sticky, shaky tripod shot.

For a shooter who doesn't have $1,000+ for a new, professional video tripod, these are just a few ideas for how to improve one's shooting while saving or scrounging for a worthy head and sticks.

One silly option would be to use a crummy tripod and use After Effects or equivalent to de-shake the image. If somebody is more interested in video effects than great shooting, this could get somebody with more time than money started.

Any other out of the box ideas?

I would probably shock every one of you with the tripod I'm currently using on my camera. The only thing I know about it is the brand is 'hollywood' and I'm pretty sure its only intended to be for a light still camera. I've been looking around for a few days now and I still havnt really come up with anything that stands out. I've found a few I'm really looking at but I cant figure out which would be the best. I've also bumped my price range to around $150, $175 max. I'm still just a student film-maker, a few minor bumps during a pan wont bother me. I'm sure everyone here started out with a limited budget and limited gear while they were still learning everything so you must know a little of the situation I'm in..

I just saw this B&H kit a few minutes ago and it looks pretty good.
Davis & Sanford | Pro Vista Tripod with FM 18 | PROVISTA7518B

From what I know/read about tripods, that kit looks like a pretty good deal. The tripod it self looks very sturdy (able to hold 18pounds!), and it also looks like the head can be tilted as well to help level it. It almost seems like more than what I need, but $160 + free shipping is a pretty good deal I think...

This is a random tripod head I found. Its fluid-filled which from what I've read is what you want in a head. It also gets some good reviews, but thats about the only thing I know about it. I still havnt found any legs/sticks to go with it.
Slik | 504QF-II Video Head | 618-504 | B&H Photo Video

Oh.... Steve
 

I really don't understand why you would join this forum and ask a legitimate question, only to disregard all the advice that is being given to you by industry pros and skilled camera operators. This thread is 21 pages long as of right now, and the consensus is that cheap tripods and heads don't produce good footage.

You have mentioned that you are a film student and maybe that means that your eye is not developed yet, and you can't tell the difference between footage shot on a cheap-o tripod and a pro level one. If that is the case then one day you will be able to tell the difference and you will wish you would have gotten a quality piece of equipment. Also, as a film student you should understand that there is a lot you don't know, therefore listening to the advice of the pros on this forum would probably be a good idea.

Really, if money is that tight, go to the bank and borrow 500-1,000, stretch out the payments to where you can comfortably make the payments.

I find myself in the same place as you, needing a tripod/head combo but can't afford it. However, instead of wasting my money on a cheap set up, I'm saving until I can afford the one I want. In the mean time I'm borrowing a tripod form my local cable station, which may be something for you to look into.

A good student should be able to learn from his or her mistakes, learn to detect true knowlege, based on experience, and learn to accept and use advice based on true knowledge.

As best I can tell, there is no learning curve going on at all. None.

I am guessing that you are referring to Steven?

Yes, That is correct.

i have a Libec 38 for my XH-A1 and i bought this for my HV30:

Velbon | Sherpa 538 3-Section Tripod | SHERPA538 | B&H Photo

it is pretty smooth for the HV30 with a WA and mic, and if you use a rubber band with the XH-A1, 1 in 5 pans can be 'smooth'. i would use it if i had unlimited takes and/or was climbing a mountain (it is pretty portable). or if i was a broke film student as it would hold its use as a b-camera tripod after you buy the Libec or other...

Good evening,

I went through the tripod ladder like many others: velbon, Sanford&Davis, 30 year ol miller f head placed on manfrotto legs, Gitzo 1380, and vinten vision 6.

To be honest, perhaps the best bang for the buck is the gitzo 1380, and you can buy just the head if you want.

I prefer the vision 6 for my bigger camera and the gitzo for my smaller cameras. The 1380 would be perfect for an xha1!!! and if you go bigger you just change the spring and you are in business.


the old miller head was really good for my gl2 when I had it. you can get these on ebay pretty darn cheap and it is a huge step forward if you do not have much money. They are flat bottomed so I put a manfrotto half ball under it and it was just fine.

Yes a 9000 dollar sactler would be better.

Please recommend Sticks & head for Canon XH-A1
 

Hi guys. Budget may not be an option. Can you recommend a whole tripod system for a Canon XH-A1? (It will probably be the newer Canon XF305)

Can you maybe give me both high-end and mid-level price options?

Hi Bob,

(Not sure if my vision of high- and mid-level pricing is the same as yours!)

- High end: Vinten 3AS3
3AS is more than fine for the XH-A1 - I don't know the weight of the XH305).
Cost: $2400-ish for one with carbon fibre legs

- Mid level: Sachtler FSB-4 or FSB-6
FSB-4 is good for the XH-A1, the FS-6 gives you more wiggle room for the future if your rig gets bigger
Cost: $1600 for a carbon fibre tripod version of the FSB-6. You can get an aluminum version of this with an FSB-4 head for $800.

Plenty of info about these tripods on this forum if you search, and there's a review of the Vinten 3AS by Chris Soucy available in the main DV Info site.

Bob, Here are a few options I would suggest

Vinten V3AS-AP1F Vision Pozi-Loc Aluminum Tripod System (Black) includes Vision 3AS Fluid Head, Single Stage Aluminum Tripod, Floor Spreader, Soft Case – Supports 11 lbs
Tapeworks Pricing: $1,799.00

Sachtler 0472 FSB-6 Aluminum Tripod System - consists of: FSB-6 Fluid Head, 1-Stage Tripod, Mid-Level Spreader and Padded Case - Supports 13.2 lbs
Tapeworks Pricing: $1,345.00

Libec just introduced the new RS250 system at NAB this week!
Libec-RS SERIES-What's RS
I have been able to test the RS450 and RS350 Systems and I put them in the same category/quality as Vinten, Sachtler, Miller etc....even though I have not seen or tested the new 250 sys yet, the specs show that it will match up nicely.

Libec RS-250M RS Series tripod sytem with mid level spreader consists of RH25 fluid head, RT30B 2-Stage Tripod, BR-2B mid level spreader, FP-2B foot pads and RC-30 case - Supports 13.2 lbs
Tapeworks Pricing: $1,099.00

On lower Range tripods, you may be interested in the following

Libec LS38M(2A) Professional Tripod System with Mid-Level Spreader: Libec H38 Professional Fluid Head- 75mm Bowl, PH-3 Pan handle, 8kg/ 17.5LBS Capacity. Includes H38 Head /T72 Tripod /BR-3S Mid Spreader /FP-2 Foot Pads /TC-70 Carrying Case
Tapeworks April Promotional Price: $549.00 (normally $599)

Manfrotto 503HDV,351MVB2K Professional Tripod System - Includes 503 HDV Head, Pan Handle, 351MVB2 Tripod, 3 x Rubber Feet, Mid-Level Spreader and Padded Bag
Tapeworks Price: $649.00

Contact Tapeworks Texas Inc toll free 866-827-3489 and ask for me and I will be glad to discuss the differences, pro's and con's of each.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
Tapeworks Texas Inc - DVinfo Sponser
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

If I may................
 

add my 2 cents worth?

Scott has posted quite an interesting list, a little bit like the descent into hell in some ways.

I think it fair to say that that line up defines the old saying "you get what you pay for" wonderfully.

Sticking with the leader of the pack, the Vinten has something that none of the other offerings can touch - the Perfect Balance system (even if it is a total misnomer, it's actually a Perfect Counterbalance system, but we won't quibble).

Not greatly appreciated by less experienced users but a gift from heaven itself if you know what it does, it is worth an extra $500 just for that.

Basically, it means that no matter how much you pimp/ accessorise or modify your camera (within certain limits) you can get gram accurate counterbalance every time.

If you've never used a rig which can offer it, you haven't lived. Really.


CS

Vinten, Sachtler, now Libec
 

Chris,

I read your review of the Vinten 3AS a while ago and haven't forgotten how passionate you are about its greatness. When I've got the cash, it will be a tough decision between that and the Sachtler FSB6. (I have three Canons: 5D Mark II, T2i, and XHA1.)

Now Libec seems to be adding another choice. And they, too, seem to have gone to school on Vinten with a feature they call, yup, "Counterbalance."

Libec-RS SERIES-Counterbalance

I've never had the chance to sample the Vinten or this new Libec, but they sure look good on paper -- uh, computer monitor.

Thanks to you for all the effort and insight you put into your review!

Hi Greg.................
 

Thank you for your kind words, greatly appreciated. The review was bloody hard work, can't imagine why anyone would do it as a living. Coal mining seems slightly easier, if considerably more dangerous.

Well, bugger me, they've gone and done it.

Didn't think it would take long, and it hasn't.

There really wasn't much of an answer to it but total emulation in one form or other, so it was a forgone conclusion.

I look forward to some forward thinking person sending me a sample for a review (HINT) but won't hold my breath.

Now, as to your camera selection and the support thereof: (you didn't mention what you're using currently)

What if someone could offer you a head that could perfectly counterbalance each one, gram perfect,

Same head. Might need to change a spring, but still dial up perfect balance every time, with every camera you own?,

Might just happen, stay tuned. I'm working on it.


CS


PS: Thanks again for the kind words.

First, let me add that the options I provided was based on not knowing budget and experience from the user. Yes, most definitely, "you get what you pay for"....This is why I added that Bob could contact me so I could explain the differences of a $600 tripod system vs a Vinten $2K system. The Vinten Vision Series is no doubt a spectacular piece of equipment, it's just that not everybody can afford one, nor do they know why there is such a dramatic cost difference. Bob mentioned an XHA1S and states "probably the newer XF305." Well, if it is the XHA1S, most of the time individuals do not want or have the budget to spend half the price they spent on the camcorder on a tripod. If it will be the newer XF305, then he hopefully has a bigger budget for a better tripod....and accessories. Additional questions come into play...Mattebox? LCD Monitor? Teleprompter?.....how many accessories are going to be added which in turn increase the maximum weight allowance? All of those questions are important to the type of head that will be required, how many steps do they want and or need on the drag settings for pan and tilt?

I have been able to test the Libec RS Series, including the 350 and 450 systems. Addionally, I have had various TV Stringers here in the Houston TX area test them and they have been impressed with the smoothness of these new Libec heads. The counterbalance has been noted by end-users that have tested the RS Series to be just as good as Vinten's....pricing being alot better! I recently sent a demo/loaner RH45 head to a client/cinematographer who will be writing an article/review which I will post a link to when available. I will give you "heads" up that after speaking with him, Libec will be pleased with his write up. His review however is with the RH45 and not the RH25 that I quoted. However, All of the RS Series is based on the same technollogy, variances depending on the maximum weight allowance. If you find the "perfect head" that will be adjustable for any camera/weight that will be put on it.....please let us know! I would love to find it as well!

Scott Cantrell

You're more than welcome.
 

My pleasure, Chris. I know how hard writing is because, well, I actually do it for a living. That, and as much video production as I can juggle. But your article was a quick, informative, and fun read and that's what it's all about -- sweating blood so the results seem effortless.

Re: my current situation, I'm gearing up for my first Sachtler/Vinten/Miller-level head and tripod. I've been using an antiquated Manfrotto and avoiding pans and tilts for the most part. As I said, I've got the three Canons, all light camera: the 5DMKII with a decent-sized lens and the XHA1 solo both weigh a little more than 4 pounds. The T2i weighs so little a party balloon could whisk it away, so I wasn't counting on using that on the tripod.

That said, I'm intrigued by your mysterious final comments. My guess is you're not talking about the AS3. So, are you suggesting I wait before buying?

Cheers,

Greg

Don't know, unfortunately............
 

Not really, it could be a long wait.

Can't say more than "I'm working on it".


CS

Bob,


I was reading your post and Know exactly what you are going through having been there.

I purchased a Miller F fluid head that was many years old ( still solid and no leaks) but was a huge improvement over my cheaper tripods.

I no longer use the head. I have a 75mm ball under it but it also has a flat base so it could go on a regular camera tripod too. I would let you have it for a song if you are really in need with low budget. I used it with a canon gl2 with good effect.


If you want to try it out I could send it on down, it is just on the shelf catching dust.

Dale Guthormsen

Good Tripod?
 

I have been looking to purchase a tripod for a few weeks now and keep going back to the manfrotto. All throughout film school, I used these and was usually pleased with my result. I have a budget of around 500 and had my eye on this one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/523163-REG/Manfrotto_055XB_Pro_Tripod_with.html
I am afraid that I am leaning towards manfrotto just because that is almost the only professional tripod I have ever used. Should I keep waiting and looking? Scott at tapeworks showed me a few Libecs for around the price range and they seem kinda cheap looking. Just my own opinion.

By the way:
Sony Hvr-v1u
Interviews shorts and documentaries. Some time lapse.

Brandon,

At that budget, I would save an extra $300 and get the basic Sachtler FSB-4.

The tripod legs you link to do not seem to have a leveling bowl so you have to get the head level by adjusting individual legs - which is frustrating.

If you really can't go much higher in price, then maybe this one:

Manfrotto - 745XB MDeVe Video Tripod Kit with 503HDV Fluid Head

There is at least a leveling bowl in that one.

I would personally either save the $$$ for the basic Sachtler, or try to get a Manfrotto with better legs - twin tube legs with a spreader, like this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_503HDV_351MVB2K_Aluminum_Video_Tripod.html

The Libecs are OK - but the LS-22 is a bit lightweight for the Sony V1 (I had one and wasn't happy with it) and the LS-38 counterbalance is too strong for the V1, despite what other people say. It's no good trying to tilt the camera if you are fighting the spring. Been there, done that, wasted the money. It's designed for heavier cameras, of 4kg/8lbs and above.

The Manfrotto has the advantage of adjustable drag/tilt friction and a degree of counterbalance adjustment. If you really can't spend any more money, then it is as good as you can get. I owned a similar Vinten Pro-6HDV, and it was good for your sort of work. It wasn't great for long lens wildlife work, but great for events, interviews etc.