thanks
 

thanks a bunch mike. I really like the Manfrotto - 503HDV,351MVB2K Aluminum Video - 503HDV,351MVB2K
Manfrotto - 503HDV,351MVB2K Aluminum Video - 503HDV,351MVB2K

I am pretty confident that I will end up saving my money and going with the 650 dollar setup.

Brandon - I just emailed you some more information

Mike, Brandon's first email was requesting a tripod system under $500, so this does limit the tripod selection and trying to find something within a budget can be top priority! Therefore I did recommend the LS22 system, even though I agree with you that they are not what I classify as a pro system.

When comparing the H38 vs the 503HDV, I agree with your statement
""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."

When using a camcorder like the Sony NXCAM, HVRZ7U, Canon XHA1S and similar camcorders that have a total weight with accessories around 6 - 8 lbs, the H38 will shine all the way up to about 15 lbs.
The V1U is a bit too light for the H38 head. I am unsure about the 503HDV with a camera like the V1 as I have only tested it against the H38 with camcorders ranging around 8 lbs
The 503HDV has a Multi-spring 3 step counterbalance that may be of assistance with the lighter weight. I think I will have to test this myself! However, considering price point and quality of the head when using 8lbs, I personally prefer the H38 over the 503HDV. And, if you want superb customer support, as I have mentioned before in this thread, Libec has some of the best customer support in this industry.

I did mention to Brandon that If he is planning on upgrading his camcorder, then I would suggest the H38, otherwise if he will be sticking with the V1U for a while, the 503HDV may be a better fit for his application. Additionally, as mentioned in this forum, if he can save up to a better (and more expensive) system, he would be extremely happy with the new Libec RS250M system which compares to Sachtler's FSB4 systems and has a better price point. Libec-RS SERIES RS-250M
I have tested the new RH25 head and it is really amazing! It has a continuous counterbalance that I have adjusted using upwards to 13 lbs with a GYHD250 camcorder (although I would recommend the RS350 system with the GYHD250) and all the way down to 2 lbs with the Canon 5D Mark II. Tapeworks website reflects a sell price of $1099.00, However, I have it on promotion this month for $949.00, one heck of a price for one spectacular tripod system!

Mike, if you have a dealer over there in the UK with the RS250 avaialble for demonstration, you really should go take a look at it!

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

Hey Scott,

I agree with what you say. Libec do make good equipment, and if it matches your camera it is great. I use a Libec zoom remote, for example - it just works, and doesn't have any extra buttons that I hit by mistake with my fat fingers. I also owned a couple of different Libecs (the 22 and 37 - and the LS-37 is doing sterling service for another member here under his Sony EX-3).

The counterbalance settings on the 503HDV do indeed make life a lot better with the lighter cams like these.

If you have a slightly bigger/heavier cam, or typically use lights, matte box, monitor etc., then I do agree the LS-38 will be superb for the price - you just have to get a good match. One thing I couldn't fault about the Libecs was the quality of the workmanship, they're well made and robust, and excellent value for money.

Us "small cam" people always face problems with tripods. Tripods rated for small cameras are the cheaper models, and tripods that are more expensive are rated for heavier cameras! The Sachtler FSB-2 or FSB-4 seem to tick all the boxes for smaller cameras like my Panasonic HMC41.

The new Libec range is very interesting (and wasn't available when I was buying), especially with Vinten-style fully adjustable counterbalance. That should make them streets ahead of any of the Manfrottos mentioned above, and the drag looks to be a lot easier to configure as well. I did wonder if Vinten had a patent on that one, but clearly not! The Sachtlers only have stepped counterbalance, so you can find that one settings is too light and the next is too strong. Not a problem with continuous counterbalance.

Having said that, I am unlikely to change from my Sachtler! I feel I can comment because I've worked my way up through the brands and models - everyone has different needs and different budgets.

A point for Brandon as well - and one that I feel we forget sometimes - if you really can, you should get yourself to a store and try out tripods. What you read here is only my experience, and yours may well be different.

Ok. So i am sold on the 503hdv head but are there sticks that might be a little bit cheaper. Do I really need the 351mvb2k legs? Any suggestions? I am really trying to fall around 500 for total budget.

Brandon, I am selling my 503HDV (just the head, no tripod). Slightly used. If you are interested, please contact me at info@lacolorshop.com

Thanks
Taky

Taky,

Sent you an email.

ok. now where can I just buy tripod legs. I wanna check on prices of the 351mvb2k legs alone. Do they sell them alone?

I finally just did it. I bought a 503hdv head off of another user and got the legs(351mvb2k) off of b and h. Thanks for all the advice guys.

So, Ive read this whole thread Twice. I'm confused, as they're conflicting opinions.

Is the Libec 22 a better tripod than the 503 tripod and head

thanks

Andrew

This thread has got to the point of personal preferences. There is no right or wrong answer. I read this thread, and a few others. I finally bought the Libec 38 on the basis of reviews, of what I could afford, of what I was willing to carry (and it's really too bulky for me to carry comfortably) and of what was reasonably easily available in Britain.

If you have access to a shop, or to people who already have video tripods, have a look at what they have, pick them up, extend them, carry them about, etc. Decide what you want, and what you feel comfortable with. If not, you have to choose your criteria, get it mail order and hope for the best. It's always a compromise whichever way you do it.

Good luck

"Is the Libec 22 a better tripod than the 503 tripod and head"

Andrew, in my own opinion the answer would be no, the Libec H22 head is not better, or even as good as the Manfrotto 503HDV.

However, the Libec H38 head can be arguably just as good, if not better than the Manfrotto 503HDV. Depends on who you are talking to. And the Libec generally sells at a better price point.

Hi Scott/Annie,

I'll have a look at the libec 38.

Thanks

Here I am, Mr old broken record!

Annie is right, it is personal preference. Nobody can say "yes, this model is the exact, perfect tripod for you".

People like me are trying our best to help people avoid the mistakes that we made with inferior tripods. I'm not trying to be snobbish, it is a basic comparison of features and performance. This doesn't mean spending mega-bucks; a basic "good" tripod doesn't cost much more than the $600 models mentioned here.

To follow on what others have said, the LS22 isn't as good as a Manfrotto 503HDV. I think the LS-38 is at least cheaper than a similar 503HDV kit, if you can cope with the too-strong counterbalance spring, counterbalance adjust, pan/tilt drag adjust etc.

Counterbalance is important, but a lot of people don't seem to realise it. Also, adjustable drag goes a long way towards helping you pull off good pans and tilts as well.