Is this tripod kit good for crane/HD Cam? at DVinfo.net

James Carver · February 28th, 2007, 11:04 AM

i dont know much about tripods but based on some of the search results i'm seeing that everyone is saying a 501 fluid head should be the minimum for a pretty good tripod.

my question is, i'm looking to get a tripod that will support my hvx200 (about 5 lbs) and also something that can support a kessler crane (8 ft) and i was wondering is this tripod http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation good enough to support this?

this tripod says its a 516...is that much better than the 501 fluid head?

thanks

Chris Rieman · April 25th, 2007, 01:24 PM

Im looking for same sort of setup. My budget is $650. My camera is a GL2 which probably weighs the same.

I want a:

- Good fluid head for butter smooth tilt/pans/stops.
- Good sturdy tripod that will not only support the GL2, but also have no trouble supporting something like a skycrane jr.

My goal is to not have to buy two tripods. Id like one in this price range that will tackle both with aplomb.

I dont have any sort of jib or crane now, but I can see myself entertaining this idea soon so I want to have a tripod that will also handle this future "upgrade" to my shooting.

Chris Soucy · April 27th, 2007, 07:11 PM

I find myself in the same sort of situation - been using a Manfrotto 520 tripod with 503 (non fluid) head for about 6 years, ok, but has it's limitations. At least it's "reasonably" carriable. However, my J12 crane from B. Hague turned up the other day and the pod is struggling. The 520 is rated to 22 pounds (10 kilos) or thereabouts, but a 2.5 kilo XH A1, 18 kilo crane plus 10 kilos of weights is waaay over it's rating. It holds it but quivers at the knees.

Finding a set of sticks rated that high is quite a challenge, especially on a reasonable budget. Plus, the higher the rating, the heavier the tripod - carriable it won't be. I'm currently looking for a set of second hand Sachtlers or similar rated to 30 plus kilo's - on B&H the price sky rockets for this sort of rating. Not a lot of 'em about here in NZ!

As for the 516 head question - if it's REALLY a fluid head it will be waaaay better than either the 501 or 503 :- a non - backlash pan with either of these heads is an art form which I still haven't completely mastered.

Finally, be wary of these "fluid head" claims - (some) retailers seem to tack them onto anything that swivels.

February 28th, 2007, 11:04 AM	#1
James Carver Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 75	Is this tripod kit good for crane/HD Cam? i dont know much about tripods but based on some of the search results i'm seeing that everyone is saying a 501 fluid head should be the minimum for a pretty good tripod. my question is, i'm looking to get a tripod that will support my hvx200 (about 5 lbs) and also something that can support a kessler crane (8 ft) and i was wondering is this tripod http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation good enough to support this? this tripod says its a 516...is that much better than the 501 fluid head? thanks __________________ http://www.jamescarveronline.com

April 25th, 2007, 01:24 PM	#2
Chris Rieman Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Dayton OH Posts: 100	Im looking for same sort of setup. My budget is $650. My camera is a GL2 which probably weighs the same. I want a: - Good fluid head for butter smooth tilt/pans/stops. - Good sturdy tripod that will not only support the GL2, but also have no trouble supporting something like a skycrane jr. My goal is to not have to buy two tripods. Id like one in this price range that will tackle both with aplomb. I dont have any sort of jib or crane now, but I can see myself entertaining this idea soon so I want to have a tripod that will also handle this future "upgrade" to my shooting. __________________ Unsurpassed Dayton Flyer Sports Coverage -------------------------- UD Pride http://www.udpride.com

April 27th, 2007, 07:11 PM	#3
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Hi Chris & James... I find myself in the same sort of situation - been using a Manfrotto 520 tripod with 503 (non fluid) head for about 6 years, ok, but has it's limitations. At least it's "reasonably" carriable. However, my J12 crane from B. Hague turned up the other day and the pod is struggling. The 520 is rated to 22 pounds (10 kilos) or thereabouts, but a 2.5 kilo XH A1, 18 kilo crane plus 10 kilos of weights is waaay over it's rating. It holds it but quivers at the knees. Finding a set of sticks rated that high is quite a challenge, especially on a reasonable budget. Plus, the higher the rating, the heavier the tripod - carriable it won't be. I'm currently looking for a set of second hand Sachtlers or similar rated to 30 plus kilo's - on B&H the price sky rockets for this sort of rating. Not a lot of 'em about here in NZ! As for the 516 head question - if it's REALLY a fluid head it will be waaaay better than either the 501 or 503 :- a non - backlash pan with either of these heads is an art form which I still haven't completely mastered. Finally, be wary of these "fluid head" claims - (some) retailers seem to tack them onto anything that swivels.