Tim, see the discussion threads that are listed at the top of this forum's index page. They link to Ken Tanaka's reviews of the VariZoom Rock and the Zoe DV-L controllers -- those two articles will give you plenty to read about how these controllers work and why they're such a good idea. Oh, and those links to the articles are:

http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camaccs/vzrock.php

and

http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camaccs/zoedvlanc.php

Hope this helps,

work with GL1?
 

Will the tripod that's linked above control a GL1 as well? I have seen zoom commanders for the GL1, but they seem priced as much as that tripod/control is combined.

Jeremiah

I went with the Davis & Sanford ProVista- seems more durable for the bucks. I'll eventually get a controller. Everyone I spoke with is very happy with this product.

Tim, I had also that kind of dillema and bought cheap Hama (130$) tripod for my XM2. That was a waste of money. All i got from that tripod was frustration (levelling and setup was nigtmare, legs were very weak, head was awful etc...) I recently bought slightly used Vinten Pro5 on eBay for 300$. Working like a charm and kicking myself for spending money on something which is now somewhere in my basement. Investing is good tripod is essential, since you will have it for long, long period.

GL2 Tripod
 

Hey guys, I just got a gl2 for christmas. Its a huge upgrade from my old sharp handicam. Now I am not a professional, (i am only 14), but I do need a tripod. I have a budget of up to 300. I would enjoy a fluid head for easy panning, and i dont really need a remote, I really dont see the use of one. Also, are there any other must have accessories, i am planning on purchasing a wd-58h wide angle converter, because the first short film i am going to shoot is a ping pong movie, and the room isnt that big. Thanks guys, Will.

I have used the Libec TH-M20 for my GL-2 for three years and it works out really well with that camera and mounted accessories. The head seems very smooth. The legs are not super strong so it would probably not stand up to rough treatment.

$189 at BHphoto.com

IF you should look at Bogen Manfrotto, skip the 501 head, and get the 503. The 501 isn't very fluid.

701rc2
 

I mentioned that I like the 701RC2 as a cheap alternative for the GL2 in this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ht=gl2+701rc2). I still like them for an inexpensive head -- they have travelled throughout Asia with me and they have held up nicely.

I like and use the Libec, but if you have the extra cash definitely go for the Bogen with 501 head. I don't think you're going to find the 503 with sticks for $300. The rule with tripods is you spend as much as you can possibly afford. There's almost no limit.

I will have to argue this with you Marco... The 501 wasn't too bad under the extra weight, but with the GL1, it sticks too bad when starting a pan. Add to this the 2001 legs I have are a tad flimsy, they actually twist when panning. In order to overcome this, I am forced to grab the neck in a deathgrip with one hand. It may be I just got a bad head, and cheap legs, but it isn't that great a combo for me.

If I had it to do over again, I would buy a $35 dollar tripod from Walmart, and put the extra $200 into batteries- good batteries, and not the $30 knock offs. But, this is just my opinion.

Well, I was basically saying that the 501 head will pan way -- way -- better than the Libec. I don't think too many people would seriously prefer a plastic toy tripod over the 501 either.

As far as I can tell, the only difference is $200... and the big name stamped on it. However,, I can't compare it to libec- never had one.

Buy the wide angle, you will never regret it. Regarding the tripod, try before you buy if you can.

Thanks for the advice. I have enough money for just about any tripod I want, but my dad says i should start out with a small tripod. Is that good advice. I feel if i go ahead and get a good one now then i wont have to buy another one. But one of my other options is buying a stabilizer, in which i would spend all my money and wouldnt have any money for a tripod. But the fact that the stabilizers could maybe take the place of a tripod in some instances has got me on the fence. So what do you guys think?

EDIT: The stabilizer i am thinking about is the Indicam,

Hi Will, I'd suggest you buy the best tripod or at least focus on a true fluid head otherwise you'll get quite frustrated with the "jerkyness" of a cheaper head especially at high magnification. Regarding the indie/steady/glide cam I have to admit that I too am on the fence.

Regards

Go for the best tripod you can scrounge up the money to buy. It's not something you'll grow out of. Forget about the stabilizer for now. That should be way down on the list of priorities.

Being a "scruffy student" I saved up some cash and got a Manfrotto 055CL and 128RC head for my VX2100. They only arrived today but first impressions are good, especially for the price

Tripod for GL2... on a student budget.
 

Hello all, this is my first post on the forums and I am in dire need of some guidance from all of you who are more experienced than myself... which is in fact all of you. I'm currently using a crappy tripod i bought from best buy on the fly one day when i needed to do some on the spot filming. After filming my Practicum film using the tripod and my GL2 i came to the conclusion that i must fork out some more cash to get a suitable tripod for filming at a student level. Since I am a student my current budget is in the $250 price range and from what i can see the Bogen/manfrotto systems on B&H are probably the only tripods i will be able to afford. I'm really just looking to get the most bang for my buck. If there are any better suggestions that may cost a little more but would be better in the long run then please fire away. With tax season coming up i may be able to spare a little more cash. I am looking to get this tripod within the next couple weeks seeing as i must start filming by the beginning of February. The floor is yours, take it away...

Robert

Bogen is a respectable company and they're probably your best bet. They have some nice ones at B&H like you said. Look at the ones with the 501 head, the 503 will be too much but their 501 head packages are great for your budget.

- Kyle

501 or 503 is best bang for your buck.

Bogen Kits
 

If you get the chance to dive around Amazon (not advertising here, just posting a suggestion) look for the Bogen line of merchandise posted as a kit.

You can find a better price when you include the tripod/fluid head/spreader/level and kit bag all at once.

Also be sure to keep an eye on how much weight your tripod choice can support. There are a lot of tripods out there that look really sturdy, but are made for still shot cameras more than camcorders, and aren't made to put up with the jostling of panning shots, etc.

When I bought my GL-2 last year from bhphotovideo, I bought a Velbon CX-690 ($60) as a "starter tripod".

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

It's tall and very sturdy (holds 15lbs). The quick disconnect is a great feature. Pans are smooth.

It's served me well and I'm happy with it.

A bought the best $100 tripod I could find last year....and returned it two days later.
And this was just for a little Pana GS250 at the time.

I started watching e-bay....only took about two weeks before I won a Bogen w/fluid head for $125 shipped.
A photo studio was selling off old equipment and it was in great shape.
It was a little much for the Panasonic, but now that I have the GL2, its perfect.

I guess the point of the story is to be patient.

Bob T.

Tripod for GL2?
 

Hello, I am in market for a new tripod. I have gotten through the past year with some cheapie Wal-Mart/K-Mart brand tripods. Most of which are directed towards lighter digital cameras. I have noticed on a few attempts to film time lapses and still shots on certain days, that the slightest bit of wind will tend to shake the camera even with the tripod fully level and extended. Also, these cheap tripods don't have a fluid pan head.. so smooth pan shots are near impossible. Basically I would like to find something for my GL2 thats relatively inexpensive, but will also provide a fluid pan head for smoother shots. I would prefer something a little "beefier" so to speak that has a bit of weight, so the camera will stay secure. I have checked local camera/video retailers around my area.. but most are directed towards smaller digital cameras. Any advice/input would be great. I am looking to stay in the $50-$200 price range if possible. Thank you for your time.

Good tripods and heads are not cheap.

I've been satisfied with a Bogen 3433 (aka 501) head and you might check the Bogen 301, 3011, or 3021 legs. They are a bit above your budget range, but that is the nature of good camcorder support.

I'm using Bogen/Manfrotto systems with my GL cams every week with great success. Both have the older 3063 heads, one set of legs is the heavier 3046, the other is the 3021. I hear good reviews on the Bogen 501/503 heads. The Bogen stuff might be worth you looking into. I'd say to price it new, then look to buy it used.

Mark

Bogen/Manfrotto 3011 + 700 RC2 head kit at B&H is good
 

I got this tripod 3011 black + 700RC2 head kit at B&H a while back and, while I had a couple issues with loose screws in the head plate and in one of the leg's lower locks, after adjustment it's okay and pans and tilts very very smoothly.

Get the carrying strap too, it's worth it.

--Shayne

[Edit] P.S. you can stabilize light tripods by weighting them down.