Tripod for GL2?

Chris Wright · April 2nd, 2004, 04:07 PM

I am looking for the best tripod I can buy for around $100 - $150. It will be used with my GL2 for shooting weddings and other video projects.

After searching the forums, I came across these models...

1. Bogen-Manfrotto 3180N
$177 at Adorama

2. Bogen - Manfrotto 3021BP Pro
$147 at Adorama

Would anyone recommend one of these two products or are there better options out there? I really can not spend any more than the 3180N at $177

thanks!

Graham Bernard · April 2nd, 2004, 04:19 PM

Just bought a set of Manfrottos legs, fluid head AND a Manfrotto Dolly .. .. how much? £90 . . 2nd hand .. . neat eh?!?!?

Secondhand stuff, outsioed the actual commie I don't have a problem .. .

Grazie

Joe Cirino · June 3rd, 2004, 04:42 PM

I need value and quality in one neat price.

Nick Reed · June 5th, 2004, 11:25 AM

I am not very familiar with tripods in the $150 range but I did happen to see one in store a couple of months back that I thought was fairly decent. It was significantly better than the $100 Vanguards or whatever it was that I have seen at Fry's and such places.

It is the Davis & Sanford Pro Vista with F12 head, see it here...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=223630&is=REG

IIRC the head was surprisingly smooth, not a fluid head, but for $150 it was the best that I have seen.

Joe Cirino · June 8th, 2004, 10:53 AM

THANKS!!

I just ordered it. Ill let you know how it is. The salesperson said it is a great tripod for the money.

Thanks again!

Nick Reed · June 9th, 2004, 12:32 PM

I am sure there are many people who could use a good $150 pod. The Velbons and other inexpensive pods are fine for still cams but not for video.

The Davis-Sanford is the only one that I have seen that has video potential. I don't think that I would put anything larger than a GL2 on it. Let us know what you think. Why don't you write a mini-review of it after you have checked it out.

I hope you are happy with the pod and it serves you well.

K. Forman · June 9th, 2004, 12:46 PM

I believe Slik has a model around that price range.

Joe Cirino · June 9th, 2004, 01:05 PM

I will write a review. I will also have picutres for you as well....stay tuned! Hey Nick, I forgot to mention that when speaking to the Band H sales person, he said that he ALWAYS forgets to tell people about the David pod because its such a good deal for the money.

Thanks guys!!
Joe

Its amazing how the internet has changed the world of information and buying products.

Nick Reed · June 24th, 2004, 11:59 AM

Joe,

Did you get your tripod? If so, I'd like to hear about it.

Joe Cirino · June 24th, 2004, 12:55 PM

Thanks Nick for reminding me.

Review of a $150 Davis and Sanford from B&H video/photo online retailer
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=223630&is=REG

Legend:

1=Poor..., 5=Average..., 10=Outstanding

Pictures are here
http://www.hyperjoes.com/tripod/index.htm

Since I ONLY have expirience with cheap Vanguard tripods-$35 and up, this is my FIRST quality tripod, so for those looking for a review compared to a Bogen-I have never touched one. Review is based on how well it does the job. For all I know, there may be Bogens that don't come close to this baby!

1. Canvas Bag=8. The bad has a side zipper pocket, although it does not have anyway to attach a shoulder strap. Well constructed and able to do the job effectively.

2. Fluid Head=8. Smooth and easy to adjust. It will do the job and does not studder when panning/tilting. Several adjustments for tilt, pan-lock, weight of camera, level, ect. I would say they could of used better metal for the handle, its strong, but not the best quality. The quick connect/disconnect is heavy and well made. Works like a dream. Addtional Quick connects are under $10.

3. Aluminum Frame/tripod=9. SOLID and STURDY 8.8lbs. Easy to adjust and expand, although I wish they would of used better locking thumb adjusters. They seem after a few hundred uses, they may bust off, I could be wrong. Feet are large and grip the ground. I could not tip this baby over if I had to. Paint seems to stick on metal fine. May be prone to scratches, but thats what you get with a black pod.

Overall=8.3
Feel free to ask questions

Joe

Nick Reed · June 24th, 2004, 01:51 PM

Joe,

Sounds like you are pretty happy with your pod. Whew, that's a relief to me. I would have been felt responsible if my recommendation had disappointed you but I was relatively sure that you would be happy for $150 or I would not have recommended it.

Your pics and description suggest that it is an excellent buy for the money.

What is the largest cam that you would recommend putting on this pod? I only looked at it very briefly in the store and kind of got the impression that the GL2 would be the max but I couldn't say for sure.

You may be able to buy better thumb screws for it at Home Depot or Lowe's. I think they sell something like this.

Joe Cirino · June 24th, 2004, 02:14 PM

I am very happy with it. Maximum weight allowed on pod is 13 lbs. Gl2 is like under 5lbs.

Thumbs are nothing to worry right now, it may never be anything to worry about.

Prech Marton · June 24th, 2004, 11:53 PM

Hi!

Around 200$ which tripod+head is the best combination for my new XM2 camcorder? I film almost always in nature, outdoor.

I want a really really smooth horizontal movement.
So i guess i need a fluid head. But which one do you use/prefer?

In Hungary there are some manfrotto (128RC, 501 PRO, 503PRO)
and the Unomat PSV 909.

Are these good enough for my nature projects?

thx,
Marton

Alan McCormick · June 25th, 2004, 05:56 AM

Marton,

I use the 503, it is very smooth and you have full control over the drag on tilt and pan to suit your specific needs.

Robin Davies-Rollinson · June 25th, 2004, 06:25 AM

Seconded - the 503 is very good value for the money. I've been very happy with it...

Robin.

April 2nd, 2004, 04:07 PM	#31
Chris Wright Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lee's Summit, Missouri Posts: 146	GL2 Tripod on a Budget I am looking for the best tripod I can buy for around $100 - $150. It will be used with my GL2 for shooting weddings and other video projects. After searching the forums, I came across these models... 1. Bogen-Manfrotto 3180N $177 at Adorama 2. Bogen - Manfrotto 3021BP Pro $147 at Adorama Would anyone recommend one of these two products or are there better options out there? I really can not spend any more than the 3180N at $177 thanks!

June 3rd, 2004, 04:42 PM	#33
Joe Cirino Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: United States Posts: 101	Recomendations for a tripod for GL2 for under $150? I need value and quality in one neat price.

June 5th, 2004, 11:25 AM	#34
Nick Reed Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 78	Best $150 tripod I am not very familiar with tripods in the $150 range but I did happen to see one in store a couple of months back that I thought was fairly decent. It was significantly better than the $100 Vanguards or whatever it was that I have seen at Fry's and such places. It is the Davis & Sanford Pro Vista with F12 head, see it here... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=223630&is=REG IIRC the head was surprisingly smooth, not a fluid head, but for $150 it was the best that I have seen.

June 9th, 2004, 12:46 PM	#37
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	I believe Slik has a model around that price range. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

June 24th, 2004, 01:51 PM	#41
Nick Reed Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 78	Davis & Sanford Joe, Sounds like you are pretty happy with your pod. Whew, that's a relief to me. I would have been felt responsible if my recommendation had disappointed you but I was relatively sure that you would be happy for $150 or I would not have recommended it. Your pics and description suggest that it is an excellent buy for the money. What is the largest cam that you would recommend putting on this pod? I only looked at it very briefly in the store and kind of got the impression that the GL2 would be the max but I couldn't say for sure. You may be able to buy better thumb screws for it at Home Depot or Lowe's. I think they sell something like this.

April 2nd, 2004, 04:19 PM	#32
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	Just bought a set of Manfrottos legs, fluid head AND a Manfrotto Dolly .. .. how much? £90 . . 2nd hand .. . neat eh?!?!? Secondhand stuff, outsioed the actual commie I don't have a problem .. . Grazie

June 8th, 2004, 10:53 AM	#35
Joe Cirino Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: United States Posts: 101	THANKS!! I just ordered it. Ill let you know how it is. The salesperson said it is a great tripod for the money. Thanks again!

June 9th, 2004, 12:32 PM	#36
Nick Reed Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 78	I am sure there are many people who could use a good $150 pod. The Velbons and other inexpensive pods are fine for still cams but not for video. The Davis-Sanford is the only one that I have seen that has video potential. I don't think that I would put anything larger than a GL2 on it. Let us know what you think. Why don't you write a mini-review of it after you have checked it out. I hope you are happy with the pod and it serves you well.

June 9th, 2004, 01:05 PM	#38
Joe Cirino Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: United States Posts: 101	I will write a review. I will also have picutres for you as well....stay tuned! Hey Nick, I forgot to mention that when speaking to the Band H sales person, he said that he ALWAYS forgets to tell people about the David pod because its such a good deal for the money. Thanks guys!! Joe Its amazing how the internet has changed the world of information and buying products.

June 24th, 2004, 11:59 AM	#39
Nick Reed Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 78	Joe, Did you get your tripod? If so, I'd like to hear about it.

June 24th, 2004, 12:55 PM	#40
Joe Cirino Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: United States Posts: 101	Thanks Nick for reminding me. Review of a $150 Davis and Sanford from B&H video/photo online retailer http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=223630&is=REG Legend: 1=Poor..., 5=Average..., 10=Outstanding Pictures are here http://www.hyperjoes.com/tripod/index.htm Since I ONLY have expirience with cheap Vanguard tripods-$35 and up, this is my FIRST quality tripod, so for those looking for a review compared to a Bogen-I have never touched one. Review is based on how well it does the job. For all I know, there may be Bogens that don't come close to this baby! 1. Canvas Bag=8. The bad has a side zipper pocket, although it does not have anyway to attach a shoulder strap. Well constructed and able to do the job effectively. 2. Fluid Head=8. Smooth and easy to adjust. It will do the job and does not studder when panning/tilting. Several adjustments for tilt, pan-lock, weight of camera, level, ect. I would say they could of used better metal for the handle, its strong, but not the best quality. The quick connect/disconnect is heavy and well made. Works like a dream. Addtional Quick connects are under $10. 3. Aluminum Frame/tripod=9. SOLID and STURDY 8.8lbs. Easy to adjust and expand, although I wish they would of used better locking thumb adjusters. They seem after a few hundred uses, they may bust off, I could be wrong. Feet are large and grip the ground. I could not tip this baby over if I had to. Paint seems to stick on metal fine. May be prone to scratches, but thats what you get with a black pod. Overall=8.3 Feel free to ask questions Joe

June 24th, 2004, 02:14 PM	#42
Joe Cirino Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: United States Posts: 101	I am very happy with it. Maximum weight allowed on pod is 13 lbs. Gl2 is like under 5lbs. Thumbs are nothing to worry right now, it may never be anything to worry about.

June 24th, 2004, 11:53 PM	#43
Prech Marton Major Player Join Date: May 2004 Location: hungary Posts: 462	Good Tripod + Head for GL2 Hi! Around 200$ which tripod+head is the best combination for my new XM2 camcorder? I film almost always in nature, outdoor. I want a really really smooth horizontal movement. So i guess i need a fluid head. But which one do you use/prefer? In Hungary there are some manfrotto (128RC, 501 PRO, 503PRO) and the Unomat PSV 909. Are these good enough for my nature projects? thx, Marton

June 25th, 2004, 05:56 AM	#44
Alan McCormick Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chatham, UK Posts: 282	Marton, I use the 503, it is very smooth and you have full control over the drag on tilt and pan to suit your specific needs. __________________ Alan McC

June 25th, 2004, 06:25 AM	#45
Robin Davies-Rollinson Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff, CYMRU/WALES Posts: 1,215	Seconded - the 503 is very good value for the money. I've been very happy with it... Robin.