I recently purchased a Smith-Victor Gemini 2600 from B&H for about $65 to use with my HV20. I love the tripod overall, but I've noticed a quirk in the panning. If I pan left, then right, it's fine. But if I pan left again, there is a little spot where it all goes loose and it doesn't keep smooth. I've tried it on other areas of the tripod (the opposite side, etc), and if I follow that same pattern it will do the same thing again and again.

Is this normal for fluid-head tripods? Unless this is a common problem, I will be sending this back to B&H.

Also, I'd love to hear any suggestions for a new tripod. I'm using an HV20 with a Rode VideoMic. I'm looking to buy a tripod in the $100 range.

Here:

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/235617/art/sony/vctr100-lightweight-tripo.html

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/27975/art/hama/stand-04121.html

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/44364/art/velbon/tripod-cx-460.html

BUT I recommend this one:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/481934-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__BO3021BN501H_Video_Tripod_System.html


Stelios

I've heard people say that Bogen Manfrotto is especially good- I've never used one myself. Is there a specific reason people like them?

This link is the cheapest one of that brand at B&H, it seems on the expensive side for what you get. I'm an independent videographer in high school with a tiny budget, and I film events that require a good bit of panning. Is this link a good option?

$119
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/283759-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_728B_728B_Digi_Tripod_with.html

I've also looked at items like this:

$70
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/146249-REG/Velbon_VMATE607F_Videomate_607_Tripod_with.html

$100
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366741-REG/Velbon_DV7000_DV_7000_Tripod_with_2_Way.html

Never mind, the Bogen isn't a fluid-head.