Hi,

I need to get a decent tripod. I will put an XL2 loaded with a matte box on it.

Actually I am looking into these kits:

-503HDV and 351MBV2 legs
-503 and 525 legs (the older head, about the same price as the 503HDV with 351 legs)
-503HDV with 525 legs
-Libec LS-55

Or maybe the 503 HDV with another set of legs. I am open to suggestions.

Is the LS-55 better than the 503HDV head? Which one of these kits is the better choice in my situation?

Thank you very much,

Libec LS-38 or 55, Cartoni HiDV1, Miller DS-10, used Gitzo 1380 head with a decent legs. Forget those Bogens.
Ebay have one nice Cartoni Focus system right now

Laszlo

Is the LS-55 better than the 503HDV head?

Yes, it is far better, but only if your camera is *exactly* the right weight, because there is very little counter balance customization on the LS-55.

I evaluated the LS-55, Vinten Pro6 (i.e. 503), and Cartoni Focus side-by-side with my XH A1 at 650mm, 45-degree angle, and no tension. The Focus was hands-down the only usable option.

aniel, are you saying that the LS-38 might be a better choice depending of the camera? What is the optimal weight these tripods need to perform well?

I tried to make do with the sub-$600 tripods and just couldn't; the only option I could possibly settle for was the Cartoni Focus.