I've been looking at the # 055 Magfiber 4 Tripod # 701HDV Video Pro Mini Fluid Head


Bogen / Manfrotto | BO055MF4701H Professional MagFiber Tripod (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=567649&is=REG)

I want to have a good fluid head and really won't have more than 5 pounds on the head. I'm new to this gig and any input would be great - !

Well, don't want to rain on your parade here (would I?) but this unit married to a 5D2 could be somewhat of an embarassment all round.

I realise it says it can support 8.8 pounds, but that really is irrelevant when shooting HD.

Supporting and holding absolutely rigid are not the same thing, and I have visions of it wandering around like a 3am drunk when looking at HD shot on it.

That extending centre column just compounds the felony by giving you a nice long lever to put even more pressure on what looks like a pretty pathetic receiver assembly.

I'd say that you couldn't even breath on it when extended and not have it show up on the footage, let alone touch the camera.

If you're happy to blow 400 bucks on what may turn out to be a piece of useless junk, give it a try, but I would strongly urge you to take one for a test drive with the camera itself and watch the resultant video before parting with any cash.

Fortunately, the 5D2 is a HD video camera, unfortunately, it's an HD video camera which requires the same camera support system that all HD video camera systems do - expensive ones.

I'd strongly suggest you organise a "play day" somewhere where you can audition some of this support gear, as many different setups as possible, until you find one that can keep that camera rock solid even when touching the camera - and boy, is that going to be a challenge.

How big is your budget?


CS

^ Thanks for the reality check. I was looking to spend $500 to $800. I really don't even know what to look for when I'm testing as everything is new to me. I'm really trying to get the best advice for my first purchase and hopefully get something that works - and upgrade in the future. I know the 5D is really light as mostly use a 24-70 lens, sometimes going up to 100.

Also - I have an indieSlider on the way. Unsure if that changes anything.