John,
I use the Vinten single-stage carbon fiber legs. It really has some exellent design details I've not found on other brands of legs. For example, the ground spreader features calibrated markings to enable you to quickly set the spreader accurately. Its locks are also better designed than those from Sachtler. The leg locks are also very well designed and snap into locking position with tactile feedback. The legs also fit perfectly into a Bogen portable folding dolly I already had (sometimes handy for indoor work), far less expensive than a Vinten dolly. Yes, these are little details but they really add up to big details in practical use.

I chose to get the Vinten bag for the rig. It's really excellently constructed, with a good carrying handle, large dividable interior pocket, well-padded exterior, a well-padded shoulder strap and a grab handle at the end. I believe that it was a bit more than a comparable Porta Brace case (I'm a big Porta Brace fan/customer) but I was not disappointed at all with it.

[EDIT]
I believe that the Vinten 2-stage cf legs share the same design details I described above.

You use the ground spreader, I see. I meant to ask if you preferred the ground spreader to the mid level?

The difference between single and 2 stage appears to be only several inches in maximum height. Either would work for me.

Did you use spring # 3? I have seen 3 recommended for the XL-1S; however, I wonder if #4 is better if you add MA-200, dual batteries, 5" or 7" monitor, a different shotgun XLR mic, etc?

I won't be able to respond to you until tomorrow. It's pretty late!

Thanks!

I use the #3 spring with my XL1s. Even fully-loaded (FU-1000 b&w evf, 16x manual lens, matte box, MA-200, CH-910 w/dual BP-945 batteries) it balances nicely. Of course you will have to adjust the plate's position on the head a bit.

I use the #2 spring with my GL2 and DVX100A. Again, no real counter-force trouble here either. Very smooth.

Yes, I use the ground spreader. Nearly all of my shooting tends to be on reasonably level surfaces so it's not a big issue to me. I had a longstanding affinity for mid-level spreaders. But I have found that the adjustability of leg stance provided by a ground spreader can be of great benefit in terms of height as well as overall rigidity of the leg support. I really like having those legs splayed when shooting low. The whole assembly feels rock-solid.

I also prefer the single-stage leg configuration, basically because I prefer to only futz with one adjustment per leg.

One recommendation: buy an extra plate. The Vinten plates are absurdly expensive (something like $150, if I recall correctly). But it's a good idea to have an extra in case one is lost or you lose a screw. Goofy stuff happens, and without that plate you're out of business.

I think you're in for a real treat if you get a Vinten. Have fun!

That's a great approx price Ken. The best price I have been quoted over here in the UK for a Vinten Vision 3 head with 2 stage cf legs, mid level spreader and soft case is £1563 which is approx $2848

Anybody from UK know where I could get it cheaper. Would have to be around £1208 to compare to $2200

My local supplier should have it on SOR sometime this week for me to have a look at. Apart from price can't wait!

Likewise, will be using it with my XL1. Vinten recommended to me for standard XL1 setup use number 2 spring and if using a heavy EF lens like the Canon 100-400 a number 4 spring!

I was glad to hear good things about the Vision 3 head as I can simply place it on the Vinten carbon sticks I already have and save some $$$s. This discussion of SPRING #s is new to me though. If the spring is simple to switch out, maybe I'll get the 2, 3, and 4 so I'm covered.

It's been a while since I last visited here and I'm glad to see so may folks willing to share info.

Remember, if you aren't having fun doing what you are doing, you are doing the wrong thing.

The Vision 3's springs are very easy to swap. It requires just a minute or two and a coin (to unscrew the spring's securing bolt).

B&H has an online chart guide you in spring selection. Go to one of the springs and look for the "Click Here for a complete listing" link on each spring's page. (Not directly linkable from here, sorry.)

If you were buying a new tripod, as I am, and have no existing parts to use, would you buy the 1 stage or 2 stage carbon sticks? I see 3 factors to consider: slight maximum height difference, a weight difference, and a setup leg adjustment (more to fiddle with) difference. I have heard a voice for simplicity, and that makes good sense, combined with lesser weight. Would anyone like to defend their reason for using 2 stage legs? I would appreciate your ideas!

John, I'd definitely buy 2-stage legs. I can't remember the last time I used a single stage set of legs. In the 70s and 80s it was almost exclusively wooden Miller legs with Mitchell heads. When carbon fiber legs came out in the 90s they were much lighter but still had the stiffness to resist torquing. I'm so accustomed to the range of heights afforded by two stage legs that I can't give them up (yes, size does matter). And, especially with the much lighter XL1s camera, the heavier weight of the legs is a real advantage when you are doing lots of panning and tilting.

The old Vinten legs with new Vision 3 heads will continue to travel in the Portabrace Tripod Shellpack we've had for years. It's well padded, holds LOTS of other stuff as well as the tripod and has lots of carrying options.

The first tripods I purchased for our Canon cameras are Bogen/Manfrotto 503 heads on 442 legs. The only positive things I can say about them is that they are lightweight, pack easily, and work sufficiently well for low-angle shots. They seem well made and the head pans & tilts relatively smoothly but it's just too big a step down from the Vinten system.

I have a 2-stage aluminum Vinten Vision 3 rig, I use Spring #4 for the XL1S, stock lenses, ME66 and a PreAmp on a home-made camera mount. The spring is more than is needed, I think most people can get away with Spring #3

I don't know if current shipments include the VHS-sized screw to mount the camera to the plate. Mine did not, I had to buy one from B&H.

I do want to invest in a mid spreader, but at $700 USD it's a bit of a stretch. I wonder if there's a Bogen model that fits....

Hi, I live in Burnaby and recently purchased an XL1s. I'm looking for a decent tripod and head (used if the price is right). Any suggestions or is someone looking to sell?

Hey David, last night I walked past a pawn shop that had a Bogen 501 head sitting on some Manfrotto sticks in the front window. It's one of the pawn shops on Granville St. If they're in good condition you might want to check it out. It's one of the pawn shops on the E. side of the street downtown close to the backpackers and Indian crafts store.

I too have an XL1 and a Bogen Tripod (3021), and I have found that the "tubing" of the Bogen legs seems to be thick enough, that the weight of the XL1 stands firm, and the Tripod Head (3063) is strong enough, that the camera doesn't budge. Either way, just try and make sure the tripod you buy is thick enough to stand the weight. I have a "cheapy" that I purchased around $45, and the weight of the XL1 moved the head somewhat.

Hope that helps and good luck shopping...

Thank you both for the information. I will try the pawn shop. Is it by Leo's camera or on the other end of Granville?

It's in that area of Granville, yes, but opposite side of the street.

i need one before 6/12. i'm shooting my friend's wedding. any suggestions? i need one that is not only good for this shoot but any shoot.

i've heard from a friend of mine that said that bogen tripods such as the 3021n or 3021 pro are pretty GOOD if you also add the micro fluid heads. what do you guys think? cheaper alternatives? go with bogen? if so where do i buy it for a good price? i need this to arrive @me house BEFORE 6/12. thanks =).

PS what about promaster tripods?

I am using the bogen/manfrotto 3021 pro legs with the 501 head. This head works really well with this camera, you should consider it, or even the 503 if you have enough money.

The 3021 pro legs are really good also, but if you can afford it, go with a sturdier model.

For a place to buy, try B&H! (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/?BI=155)

so that friend of mine isn't completely insane, though that remains to be proven at some other time...

i've played around the bogen with the panasonic 24p cam and it was very nice and fluid.

also i see that there are even more kits beyond the 3021, like the 3051, is it worth it for xl1s? 3021 good 'nuff?

thx for the recommend. i'll see to it immediately.

this may be late but I perfer the 3051. It is a little heavier but I like the 2 stage better. The 3021 is more portable, smaller and lighter. If that is what you want go for it because it will save you a little money. I have both but always use my 3051. The only time I have used my 3021 was when I went on a safari in Kenya. Like I said it is very portable.

it's not too late! i'll probably get it tonight when i get home.

now by heavier you mean th tripod is heavier. does this mean it'll be more stable when you hook up the xl1s? does it matter vs the 3021? the 3051 is far far more expensive.

also i've heard that a tripod the cheapmen's 'steadicam' as well by holding up the folded up tripod and mountin the xl1s on it. it also doubles as arm's strength training.

PS are there other alternatives besides bogen? is this 'the one to get' and all others stink?

The bogen/manfrotto 501 or 503 head, with good legs, are 'the one to get' in their price range for this type/weigth of camera. There is better but a lot more expansive tripods from other brand. Miller to name one.

what features do millers excel bogen?

I use the 3021 legs with the 501 head on my XL1s. I think it's a perfect tripod for this camera. It's sturdy and well suited, but it's not too heavy.

I normally run my XL1 with the MA-100, a small light, an aftermarket shotgun mic & mount, and a wireless reciever hooked to the plate on the MA-100 (plus all cables to run everything). This makes for a fairly large rig and again, I think the tripod is perfectly suited.

DVi sponsor B&H has the legs/head combo for about $260. I did lots of research before purchasing, and found this to be by far the best tripod for the money.

Here's the link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=Ap5mI44yNv!2047444894?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=220396&is=REG

Hope that helps.

The 3051 has a bowl and it is more sturdy. Thats part of the reason it cost more. I guess it is more what you need. I am used to using full size broadcast camers with the big tripod that are really heavy so the 3051 is a cake walk. I like the bowl because when I am on the move it helps me level the camera faster. Not a real big deal but like I said I guess it is preference and what you really want, need or are willing to spend to get it. After $4000 for a camera $350 for a tripod is not much. I make money and the 3051 makes my work a little easier and to me thats worth it. I know you are buying soon but when you get to the store you should test both. I am a bogen fan and like most of there video tripods.

Marcus

well i'm sold =). the 3021 it is. thx4everyone's replies =).

i just got it yesterday, hooked it up w/my xl1s and it was wonderful. i think after buying this stand i've crossed into the threshold of a brand new world. sorta like in star wars when ob1 says now you've stepped into a larger world. i feel strange =).

Great! Have fun with your new toy!

hey, im a film student and im looking for a decent but good priced tripod, as a college student im practically broke, heck i had to take out a loan just to get my camera, anyways im lookin for a decent tripod to use for friends weddings and class projects and just for fun shoots. i saw a remote controled tripod on ebay for like 50 or 60 bucks, those any good? help me out guys, thanks

I wouldn't put the Xl1 on anything lighter than a bogen 3021 set of legs and at least a 501 head like this kit:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=284783&is=REG

even with this, you need to be carefull with these legs.

The XL1 weight is close to 10 lbs. A 50 bucks tripod will be only good enough for a small handy cam

Hi Shane,

I've moved your post to our "Support Your Local Camera" forum where it belongs. Please search through here as this question has been heavily discussed many times before. You really should consider a tripod worthy of a large camcorder like the XL1, somewhere in the $400 to $500 range or even higher if you can afford it.

Hey guys, Are there 100 and 150 mm (or 75mm) mounts where you can attach your xl1 to, so that you can attach the xl1 on professional jibs and dolly's. This is the first time i'm going to use a professional crane and jib and the lady of the rentalhouse couldn't really explain this to me.

I might be a bit unclear, because it's all a bit unclear te me at this point.

thanks in advance

Some tripods, usually available on better tripod, have a "ball type" mount.

This allows you to level the camera, without having to adjust the legs.

The ball mount can usually be separated from the tripod legs. The ball mount, usually called a "half ball" is the part that attaches to the bottom of your camera and sits in the bowl shaped top of your tripod legs.

Click on the link, near the bottom of this post, to see these items.

So, if you have a proper tripod with the "ball", separate the two parts and you should have what you need. Or buy the parts separately.

As you stated, these usually come in three sizes, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm, other sizes may be available.

A "Top Hat" is the name of a small device that has the "Bowl" and some short legs to mount to some other price, such as a piece of plywood, or a dolloy, etc.

Click on the following to see these items:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=3912

I would recommend staying away from the 75mm equipment unless you have a very light camera. 100mm is more common and supports more weight. 150mm is for heavy cameras, usually heavy film cameras.

Thanks a lot, it finally is clear to me, because i just did not know what is was missing. But it's that 'ball type mount'. (our tripod doesn't have that) Great, now I know what to look for.

For the record I use a sachtler dv8 which has a 75mm ball mount on my xl-h1 and it works great. I've also used it with the xlh1 and a mini 35 with no problems, any more weight then that though would probably be too much. Also the "top hat" is sometimes called (at least on the west coast) a "high hat" and there is a lower to the ground version called... wait for it.... a "low hat"

Nick is correct, I should have said "High Hat".

Just bought a Manfrotto / Bogen 503 351mvb2 Kit tripod for my Canon XL1. Does anyone have any experience with this tripod??

Like other noobies, I was looking for a sturdy tripod for the XL1 that wouldn't break the bank. I didn't see the Davis & Sanford ProVista 12 with F12 Fluid Head tripod mentioned in the older thread, and thought I'd pass along my experience. Bought one off eBay new for Christmas, and it's been great. Very sturdy, easy adjustments, smooth tracking. Of course, it's not a Bogen or Manfrotto, but it didn't cost $500 either. Bought mine for $125 delivered from 47th Street Photo via eBay.

Thought others might be interested in this tripod.