I'm an amatuer videographer and just purchased my xl1 and was wondering if anyone could recommend what type of tripod would work best with it. It seems as though the range goes from extremely expensive, like sachtler to flimsy 35 mm. Any suggestions would be great.

Hi Daniel,

For general use, I highly recommend the setup I have. I use a Manfrotto 501 head with Manfrotto 455 legs. (Bogen is the same company as Manfrotto, by the way. The model numbers vary between the two brands but the equipment is the same. You dealer can match the different brand models.) The legs have special "leg warmers" on them for padding when I carry it on my shoulder. Also, I have a very soft, neoprene "Matin" strap for times when I need to just strap it over my shoulder.

This is a very inexpensive, compact, and lightweight unit. Seems everyone I talked to tried to persuade me to buy really large heads and the "double-tube" legs for extra support. They also insisted that I need the bottom cross bars to keep the legs from sliding outward.

But the XL-1 is so lightweight, it really doesn't need all that. Those "big" setups weigh a ton. That would really hamper portability. Also, I like the fact that I can slide the legs outward--that way I can put the camera really low near the floor for up angle shots. Since all three legs work independently of one another, I can also extend and swing one leg out while making the other two legs shorter for shooting in precarious places like on the slope of a hillside.

My setup still allows free tilt and panning, it just requires a slightly steadier hand. It has a leveling bubble, a quick release, and full locking ability.

In a "studio" environment, I can understand the need for the heftier units...but I've never had a problem with my setup...indoors or out.

I can't remember exactly...but I think my whole tripod unit cost around $350.

Have fun with your new XL-1!

501 is pretty good way to go, though I want to try before I buy. I do have the Bogen 3130 which does not work that well with the XL-1.

Nathan Gifford

Howdy from Texas,

I found my perfect tripod combo, on a budget.

I'm using the Bogen 3251 sticks. This is the "automatic" tripod with a black finish. Tom Mckay has the silver version of this, and that's where I first saw it. A little on the heavy side, but the ability to extend all three legs with the push of a lever is quite choice. It's also great for breakdown... just push a lever and collapse the pod... easy, fast.

For the head I use the Bogen 503 with an extra pan handle. I like it a lot better than the 501. Outwardly they're nearly identical but the 503 has a spring balance inside and feels smoother. The pan handles are better than the 501, also... longer & telescoping.

I wish I had a Miller, but I could only afford a Bogen (whole thing about $400).

Topping off my rig is the VariZoom VZ-Pro-L zoom & focus controller... just wish I could find a way to wield it on permanently. Hope this helps,

Chris,

Glad to hear your recommendation of the 503. I opted for the 501 simply because I couldn't get my hands on a 503 here in Seoul to check it out. The double pan handle looked inviting...but decided it's better to go with what I could actually see and try out. Looks like that's something I'll have to consider when I get back Stateside.

As for the legs...the Bogen 3251 sticks...I've never seen nor heard of them. They also sound interesting. Is it possible to extend the legs out independently of one another like in my model? I really like being able to get low, low angles and/or setup my tripod on uneven terrain.

FYI

Sorry to follow myself up here. Just visited the Manfrotto site, http://www.manfrotto.com, (remember...Bogen is the same) and found that they've just announced the new 540ART video tripod legs, a 516 Pro Fluid Video Head, and other accessories. All are especially designed for DV camcorders.

John, thanks for the heads-up about the new stuff from Bogen. I see a new mounting plate I need to get.

The 503 and 501 heads each come with one pan handle. In both cases I added a second one. Some day I'll have to write about how and why I like to use two handles.

About the 3251/3051 sticks, you can look them up on the Manfrotto site... the legs can be extended independently of each other, and at different angles from each other, so they would probably meet your requirements. The mid-level spreader on this pod is high enough for me to position the sticks over and between auditorium seats (I do some indoor event stuff -- right tool for the right job).

just went to the manfrotto site and there seems to be a lot to choose from. Thank you all for your insight. I've learned a great deal just from reading everyone's input.

Bogen video tripods are inexpensive compared to professional gear such as Matthews, Miller, Sachtler, Vinten, etc. However Bogen seems to be the best of the bottom-end of the barrel. And it looks to me like they're trying to improve, and grab a significant part of the DV market.

More power to 'em. Personally I wish I could *afford* a $2,000 Miller tripod, but I had to settle for a $400 Bogen. So far I have to admit it's worked out pretty good.

Hi Chris,

I've been pricing the 3251/503 combination and the best I've been able to find is about $500. If you have a source that can get one to me for $400 I'll place the order today.

That tripod is a bit heavy (13.5 lbs without the head) and also a bit long (37" closed length), but I'm thinking it might be better for my purpose than the 3221WN which was the other one I was considering and probably similar to the one mentioned by the originator of this thread.

Thanks for the suggestion,
Ed

Hi Ed,

Checking my invoice, I bought the 3251 sticks from Camera World (in Oregon) for $210. That was a little over a year ago, in September 2000. At that time I also bought a 501 head with an extra pan handle. With shipping the whole order came to $395.

I sold the 501 head and bought a 503 with extra pan handle from B&H. That was back in April. For some reason I don't have the invoice handy; it's in a stack of papers somewhere. According to the B&H website, the 503 is priced right now at $243.

You might try Camera World for that combo -- although the price on the 3251 may have come up some from last year. A hint, don't ask for a "combo," that signals one of their pre-packaged arrangements. Just ask for sticks number xxx and head number xxx. Good luck,

I took a chance and ordered the new Gitzo 2380 ($170 from B&H) a few weeks ago (could never find any reviews on it) and so far I have to say I like it much better then the Bogen 501. I have not used the 503. After I have used it a few more weeks, I will check back with a follow-up.

I use the Manfrotto 441(in the US 3443) Carbon Pro 1. As I do a lot of backcountry hiking in deep snow weight is a major issue as I usually carry, my XL1, EOS3, various lenses, flashes, and the like as well as backcountry survival gear. This tripod weighs only 1.5 kgs and because it is made from carbon fibre it is stronger and more ridged than aluminium. That combined with the 501 head works well and didn't cost a fortune.

Man! Backcountry hiking in snow, wakeboarding, skating, snowboarding and surfing from the costal area of Shounan, AND making movies with your XL-1...

...Adrian, can I borrow your life for awhile?

You can have it at the moment John, everytime I plan to shoot it bloody rains. I'm teaching English to pay the bills at the moment so you can have that too. Ah well, winter is coming so it's off to the snow, might even be heading to Korea for a bit to the Alps Resort. It's not far from the border so that could make for some interesting footage

Hey...when you've been stuck behind a desk staring at a monitor in a comatose state as long as I have...rain sounds pretty good.

Give us a shout if you make it to Korea...but coming to Korea from Japan for skiing? That's like leaving Las Vegas to go to Montana for some gambling. Not much here. Small resorts, short runs, snow usually man-made and packed, and LOTS of people.

But...it's worth it from an adventure point of view. Never a dull moment here.

P.S. Popped the book in the mail today. Enjoy!

As much as I've always intended to, I've never read "Rebel Without a Crew." And believe it or not, Rodriguez and I were at film school together at UT-Austin (never shared a class, met him one time only, in an elevator, after "Bedhead" showed at the student film screening).

So Adrian, when you're done reading that book, I'd like to see about getting you to send it my way. Then I'll mail it to some other Community member.

Let's each sign the inside front cover as it makes its journey... then when it finally gets back to John he'll have a record of the rounds it made. Maybe it'll have RR's autograph by that time!

Oh yeah, tripods... Ed Frazier, you're right, the 3251 *is* a bit long and a bit heavy. Definitely on both counts. But... stable, and best of all, automatic. I love it despite its size and weight.

Great minds think alike, Chris!

I'm hoping the same thing...that the book will travel around the community board (and globe), and everyone sign the inside cover and send an e-mail to the previous readers.

Would be cool if Robert Rodriguez signed it, wouldn't it?

It really is inspirational to read how he bucked the system ("You have to pay your dues first," "You've got to start at the bottom," etc.) and just went out and made a movie. I watched "El Mariachi" a half dozen times after reading it, trying to figure out exactly how he shot the scenes with just one camera, and also to see if the sound was ever out of sync. Considering how he made the movie, it's something to respect.

I didn't care too much for the remake "Desperado" but I guess working with a Hollywood crew for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. In my opinion, his last couple of films really look good, and also retain his original style. Never have seen "Bedhead"...I'll have to check it out.

I'm also wondering if I met him one time at Pharmaco (ah...the things we do for money).

Hello Again Chris,

The 3251 arrived a couple of days ago and it is even longer and heavier than I had imagined. Fully extended with the 503 head, it is about 7'6". It is definately steady though and I don't regret the purchase at all. Thanks for the tip. Now all I need is the camera to put on top of it. Hopefully another day or two and it'll be here.

One question though; is it possible to balance the head with a VXPRO-LX attached and XL1 mounted? With my Sony TRV510 it was impossible to hold position without cranking the vertical tension REAL tight. I'm hoping the forward weight bias on the XL1 will help offset the weight of the Varizoom.

Ed

<< I'm hoping the forward weight bias on the XL1 will help offset the weight of the Varizoom. >>

Ed, this is EXACTLY what happens. Enjoy,

HEY ,

HOW ABOUT THE MANFROTTO 3140 COMBO(3046 LEGS/3063HEAD)?
I HEARD IT'S VERY GOOD FOR DV.ANY OPINIONS?
THANKS.

Since the new Manfrotto 540ART was mentioned, I thought I'd post a price - was considering one when I visited the Manfrotto website.

On B&H, it's selling for $1150, but is currently listed as a out-of-stock, special-order item.

I am going to user a tridpod for field shots.
Someone recommend Bogen/Manfrotto 3221WN (6.2 lbs)with 503 head, or 3445 Carbon fiber (3.8 lbs).
3445 is 2.4 lbs lighter and $200 more.

Do you think it is worth to buy 3445.

Do you know any good dealer?

If you have any other recommendation for the field tridpod,
please let me know.

I use the Carbon Fibre sticks with a 501 head. As a field setup it is great. I do a lot of backcountry hiking in the snow so weigh is a big factor for me.

The carbon fibre sticks are light and rigid and provide a stable platform for the head and the XL1.

Adrian,

You did a lot of snow (and snowboarding) shooting, right?
I have some questions on this... How do you transport
your XL1 when your hiking? You use any rain or scuba
bags to protect your cam from cold, snow and other
things? Any filters you use in the snow?

Thanks!

G'day from WA

Well I recently purchased a Miller DS-10 system. This came with 832 adjustable carbon legs (three section), adjustable spreaders and a fluid head. The head is well balanced and counter balanced for use with MA-200 and battery pack. I have used it on the slopes and rocky outcrops and it is very stable. This tripod system was built and designed for the XL1.

It cost $2132.00 Aus

Although I only have one gripe and that is with the remote controller ZR-1000 that plugs into the LANC. Canon need to make sure that the screws that bolt the plate onto the controller that goes around the fluid head handle a little longer. This is due to the fact that I have a wide tube handle.

Hope this helps in your price decision.

cheers

Greenday

Rob,

FWIW, Porta Brace makes an interesting backpack for the XL1 and similar cams. Honestly, I've never tried one out but am tempted to do so. I do, however, have several other PortaBrace products which are all of outstanding quality and design.

You can find this at:

http://www.portabrace.com/asp/ProdDesc.asp?DescCode=HV

Just bought a Porta Brace Hiker Pro for my XL1s. Great case like all Porta Brace products quality in and out, plenty of gaget room and comfortable to wear. I would feel comfortable hiking anywhere with this case and camera well sealed and rigid enough to protect valuable contents. It has additional d rings to lash on tripod or other gear as well to the exterior. Interior has velcro tie down strap for camera and comes with padded divider material for building compartments in extra room in case. 3 zippered storage on exterior 1 long for microphone and 1 large and 1 medium for batteries, chargers and stock. It is easily used as a carry bag with strong handles on top and side.

Jerry

...As former (U.S.) President Carter might have said, "You've put lust in mah heart."

btw the case i described is the hkp-3 not the L model also shown on the web site Ken detailed.

Jerry

P.S. Ken mine was $250 from ZGC Model number for XL1s is HKP-2 on my invoice.

Any recommended dealers for Bogen/Manfrotto products?
Jerry

I've purchased my Bogen/Manfrotto gear from B&H (bhphoto.com). They seem to have the widest selection and reasonable prices.

Hi Jerry,

I initially ordered the PortaBrace Hiker-2 case with my camera but was a little worried with the fact that the lens was in constant contact with the top of the case. I couldn't find a way to position the camera without the top placing pressure on the lens when it was zipped closed. Otherwise, I thought it was a great piece. I finally exchanged it for the Traveler model. This one doesn't have quite as much storage for extra stuff and it doesn't have the straps for backpacking or a tripod, but I do feel a little bit better about the security of the camer lens.

Ed Frazier

Has anyone tried the LowePro series of professional backpacks. I took a gander at the PortaBrace link above, but the HP-2 didn't seem to have an adequate shoulder harness and it didn't seem to have much of a waist harness.

I've done a lot of backpacking and fine those two features, especially the waist harness (belt), invaluable.

Please check out the following link and let me know what you think about this particular Lowe Pro back pack. (The extra soft-sided case tethered to the back of the backpack is not part of the pack).

http://www.lowepro.com/images/PPages/Bag_pack/lrgclr/Road%20Runner%20on%20back.jpg

Would be happy for those of you who have packed your gear into the outback to weigh in.

Thanks.

-- Alan

Hi Alan,

<<I took a gander at the PortaBrace link above, but the HP-2 didn't seem to have an adequate shoulder harness and it didn't seem to have much of a waist harness. >>

I'm not sure which PortaBrace model you are referring to. They have a model HK-2 (designed for larger ENG cameras) which does have a waist belt and also the HKP-2 (the one I ordered and the one designated for the XL1), which does not have any waist belt at all. There is also the HKP-3 which is a little longer than the HKP-2 but otherwise the same as far as I know.

I took a look at the LowePro model in your link and while the dimensions seem more than adequate for the XL1, there could be a problem with the depth. It is only 9", the almost exact width of the XL1 with mic and VF attached. There could be a problem unless the VF is removed each time you pack the camera. Also, did you notice the weight? 15lbs 12oz.! That seems like a LOT for an empty pack. Must be caused by the internal frame and wheels.

Just some things to consider.

Ed Frazier

To transport my XL1 when hiking I use a modified Lowe Pro Photo Trekker Classic. The modifications are only for essiential backountry rescue gear like avalanche probe, shovel etc.

My XL1, EOS 3, 70-200, 28-70 and 17-35mm lenses, battries, all fit, al be it very snuggly inside the pack. It took some playing with the dividers but they do fit. Filters, blank tapes and films go into the 70-200 case strapped onto one side of the pack. My tripod gets strapped to the other side and then my snowboard goes onto the front (back?) of the pack. It gets pretty heavy so I use hiking poles with extra large baskets when in deep snow.

As for shooting, I use a circular polarizer only. I had a rain jacket for it but it was just made of cheap clear plastic and only lasted half a season. I'm getting a Porta Brace one this month.

The main thing to remember when shooting in the snow is to set your exposure compensation dial +1.5 - 2 stops. This is because the light meter tries to compensate for the refelected light off the snow and shuts down the iris somewhat and you end up with grey snow. So for that OMO whiteness overexpose 1.5 - 2 stops and Bob's your uncle.

OK, my 2 cents worth here...
I have found my Porta Brace CTC2 the perfect item.

It is just the right size to carry aboard a plane (allow plenty of time for airport security to scrutinize the hell out of your XL1 and the rest of the bag's contents), and in it I keep spare tapes and batteries, charger, 2 kinds of wireless mics and a plug-in mike, clapper board, instruction manual, remote control, a roll of gaffers tape, a set of full-size headphones, assorted patch cables, etc. Oh yes, plus the camera, on an MA-100 with a Frezzi folded down on top plus the 12 volt battery pack for the Frezzi. Plus when not traveling by air I hang stuff on the outside with the velcro piggin' strings! My Bogen sticks and fluid head go in the checked suitcase with my clothes and other gear.

And I know the Porta Brace bag will last forever. I have some old PB bags that have been really kicked around that I use for other accessories. The stuff is indestructible! (and creatively designed for people who actually use video equipment for a living) I'll be getting a PB raincoat as soon as it is clear to me that I am going to have to do foul-weather/outdoor shooting.

I was told by all, that Manfrotto was the only way to go. So, after I got my new Canon XL1s and GL1, I bought a Manfrotto tripod and fluid pan/tilt head for about $250.00. Having actually used it now, I think that the $39.00 Vivitar that Walmart sells would have been better.

The Manfrotto is anything but fluid in movement, and the front heavy XL1s causes the head to slowly tilt down.

Some people will say, " You bought the cheap model. You needed the expensive model." I say. $250.00 ain't cheap, and if they can't make anything with quality for less than $500.00, there is serious problem. I'll spend my hard earned dollars on something that works for those dollars, not just a fancy name.

Hi,

Bogen (Manfrotto in the rest of the world) makes very high quality products. However, the use of the term fluid is used very loosely in the video business. Most of the lower end, price wise, Bogen tripods are better suited for consumer use or when the camera will be locked down. the weight of the XL1 and accessories mandate a tripod/head combination of the next order. i would expect to pay no less than $1000 for a decent tripod. For true broadcast, repeatable moves and such I would look at Sachtler or Vinten. Check out ebay for deals on used ones and research the models to find one that fits the XL1.

I remember buying my first Bogen video tripod in the 80's and spending about what you did. I got similar results and had similar feelings. Then I bought a used O'Connor for $2000 and spent $400 to have the head rebuilt. Better but not perfect. Then in the early 90's I bought a Sachtler 16. I thought I had found heaven, but I was $6500 poorer.

Jeff Donald

ED:

Just a note you were looking where to get a Bogen Combo cheap....I think they screwed up but just got my 3283b bogen with a 501 head and bag from Samy's Camera in Santa Barbara, CA. I went home for a week, and at that price could not pass it up. (btw if nobody has done the drive thru the hwy 1 in Big Sur and shot it do it for your own pleasure) I paid $392 which included shipping to my address in Atlanta..

Michel

Hi Michel,

Thanks for the info, but I bought the 3251/503 combination based on the recommendation from Chris H. several months ago. I don't remember the exact price but seems the two were around $500 from B&H. More money will get a better head, but for what I'm doing, the 503 works fine.

AAAARGH!!

Man Michael, you just stuffed up my week-end. On Friday I just ordered the 8283B/501 kit from B&H for $528! I also bought the 3141 SPRB mid-level spreader for $20 and shipping to Texas was a wopping $29 for a total of $577!

Can anyone tell me the differences between the 501 and 503 heads? I have a 501 and don't like the pans and tilts I get. Of course operator error may have a lot to do with it, but I still need to get good shots.

Will anyone do the old compare and constrast thing like we used to do in school?

Greg Matty

I dont own any so I cant go into much detail, but Chris said in another thread not so long ago that the 503 was a big improvement over the 501.

I'm sure he'll comment here when he's "recovered from NAB", or you could just search for the topic (sorry I can't remember what it was called).

I put my VariZoom on one of the legs. With it on firm footing, it's alright. A two handed affair, but works fine. The balance trick sounds good, but I think the fitting didn't like the width of my original "grip." I shoot pretty long telephoto and sometimes pushing the buttons caused a bit of shake when on the handle.

The main reason for me going with the 501 instead of the 503, other than price, was because the tilt lock is located on the right hand side on the 503. Maybe it's another one of those "what you're comfortable with" situations, but in my experience with professional heads and it's what I am comfortable with, having the tilt lock at my left hand is far more user friendly, especially in the middle of recording say after you've zoomed in with a slight pan and you want to lock the head down. Seems it would be awkward with the lock on the other side, out of sight.

Would love to hear if my assumption, and we all know about that word (lol), is accurate.

I think your assumption is correct if you tend to pan tilt with your right. On my Sachtler all the controls are on the left (except the sled lock) and it's the most comfortable situation.

I use a Libec 50 on T57 sticks - it is a wonderful video tripod by Japan's leading camera mount company. ZotZ sells them for $750 - which is a great - Libec is one of the best!

Anyone know what the Manfrotto 055pro tripod is like. Sales guy recommend I get that (Entry level DV tripod) and it looked pretty cool with the rearrangable tripod stem.

Hello,

Bogen 3221 legs
" 501 head
and
most important Bogen compact leveling head #3502

The leveling head between the 3221 and 501 makes all the difference.

Bruce