I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on a puzzling subject for me.

I just ordered a GL2 and wanted to get a tripod with the 501 head. I was going to get the Bogen 3046 legs but was informed that they were a set of "photo legs" and would not be suitable for video. I see that there are also some 3246 legs available that wouldn't break the bank either.

I'd like to get a Bogen setup as opposed to a Libec M20, but I'm confused with this whole "center pole" arguement. I'll be panning slightly from time to time but more or less this is just stationary work that needs to hold steady and move smoothly whenever necessary.

Can I get away with the 3046/501 combination, should I move up to a 3246/501 combo (and if so...why? :)), or should I look in another direction?

I wanted to keep my budget around $300 for the legs and head combined and I'd like to make my purchase soon. Thanks for any help!

Whoever you talked to might have given you some misinformation.

First of all the 3046 are not photolegs-they are listed in the Bogen site as video legs, besides, the tripod legs don't care whats on them as long as you're not overloading them, you know, putting a small Chevrolet on them.

Secondly, the 3246 are BLACK the 3046 are SILVER other than that there is no difference.

Thirdly, I own and use 2 sets of 3046 and 1 set of 3246 legs-I have 2 501 heads and a 3063 head which I don't care for but thats OK its just for backup and I use PD150's with those setups with no problem.
With the legs on the 3046/3246 I can get to 8 feet without using the center column and when I'm on the dolly I pick up another 5 inches (actually 9 because I modified the legs clamps on the 3067 dolly) and then if need be, I can use the center column.

The 3046/3246 legs with a 501 head is a good combo. At least in my experience and MHO.
Don

The 501 is not a true fluid head but if used right it should work fine for you. I use them all the time

Don,

Awesome reply, much appreciated!

Final question: do you know if the 3221 Bogen legs are "photo" rather then "video"? I only ask because this was another choice I had originally looked into.

In the end I think the 3046/501 combo will be just fine for what I need. I won't be doing any complex moves with the head so I don't require a 503, and if I do need to move it a lot I'll be sure to give it a "warm up" move before I begin recording to "loosen it up".

Thanks again!

Not really familar with the 3221 legs but I think a few folks here have mentioned them. You might want to do a search.

I really like the 3046/3246 legs-I've never had a problem with them. I have a strap with the nut and ring that attaches to the pod so I can carry it on my shoulder-kinda like a rifle. I have that on 2 and a bag for the 3rd. Setup and breakdown is fast and easy.

Good Luck,
Don

The 3221 legs are more photo. They do not have center bracing and depending on weight of the camera and amount of drag, may suffer from torsional flexing. In other words the legs may flex when you pan. They would not be my first choice for video.

Thanks for that clarification Jeff! Much appreciated.