Just wondering if I can get something decent for under $500 any suggestion?
What do you think of the Libec LS22?
Libec | LS22M2A Tripod System | LS-22M(2A) | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458963-REG/Libec_LS_22M_2A__LS22M2A_Tripod_System.html)

thanks,

I love it!

Yet another $4K HD camera with a paltry $500 set of sticks under it.

When will you guys learn that the camera system is a "system"?

Any system is only as good as it's weakest link, and a $500 buck support is gonna be the weakest link by far (excluding the operator, of course).

Don't do it - sell your Mother, heck, sell the entire familly, go for a decent support system!

(I'm only half joking, of course. How many familly do you really need, anyway?).

Oh, can't help on the Libec, but it seems to get good feedback, for the price.


CS

Chris,

Here's the math:

A $100,000 camera can get away with a $10,000 tripod...

Hence, for a $3500 camera, $350 for the tripod seems in order, and $500 would be overkill!

Well, the HM-100 is quite a tiny camera, and the LS-22 isn't bad for small cameras.

It wouldn't be my first choice, given my experience of my Sony V1 on the TH-950 (which has the LS-22 head). Leaving side the spindly, flimsy legs on the 950, (the LS-22 legs are a bit sturdier), the H22 head is OK for wide shots only. At any level of telephoto, I found the lack of drag a real problem, even trying to get a well-framed locked off shot at 20x zoom was tricky.

Counterbalance adjustment is there, but is not finely adjustable. Adding a Manfrotto sliding plate to the top can help that. The built-in sliding plate adjustment is a pain in the bum, you have to remove the camera from the had, adjust the screws underneath, then put the camera back on the head, then repeat several times until you go crazy.

For a tiny camera, the Vinten range isn't an option, in my opinion. Their Vision range is overkill (both cost-wise and physically). The Protouch range are just rebadged Manfrottos, and despite the pizazz in their NAB videos, I think they're a waste of time and money - speaking from bitter experience.

For such small cameras, you want to look at something like the Sachtler FSB-2 or FSB-4 kits. There's probably some Miller or other types as well.

The Sachtler FSB-2 on single-stage alloy legs is $770 at B&H - though it's 4lb payload is a little close to the HM-100's weight. The FSB-4 supports up to 8lbs and is $900 at B&H.

The Libec LS-22 with T68 legs is around $460 at B&H (depending on whether you want ground or mid spreader), though you can get the slightly lighter T58 version even cheaper.

If you really, really can't afford something like the Sachtler FSB-4, then the Libec is a good budget tripod.

Jack,

I am inclined to disagree slightly with the old 10% ratio for buying a tripod. There's only so much good engineering you get in a $350 tripod. No matter what the camera cost, I think you need to get a certain level of performance in the fluid, drag and counterbalance to make a tripod 'good'.

No matter what the camera costs, you will probably want a tripod with a good head, counterbalance, drag settings, with minimal bounce back at the end of pans or tilts and minimal twistiness in the legs.

You don't need to go mad on $5000 tripods, but spending a little more will be worth it.

Of course, as I said, the $350-$470 LS-22 (depending on configuration) is pretty good for its price, but does have its limitations.

My first choice was actually a Miller DS-10
($ 1,039.95 B&H) it's probably an overkill maybe not but I would
have to wait until the end of the year to get it.

thanks guys

Sorry if I came across a bit abrupt before, this is becoming such an issue it really gets me going....

However, back to your issue.

Mike had some good words to say on the subject, very good words, as it happens, give them some thought.

If I thought I could top them I'd give it a try, but don't think I can.

Choose well and buy the best you can afford.


CS

Chris,

You've brainwashed me over the past couple of years. You just haven't brainwashed me enough to get anything more expensive than the Sachtler DV6 - keep trying!

The old percentage ratio doesn't really work anymore, simply because electronics have been steadily getting cheaper while mechanics get more expensive. Today's $5000 camera is last years $7500 camera and five years ago the same kind of thing would have been maybe $16000+, yet the price of a real quality head has hardly dropped. There are plenty of better budget heads around nowadays that simply weren't available a few years ago, and while some are good, others are a bit more.... worrysome.

My view is that any head that cannot keep your camera at whatever angle it is at when you take your hand away is not worth having. Same thing with what you put the head on. If it is well made, and rigid enough then I'll use it - even if it's heavier than the aluminium/carbon fibre ones.

I've got some fairly hefty kit, and putting a small format camcorder on them produces so much better material, even if the head and legs cost more than the camera! I've got a Libec, but it only gets used when all the others available are in use. It has a two stage drag, but that's not really good enough, and as for the manfrotto/bogen/vinten cheap ranges - yuk! Actually, they work, many people like them, but they seem pretty poor at managing a larger size camera at anything other than near horizontal.

Always buy what's fit the budget you have for gear when you need it, no point of going of of business for a tripod..

But this should be taken into consideration when choosing camera, the larger the camera the larger head needed and thus the price go up. A good head and sturdy sticks actually makes the pictures a lot better, my old Z1 looked a lot better than a EX1 just because I was running a Dv6sb head vs libec LS22. At the moment I'm trying to figure out what to choose for my Hpx500, not cheap but a good set og sticks/head migt last 10 years or more...

And as Paul pointed out, electronics now a day are dead cheap. Precision mechanics though haven't changed that much, it still cost a lot of money to develop and produce a good tripod head or broadcast pro lens.

I don't mind spending the extra cash for a better tripod
cause a good quality tripod will probably out live the camera itself.
I need to research this a little bit more before making a decision
but you guys made a few good points which I will keep in mind.

Just got back from B&H with a few more goodies for my camera.
Can't wait to go out this weekend and test my new Gizmo:-)
Hey Soucy don't sweat it you didn't come across abrupt thanks for
the advise. What do you guys think about the Miller DS-10?

-kAj aka

I like the Sachtler FSB-6 head very much.

The FSB-4, with a max weight of 8.8 lbs., should be about perfect for the HM100. I don't know if it's dumbed down or not over the 6. The 6 would also be excellent.

Here are setups with the FSB-4 head at B&H. Down the list is the head with aluminum legs for $800:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=sachtler+fsb-4&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit

Here is a link to the FSB-6 setups. The cheapest with aluminum legs is $1430:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=sachtler+fsb-6&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit

hey buddy thanks I'll have a look at it.

With your help I've been researching different tripods for the past few weeks and have narrowed it down to either the Miller DS-10
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/274103-REG/Miller_828_DS_10_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html
or the Sachtler FSB-4
Sachtler | 0375 FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System | 0375 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601884-REG/Sachtler_0375_0375_FSB_4_Carbon_Fiber.html)
The Aluminum version of the Sachtler FSB-4 is about $350 less than the carbon one.
I don't understand why cause the weight on both the aluminum and carbon is the same I thought carbon was suppose to be lighter.

I get around town on my motorcycle everything I carry will be on my backpack so I need a lightweight and folding tripod this looks good what do you think?
Miller | SOLO DV10 Carbon Fiber Tripod System | 1511 | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/293493-REG/Miller_1511_SOLO_DV10_Carbon_Fiber.html). Can someone explains the difference between the solo and the other two tripods? Do the other two fold up to a small package like the solo?
I'm leaning towards the Miller cause I can get lower with it (14.5 compared to the Sachtler 30.3) Also the miller solo is lighter more load capacity. Do all three tripods come with a release plate or do I need to buy that separately? I plan on buying the Tripod at the end of this month so I would really appreciate your input before I cough up a lot of $$$. Thanks again

...the larger the camera the larger head needed and thus the price go up...
The new DVSLRs add a complication. I think the new rule is, "the longer the lens and the worse the rolling shutter, the more one needs to spend on a tripod."

Just watch a baseball game. The center field camera is zoomed in 400 yards away to see the strike zone. If the crowd stomps their feet you can see the camera waver - and that's in a multi-million dollar stadium with one of the best tripods available at any price. Zoom wide enough and the image will be rock solid.

Rolling shutter turns camera motion into jello - and seasickness. Then again, there are snowboarders who hold a 5D Mark II in their hand with a 15mm fisheye lens and the footage is excellent. Go with as much as a 100mm lens handheld and it's barf city. Try 200mm or more on a cheap tripod and you'd better not touch it or use it in even moderate wind.

Camera weight is important - especially if you want it to balance correctly, but it's only one consideration for how much beef you want in a support system.

With your help I've been researching different tripods for the past few weeks and have narrowed it down to either the Miller DS-10
Miller | DS-10 Aluminum Tripod System | 828 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/274103-REG/Miller_828_DS_10_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html)
or the Sachtler FSB-4
Sachtler | 0375 FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System | 0375 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601884-REG/Sachtler_0375_0375_FSB_4_Carbon_Fiber.html)
The Aluminum version of the Sachtler FSB-4 is about $350 less than the carbon one.
I don't understand why cause the weight on both the aluminum and carbon is the same I thought carbon was suppose to be lighter.


You can read an almost direct comparison of what you are considering here:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/tripod-sticks-heads/238166-sachtler-fsb-8-75-cf-speed-lock-vs-miller-dv20-solo-cf.html

The bottom line IMHO is do not get the Miller setup, get an FSB-6 or FSB-4 and the carbon fibre legs, speedlock or not. My review says it all.

The CF legs will be stiffer if they weigh the same, or they can be lighter and as stiff, everything is a tradeoff.

I highly recommend the Sacthler head.

If you want lightweight legs like the Solo legs, I very, very highly recommend the Gitzo legs:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548419-REG/Gitzo_GT3531LSV_GT3531LSV_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html

The bowl piece is removable and can be replaced with a 100mm version or a flat top.

The legs are extremely rigid with virtually no twist. They are better in this respect than either the Sachtler or the Solo.

They are very lightweight. I have the x-tall version of this tripod. It goes in a regular suitcase for travel. With a lightweight case (like the store brand ones at Adorama -- I haven't seen any of these inexpensive bags at dvinfo.net sponsors) these legs and the Sachtler FSB head would be perfect for motorcylce... much better than the bulkier and heavier FSB legs.

I use a Gitzo head, but it is really larger than necessary for the HM100. The Sachtler head is superior, and I think the Gitzo legs are perfect for your use.

Jack which Sachtler FSB head should I get with the Gizmo for my HM100?
There are different versions of the Gizmo which one should I get for my HM100?
Sorry don't mean for you to do my homework but I want to make sure I get
the right one. Can you link me to both leg and head at B&H?

Jack which Sachtler FSB head should I get with the Gizmo for my HM100?
There are different versions of the Gizmo which one should I get for my HM100?
Sorry don't mean for you to do my homework but I want to make sure I get
the right one. Can you link me to both leg and head at B&H?

The Gitzo (correction of Gizmo) legs that you want are Gitzo Series 3. This is the one I recommend, and it is considered the standard set for video use, and therefore, it comes with the 75mm bowl interface:
Gitzo | GT3531LSV Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod | GT3531LSV (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548419-REG/Gitzo_GT3531LSV_GT3531LSV_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html)
The maximum height of these legs is almost 5 feet. It will be about 5'6" with the head and camera in place. The total load for the legs if 40 lbs., and they weigh 4 lbs.

These legs have and instant rebate, and an additonal $40 mail-in rebate. They also come with a free lightweight Bogen bag:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 3280BLK (AW-3280B) | AW 3280BLK (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162686-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_AW_3280BLK_3280BLK_AW_3280B_35_Padded.html#reviews)
This bag might be fine for your intended use.

For the HM100 I think the Sachtler FSB-4 head is appropriate. (If you plan on using a larger camera later, you might consider the FSB-6). The problem is that the FSB-4 head does not seem to be sold separately, but only comes in sets with legs.

With that in mind, if I were you I think I would get the least expensive set with the least expensive aluminum tripod for $800:
Sachtler | 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System | 0372 | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601879-REG/Sachtler_0372_0372_FSB_4_Aluminum_Tripod.html#reviews)

However there are two additional choices which I cannot comment on without seeing them. There is this more expensive aluminum set for $940:
Sachtler | 0373 FSB-4 Aluminum Tripod System | 0373 | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601882-REG/Sachtler_0373_0373_FSB_4_Aluminum_Tripod.html#features)

The nicest tripod is the Carbon Fiber one -- with speed lock legs for instant setup -- that costs $1,160 for the set:
Sachtler | 0375 FSB-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod System | 0375 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601884-REG/Sachtler_0375_0375_FSB_4_Carbon_Fiber.html#features)

I see you are in New York City, so I believe you need to go into B&H and look at each of the choices. All of the combinations are about the same weight, except that the Gitzo legs will wave about 2-3 lbs. and are sleeker.

Here are the possibilities, as I see it:

1. Get the $800 aluminum FSB-4 and use it. If you want to upgrade to the Gitzo legs, do that after you try out the Sachtler set on its own.

2. Get the $1,160 Sachtler set and use it.

I don't know what you are going to shoot, but another Gitzo option is the extra tall version of the same tripod linked above:
Gitzo | GT3541XLS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod | GT3541XLS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569167-REG/Gitzo_GT3541XLS_GT3541XLS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html)
This one collapses to the same size as the shorter version, but it extends to 6'6" (7 feet with head and camera). It has a $100 instant rebate and a $40 mail in rebate. If you have a need to ho higher than five feet, this is the tripod to get. Both of the Gitzo tripods have a minimum height of 4 inches. These are very versatile tripods, very torsion resistant, and can't be beat when lightweight is needed.
NOTE: The extra tall Gitzo GT3541XLS comes with a flat top, so you have to buy the 75mm bowl adapter separately. (It changes out with the flat top, or with a 100mm bowl adapter, as I mention above.):
Gitzo | GS5320V75 75mm Bowl Adapter | GS5320V75 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569199-REG/Gitzo_GS5320V75_GS5320V75_75mm_Bowl_Adapter.html)

The Sachtler tripods work very well in the standard sense, and you could start with one of the Sacthtler sets and and add Gitzo legs later if they would suit you.

One final link, if you want to go with the Sachtler FSB-6 head, here is the head alone for $1,260:
Sachtler | 0407 FSB-6 Fluid Head | 0407 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/538602-REG/Sachtler_0407_0407_FSB_6_Fluid_Head.html#features)
Adding the tripod isn't that much more. Here is the carbon fiber set for $1,580:
Sachtler | 0475 FSB-6 Carbon Fiber Tripod System | 0475 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498211-REG/Sachtler_0475_0475_FSB_6_Carbon_Fiber.html)
Or the same head and CF tripod with the additon of a dolly and a bag for $1,680:
Sachtler | 0450 FSB-6T with 75CF and Mid-Level Spreader | 0450 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498220-REG/Sachtler_0450_0450_FSB_6T_with_75CF.html)

There are also packages with aluminum tripods.

HOWEVER, bottom line for the HM100, I think the FSB-4 is the right head, and since you have to buy it with legs, I'd get the aluminum set, then add Gitzo legs (either regular or extra tall), either now or later. You will end up with two tripods, but you can sell the Sachtler aluminum one or keep it for an extra or keep it for specific situations where it might be a good choice.

I think you would be very happy with the Sachtler FSB-4 head and the Gitzo legs, either standard or extra long. Here are the links once more:

Sacthler FSB-4 head with aluminum legs:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/601879-REG/Sachtler_0372_0372_FSB_4_Aluminum_Tripod.html

Gitzo GT3531LSV standard height legs (75mm bowl adapter and bag are included):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548419-REG/Gitzo_GT3531LSV_GT3531LSV_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html

Gitzo GT3541XLS (extra tall) tripod:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569167-REG/Gitzo_GT3541XLS_GT3541XLS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html#accessories

Gitzo 75mm bowl adapter, needed to buy extra with the extra tall tripod:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569199-REG/Gitzo_GS5320V75_GS5320V75_75mm_Bowl_Adapter.html

Bogen bag that is included with the Gitzo standard tripod (but not the extra tall):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162686-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_AW_3280BLK_3280BLK_AW_3280B_35_Padded.html#specifications
(Though you might find an unpadded bag that works better.)

(Final note: because the Gitzo tripods have interchangable adapters, you could use any head you wanted, 75mm, 100mm or Flathead, for now if you didn't want to spend the money on a Sachtler until later.)

Jack thanks for taking the time to explain everything and for providing the links for me you've been very helpful. I plan to stop by B&H next week to have a look at all 3 tripods. So the Sachtler FSB-4 head would be appropriate for the HM100 but not for something like the EX1.Right now I'm leaning towards the Sachtler Carbon Fiber one and using that for a while but it depends on whether I can fold it up and carry it on my back I'll see.

The load capacities for the Sachtler FSB heads are:

FSB-4 -- 8.8 lbs.

FSB-6 -- 13.2 lbs.

FSB-8 -- 20 lbs.

I think the best results are when the camera is about in the middle range of the weight load. The EX1 is 5.3 lbs. without any accessories, so I would say the FSB-6 or FSB-8 would be better for it than the FSB-4.

Jack makes a lot of sense.

So I guess my $20 tripod isn't adequate enough for my $300 DV camera. :( Man, the price you guys pay for a tripod.. holy moly! I thought a $150 fluid head tripod would be really good. What is it you are getting with $500 to $1000 tripods? Is it thicker titanium in the legs, or gold screws and GPS balancing?

As with any piece of equipment, the quality of the output is what determines what you need. If a $20 tripod makes you happy then that is all that matters. If you have to make other people happy with your output then what is needed to make it look good is going to be much more.

A $300 camera can make good output. A $20 tripod can hold up a camera in a static shot with no wind perfectly fine. If you have any other conditions then you will find it extremely difficult if not impossible to make the $20 tripod look any good at all.

There are fiddly ways to make due with cheap gear. This is fine if you have infinite time and patience to get what you want. When you are trying to get that one shot that will never happen again, or you are on the set watching the clock and money for time, or you want the best results you can get, then there is a minimum standard of equipment that you need no matter the cost of the camera.

Results cost, either in time, or money, or both.

Kajito,

I'm also checking for a new tripod and I've checked on the Sachtlers. The carbon fibre tripod is equiped with what Sachtler call SpeedLock. I don't know exactly what it does but it seems as if you only have to use one lock lever on each leg to control both leg sections. If you take a close look at a picture of a SpeedLock tripod there is some kind of control axis between the upper and lower section on each leg. I guess that's why the weight is about the same between the carbon and the aluminium models. On the carbon model you will have a "faster" tripod setup but the cost is weight. On the aluminim model you save weight but the cost is "slower" setup.

Regards,

/Bo

The speedlock is pretty neat - no more crawling around on the ground to extend the bottom level of the tripod!

I just unlock all three clasps (at waist height) then lift the tripod to the height I want, and lock three levers again.

Much better than my previous tripods where I had to unlock three knobs, raise the tripod to its first stage, lock three knobs (right down at ground level), unlock the other three knobs, raise it again and lock the three knobs.

I will admit that the tripod isn't as feather-light as I hoped. If you don't care for the Speedlock system, then you have to decide if the extra hundreds of dollars are worth it when there is little difference in weight.

The Sachtler shoulder strap (sold separately) makes transporting this beast a lot easier.

hey guys thanks again for taking the time to explain these things to me. I'm going to B&H this week to eyeball the tripods.

Good luck with your visit on B&H. It would be nice if you could share your experience and your impressions of your different alternatives. I find it very hard to visit them myself as NY is to far away for a weekend trip as I live in Sweden.


Regards,

/Bo

Lucky me I'm about a 15 minute drive from B&H:-)

I bought a secondhand Vinten Vision 10 that is at least 10 years old and it still works amazingly well. The quality of panning available from a good tripod is worth the cost, trust me, and the clients will always notice. Invest at least 1k in a tripod, and 2k-3k if you can afford it.

I have a Bogen 516 head with heavy Gitzo sticks (Studex series 3, I believe) with center column, and that combination is KILLER!

I also own a Sachtler DV6 which is very good. It doesn't have the same max weight load as the above combination (but it is close), but it's a true video system that is super fast to set up and level (one hand!). The Sachtler can be used with a SOOM (imagine -- 3 tripods in one!) and I might add the SOOM parts soon because they're well worth it.

I highly recommend both systems for your camcorder. I use them for my tricked-out JVC HD100 (with rails, matte box, heavy batteries, wireless, etc).

As others have said, do NOT save money when it comes to sticks! In contrast to a camcorder which has a limited shelf life because technology is changing lightning fast, tripods/heads will last you a lifetime -- almost regardless how you treat them. So what's a $2k investment over a 10-20 year period? (compared to $4k on a camcorder that you have to literally throw away after 3 years because it doesn't give you the required footage and nobody will buy that old crap from you. ;)

Stefan just curious what is the total weight with the tricked-out JVC you have on your Bogen 516 head with heavy Gitzo sticks?
Nope I'm not going to pitch pennies still researching all my options
thanks for the tip I'll look into it.

Stefan just curious what is the total weight with the tricked-out JVC you have on your Bogen 516 head with heavy Gitzo sticks?
16 pounds. The 516 can handle that weight just fine.

So I finally went and got me the Sachler FSB 4. My HM100 looks really tiny on top of the fluidhead but eventually I will be putting more weight on it. (wide angle lens, monitor, mic etc)

I have a few questions to ask.
There's a little allen wrench that came with the tripod does anyone know what it's for?
Does the fluidhead come off easily from the legs?
I set the counter balance for 1 not sure if this is the right setting for a 2lb camera but the tilt feels good to me. The nice thing about the free shoulder strap that came with the tripod is that I can fit it around my arms like a backpack. I'm sure my new tripod will perform well with the HM100 the real test is whether I will be able to carry this beast on my back while riding my motorcycle. If the fluidhead removes easily I would be able to put it in my saddle bag and carry only the legs on my back.

Hey all thanks again for your help:-)

I just did some outdoor test with my new sachtler. The pans were very smooth and so was the tilt. The problem I had was when I stopped the horizontal pan and let go of the handle it would jerk back a little is that normal for this type of tripod? I tried different horizontal settings the one that gave me less jerk was #3. The counter balance adjustment is just for tilt it shouldn't effect the pan right?

The counterbalance should be adjusted with the drag at zero. The right setting will be the one that holds the camera when let go in any position. In reality there will not be a perfect setting but use the one that matches the closest. Some people will prefer the setting that is a little too much spring if there is one that is not perfect.

Then use the tilt drag that suits your shooting style the most, or for the shooting condition.

The horizontal drag would not affect the vertical drag of course. All tripod legs will wind up a bit. Usually, the less expensive the more they spring. Always extend the upper leg sections fully before extending the lower sections any to minimize windup on the tripod. Use the lightest drag setting you can while still getting a smooth pan.

Another trick to minimize the effects of windup is use an elastic band to pull the pan handle. Practice your moves and things will improve. Which specific model did you buy?

Which specific model did you buy?
Sachtler 0375 FSB-4 ok I'll give it a try.

I have the CF speedlock legs too. They do not wind up enough when used as I have described to be a problem. If you want zero windup then you need to step up to a much heavier 100mm bowl system.

I have the CF speedlock legs too. They do not wind up enough when used as I have described to be a problem. If you want zero windup then you need to step up to a much heavier 100mm bowl system.

how heavy is the 100mm bowl system?

I was speaking generally. 100mm bowl systems tend to be heavier and stiffer. There are many tripods with 100mm bowls to choose from and they can be fitted with a 100mm-75mm adapter so that an FSB-4 can be mounted.

It's not 75mm or 100mm, it's just the tripod.

If you have a chance I will suggest again that you try your camera and head on a Gitzo Series 3 tripod. I have links and descriptions in an earlier post.

I specifically tired Sachtler, Vinten and Miller tripods. All of them were less steady than the Gitzo. the Gitzo has virtually no bounce back, esecially when not fully extended. For your needs, for the weight and the rigidity, I suggest you look at one.

Gitzo also makes a heavier Series 5, but that is not necessary for your camera and head.

As I have mentioned before, the Gitzo tripods (linked above) will take a flat head, a 75mm half bowl, and a 100mm half ball, just by changing the collar/adapter.

Jack is right. I was just trying to say that between tripods built for 75mm bowls tend to be less rigid than ones built for 100mm. I am sure that the Gitzo tripod is good.

It's not 75mm or 100mm, it's just the tripod.

If you have a chance I will suggest again that you try your camera and head on a Gitzo Series 3 tripod. I have links and descriptions in an earlier post.

I specifically tired Sachtler, Vinten and Miller tripods. All of them were less steady than the Gitzo. the Gitzo has virtually no bounce back, esecially when not fully extended. For your needs, for the weight and the rigidity, I suggest you look at one.

Gitzo also makes a heavier Series 5, but that is not necessary for your camera and head.

As I have mentioned before, the Gitzo tripods (linked above) will take a flat head, a 75mm half bowl, and a 100mm half ball, just by changing the collar/adapter.

hi Jack, I sent you a PM with some questions but yes I plan to get the Gitzo.

I had to return the Sachtler FSB-4 Carbon fiber tripod it was too heavy for me and instead got the Sachtler 0372 FSB-4 Aluminum tripod and the Gitzo GT3531LSV Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod. I just took it out of the box so I haven't had time to test it but comparing with the Sachtler this is definitely lighter and smaller which make it easier for me to carry around on my bike. All I need is a shoulder strap to carry the Gitzo. I need something light and small like a backpack can anyone recommend anything?

I spent a lot more with this tripod configuration but I think it was worth it. Thanks for all your help.

-kaj

hey everyone i have a question i went out to shoot today with my Sachtler 0372 FSB-4
and lost the thing (don't know what its called) that twist on to hold the head in place. (tripod mount?) what is it called and where can i get a replacement? i hope you know what i'm talking about.

hey kaj it's called a kit clamping screw $50 damn:-(
Sachtler | Clamping Screw Kit | 3905 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/432785-REG/Sachtler_3905_Clamping_Screw_Kit.html)
anything cheaper out there that will do the job?

Hey guys, gr8 thread. Could someone with a bit of knowledge cast an eye over this and maybe give an opinion,
Deree C300 Head + TS-16 Aluminum Legs + Ground Spreader Tripod System (http://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A25ML5/Deree-C300-Head-TS-16-Aluminum-Legs-Ground-Spreader-Tripod-System/)
Im after something heavy and solid with a fair amount of height to mount an HM100 with Rode NT4, Zoom H4n and a 9" monitor, (it is rather top heavy ).
I dont care about weight, tilt and pan only needs to be of reasonable quality.
Im just about at the point of welding up some gal steel myself, LOL.
I can appreciate why alot of you guys spend alot of money to get perfect smooth movement from the heads, I just cant justify spending alot on a tripod that is mostly unmanned and just needs to stay steady.
To sum up,
Heavy, tall, solid as a rock, basic pan and tilt ability.
Please some suggestions.

anyone? someone must have a big fat tripod they're happy with.

i have the Sachtler FSB-4 Aluminum tripod. The FSB-4 head is sold
with legs for around $800 I think. I use the Gitzo legs very easy setup.
I highly recommend the FSB-4 I think it would work well with your setup.

Kajito, I am going to try the Satchler FSB-4. Are you able to pan smoothly and when you stop, have no bounce back? This is the main thing I am concerned with.