Hello,

Just bought the HMC-150. Can anyone recommend a good tripod for about $150 or so?

Thanks,

Simon

Hi Simon,
I think unfortunately you'll need to double your money to get anything that falls in line with your camera... A half way decent fluid head is pretty essential.
The Libec tripods are pretty good for the money and you can get those for around 300-350 dollars... I have an LS38, which works ok with my Z1 but costs a bit more.
Many people decry the old Manfrotto 501, but I have one of these too, they are a reasonable place to start... but is a bit heavy.
I think you'll find if you pay 150 bucks for a tripod in a year you'll be buying another. If you have a three or four grand camera the general thought is buy a tripod that costs 20% of the camera's value...A good tripod will out live your cameras...

Regards
Gareth

Good advice.

Thanks for the information.

Simon

Can't get a fluid head for a tripod for $150....
I have a rather basic setup, that does seem to work well, although it ain't $150. I just got a Bogen 475B / 503HDV / 522P setup. So far so good. The tripod and head were about $625.

wow!

That is expensive. Oh well, that won't be in the budget. I will have to live with a cheap one for now.

Thanks,

Simon

Simon, try ebay.

I picked up an older manfrotto setup, with fluid head, a couple of years ago in your price range.
No quick release, but I added one later.
Got it from photo studio that was upgrading to newer stuff.

My son just picked up one just like for about $150...

They are both in decent shape and work well...

Its just a heavy son-of-a-gun if you move around a lot.

The key is to be patient.

I already ordered one from Amazon for 150 bucks.

Of course, if it really sucks, I will return it and check out ebay.

Thanks for the tip.

Simon

I picked up a Manfrotto 503HDV on eBay for $395. It was this one:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 351MVB2 Tripod | 503HDV,351MVB2K (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html)

in mint new condition. If you can wait, you'll find some deals. I'm happy with mine.

Simon,
I know you already ordered a tripod but here is some information for others that may be considering a tripod combo purchase. After reading reviews and browsing the forums I ordered a Libec LS22M2A for almost $500.00. The HMC-150 is not very heavy and may not work well on some tripod heads that have a higher weight rating because of the balancing spring. The LS22M2A can handle up to 8.8 lbs and I have read that is a fantastic match for the HMC-150 and balances nicely. I am chewing on the side of my desk right now because the camera should be arriving today. Best of luck with your choice.

I feel the same way!

But mine won't be here for another 2 weeks.

:(((((((

Simon

Simon, unless you plan on just using your tripod for fixed static shots you are going to do away with the point of having a great camera by not having a decent fluid head tripod.

The absolute minimum head / tripod combo I would consider for professional results would be the Bogen/Manfrotto 501 or 503HDV head with the appropriate tripod to go with it.

I have the 503HDV with 475B legs and then a Satchler FSB6 head and tripod. Even though the Satchler is a better system ($1600 vs. $600 for the 503HDV/475B) I end up using the Bogen a lot more because the 475B tripod has a geared center column that cranks up so that I can gain enough height to shoot over the heads of people standing up when I don't have a balcony to shoot from for music events or weddings.

Point taken.

When I have more money, I will get a better tripod. Thanks for the tips on which ones are good.

For now, I am enjoying the HMC-150 even with my low budget tripod.

Great camera!

Simon
p.s.
for now I just need it for fixed positions (interviews).

Simon, unless you plan on just using your tripod for fixed static shots you are going to do away with the point of having a great camera by not having a decent fluid head tripod.




You were right. I am getting the Libec LS22M2A any day now.

Though my Silk tripod was not bad, it was difficult to use for pans. I hear the Libec is much better. I can't wait to try it out!

Next time, I will listen to the forum FIRST before I buy anything.

Happy New Year!

Simon

Hi Simon

Just for interest I got myself a Weifeng e717 which is a "copy" Bogen for just under $200!
It's pretty well built and the feature I like the most is the bowl head so I don't have to fiddle around with legs to get my verticals right. You can get it dead level in seconds and the legs are pretty robust too (although it's a tad heavy!!)
Pan and tilt is silky smooth ..yeah I'd like one of the Libec bowl units but here they start at $1000!!!
The Weifeng supports my HMC72's easily even though they are heavier than the HMC150! (With a Rode mic and radio mic they weigh in at 8 lbs and the tripod is quite happy)

Chris

Hi Chris,

Enjoy your tripod.

That is a great deal you got.

Thanks for sharing.

Happy New Year!

Simon

The Libec LS-22 tripod is excellent. I got it last night.

What a difference it makes. Panning and ease of use is amazing!

Highly recommend this tripod for the hmc-150.

Simon

I recently came across this.

Bescor | TH-770 High Performance Tripod System | TH-770 | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/576022-REG/Bescor_TH_770_TH_770_High_Performance_Tripod.html#specifications)