Is anyone using the HM700 for Wildife...I'd love to see some clips.

Thanks

DAve

P.S. Can anyone recommend a good Tripod/Head combo for this cam ?

I'm planning on a Cartoni Focus perhaps with carbon fiber legs for my HD110 with IDX/FE DTE drive + extras or with a HM700 that I might get later this month. Otherwise I hear decent reviews of Miller 20 and even a cheap Libec 38 or bigger. The only Manfrotto that is worth anything is the bigger 516 head. Basically get a fluid head that it's max weight is 2x the weight of your camera, since most manufactorers inflate how much their tripods and heads can handle anyway.

Could be a good cam for wildlife. CCDs so no rolling shutter with fast moving subjects, 1/3" chi gives big magnification, small size and weight for portability.
As for tripod, if funds allow I'd go O'Connor 1030 on Sachtler HD CF legs, it'll blow anything else in its weight range away.
Steve

The Libec 38 looks like a good choice for a beginner like me. I can work my way up to something better at a later stage. Although someone in one of the shops I phoned said the 75mm bowl wouldn't be big enough and that I should go for the Libec LS60.

The Libec H38 fluid video tripod head seems like the best bet for under $500, or maybe more than that.

Too bad the Miller DV Solo heads don't get as good of reviews as that Libec and the older H37 it replaced -- I love their ENG/pro/nicer heads. Best feel, by my hand trials at NAB Expo some years back.

The Libec 38 looks like a good choice for a beginner like me. I can work my way up to something better at a later stage. Although someone in one of the shops I phoned said the 75mm bowl wouldn't be big enough and that I should go for the Libec LS60.

The Libec 38 is well beyond a "beginner" tripod. I spent some reasonable hands on time with various models from Cartoni, Bogen / Manfretto and a few others.

The Libec 38 was my choice - ZERO - let me say that again - ZERO backlash. Some units costing much more had backlash present.

I have yet to hear anything BAD about a Libec 38 from anyone. They are simpler heads that don't have adjustable counterbalances. I just need to find one withing 6 hour drive of where I live to put my gear on it and see how the counterbalance works for me. Hence I'm thinking the 100mm Cartoni Focus.. but yes, nothing but positive recomendations from Libec 38 and larger unites form people on this forum (and others) with cameras in our weight class. no question.

The Cartoni Focus I used had significant backlash. The Libec 38 easily handles cameras in the prosumer weight range - up to 17.5 pounds.

The Cartoni Focus I used had significant backlash. The Libec 38 easily handles cameras in the prosumer weight range - up to 17.5 pounds.

Rick, Thanks! I might just order a Libec 38 and see how it goes. (I'm making do with a Mathews 25 that is fine for under 7lbs.. my gear is about 12lbs) I'm going to put on my HD110 or HM700 (next month??) old Nikkor telephoto lenses that weigh about twice the 16x and 17x lenses. still feel confident in the 38? I might just try it out and if it's not up to par i'll have a week to return it to upgrade to a bigger Libec or Cartoni.

Backlash on Cartoni? Do you remember if it was the Carbon Fiber legs or metal? I wouldn't have thought $1,000 + tripods kits would have any significant backlash.

I wouldn't have thought $1,000 + tripods kits would have any significant backlash.

Don't you believe it! Sachtler Video 25 Plus and Studio II that I owned both had it bad, and a colleague had a brand new Cine 30HD that had it too. In my experience if you want 0 backlash you need to go Ronford or O'Connor.
Steve

Alex - the Cartoni was the metal leg version. I would think the sweet spot for the Libec 38 would be around 12 - 14 pounds.

What about 2-6 pound on the H38? How would it be non-ideal, other than it feeling stiff/overkill?

Has anybody tried one of the smaller Libec heads?

Shaun - might be a bit under ideal weight for the "sweet spot" on panning and holding elevation. That said, adding the tripod plate and other accessories.....

Shaun, if I end up going to Eureka in a couple weeks I should meet you and you can try out my cheapie Mahtews 25 that I run my HD110 + accessories on. It would be better suited for a 6 lbs camera. Nice cheap tripod for $180 ish. It's a COPY/ripoff of the Libec line. though I would expect a smaller Libec would be a little more refined for $100 more.

Sounds worth trying, Alex, but if I can swing it soon, it I should probably just get the Libec H38. Wish I could try it before buying, but ...

Would B&H have the easiest/best return policy if I want to do a buy and try and then possibly return it?

I got a used "Davis & Sanford ProVista 7518 Professional Tripod" cheap that I bet is similar to your slightly clunky Libec copy. Good sticks that I might use with the Libec, but the head is not good enough, just decent ... It'll be OK for now, though.

I tried a local TV news reporter's small Libec set up they use for their GL2s and the little head (DV22??) was not good ... My temporary/backup Manfrotto 701HDV is better and more adjustable, though it's actually not good, either.

I am shooting wildlife.. lot's of (good) macro work. Write to me in private and I can send you a FLV collection of clips and then, if you want, the HD version of the ones you like