I have a friend in the video distribution biz who recommended and ordered me a Vinten Vision 5 AS with two-stage carbon to use with my HM700.

I got to shoot with the sticks over the weekend. Now this is a fine set of sticks, but I feel like it is almost overkill for this camera.

This tripod (everything) goes for around $3500. Now I'm prepared to pay for a solid set of sticks, so I wasn't too surprised by the price, but if I could get the job done for less than that, and invest that money in some other gear I'd like to go that way.

There are so many out there if you guys had a suggestion, or just what you are using and how it's working out I'd appreciate it. I don't wanna skimp, just curious of other options for this particular camera.

$3500 does seem a bit high for this size cam, but I'm not sure what to compare it to.

It all depends on what you are shooting. If it is high action, sports etc, go for the smoothest action you can get, if not drop down to a Manfrotto or lower end Vinten, with practice, they will all do the job. I see from your previous post that you are going to be shooting mainly Weddings/events. A lower end tripod such as the Manfrotto 503/525 would be more than adequate.

Thanks Colin, I'll take a look at that. I don't need long range action too much, but I do want a solid tripod with a good fluid head for smoothness.

I just don't know what the good tripods are as you go down the line, they all sound adequate in the descriptions. Like I said this Vinten 5 was great, just seems like a lot of dough for this small-ish cam.

I have some Manfrotto's. They are at best.. OK if bought used and cheap. A Libec 55 for $700 is well thought of. Haven't used one myself, but bang for the buck and decent it's well thought of. Otherwise skip over Miller $1,400 DS20, but you might want to check one out in person regardless, and go for the $2,000 and up tripods. There really is not much very good under $1,000 say that is very good. Libecs seems to be the favorite for mid sized cameras on a budget sticks.

No I'm not looking for budget at all, understand you have to spend a little, thats why I let him order this Vinten system.

However after using it seems like I could get something comparable for this size camera for less than the $3700 price tag.

After reading around here it seems like I could get good quality at this size cam for $2,000-$2500, and wondering if there are specific suggestions in that range that folks are already using and working out ok, because I don't have a place to look at them in person, just kinda guessing thru B@H right now.

thanks again guys, just tryin to spend the dough wisely as I can, and I have to return this Vinten set soon if thats the case.

If nothing else just list the tripod that you are using with your HM700, curious the options that work well with this specific camera.

thanks.

For most purposes I use the Manfrotto 516 with 515MVB 2-stage legs. It's light enough for EFP work but sturdy enough to balance the camera with full matte box setup and still do smooth pan and tilt work.

Hey Tim, I used that package for my 5000U with and AB Hytron 120, a receiver haning off the back an AB light, a shotgun (mic not weapon) and a cold can of cola. I liked it a lot. BTW that package weighed in at about 24 pound or so and the tilt and pan worked a treat and the legs held as steady as a rock.

Thats the specifics I was wondering about Tim, I researched that tripod a bit and seems solid for a lot less money. Thank you.

The Vinten I'm trying right now is $3700 actually, just feels like too much for this small-ish shoulder cam, rather save or spend the extra 2K on more lights or other accessories.

Jay,

Sachtler probably have something a lot cheaper and still practical for your camera. I'm thinking maybe an FSB-6 or FSB-8 system, depending on the camera weight. An FSB-8 system can be had for around $2000 at B&H.

I'm using the Libec LS38a with my HM700. I mostly shoot football (soccer) matches, so any tripod I have gets a lot of constant movement and needs to tilt/pan smoothly both at slow speed and when whipping quickly from side to side. I'm very happy with my LS38a, so I'm glad to recommend it. However rather than take my word for it check out the reviews that can be found on the web. Pricewise, you can find them new for under 400GBP in the UK, or for about 635USD from B&H.

Have fun,
Jim.

Thats quite a big price range being offered, from $635 to $2000 to the $3700 tripod I was testing.

Hmmm, I'm leaning toward the manfrotto Tim suggested, good enough for him good enough for me, but also looking at a couple of used ones too.

Thanks again guys, appreciate the input, these are big decisions on my little budget.

It is very important to foresee what lenses do you plan to use in the future.
I use the HM 700 with a Sachtler DV6 with the standard 5,5x16 lens and works fine but when I put the Fujinon 3,5X13 I have to switch to the Vinten vision which is on a 100 bowl and is heavier. In this respect I am searching right now a second hand Sachtler 18 or something similar.

Like Tim,

I chose light weight, quick setup, and convenience. My choice was the Manfrotto 516Pro Head. I also went with the Manfrotto 524CFI Canon/Sony Lanc Remote Zoom Control for the Canon 14X lens. The tripod ended up being the 351MVCF Carbon Fiber Lightweight Pro with 2-stage legs. It's plenty sturdy for my needs, as I'm out in industrial areas and along Railroads all the time as a one man show. I really like the quick setup and the fact that it is not a boat anchor. I've never had a problem with movement, vibration, or camera shake. It stands it's ground quite well even when out in high winds and the cam on top. I can't complain, as I get very smooth action out of the pan and tilt with the 516Pro and it's well balanced with the 700U + on top.

Not the Roll Royce of setup's...and not a bank buster either...

Steve,
Bethlehem, Pa.

Bogen 535 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Manfroto 519 Head.

I used my Bogen 3021BN Tripod with a 501 head once. Way too much weight for the 501, and the slightest bump of the tripod was like shooting during an earthquake.

A bit late to the party as this isn't a usual hangout for me, but thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.

I'm a bit puzzled by your friend recommending a Vision 5 AS, what with the camera only weighing in at 8 lbs or so, and having (from appearances) a COG somewhat lower than a gnats kneecap.

That being the case, the 5 AS should (and probably does) bounce that 700 back towards the horizontal faster than Captain Kangaroo as soon as the pan bar is let go - unless you've got the tilt drag on the "Emergency Stop" setting.

That you haven't mentioned it either means you have the camera pimped out to Mack truck proportions and it thus works with the "perfect Balance" system, or you haven't noticed that tendency to drag you off the ground every time you attempt a backward tilt, which means you know even less about camera support systems than your friend.

So, assuming it's the latter, you can save yourself a cool $1,000 (I jest not) by trading that 5 AS in for a 3 AS and have one of the finest support systems on the market for your $2,5000 bucks.

That the 3 AS will allow you to set the counterbalance perfectly for your camera will be an added bonus worth more than that saved $1000!

Do tell your friend not to give up the day job.


CS


PS: In the extremely unlikely event that the "Mack Truck" scenario prevails and you have, actually, got the 5 AS perfect balance system functioning correctly, a move to any other head (of any make) would be such a retrograde step you would have every right to kick yourself around the largest city block in town about 30 times. Repeat every time you use the camera and alternative support system.

Hello Chris, that's some first reply.


That you haven't mentioned it either means you have the camera pimped out to Mack truck proportions and it thus works with the "perfect Balance" system, or you haven't noticed that tendency to drag you off the ground every time you attempt a backward tilt, which means you know even less about camera support systems than your friend.

Or, it means I posted a thread called "What tripod are you using with your HM700", hoping to hear some of the specific tripods others are using with this recently released camera.

Interesting yarn though, make up your own little fantasy about Mack trucks and emergency stop settings, then make a total guess about how much I know about tripods and take some shots at me. Good to meet you too.

I used the tripod for about 15 minutes, realized it was "overkill" as I stated in the original post, and it's been returned.

I could make spin my own little tale about what your story is, make a guess about what you know and take some stabs at you but it's kinda silly, and I've got some editing to do.

I don't know a whole lot about FCP, fire away if it makes ya feel good.




Thanks for the replies about what tripods you're using with this JVC fellas, helped out.

Good, you returned it, at least that was possible.

If you want to know more about what I know, take a wander over to the Camera Support forum and spend a while browsing.

Oh, and the Articles section has a bit of my work too (not exactly Shakespear, but hey, this is show business).

Anything you found in my post that was objectionable probably describes a situation that does and has happened over in that forum, with the users/owners blissfully unaware that there was anything actually wrong.

If I offended you, I appologise, it was not intentional, but sometime it can take quite a bit of work to get peoples attention, especially if their knowledge level is minimal (hey, you didn't give me much to work on - come on!).

Whatever, hope you and your camera system live long and prosper.

Drop into the CSF if you really want an answer to CS questions.


CS

If you tried, and looked at it from a first post perspective, you might be able to find something objectionable in there. Maybe not, thats cool too.

It doesn't always take "quite a bit of work" to get someones interest, it can be easy too. You could read the thread, possibly even ask a question or two instead of assuming "blissfull unawareness", and maybe even respond to what the thread specifically asked about.

Or you could go the way you went, your first post tells me what I don't know, and you're second post telling me how much you know, and never actually answer an 11-day old question, while typing about how hard it is to get someone's attention sometimes.

Not sure what you're talking about with all that, and I'm sure you're a tripod/support specialist, but I was just asking about specific tripods for the HM700, and I thought I gave plenty of information on the first page.

And not offended at all, just an interesting introduction you have there. And my friend is very good about all of it, he suggested the V5 because I wasn't decided on big cam/small cam at the time, he had the V5 in, so let me take a try with it. The Vinten 3 is a fine tripod, I'm either going with that or a sachtler FSB(6or8), my good friend is arranging for me to try both, and letting me use a nice loaner in the process.

I didn't think I needed to write all that, when what I wanted to know was specific tripods folks are using on the HM700. Specifically, that they are using, or have used. Now you're up to speed sufficiently on my situation, and not still blissfully unaware. : )

No worries here sir, have a good day.