Hi

I am considering getting the heavy baby tripod legs ( 9.3lb ) which has a 100mm half bowl with my vinten vision 3 fluid head with the 75mm ball base. I was told that all I need is the 75-100 Adapter to join the vinten with the tripod legs. This tripod is designed to carry 44 lbs. My canon xl2 is only 5.3 lbs. I keep reading here that the heavier the tripod is the better the stability.
Am I going too far here….? I am considering this tripod because I really need the low Angles for birds documentaries and these legs go as low as 5” at a full spread !
Is choosing this tripod legs which designed for a much heavier camcorder than my canon xl2 may be a problem? Is the vinten fluid head will work just as good on these legs with the Adapter?
I can not afford making more mistakes at choosing equipment . I would really appreciate your advice.

Thank you all.

The link to the
http
://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/homeO=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=3911 legs:

Don't mess with adaptors. Be consistent, stick will 100mm tripods.

Jay

If you need to go that low, why not consider a high-hat?

Dan
www.DVcameraRigs.com

" I keep reading here that the heavier the tripod is the better the stability."

Well, yes, but there is a law of diminishing returns, and I think those legs are a bit overkill, IMHO. Add to which you need to purchase an adapter (which I don't think is any problem except money), and you are toting extra weight into the woods with you. Then too, the sawed-offs (short sticks) are not too versatile, being as they are meant for low angle shots.

You might look into something like this from Manfrotto:
525MVB LIGHTWEIGHT VIDEO PRO TRIPOD (BLACK)*/**Cat. No:*525MVB

http://www.bogenimaging.us/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=78&itemid=2188

This are standard two stage sticks which go down to 12.6 inches that have a 75mm bowl, so no need for the adapter. You can go even lower by leaving the spreaders in the car when you trek into the woods. Simply spread the legs and push the spike feet into the ground. Now you've got some versatility. And they weigh 7.7lbs.

Wayne Orr, SOC