Hello everyone, this is my first post. I just got a Z1 today and am still trying things on the camera but I'm really happy with it. So anyway, I'm looking for a tripod that is best for Z1. I've been reading some of the topics here but didn't find a satisfactory answer.
I've been recommended Miller DS10, Sachtler, Manfrotto and also Bogen. Can anyone help me choose? I'm sorry for this silly question but I only have little experience from making short videos so I guess you can say that I'm totally inexperienced. ^.^

Hi martin, I've been using a LIBEC TH-950 Kit for my XL2, this camera is a lot heavier than your Z1 so should be more than enough, good panning smoothness and feel, has a Leveling ball head which is a fast way to level the head, a lot easier than adjusting each tripod leg. also built well, cost me £220 from UK - about $390 US.

http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Libec_Tripods.htm#950

No disrespect Mike, but those lower budget range of Libecs tripods aren’t too good, and for an XL2 I would have thought you would have looked at a 503/525 kit or something along the same lines. The same would go for the Z1.

Remember you get what you pay for with tripods, so at the end of the day, it depends how much you want to spend.

-Rick.

Hey Richard, what do you mean by 503/525? Are those Libec models too?

They are Manfrotto. The 503/525 is a leg and head combination, 503 fluid head and 525 legs.

www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272984&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Forgotten how to make them active!!

edit: FIIIIIIINE activate yourself then!

Well,thanks for the recommendations. Is there anyone else who want to share their opinions?

I have a Miller DS-5 which I got a few years ago for my PDX-10, a much lighter and smaller camera. Am currently using it with my Z1 although the DS-10 would be preferable. The DS-10 adds drag and balance adjustments to the head and is rated for heavier cameras. The action on the Miller head is very nice, and the tripod is relatively sturdy.

One disappointment with the Miller is that the lower section aluminum legs have sometimes popped out of the sliding plates. They can be put back in without any real problem, but it would be nice if they were anchored better to start with.

My DS-5 has action that is far, far superior to the Manfrotto 501 head. Not sure if the same comparison would apply to the DS-10 vs 503, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Hey Boyd, a lot of people has recommended the DS-10 so maybe I'll get that. Does anyone know the differences between aluminum and carbon fiber? Which one is better? Thanks again.

If you can afford them, carbon fiber legs are way to go. They are much, much lighter than aluminium ones.

Does that mean carbon fiber is also less stable?

Does that mean carbon fiber is also less stable?

No, not at all. Carbon fiber legs are very stable and less prone to deformation than aluminum ones. Anyway, after 6 years of heavy usage (Sachtler 18P), legs are looking like new.

Thanks a lot Darko. Should I get a mid or ground spreader? The mid spreader looks sturdier somehow or maybe it's just me?
A quick search at B&H revealed these. Which one do you think I should get? And why is aluminum more expensive than carbon fiber?

Well it depends on what are you shooting. I found mid-level spreader very useful for field shooting, rough terrains...etc, while ground spreader is better on smooth surfaces like floors. It seems to me that carbon legs are priced more than alu ones when you look all specifications.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=Miller+DS10

I've narrowed my selection down to the first 3 items on this page. Am I right to say that I can't attach a dolly to the carbon fiber one because it's not provided in the accessories section for it? The carbon fiber one also look considerably different than aluminum. What do you think Darko?

As for shooting condition, it will mostly be floor although I wouldn't discount the possibility of shooting on an uneven terrain, just not as frequently.

Well, IMHO first combination with mid level spreader is my personal favourite. Good thing is also that you can set up that tripod on ie. stairs or rough terrain. I'm not so thrilled about carbon fiber one, couse it doesn't seem so stable. I have some bad experience with telescopic legs.

Wow Darko, you've been such a great help. I called B&H today; they also recommended the first one. Do you have any recommendation as to what kind of dolly should I get? I urgently need one too.

Since I have dolly made in local machine shop (still great for me -dirt cheap, but fully functional) I havent look around for "real" ones ...anyway i think you should be aware of dollies with plastic wheels cause these can provide very bumpy and unpleasant ride. Go for one with rubber wheels.