I am looking for a good tripod for the XL1s.

I intend to use the 1.6x extender at times with the standard 16x lens. I will be recording Drag Boat races. I may use other lenses in the future.

I will be at least 1/4 mile from the boats when the race starts, and then the boats will reach me in about 6 seconds. Then I have to do a quick 180 degree pan to capture the shutdown area.

Is the Bogen 3192 / 516 a good setup, or should I consider others, such as the Sachtler System DV 4 II, or the Bogen 3283b with 501, 503, or 510?

I am looking for a tripod that is strudy, with a very smooth pan, that can be set up and leveled quickly.

I am very new to this and the choice of tripods is overwhelming. I currently have a Bogen 3221wn (Wilderness) with a 3063 mini-fluid head. I would like something smoother and easier to level.

Thank you for any assistance that you may provide.

I've used the 501 head and it's pretty smooth. I don't think you will be dissapointed if you choose it.

Dear Dylan,

Thanks for the quick reply.

Dan

Also make sure you get a mid level spreader for easier set-up. A ground level spreader is pretty useless for field work.

Jeff

Dear Jeff,

I am leaning towards the Sachtler DV 4 II. It sure is light.

But I wonder if it is sturdy enough?

The best I can tell is that it does not come with a mid-level spreader. It may be available as an option, but I have not found it yet.

Info on the System DV 4 II is available at:

http://www.sachtler.com/flyer_pdf/DVII2_DVII4_ENG752D_engl.pdf


I will continue to look for a mid-level spreader.

Jeff, should I remove this from consideration if I can not obtain a mid-level spreader?

Thank you,


Dan

If you're looking at the Sachtler, then you've got a realistic budget. I would recommend the Vinten Vision 3 tripod (mid-level spreader available) and Miller also has a comparable model, the DS 10 and it also is available with a mid-level spreader. There are several posts about the Millers here, so use the search button in the upper right. The Vinten is my preference. I've been using mine for a little over a year and couldn't be happier. I use the equivalent to the Vision 8 because of the heavy lenses I use.

Jeff

Dear Jeff,

Thank you.

I will look into the Vinton tripod.

Our video department at work is very happy with theirs.

Dan

I have the 503 head, with the 438 75mm half ball leveler. That leveler gizmo only cost $85 and was well worth it. Whatever tripod you get make sure it has a leveler.