If my title was dumb, I apologize as I am not done with my pot of coffee.

But here is what I am researching (at the end of my to buy list)

I plan to purchase a Sony HVR-Z1U with the VTR package. The camera weighs 4.25 Lbs and the VTR weighs 16lbs respectively.

A while back I purchased one of these http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5399&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

So I was thinking that I would, in certain circumstances, mount the VTR on the Caddy, with the Z1U on top, and roll around on my dolly.

But when I looked at the weight limits for the http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=191754&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
I have too much gear.
The guy at BHphoto agreed that the VTR and camera would be too much for this particular tripod.

The reason I wanted to stay with that head is that it's plate is the same as the Fig Rig, and my other tripod.

So my question is it possible, using the 501 head, to build a tripod with legs that can hold the camera and VTR that will roughly run the same price as that tripod I was looking at above?

Thanks in advance.

Please don't get frustrated too much that I don't answer your question directly.

I am puzzled why you want to take a 16lb studio-style vtr on portable shoots. Aren't there any small hard drive based recording systems that could accomplish this better?

Also, you are putting a $7500 camera package on a $250 tripod. Perhaps you could upgrade to a better tripod head and sticks. The Bogen 503 is not much more and is truly fluid. The 519 uses the same mounting plate and can support about 22 pounds. It doesn't really make sense to have a fantastic camera and a mediocre tripod.

I say these things to try to help you not toss money away on something that won't meet your needs. Look at sticks that hold more weight (and probably cost more) and get a better head (that WILL cost more). Shooting in HD requires a fair bit of precision. Your system is only as good as it's weakest link.

Please don't get frustrated too much that I don't answer your question directly.

I am puzzled why you want to take a 16lb studio-style vtr on portable shoots. Aren't there any small hard drive based recording systems that could accomplish this better?

Also, you are putting a $7500 camera package on a $250 tripod. Perhaps you could upgrade to a better tripod head and sticks. The Bogen 503 is not much more and is truly fluid. The 519 uses the same mounting plate and can support about 22 pounds. It doesn't really make sense to have a fantastic camera and a mediocre tripod.

I say these things to try to help you not toss money away on something that won't meet your needs. Look at sticks that hold more weight (and probably cost more) and get a better head (that WILL cost more). Shooting in HD requires a fair bit of precision. Your system is only as good as it's weakest link.

Thank you,

I was just looking at the 501 becuase it has the same plate, I'll look and see if there is better head with the same plate.

I just wanted the flexibility of having the VTR on the tripod if the occassion presents itself. I do class room filming which requires very little movement, so I can always put the VTR on something else, like a table, I just had this rack mount thing and was trying to get the best future purchase. I really do however need a head with the same plate, as my goal is to come off my tripod and run and gun with my fig rig.

Thankyou for your thoughts, I have more to think about. Either way I think I will be buying the head and legs seperate.