Which tripod are you using with your camera? If you are using a combination of tripod legs and head, please list both items. Why did you choose for this tripod, and how does it work in the field? What the pro's and con's?

I am currently looking for a tripod but I am not sure what to pick. I am currently looking at the 755b tripod in combination with a 503 or 701RC2 fluid head. But I have also heard very good reviews of $40 Velbon tripods.

So I am kinda lost to say so. I hope you can help me.

Just list your tripod/tripod combination and how you would rate it!

Tripod: Manfrotto 755B MDeVe
Head: Manfrotto 503

An excellent mid-range combo priced between the the casual user gear and the professional user gear.

Tripod - Bogen/Manfrotto 3221WN Wilderness Tripod - From my DSLR days. very very sturdy and great for indoor and outdoor with the screw out spikes if needed outdoors

Head - Bogen 501 Pro Fluid tripod head.

On another note: I use the Bogen 521pro LANC Remote which is great.

I use this Daiwa VT523 (http://www.slik.com/daiwa/vt/vt523.html), but also sometimes a cheap Hakuba tripod.

The Daiwa is very nice, good build quality, smooth fluid head. A bit too heavy to take everywhere.

The Hakuba is much more transportable, but doesn't allow independent control of pan & tilt.

I also have a Spiderbrace, that is lots of fun in the field.

Tripod - Bogen/Manfrotto 3221WN Wilderness Tripod - From my DSLR days. very very sturdy and great for indoor and outdoor with the screw out spikes if needed outdoors

Head - Bogen 501 Pro Fluid tripod head.


I happen to have these two, I bought the combo second hand. The tripod itself seems to be designed for handling extremely odd terrain, with decoupled legs that can be set at several angle stops. It would have been nice to have a tripod with a central spreader and a way to hand crank the height, but I'm happy with the combination.

It would have been nice to have a tripod with a central spreader and a way to hand crank the height, but I'm happy with the combination.


I agree Jeff. I still may end up going that route, but I have not run into an issue as of yet. Definately a sturdy tripod

Whatever you do, get a *video* tripod, not a photo tripod. A levelling mechanism (ball, clamp, spirit level) is very, very handy. Much better than trying to fiddle with the legs.

Whatever you do, get a *video* tripod, not a photo tripod. A levelling mechanism (ball, clamp, spirit level) is very, very handy. Much better than trying to fiddle with the legs.

I agree, but at the same time, I do not have any problems moving the upper brace of a leg to level my camcorder (unsnap, let leg drop or lower leg, snap back). I do have the leveling eye on the tripod head so it takes about 5 seconds to adjust if needed.

Tripod: Manfrotto 755B MDeVe
Head: Manfrotto 503

An excellent mid-range combo priced between the the casual user gear and the professional user gear.

That is the combination I am looking at for now. I can get it for around 440 EURO here in The Netherlands. How does the 503 combine with the 755B legs? On the BH Photo Video website, it looks a bit odd as the head looks really big in relation to the rest of the tripod, but it can be perspective or something.

Also, how comfortable is this combination to carry around? Do you have a softcase for the tripod or how do you carry it?

I use this Daiwa VT523 (http://www.slik.com/daiwa/vt/vt523.html), but also sometimes a cheap Hakuba tripod.

The Daiwa is very nice, good build quality, smooth fluid head. A bit too heavy to take everywhere.

The Hakuba is much more transportable, but doesn't allow independent control of pan & tilt.

I also have a Spiderbrace, that is lots of fun in the field.

What is the price of your Daiwa? Is the head exchangeable? Furthermore, you use a Spiderbrace. I also own one. In which situations do you use the spiderbrace, do you use it sometimes as a tripod replacement?

Budget option..

I have a Velbon DV-7000. It sounds too cheap to be any good ($110 at B&H, complete with fluid head), but it is excellent value. To me, the head felt similar to use as the Manfrotto 701RC2.

A UK based video editing magazine (Digital Video Techniques) just did a review of various tripods, and rated the DV-7000 over the Manfrotto 701RC2 with 755B legs (which costs over 3 times as much). Now that is just one review, and I’m not saying that is indeed better, but it does validate my own findings, that the DV-7000 is very good at a low price. It is however heavy (7.5 pounds), so not good if you will be carrying it around for long distances.

I ordered a Velbon CX-570 at BH Photo Video yesterday. For $39,95 I reckon it will always be worth the money. I have heard some great things about this tripod, from people who are using it for over a year. I am just starting with filmmaking, and although I am tempted to to for the best, I decided to go for something with a high quality/price relationship.

I often encounter people with almost no experience, no knowledge about basic techniques or whatsoever, with the most expensive gear. I have learned with my D-SLR (Nikon D70) that the most expensive gear does not always work better. I shot some images that were classified as D2 by some people.

I am reading some books on documentary filmmaking and cinematography and all these books tell you that content, storytelling and technique is far more important than $800 pieces of equipment.

I really like Manfrotto (used it with my D-SLR), but at this moment, I am so divided between all the products they are offering that I have decided to get some practice in the field with the Velbon, and on the basis of my evaluation of that tripod, I will make a choice for a new tripod. And maybe, it will turn out that the Velbon is all I am asking for and more.

But keep this thread going, I really like it to which equipment people are using and why they have chosen for a specific tripod/combination.

Is it me or are tripods overrated and expensive?

I've used heavy duty, expensive pods before, but recently picked up a cheap tripod for my A1U -- $20 at Fry's. And guess what? It works great, since the A1U weighs about an ounce.

I just can't justify spending a bundle on a tripod anymore. I'm well past the point of trying to impress anyone.

I've used heavy duty, expensive pods before, but recently picked up a cheap tripod for my A1U -- $20 at Fry's. And guess what? It works great, since the A1U weighs about an ounce.

I just can't justify spending a bundle on a tripod anymore. I'm well past the point of trying to impress anyone.

For me, it doesn't have anything to do with the weight, size or trying to impress others, though extra weight helps if you have to deal with turbulence or accidental bumping. I have a couple cheap tripods, which I thought one was good, but their heads are no where nearly as nice with smooth motion as a fluid head. There are plenty of nice, cheap and lightweight tripods but if you have to tilt or pan a lot, the extra weight, cost and size is easily worthwhile. The Manfrotto 700 series are a good, inexpensive and fairly compact compromise.

Sony VCT-D680RM with remote control pan handle, and a 10 to 15 pound lead shot bean bag to "anchor that sucker" when needed.

Jamie

For me, it doesn't have anything to do with the weight, size or trying to impress others, though extra weight helps if you have to deal with turbulence or accidental bumping. I have a couple cheap tripods, which I thought one was good, but their heads are no where nearly as nice with smooth motion as a fluid head. There are plenty of nice, cheap and lightweight tripods but if you have to tilt or pan a lot, the extra weight, cost and size is easily worthwhile. The Manfrotto 700 series are a good, inexpensive and fairly compact compromise.

I have no problem panning and tilting with my cheap tripod. Fluid heads are great, but hardly worth the extra cost in my opinion.

But maybe that's just me.

That is the combination I am looking at for now. I can get it for around 440 EURO here in The Netherlands. How does the 503 combine with the 755B legs? On the BH Photo Video website, it looks a bit odd as the head looks really big in relation to the rest of the tripod, but it can be perspective or something.

Also, how comfortable is this combination to carry around? Do you have a softcase for the tripod or how do you carry it?

I went with the 503 because I wanted something that I could keep a while and use it for the next higher level camera (like the Z1). I got the 755B because it has the tallest non-center-post height of the MdeVe line, plus the leveling bowl.

The 503 head is large, but then add to that the super-hi-rise bottom-loading cassette HC1 adapter and the whole thing looks wacky -- heck, the Rode VideoMic is almost as big as the HC1!

While a lighter (read carbon-fibre) tripod would be nice for distance spots, even with the 755B the setup is light. I have modifed a hiker's water bottle carrier (made it longer) so I can hang a gallon water jug off the tripod's weight hook.

I have a soft case, but went with the non-combo version since I wanted a taller bag, and I'm glad I did. The MBAG90P 35" Padded Tripod Bag
I got is just barely tall enough to house the 755B with the optional cup/spike feet. The bag is also big enough to hold my 769B monopod that is also fitted with the 503 quick-release adapter.

Budget option..

I have a Velbon DV-7000. It sounds too cheap to be any good ($110 at B&H, complete with fluid head), but it is excellent value. To me, the head felt similar to use as the Manfrotto 701RC2.

A UK based video editing magazine (Digital Video Techniques) just did a review of various tripods, and rated the DV-7000 over the Manfrotto 701RC2 with 755B legs (which costs over 3 times as much). Now that is just one review, and I’m not saying that is indeed better, but it does validate my own findings, that the DV-7000 is very good at a low price. It is however heavy (7.5 pounds), so not good if you will be carrying it around for long distances.

I have to back up Mark -I bought this tripod after owning several other cheaper non-fluid head types and it gives smooth pans and tilts. It is reassuringly heavy/sturdy and for the money (I paid about £75 UK pounds) is good value. Note: I think it has a resistance head rather than a fluid head but the results are similiar.


Nick.

Nick,

Velbon calls it a "fluid head" (and it says "fluid head" on the tripod!).
But I think there are various definitions of what "fluid head" means.

It is my understanding that there are 2 "types" of fluid head:

1. There is resistance caused by fluid filled chambers
2. That resistance is adjustable by controlling the fluid flow

If you look at the Manfrotto heads for example, the 501 is a fluid head but (quoting Manfrotto) "it has Teflon friction adjustment to increase drag". So it would be a type 1 fluid head. The 503 and up I believe are "type 2".

The DV-7000 head I believe is "type 1" fluid - there is fluid in the head, but adjusting it uses friction/resistance.

Mark

I am using one of the Velbons and it works well for me. I was surprised how smooth it pans and so far it seems to be sturdy enough to do the job, but light enough to be easy to carry to foot access only locations.

I expect the Manfrottos are significantly better tripods, but the cost a lot more too. For me, budget was a major factor so I went for bang for the buck and sprang for the Velbon. And as I said, I was happily surprised.

I went with the 503 because I wanted something that I could keep a while and use it for the next higher level camera (like the Z1). I got the 755B because it has the tallest non-center-post height of the MdeVe line, plus the leveling bowl.

The 503 head is large, but then add to that the super-hi-rise bottom-loading cassette HC1 adapter and the whole thing looks wacky -- heck, the Rode VideoMic is almost as big as the HC1!Marc - as you own a 503 head, can i ask (i hope you say yes..) do you think it's worth the extra money over the 701RC2 and 501? Did you try all 3 heads before getting the 503 and if so, can you try to describe the smoothness of the 503 relative to the other two heads?
Also, does it bolt straight onto the 755B tripod?

thanks

Anyone used Sachtler DV 2 II/2 with Sony HVR-A1? Is it ok, or overkill?

Click me for specs! (http://www.sachtler.com/prod.asp?lid=2&sdid=0&did0=94&did1=1331&did2=98&did3=1336&wptid=1&wpid=1231&mgid=0&ptid=602&pid=15145)

I'm using the Bogen/manfrotto 3130 with an inexpensive set of heavy still legs from Calumet... while it's not a light setup it's very stable. Personally I found the 3130 head to be smoother than the 701 and it has more (although slight) adjustable friction.

I got a Sony VCT-D680RM too.

I love its remote control for the zoom, plus is the cheapest I could find in my area. Manfrottos were way too expensive compared to this one. And this wasn't cheap (210€).

The cheap Velbon CX-570 I bought for travelling purposes is not recommended. It is far too light for the camera with wide-angle lens, everything is from plastic and I found the whole setup not stable enough. I will be buying a Manfrotto with a Bogen 503 head later this month / early next month. My holiday footage has shown that tripod shots are really invaluable.

The cheap Velbon CX-570 I bought for travelling purposes is not recommended. It is far too light for the camera with wide-angle lens, everything is from plastic and I found the whole setup not stable enough. I will be buying a Manfrotto with a Bogen 503 head later this month / early next month. My holiday footage has shown that tripod shots are really invaluable.Hi Floris - i hope you had a great time on your European trip. Perhaps you could write up a little about the whole thing and which other pieces of equipment etc worked well or didnt work well? I know you did quite a bit of research for that trip !

As for the Velbon tripod, well although i've never seen it / used it, i didnt think it could really be that stable simply due to it being $40 ! You get what you pay for, you really do.

Go for the Manfrotto 755B or 756B with a decent head and i think you'll find it a big difference.

The Velbon was just a cheap try-out. And I did not want to carry a 4 kg tripod. And I do not regret that. But next-time I will take my spiderbrace. I think I would like that thing better for sightseeing.

The rest of my equipment - I do not care about the Cavision Lenshood. It falls off easily, bends in the bag if there is pressure on it.... poor quality. I like the wide-angle lens, but that is not a big surprise I guess. The Lowepro Nature Trekker II is a great bag. Good pads and really balances the load. But on my next-trip, I will take a shoulderbag for shooting as I was carrying all my equipment and only used 20% of it. The microphones, I haven't really tested them as it was too much of a hassle to put them on, off, on off. And I did not care for the sounds of the surroundings... a lot of motor noise and chatter.

This month I will start shooting the documentary about my grandmother, and I will use both microphones in that project. So I guess I will be able to share more about my equipment when that project is underway.

My end conclusion is that I do not really like filming when I am travelling. Without camera, I can see with my eyes and enjoy the beauty. With camera, I am more busy getting a nice picture instead of enjoying. And with all the tourist walking in and out of the screen, the high temperatures in italy (38 degrees celcius) and wind in many locations, shooting is very difficult. I did manage to get some nice footage.

But my next project will be a documentary, and from now on I will focus more on things with a good storyline / topic. Last year I took a digital still camera to Rome and I liked shooting pictures a lot more.

But thanks for all the feedback and I will see if I can put some footage online for everyone to see, after I have edited it.

Ok, I am considering to buy one of the following two tripod setups at this moment, so I would like some feedback from the boards.

Bogen / Manfrotto 351MVB2 Aluminum Video Tripod Kit with 75mm Half Bowl and 3460 (503) Pro Head, Mid-Level Spreader, Rubber Shoes & Padded case - Supports 13.5 lb (6.1 kg) ($484 at BH Photo Video)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=387808&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

and the other combination

Bogen / Manfrotto 755B MDeVe Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black) with 3460 (503) Fluid Head and Softcase - Supports 9.7 lb (4.4 kg) ($590)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272845&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

For me, the first combination looks very sturdy. Furthermore, it can take a 6kg heavier load, which is good when I switch to more proffesional equipment in the near future. Also, I have seen some professional film teams on the streets and most of them if not all of them have the type of tripod legs of the first combination, the pyramide like legs.

At the other hand, the second combination looks really flexible, is not as heavy to carry and has the quick leveling bowl. But what I have learned from my trip to Italy, is that you can look at the weight of things from a carrying perspective, but at the end, if you are taking all your gear, you need to move a lot of weight anyway.

But I am not sure which one to choose. So feedback is appreciated.

Marc - as you own a 503 head, can i ask (i hope you say yes..) do you think it's worth the extra money over the 701RC2 and 501? Did you try all 3 heads before getting the 503 and if so, can you try to describe the smoothness of the 503 relative to the other two heads?
Also, does it bolt straight onto the 755B tripod?
thanks

I have used the 701rc2+745B, owned a 501 & currently sporting the 503+755B.

If you arent planning on upgrading to a bigger camera or arent going to be putting heavy accessories on on ur hc1/a1, id stick with the 701rc2+745b kit.

it is nice and light, as well as stable & smooth, an excellent match for the a1u/hc1.

the 501 is not a bad head but surprisingly i didnt find it as smooth as the rc2, so ultimately I bit the bullet and decided upon teh 503. Also only the 500+ series manfrotto heads have the camera mount with the stabilization pin, the 700 series did not, which was indeed something I wanted.

I chose the 503 as I plan to purchase a larger hdv camera in the future, and I am confident that the 503 can safely support a redrock m2 35 mm adapter, which I do plan on purchasing.

I chose the 755B because I liked the 745b alot with the leveling ball, but it has an additinoal leveling column that I found to be handy. However I must admit that carryign the 755B+503 is noticeably heavier then teh 7-1rc2+745b.

if u plan on upgradign ur camera or plan to tack on the accessores consider the 755b+503, otherwise imo hte 701rc2+745b will more then suffice for the a1/hc1.

The tripod quality is more critical for the HDV cameras because of the display screen size and resolution. A big of vibration that won't show in DV on a smaller screen will be much more objectionable with a larger screen and HD.

That being said, for many years I have used a combo of the Bogen Mini Fluid Head and 3021 legs. In many ways I like it better than their more expensive 501 head. You can get this head in a version with quick release system built in.

However, I prefer a Sima quick release add on, with its plastic QR camera plates. When dealing with little cams like the C1 or C3, lightening the QR plate makes a big difference.

Whatever you do, get a *video* tripod, not a photo tripod. A levelling mechanism (ball, clamp, spirit level) is very, very handy. Much better than trying to fiddle with the legs.

Would the combo of Gitzo G-1228 Legs and Gitzo G-2380 Video Fluid Head work with the A1?

i have a bogen/manfratto 3001bn with a 501 fluid head - it works like a charm.

Whatever you do, get a *video* tripod, not a photo tripod. A levelling mechanism (ball, clamp, spirit level) is very, very handy. Much better than trying to fiddle with the legs.

I had bubble levels I glued to the fluidhead and was adjusting the legs. I eventually got the Manfrotto quick leveller. Worth every cent, especially for HDV, where the wide aspect immediatly shows EVERYONE your 'pod is crooked! It is exceptionally important on non-level ground.