I'm looking for a good decent price tripod for my XL2 that will work with the Canon TA-100 Tripod adapter?

Thanks in advance!

the best tripod I have found for this camera If you are wanting in the future to add a lot of extras, e.g. pro batteries, mattebox, harddrive recorder, wireless units. etc, is the Sachtler 15 system. I have demo'ed several other systems and this one is far better than all the others if you want a good balance, smooth pan and tilt, and quick placement. Sorry but the price is around 6,000.00 with carbon legs and travel case. However, if your in this business for awhile you will soon see that a nice tripod will make your footage look better, and this piece of equipment will outlast the next three cameras you buy.

Hi everyone I would first like to say this forum has been of great help for me.

Now the question i've been looking for tripods and there seems to some sort of an agreement on sachtler's tripods being the best. have you guys tried anything worth trying that would provide a firm support and a head that allows smoth panning and tilting.

my main problem is that i'm in costa rica and i have to import all of my gear and pay 49% taxes for any video related item (a total rip off) so i'm looking for a more affordable solution.

Opinion are going to vary highly on this. I have the 3221 legs with a 501 head. I like the setup. I have seen a lot of people badmouth this combo. But to each his own.
Combo is priced decent and does the job that I need.

Don't know if it's in your price range (although it's a heck of a lot cheaper than the Sachtler legs), I have the Libec LS-55M system with the H55 head. Highly recommend it. It's a lot sturdier than the 501 (which I'm not a big fan of in the first place) and a more fluid head.

Jonathan

Mae sos andres vargas?? I did a quite simple thing. I bought some bogen stiks and a used o'connor fluid head from ebay. Works great, total $750

Opinion are going to vary highly on this. I have the 3221 legs with a 501 head. I like the setup. I have seen a lot of people badmouth this combo. But to each his own.
Combo is priced decent and does the job that I need.


Thanks for the reply Adam! I wanted to ask you.... based on your own experience would you say the 501 bogen/marotto suffers from stiction. This is the usual complain about this particular head i wanted a second opinion. tnx

Do not get the 501, get the 503! You will need the counter balance, and it is full fluid. It may not be perfect, but it is real good!

Mike

Thanks for the reply Adam! I wanted to ask you.... based on your own experience would you say the 501 bogen/marotto suffers from stiction. This is the usual complain about this particular head i wanted a second opinion. tnx

Yes, it does.

I really recomend using bogen-manfrotto tripod with another fluid head. The most important thing about a tripod is the fluid head, a clumsy head gives bad results. A system's performance is measured by the worst of its parts... A good o'connor fluid head is robust and its really dificult to make it break. You should get an o'connor 30 or even a 50... they price low on e-bay compared on the new ones.. and they are great. Just be careful with the bowl size.

Do not get the 501, get the 503! You will need the counter balance, and it is full fluid. It may not be perfect, but it is real good!

Mike

Thanks mike but what about stiction does the 503 have that problem too?
i wouldn't like to star a panning with a bumpy move every time.
you mentioned it's not perfect. Based on your experience, are there any particualr flaws to this head you'd like to tell us about

Thanks mike but what about stiction does the 503 have that problem too?
i wouldn't like to star a panning with a bumpy move every time.
you mentioned it's not perfect. Based on your experience, are there any particualr flaws to this head you'd like to tell us about

I can't vouch for everyone, but My 501 had stiction, my 503 does not. Oh, and I have two 503's.

Mike

P.S.: I'll add one more thing, duh, I guess that's why the P.S. Huh! Anyway, I have heard some say the 503 isn't that smooth, I think they may be "confused," on how to set it up and may be tightening or loosening the lock down lever rather than the tension lever. Make sure you are using the right one.

Mike

I have XL2 ,70~200 IS, Manfrotto 055CB + 701RC2. I find quite difficult to freeze focus at 200mm because of high magnification & the wind as well as my hand shake. And would like to go for 400/600mm in future. So I am planning to go for either 503 or 519 with 525MVB.
Now I want your advice on this, Is there any better option than the one I choosed.
Ashok Mansur

There are indeed much better options.
But before you spend the cash, might I suggest hanging a sandbag from your current tripod to stabilize the shot.

I do agree, but the problem arises when you follow the bird, its quite dificult to sharp focus. Even the pulse can make the jarring. While panning & even tilting no free movement, slight jerking is there.
my budget is for above kit, If better choices are there. plz name it.
Ashok Mansur

The 519/525mvb kit is roughly $1200, and at that price you can indeed find much smoother options. The Cartoni Focus is roughly the same price, but offers a few notable upgrades - a 100mm bowl - more stable connection between head and legs, stiffer legs, and far smoother movement. I personally do not like the build quality of the lower Cartoni products, but if treated gently, they should be fine, and certainly the price/performance is excellent for that tripod.

Also, my personal budget favorite is the Vinten Vision 3 - a 75mm bowl, but the head is smoother and more durable than anything within 2x its price. There are tons of reviews online of all these setups, but definitely search around because Bogen/Manfrotto is hardly the only game in town. Through clever marketing and decent prices, they have made themselves the most recognizable name in lower-end camera support, and they'd certainly like you to believe that you must stick with their line.

Last but not least, don't forget that a smooth head only goes so far. You have a LOT of weight pulling on the lens mount of your camera. If you haven't already done so, make some bracket to connect both the camera and the lens to the tripod plate. The 70-200 has a nice collar on it already, so you won't need a fancy rod system just for support. A simple steel plate drilled and countersunk can do the trick, otherwise I'm sure commercial versions exist. Once you have both points anchored, it may also help to find the fore/aft balance point, and try to align that with the balance of the tripod. That way, the tripod is working evenly throughout its tilt motion, and you can use a lighter touch to control it...and therefore less vibration.

Just remember - ANY flex between the sensor and lens will show up as vibration in your shot, especially when magnified 100x. That goes for any other accessories you have strapped to the camera as well. Make sure everything is cinched down, batteries are tight, filters are tight, etc...

Thankyou Jeron, The Vinten vision 3 head costs $969.95, Cartoni focus head costs $799.95 & 519 head costs $868.95 & also as a complete kit which will be the better one.
Regarding lens support I developed a sliding support for lens as well as for body. which is giving a solid stability.
Ashok Mansur

I ended up going with the Bogen 516 fluid head and the Bogen 3046 tripod
from BH photo


http://prohosted.com/bogen516.jpg (http://prohosted.com/bogen516.jpg)

I want a fluid head tripod that won't wiggle if theres a bit of wind and I'm zoomed all the way in... Let me know if you can help me out!

Scott:
I run my XL2 on a Bogen/Manfrotto 351 tripod with the 503 fluid head. It's rock-steady, no problems with unintended camera motion with the 20x zoom all the way out. The fluid drag is adjustable so you can set it to a sweet spot for your preferences. I bought mine as a package (head, tripod, and carry case) for $485.00. I've used B/M tripods for years as a still photographer and never personally had any complaints about the quality and construction.

Before that, I was using a Davis and Sanford Mark II tripod with the D&S FM-25 fluid head. I found it for a good price at a used camera store, missing a few small parts. A couple of hours at a friend's machine shop, and it had two new solid aluminum handles, a nice brass clamping knob, and a new mounting stud. Monster of a tripod, better suited for a studio, but capable of holding an elephant steady. I went with the Bogen as a field tripod because it collapses up smaller, weighs less, and is easier to level with the bowl mount. You give up some convenience as to camera height adjustment without the center column, but I can set up and level the head in ten seconds. With the D&S, I'd spend a couple of minutes fiddling with leg length adjustments trying to center the bubble. I'm keeping the D&S to use as a base for the crane I plan on building.

Regards;
Martin

Scott:
I run my XL2 on a Bogen/Manfrotto 351 tripod with the 503 fluid head. It's rock-steady, no problems with unintended camera motion with the 20x zoom all the way out. The fluid drag is adjustable so you can set it to a sweet spot for your preferences. I bought mine as a package (head, tripod, and carry case) for $485.00. I've used B/M tripods for years as a still photographer and never personally had any complaints about the quality and construction.

Before that, I was using a Davis and Sanford Mark II tripod with the D&S FM-25 fluid head. I found it for a good price at a used camera store, missing a few small parts. A couple of hours at a friend's machine shop, and it had two new solid aluminum handles, a nice brass clamping knob, and a new mounting stud. Monster of a tripod, better suited for a studio, but capable of holding an elephant steady. I went with the Bogen as a field tripod because it collapses up smaller, weighs less, and is easier to level with the bowl mount. You give up some convenience as to camera height adjustment without the center column, but I can set up and level the head in ten seconds. With the D&S, I'd spend a couple of minutes fiddling with leg length adjustments trying to center the bubble. I'm keeping the D&S to use as a base for the crane I plan on building.

Regards;
Martin

Could you give me the link to where you bought your Bogen? I'd really appreciate it!

Scott, we refer *all* where-to-buy questions to our DV Info Net site sponsors exclusively:

http://www.dvinfo.net/sponsors

Thanks,

Scott:
As Chris put it, you can check with the sponsors. They're a good bunch, approved by the forum admin and members. Just search the sites for Bogen/Manfrotto tripods. I have the 351 aluminum tripod and the 503 ball head. The "package" stock number for the head, legs, and carry case is 351MVB2K.

If memory serves, they have a (more expensive) carbon-fiber version of the same tripod. I went with aluminum 'cause it's cheaper and I can scribe inch markings through the black anodized finish on the legs to make it easy to get all the legs to the same length.

Besides, while I'm sure there's a link for the place I bought the tripod, it was a walk-in transaction (I buy local whenever possible -- support your local video dealer).

Martin

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387808-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html#goto_itemInfo

Would that be the right tripod? :P

And if it is would this be correct...

It won't shake when there's 4-7 MPH wind on full zoom with OIS off?

That's it. I've used it on calm days, windy days, fast pans, slow pans, and locked down, wide angle to full zoom. No complaints. Also, I forgot to mention that the 503 head is counterbalanced, and with a little tweaking will hold the XL2 in whatever tilt angle you leave it WITHOUT locking the tilt.

However, this assumes you've followed the #1 rule of (any) tripod use: make sure the legs are set firmly on a solid surface and spread as wide as practical.

Unlike still photography, unless you're shooting locked down, you need some movement. The nice thing about the 503 head is you have a separate adjustment for the fluid drag, independent of the pan/tilt locks. Completely release the pan/tilt locks, then use the fluid drag adjustments to set the head movement to your satisfaction. Don't use the pan/tilt locks to change the drag settings -- the locks are either on or off. That way you get consistent head motion.

BTW, that's a good price.

Martin

That's it. I've used it on calm days, windy days, fast pans, slow pans, and locked down, wide angle to full zoom. No complaints. Also, I forgot to mention that the 503 head is counterbalanced, and with a little tweaking will hold the XL2 in whatever tilt angle you leave it WITHOUT locking the tilt.

However, this assumes you've followed the #1 rule of (any) tripod use: make sure the legs are set firmly on a solid surface and spread as wide as practical.

Unlike still photography, unless you're shooting locked down, you need some movement. The nice thing about the 503 head is you have a separate adjustment for the fluid drag, independent of the pan/tilt locks. Completely release the pan/tilt locks, then use the fluid drag adjustments to set the head movement to your satisfaction. Don't use the pan/tilt locks to change the drag settings -- the locks are either on or off. That way you get consistent head motion.

BTW, that's a good price.

Martin

I appreciate your help alot, I was going to end up going 6 months without a tripod. (Was gunna save up for $1000 one... Haha.)

Just looking for some advise. I already wasted some money on 1 tripod and head because I was in a hurry and had limited money to spend.

Now I would like to upgrade.

I am considering this set from B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/493691-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_525PKIT_BO525MVB503K_Video_Tripod_System.html

Any thoughts on this tripod?

Or this one?
http://www.adorama.com/BG503HDV525P.html?searchinfo=manfrotto%20503&item_no=9

Just to clarify...
I will be shooting SD, sports mostly and don't want to spend no more than $1200 and would really like to get all thing's that I need in a kit rather than buying it in pcs.

I just noticed the first one is out of stock.

I checked out the kit and noticed that they moved the movement controls to the left side. I have Canon HX-A1 and I believe XL-2 as wells as other Canons have camera controls on the left side as well.

Would it be a benefit or a problem to have your left hand control both the movement and the camera controls?

Max,

I think it is all personal preference will how you are shooting. I also have the Manfrotto Lanc with all the controls on the handle. Once per week I have to shoot with a young one in one hand (got 17 mos old twins) and and handle in the other.

I actually went with this one. It seems to be a little less beefy but about $300 less. I may regret it but I think I was going over kill with the bigger one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html

So I'm finally upgrading the tripid in my kit (the current weak link). I'm shooting an XL2 and right now I don't have a lot of accessories that I hang off the camera, but I'd like to by a tripod that would work when and if I do. Also I would like it to be useful when I upgrade my camera, but I don't know what direction I'll go when I upgrade.

Here's what I'm looking at:

Bogen / Manfrotto | 515MVB Tripod Legs (Black) | 516,515PKIT (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272982-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_516_515PKIT_515MVB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html#features)

So is this overkill for an xl2? Would I see any negative effects using a 5 lb cam on a tripod made to support up to 22 lbs?

The reason I'm looking at this one is I've heard that the 503 head isn't as good as it could be (not a true fluid head?). Also it has a 100mm bowl that I've read is better than a 75mm. I also really like the min. height that these legs provide. I'm not opposed to spending more (maybe up to $1500), or less if there is an equal quality other name brand.

Open to all feedback...

Thanks,
Kevin

Sachtler?

Regards,

Ty Ford

The reason I'm looking at this one is I've heard that the 503 head isn't as good as it could be (not a true fluid head?).
Actually, my understanding is that the 503 - which I own - is a true fluid, but that it's the 501 that is not a true fluid head.

Unless you really need to go down to 12" height, you could save some $ on the 525MVB, also with a 100mm bowl.

Sachtler?

Regards,

Ty Ford

I know they produce great products, but I currently work at a local camera retailer where I could get an employee discount on Bogen / Manfrotto. And I think there is going to be a special discount program closer to the hollidays. Is Sachtler's quality that much better than Manfrotto?

Jack

(Sorry, still haven't figured out how to do multiple quotes) Thanks for the info on the 503. I had read a post somewhere on here about the 503. I currently own some older version of the 501 that I am not really happy with. So you feel that the 503 is adequate for a camera such as the XL2 or similar size?

Thank you again,
Kevin

Jack

(Sorry, still haven't figured out how to do multiple quotes) Thanks for the info on the 503. I had read a post somewhere on here about the 503. I currently own some older version of the 501 that I am not really happy with. So you feel that the 503 is adequate for a camera such as the XL2 or similar size?
Kevin

Sure, it's fine head for the XL2, and mine carries the extra weight of a mattebox and widescreen lcd monitor without any difficulty. If you order from B&H, they offer a 15 day refund window, so you could try it out to see for yourself, then send it back if it doesn't suit your needs.

I am about to order a fluid head for my photo tripod (Giottos MT9370). I am using an XL2 with the 20x most of the time, but I also use it with the adpater with a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. I am not sure of the actual weight, but it is a pretty heavy rig and I may eventually want to add a small (5.6) monitor.

My question is: would the 503HDV handle it or should I spend the exta $$ for the 516?

I plan on getting an XL2 and am wondering if my Manfrotto 128LP fluid head ($90 link below) and Velbon EL carmagne 530 tripod legs ($200 link below) will hold-up OK with the XL2 or do I need to up-grade???

fluid head
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 128LP Micro Fluid Head | 128LP (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553854-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_128LP_128LP_Micro_Fluid_Head.html)

tripod legs
Velbon | EL Carmagne 530A Tripod Legs | ELCARMA530A | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/378768-REG/Velbon_ELCARMA530A_EL_Carmagne_530A_Tripod.html)

If this setup is to weak please tell me what the least expensive setup is that will work with the XL2.

THANKS A LOT
CJ

Hi Caleb,

I've only owned one tripod to use with our XL2, and its this one:

Libec | LS-22(2A) Professional Tripod System | LS-22(2A) | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458961-REG/Libec_LS_22_2A__LS_22_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html)

The weight capacity of the legs are just fine. (As I even use the legs with our Kessler crane setup.) What I get into trouble with is any camera movement whatsoever, panning or tilting. With our Libec LS22 setup, I struggle sometimes moving the heavy XL2 (with stock 20x lens, wireless receiver hooked up, and sometimes an on-cam light). The pans are okay, but the tilts can be a pain.

In my experience specifically with our tripod setup, I wished I would've bought at least the next model up:

Libec | LS-38M(2A) Professional Tripod System | LS-38M(2A) | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458997-REG/Libec_LS_38M_2A__LS_38M_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html)

Generally, you want a tripod fluid head that more than supports the weight of the XL2.

Best,

I've happily used the "Sunpak 7575" since i bought my XL2. It can handle the weight of the XL 2, it has two quick release plates and a smooth 3 pan system. The online pix don't do it justice.

It's only $80.00 It's big brother is $90.00.

When it comes to tripods, if your planning on being a pro camera guy someday, it would do you well to invest in a good pair of Sachtler or Vinten sticks. They're a lifesaver. Cheep sticks are cheep for a reason.

I've been using the Davis & Sanford ProVista V12 with the V12 Fluid Head, the fluid head makes a world of difference.