The tripod I currently have (a cheap one) can't really handle the weight of the XH-A1 when it comes to touching the camera while recording (shakes at the slightest touch).

Not having used/seen a good tripod, I'm wondering is there is such a tripod. That is to say, I'd like to be able to press buttons on the A1 (zoom/focus presets, zoom, shutter, start/stop etc.) while recording and not have the camera shake even a bit.

Does such tripods exist and what do they cost (ball park). Any make/model anyone is using that conforms to this requirement will be helpful.

Thanks.

Shiv.

Manfrotto works fairly well considering its price.
"...while recording and not have the camera shake even a bit" - might be difficult to get.

I'd like to be able to press buttons on the A1 (zoom/focus presets, zoom, shutter, start/stop etc.) while recording and not have the camera shake even a bit.

Shiv,
You should be looking at a remote controller in addition to a tripod. The zr-2000 being discussed in other threads works well and offers the most control for the A1 of the remotes available. A great tripod choice based on quality per performance per price for the A1 is the Libec LS-38. The zr-2000 fits on the Libec handle without modification.

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=102564

Josh, do you mean that the setup is stable enough to handle the extra momentum caused by moving the control out to the handle? I'd say the opposite - basic rule of physics.

Mats and Josh,

Thank you both for your replies.

Mats, are you saying that expecting a tripod to keep the camera steady is a pipe dream? Or atleast in so far as "affordable" ($300-$1000) tripods go?

Josh,
I've looked at the remote controller and the various threads pertaining to it. I guess I could manually focus from one point to the desired point (with some practice) using the controller. That little thumbwheel switch for focus doesn't look too encouraging thou.

What I've been using is the focus preset capability in the A1. But due to the camera shake (and the preset switch isn't the easiest switch to operate either) there is a shake. In post I use the footage past the shake but that reduces some of the drama.

I guess a remote controller might come in handy for other situations as well.

Thank you both.

Shiv.


I'll take a look at the remote controller

Josh, do you mean that the setup is stable enough to handle the extra momentum caused by moving the control out to the handle? I'd say the opposite - basic rule of physics.

Yes. I have the zr-2000 mounted on the handle of a LS-38 (about 3/4 of the way between the grip and the bend) and have no problems with it. The zr-2000 is cheap plastic and weighs nothing.

I guess I could manually focus from one point to the desired point (with some practice) using the controller. That little thumbwheel switch for focus doesn't look too encouraging thou.


Shiv,
The focus wheel on the zr-2000 is really only good for fine tuning not for large focus moves. Have you looked at a follow focus attachment with a whip that may do more of what your looking to do along the focus lines? The remote would be used to start/stop and zoom. You should be able to be very smooth with this.

If you've got the stamina for it, and really want a sub $1000 tripod which will not move even under extreme provocation, then I can heartily recommend the Manfrotto 528XB sticks. They are, quite literaly, built like a brick out house and could just about do double duty as truck axle stands.

The down side is they weigh in @ 7.4 kilos (16.28 lbs) without a head attached and don't go all that low (by a serious margin).

They're targeted specifically at people who use jibs/cranes etc. Outside the US they're rated to 50 kilos (110 lbs) capacity, in the US to 30 kilos (66 lbs) but I think these ratings are seriously conservative.

With a decent head on top (Vinten Vision 3 for a Canon A1) they're the closest thing to having your camera bolted to a concrete block you're going to find under $1000.

You will, however, wish you'd spent more time in the gym after a bit of use.


CS

Chris, Josh,

Thank you both for your advise. As you might have guessed, I'm totally new to all of this :).

Here is my observation (with my $100 tripod):

It's not the legs that move, but the "head" (this tripod does not have a head that is seperate from the legs as far as I can tell). That slight "play" in the mechanism at the head causes a pretty big shift/shake at the camera which at full zoom is very noticable.

So it looks like to me that I need a tripod/head combination that has no "play" whatsoever. What moves (and therefore causes a shak) in other more expensive tripods then?

Shiv,
Bottom line, you'll see a big difference in stability in a better tripod. Chris' suggestion will be very stable. To a point, the more you spend on a tripod the more stable and better the movements will be. On the other end you can look at what is the minimum you have to spend to get decent stability and smooth movement. Without starting and argument on here about which tripod is best, most video tripods with fluid heads in the $600 - $2500 range will work and be much better than what you're currently using.
--JL

The old adage "you get what you pay for" works for tripods/ heads just like anything else. As the prices go up, the build quality does likewise, the material count ditto, the weight, you name it. With that comes extra rigidity and less movement.

I'm very aware of the sort of support/ camera movement you're experienceing, it is the price of "cheap". That is not to say your particular setup wouldn't be suitable for a cheaper, lighter, less resolution camera, it's just no good for yours.

As for a replacement - ah! Well, the first place for you to start is your budget. What can you afford? Then there's a myriad of options at just about every price point.

The only thing you must have is a "half bowl receiver" on the top of the tripod and either a matching or smaller "half ball" head or a flat bottomed head and a half ball/ flat unit (for Manfrotto).

My only warnings are about getting a head that can, actually, counterbalance your A1 (Vinten Vision 3 with #2 spring for example) then choose the sticks to go with the head (I recommend getting the same make sticks as the head for compatability reasons).

As I don't know your max budget I can't be more specific, but for an A1 the choices are indeed myriad.

One last point Shiv, if you've never used a "pro" head and sticks with correct counterbalance functioning, you ain't lived and simply will not believe the difference. That is an understatement.


CS

Josh, Chris,

Once again thank you both for your great comments and suggestions. It's pretty clear to me that I need a much better tripod. The one I have works great for my still and regular ( you know the consumer variety) camcoder.

My budget...well I don't have one since I'm not sure how much things will cost. I'm getting a much better idea of what my budget needs to be however after the reccomendations and suggestion all of you have kindly shared. So it's looks like between $600-$1000 should get me a pretty decent tripod.

So a tripod with a Pan and Tilt Head is obviously missing one of the movements. So can one mount the camera on the tripod in such a wy as to get the third? I'm assuming "tilt" allows the camera to to pointed up to the sky or down to the ground, how does one get a dutch tilt with such tripods?

I found this tripod
http://www.adorama.com/GTRHD124.html

For $60 one could get at least a remote controller no?

I'm assuming "tilt" allows the camera to to pointed up to the sky or down to the ground, how does one get a dutch tilt with such tripods?


I don't know, but dutch tilt is a very rare camera move in most productions.


I found this tripod
http://www.adorama.com/GTRHD124.html

For $60 one could get at least a remote controller no?

I have that same tripod, and it's terrible. The tripod itself is probably as good as the $20 - $30 tripods, and the controller has only two zoom speeds: CRASH and STOP. No focus or other useful controls, of course.

Libec seems to give you a pretty decent tripod for the money. I've always used very expensive big heavy tripods, as well as the $1500 Gitzo, which I consider lightweight. However for the XH A1, I wanted something smalll and really light that I could carry with the two tripod straps that come attached to the Petrol bag. I got a Libec 22, which is very smooth but has that cheap tripod bounceback at the end of a pan. It's controllable and just takes a steady hand (sort of like using the old O'Connor Cs from the dark ages). But you can't just make a pan and let go and expect the head to stay there. It fulfills my needs because I can use other tripods, but if you can only have one I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. However, they have a bigger, better one that's still under $600. I think its number is 35, but I'm not sure. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the 22, especially for the price. Its movement is as smooth as any professional tripod, but the weight of the XH A1 with the Canon quick release plate is marginal (since the 22 has the small screw, I could use the camera without the plate, but I need the plate for using other tripods).

Heres my story in brief. At work I use a Canon H1. We have the 501 head which works fine, yea theres stiction but overall its not that bad of a setup. My boss has let me use the tripod for personal use with my A1 and it is still fine aside the stiction. I tried out a 501HDV last night (tripod only...nocamera mounted) and it seemed not so great. The head couldn't stay pointed down on its own without being locked down. I am not sure where the level was to turn off the counter balance, and the shop owner told me to just lock it down (no thanks). He only really spoke chinese (i am currently in taiwan) so getting help wasn't easy, but he kept saying the 503HDV is too much for th A1 just buy the 501HDV. They didn't have the 50 HDV in stock. From what I have read the 503's work smoother than the 501's. The 501 HDV has only on/off for counter balance, while the 503HDV has 3 stage marked as 0-8kgs. From all I've read I'd rather get the 503HDV, is this a wise choice? It is the same size as the 501HDV from its specs and about the same weight, so putting it on the same legs should not be an issue correct? They heads have the same bottom mount (3/8-16) so they should mount on the same legs.

So does anyone have experience with these heads and the A1? Please share. Also am I correct in the observations of the similarity of the heads? And most important, does the 503 HDV head have counter balance right for the A1?

Note to the mods - I know this is more of a tripod question, but I chose to post here to try and find only A1 users with knowledge on these heads because it will only be used with an A1. I hope it won't be moved.

anything 501 is friction head.. albeit teflon smooth, it is NOT a fluid head geared unit

fluid heads, when configured, can in fact work in teh means of "set and place' but this is at a sacrifice to actual fluidity and tension.

In turn,the 501 is a good alternative but it DOES take practice

the 503 (irrespective if it bears the "hdv" tagline), is a 501 with higher weight ratio/capacity with the adition of 3 gears. Its a true Fluid head, so retraction is a given. Ie, it "bounces" back
For heavier gear like the H1, the 503 is a better choice IMO, for panning at long tele, again, the 503 is superior.
For basic lockdownwork though, without the need of fastening then the 501 is a good alternative

I'm using a 503 (not HDV) with the A1 and the combination is OK, i.e. not that great, but I think it is a limitation of the 503. BTW, I have a friend with 3 503 heads and they are all different in feel. One is pretty smooth, better than mine, but the other 2, which are newer models, are much worse than mine. And one of them made a grinding sound when you tried to pan. If you are planning to buy Manfrotto, I recommend you check out the actual unit before you take it home.

Richard

I have this 503HDV kit and, so far, it has worked very well for me with my XHA1. My first tripod was a Libec LS-38 and it was a great system, but way too heavy for my needs

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_TRIPOD_w_503HDV_HEAD.html

Well I have used this combination on two occassions and have to say that I am very pleased with the results. Please note that any comparisons are from my experience with the Bogen 503 (notHDV).

1. Legs with mid level spreader are great. The spreader has the option of holding shape at 180 or 45 degrees. Last Saturday I was filming a marching band competition from a small podium. Having the 45 degree option was a lifesaver. The legs hold sturdy and dever budged.

2. The head is exactly as advertised and makes a great companion to the XH-A1. I thought I would miss being able to dial in the tension that I wanted like on the 503. No way! These heads are set how I like my Bogens on their best day. The best part is they are always like this. No more hoping that another cameraman messed with my tripod settings. Just unlock and go. I shot a choir concert at 99 zoom and had nothing but smooth pans. When I needed to bump the picture up, smooth as silk.

3. I do miss the telescoping pan arm. Since I am only 5' 7", I liked being able to have the tripod as tall as possible but still comfortably reach my remote zoom controls.

4. The bag that came with the tripod is too small when you put the feet on. Scott at Tapeworks Texas has already contacted Libec and they are in the process of getting out larger bags that will accomodate this tripod.

5. The tripod is headier than I thought it would be. With the A-1 I would be hard pressed to do a lot of running around and repositioning without some fatigue.

All in all I hightly recommend this tripod. I feel like a better camerman with it!

Jonathan Schwartz
Owner, CA Video Productions

Hey,

I'm using a Miller DS5 with my A1 and i'm really stoked with it! It's super smooth and and really easy to get level. The height availability is also really good and the legs are easy to adjust. It's recommended to handle only up to 2.5kg's though, but that's fine for an A1 with a few little extra's on... It was pretty pricey, but worth it i think!

I have both the 503 and the Libec 38. I can tell you that there is no comparison between the two. The libec 38 is a great head. I describe it as my 503 if all the settings and adjustments are absolutely perfect. The difference is with the 38 it is always there. No adjustments. No bounce back. Great mid level spreader with a 45 degree lock option for tight spaces.

I miss my adjustable length pan handle, but that's it. No complaints so far.

Jonathan Schwartz
Owner, CA Video Productions

I just bought the subject combo for my Sony Z1, which has a similar weight and balance to the Canon XH-A1. I considered two Sachtler models, a Vinten, and a Bogen. The Sachtlers were pretty close and I could have afforded their DV-6SB, but chose the Miller because it filled the bill very well.

My priorities were (1) performance (2) ease of operation, and (3) lightness and totability. Initially I rejected the Solo DV because it seemed too basic, but it the end, it has an extremely smooth pan and tilt without backlash, balanced my camera well, and easily won in the totability face off. It is easy to carry, in its case or by itself, with included padded strap. Of those I considered it had the greatest range.

It was also the least expensive.

Has anyone used the Bogen / Manfrotto 561B monopod with the XH-A1? I'm interested in hearing pros and cons.

Also, I know you're supposed to turn off the Image Stabilizer when using a tripod. Is the same true when using a monopod?

I just got a Libec 38 in yesterday, also from Tapeworks Texas. I didn't put the feet on yet, but it appears the bag is big enough at first glance. I'll have to check that out tonight.

So far this tripod appears perfect for the XH A1. I had bought a Libec 22 and it has a nice, smooth move, but with the addition of the Canon tripod adapter plate, a shotgun mic and a wireless receiver, and their associated cables, I felt the total weight was pushing it. On a long lens shot it was a bit hard to control. Useable, but I preferred something a bit heavier. The 38 is a perfect fit for a reasonable price. It also goes up a little higher than the 22, which I needed. And I agree, that 180-45 degree thing on the center spreader is nice.

The 22 was nice in that it was a single stage, small and light and could be tied onto the side of the camera bag with the velcro strips (Petrol bag has those). The 38 is a bit too large for that, but that's OK. I sold the 22 to a guy with just a naked XH A1 and it is working fine for him.

By the way, TT's price on the 38 is significantly less than even B&H.

The reason I use the tripod adapter plate is that the XH A1 only has the 1/4" socket on the base, and I often use it on bigger tripods with teleprompter, and they all have the standard 3/8" screw. The plate has both 3/8" and 1/4". It would seem a simple thing to put a normal 3/8" socket next to the 1/4" in the camera baseplate.

I just got a Libec 38 in yesterday, also from Tapeworks Texas. I didn't put the feet on yet, but it appears the bag is big enough at first glance. I'll have to check that out tonight.



I have two LS38s and the bag that comes with them fits with the feet and floor level spreader but it doesn't fit the feet with the mid-level spreader. It's good to hear Libec is getting some bigger bags.

I use 'em with the XH-A1 as well and think they are great and especially a great value.

I'll try to check it out tonight. It looks as if will fit, but I didn't attach the feet last night. I did leave the Canon tripod adapter plate on, and the bag zips closed around it nicely.

Scott at TT, by the way, said Libec has excellent customer service.

Would most agree that the Libec LS-38 is a little smoother than the Bog/Man 503?
There seems to be only a $50 difference....

which one seems to be more favorable to everyone?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458997-REG/Libec_LS38M2A_LS_38M_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_TRIPOD_w_503HDV_HEAD.html

Oh and where has anyone found these the cheapest??

Thanks!!!

Bill, You've had your LS38 system now for almost a month. I am interested in your opinion of the product. I tend to recommend Libec quite often and always like to hear feedback. Please provide a review!

I haven't done much shooting with it yet, only for test purposes, but I'd say it's an excellent match for the XH A1.

Originally I bought a Libec 22 when I got the camera. I wanted something small and as lightweight as possible. The 22 has a nice smooth movement but is a bit undersized for the camera with the Canon mounting plate, shotgun mic and wireless receiver. I think that puts it over the limit of the 22.

While I thought the 22 was very well made for its price range, the 38 is significantly better. Everything is heavier duty, even the spreader and the feet. Overall it's a bigger, heavier tripod, but still lightweight by my standards.

In my initial testing I do not see any of the "bounceback" the 22 has. This is common to most all inexpensive tripods. That refers to what happens at the end of a pan...you stop and the head wants to move back just a bit. It won't stay put exactly where you stop. The workaround to this is to use the lockdown lever at the end of a pan--just squeeze it gently so it locks lightly and you can stop a pan perfectly.

The Libec 38 does not seem to have any of this bounceback, which is amazing in a tripod in this price range. Movement is smooth, and I can zoom in all the way and make a steady tilt or pan with no wiggle. I think it is perfectly sized for cameras like the XH A1. I believe the specs say 8-18 pounds, but as we all know, tripod manufacturers like to exaggerate the upper end. My old O'Connor 50 is rated at 50 pounds, but you don't want to put 50 pounds on it. You can do it, but it's a lot like running FCP with the minimum amount of RAM specified. Just because you can do it doesn't mean it's a good thing to do.

Same for tripod weight specs--consider the low end when looking. That puts the Libec 38 right in line for the XH A1. I wouldn't change a thing on it.

One thing that's very cool with the 38 is the way the center spreader works. You can get it with either center or ground spreader. I like the center spreader. What's different about this one is that, say you want to squeeze the legs in just a little to raise the tripod quickly. You push the big button in the middle of the spreader and that unlocks the 180 degree position. Lift up and the spreader will then lock into place in a 45 degree elevated position, so you don't have to worry about your legs sliding out.

I got the 38 from Tapeworks Texas, which has a good price on all Libec stuff, and you get something almost unheard of these days: decent customer service.

Anyone have any recommendations as far as a tripod goes?

Thanks!
-Rick

Best bang for the buck is a set of Manfrotto 055 legs and a 503 fluid head

There are some cheap fluid heads out there but they dont have the sheer bulk mass of the Manfrotto head units.

The A1 is substantially heavier (at least half a kilo) than a fully loaded DVX/HVX or a PD170

In general, the heaviest, most rugged you can afford. Beyond that general advice, it depends on what you are doing, what portability you need, and your budget.

Plan to spend a minimum of around $275 for a decent portable video tripod and head, likely a good bit more if you are a serious shooter needing serious support.

I am using a Bogen 501 head on a set of discontinued Bogen legs.

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I think I may have a decent enough tripod actually... I'm using the Amvona AT 6703 so maybe I just need a new head to support the weight of the xh a1. Recommendations?

I first bought a Libec 22 but with the added weight of the quick release plate I use, the shotgun mic, and a wireless receiver, it felt a little light. It also had that cheap tripod bounceback, but it was quite well made for the money. I sold it and got a Libec 38 which is excellent for the XH A1 and has none of the bounceback. It was only around $600.

I'm using the 501 Bogen head on a Manfrotto setup as well. I love it. It might not be rugged enough for certain filming applications, but it suits me just fine.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487976-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_501HDV351MVB2K_501HDV_Head_with_351MV.html

The 501 Bogen head/manfrotto setup looks slick. It pretty light?

Yeah it's not bad. The specs on it on the B&H page says 12.5 lbs. The case has a shoulder strap and a handle so it's easy to cary either way and is really padded. I really like it.

I use a 501 head on
on these 055 legs
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/14795
Its a stills tripod
but IMO better than any video tripod at that price.
Legs are free folding out to a certain point which makes
levelling a sinch. just pull in whichever leg to where you need it
to level the shot.
They are not linked by a spreader so it makes this possible.

Also leave just one leg down for a good monopod with a good head on it.

Anyone have any recommendations as far as a tripod goes?

Thanks!
-Rick

We have very nice Vinten Vision systems at our production group, but more often than not I use a $60 Velbon VideoMate. Laugh if you want to, but I do so much run-n-gun, one-man-band shooting that I don't want to carry all that heavy gear. For lock down interviews and simple camera movements, and when I'm in a tight space, the thing has been a life saver. Sure it won't impress anyone, and people make wisecracks, but if I use it skillfully it can do the job- and I can travel that much lighter.

We have very nice Vinten Vision systems at our production group, but more often than not I use a $60 Velbon VideoMate. Laugh if you want to, but I do so much run-n-gun, one-man-band shooting that I don't want to carry all that heavy gear. For lock down interviews and simple camera movements, and when I'm in a tight space, the thing has been a life saver. Sure it won't impress anyone, and people make wisecracks, but if I use it skillfully it can do the job- and I can travel that much lighter.

I hear ya, Benjamin. I've used this same tripod going on 12 years, and with the exception of several pieces of broken plastic, thanks to Super glue, it still works. Of course, I have a real tripod I use in situations where more precision is required, but for many shoots, the VideoMate is perfect. Can't weigh more than 5 lbs. (And I know what you mean about the snickering.)

Can anyone recommend a good tripod with a fluid head that will suit a Canon XHA1. This will mainly be used for shooting at air shows, so full zoom will be used often, so the steadier the better.

Many thanks,

Mark

Investigate the Vinten Vision 3 (http://www.vinten.com/what-camera.php?lang=1&mid=5&cid=241).

I know both the Cartoni Focus and the Vinten Vision 3, the Vinten has better built quality but reaquires a spring exchange for different weights while the Focus has a progressive counter balance regulation. Both are very good heads, I can't say I prefer working whith one or another. However, I would prefer another release system on the Cartoni and not so many plastic parts.

I have a Focus for my HD200, and I'm very satisfied. If you can afford also consider the Vision 6 (the same as the vision 3 but with counter balance regulation) and the Sachtler DV8.

Ok.... I worked some overtime to help a buddy out, and have some cash to burn! Instead of paying down the mortgage, or making an extra car payment, I want to blow it on upgrading my tripod!

I've had my eyes set on a Libec LS-38M(2A), which seems to get great reviews and can be bought for a little under $600 from one of the sponsors here at DVi.

I have about $700 to spend, and am now wondering if there another system which would be even better for me and my Canon XH-A1?

I haven't read anything here about any tripod for $700 that would be better than the LS-38.

At the next level, among the usual suspects are:
Cartoni Focus plus legs
Gitzo 1380 head + legs
Sacthler FSB-6 + legs
Miller Solo
Vinten (not the one that is the same as Bogen)

...and all of these come in between $1300 and $1700 (or more?) I believe.

However, many there is something I'm missing.

All I can say is that I'm delighted with my LS38 - it works perfectly for me and I can't seethat anything else in the price range could be noticeably better.

The LS38 is intended for cameras from 5-8kg, according to Libec's website. (Actually there are two different sets of figures on the same page, the other stating 4kg). I was intending to buy one for my XH-A1, but my set-up, which realistically isn't going to grow very much, is under 2.5kg.

Am I right in thinking, therefore, that the LS38 isn't the best companion for a plain and simple A1 (with just battery, filter(s), gun mic and radio rx) as it would offer too much resistance? Wouldn't an LS22 or TH950 be better suited - regardless of budget - as these are designed for lighter weight camera systems?

If your camera isn't "pimped up" with extras (Matte Box, mics, big batteries etc.) then you will struggle with tilts on the LS-38. I made that mistake, and it was reasonably expensive. Panning is fine, but tilting isn't much fun.

The LS-22 head is 'OK'. Not brilliant. I find it very hard to use it at any level of zoom, there's no adjustable tilt or pan friction and, to be honest, the fluid system isn't brilliant. But at that price point, you probably can't do better.

The legs on the 950DV are rubbish. I tried it with my Sony V1E (similar in weight to your Canon) and it wouldn't hold up. Nearly collapsed a few times when i tried to do a tilt or pan. The legs on the LS-22 are a bit more robust.

I took the LS-22 head from the 950DV (both models have the same head - the 950 even has "LS-22" inside the tripod plate!) and put it on the single stage legs that come with the LS-37 - these are the same as the LS22 legs. It wasn't bad, it was a bit more solid, but the limitations of the head were still there.

If I had the money, I'd be going for either a Vinten Vision 3 or a Sachtler 6, but that's anywhere from £1000-£1500 depending on model. These are perfectly suited to smaller cams, just very pricey!

Hmm...

I use my LS-38 with a a pretty bare XH-A1 and I find tilting to be OK. It might well be that I'm not being very critical - I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, and it might well be that if I was working fast under pressure to get the shot right first time every time I'd be less happy.

I knew about the weight range before I bought, but I decided that more solid was better than less solid, and I seem to be able to use the slider on the head to find a good balance position for the camera.

I guess I also worked on the basis that I wouldn't be getting perfection at this price, and the balance of compromises works for me.

Hi,

Long-time reader, but not much of a poster. Finally got my hands on a XH A1 and now, like us all, I'm eyeing all the goodies that I can spend my cash on to complete the "basic" kit.

First on the list, a decent tripod and fluid head. I'm in the UK and am looking in the £500-£700 range for a solid set of legs and a decent head that can grow with my kit. I'd quite like to add the Letus (or similar) at some point so the weight the sticks can carry is important so I dont have to re-purchase later down the line. I was, of course, wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I'd love the vinten, but, as already mentioned, budget must be a consideration, or I'll be hearing from the divorce lawyers :o)

Thank you in advance.
Shaun