you can't get a Vinten for $700?

their main office is in Milton Keynes - maybe they have some scratch and dent?

Unfortunately, a vinten system will cost me well over a thousand pounds, much as I'd like one.

get an old Miller system or O'Connor from ebay. For a Miller fluid head system (legs+head) the price will be less than $600 but the quality will match those that are $5,000+ (the O'connor will run you around 1,000 but the quality matches new systems that cost $8,000+)

wow - they have gone up by $500-$800 since I bought mine 5-6 years ago.

The weak dollar I guess

Vinten Vision 3! Great place to start looking.

I have a Libec 38, which cost less than $600 in the U.S. Since it's a British company (although the tripod is, of course, made in an oriental country) you might be able to get one cheaper there. It seems to be the only under-$1K (USD) system that doesn't give you the bounceback at the end of a pan. Before getting the 38 I bought a Libec 22 because I wanted the lightest tripod for a specific purpose. It was OK, but I felt the camera with the Canon TA100 plate I use was overweighted a bit. It had the bounceback but was controllable with care. I sold it for the bigger and heavier and therefore better Libec 38.

I asked a very similar question in this thread over on the Tripod forum. I was told the LS-38 is a great tripod, but it's designed for a heavier camera than the XH-A1, and as such, tilting the camera is more work than it should be. Others have posted in the thread that they don't have any problems whatsoever with their XH-A1 and Libec LS-38.

I have the ls-38, I've read somewhere that it's a true fluid head.. not sure if that's true though. Anyways it's really great but very simple in features. I don't have an A1 but a friend tried his on the tripod and it was a little too light for it. However I think if you add some extras, like mattebox of follow focus, it should be just right.

Thanks very much. I'll have a look at the libec. Any other suggestions, manfrotto etc?

For info - the best price I've seen in the UK for the LS-38 is GPB329 + 10 shipping.

The dealer isn't a forum sponsor, so if you'd like further info, PM me

I have this Bogen Kit
503 HDV Head / 351MVB2 Legs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html

And also have a 501 Head for the Gitzo Monopod.

I have 2 events coming up in the next month where I will need more than 60 mins of tape, so will have two XH-A1's and start the second a few minutes before I change tape in the first. I have a couple more tripods, but they will be set up for the stills I am shooting so have to pick up another set of legs.

I am looking at these Libec legs and really want to stay around $300.00 for this set of legs, do you think these will make a good choice?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/459153-REG/Libec_T72_T72_Aluminum_Two_Stage_Tripod.html

Or would this one be better?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=5455&is=REG


Or do you have any others you suggest in this price range?

Thanks

Well, after looking around at all the reviews and feedback on the Libec, plus Nick's feedback (thanks Nick) I've ordered the LS38. I'd be more than happy to give some feedback once I've received it and done some testing if you guys are interested.

Still, a Vinten would have been nice, but then so would a Ferrari and I can't afford one of them either.

Thanks for all your help gents.

Shaun

I just received the LS-38 yesterday and am very pleased. Yes, the tripod may be a little overkill for a stripped down A1 but it offers room to add on accessories galore. Just add a wide angle lens and you'll be happy you have the 38 versus mybe the 22.

Solid legs, smooth head and love the ball leveler. For the money, the LS-38 is a great value.

David

Just because the manufacturers state an upper weight limit for a tripod doesn't mean it's too much for the camera. Those weights are always overstated. You definitely wouldn't want to put a 15 pound camera on this tripod. You could but you wouldn't be happy with it. I think it's pretty ideal for the XH A1. Seems to me to be the best deal on the market for the money. Much better build quality that I expected. If I used a matte box and Letus adapter, etc., I'd want the 55.

Libec gets really sticky under +5 Celsius, I mean it is usable but it's pan and tilt properties change dramatically so be careful not to tip over the tripod when panning because of that added friction in colder weather.

Are all the fluids so afraid of cold?

T

The short answer to that question is yes. They don't like the cold. But I agree the Libec is a bit sticky when it's really cold. I only used it one time when it was about 8 degrees below zero (F). Not great. My old O'Connor 50 would tighten up too when it was that cold. A Gitzo I used to have didn't seem quite as affected. My feeling is that if it's too cold for the tripod then it's too cold for me too.

I'm planning on getting either the LS-22 or LS-38 pretty soon here. It appears as if TT is beating Zotz by as much as $40 on price. Can anyone tell me if there's a compelling reason to order from one or the other keeping in mind that slow shipping isn't an issue for me?

Thanks,
K

I've had great customer service from both places. You can't go wrong with either. I got my 38 from TT and shipping was timely.

Does anyone have an opinion on whether the LS-38M, with the Mid Level Spreader is worth the extra 25 bucks, over the LS-38 with the Bottom level Spreader?

Thanks-Peiter

Depends on your type of shooting.

If you always shoot on smooth, flat, hard surfaces then the bottom spreader is fine, tho' it doesn't provide as much leg bracing as the mid level unit.

For undulating, lumpy or soft surfaces (grass for example) the bottom spreader is pretty much useless, and the mid level unit is the way to go.

Because my shooting can be on any of the above types of surfaces, I eventually did away with the bottom spreader pretty much all together. The only time it comes out to play now is if I'm shooting on a polished wooden or concrete/ tile floor. If it is imperitive the tripod cannot move on such surfaces, a couple of sand bags on the bottom spreader works very nicely.

If you can spring for it, I'd get both.


CS

PS: Sorry about the missing "e".

As noted above, the ground level spreader is nice because you can sandbag it if needed. However, I got the mid-level spreader. I like it because I never have to take it off on unlevel ground. You can, for example, put 2 legs on a step, and then extend the third one down to the next step with a mid level spreader. Also, on the Libec 38's mid level spreader you can lift up and squeeze the legs in and lock the spreader in the 45 degree position. This gives you a little extra height quickly when needed. For me it was worth the money.

Hello Guys,

I am looking to purchase a tripod for Canon XH A1, I do not have much experience in tripods just yet but I am wondering what the users of A1 think of this tripod. Does anyone has this or used it in past. Can you provide any input if possible please.

http://www.adorama.com/CCAP11.html

Thank you.

Any help/suggestions on the above request???

Thank you.

I think that's undersized for the XH A1. For about the same money you could get a Libec 38. Check Tapeworks Texas, they seem to have the best prices on that model. I'm not promoting Libec just because I have one. I think they're the best deal in low cost tripods in this range. The lowest I'd go with Cartoni would be something like the Focus. You never want a tripod rated just above the camera weight. The Libec 38, for example, is rated to 18 pounds, or something like that. That means you can safely put that much weight on it. Doesn't mean it works well with that much weight. My XH A1 has the TA-100 quick release plate, a wireless receiver on the hot shoe, and a shotgun mic for ambient audio in the mic mount, so I'd guess it is around 7 to 8 pounds total, and that's just about perfect for the Libec 38.

Hi Karim,

This setup balances perfectly with the quick release plate, the largest battery and a shotgun mic. In that configuration I can tilt through the full range of the head and when I release it it won't move at all. Be careful about getting a tirpod that is rated for a much larger payload than what you're going to use unless it has a good counterbalance adjustment. If you can't balance the camera correctly when you release it the camera will creep back up or down from a tilt.

If you're going to load your camera with a mattbox, external screen, or 35mm adapter you will overload the tripod. However, if you're looking for a fairly light good solid tripod that will give you smooth pans and tilts, the Cartoni will fit the bill. If you're going to load up the camera I'd look for a used Miller DS10.

Garrett

I'm off the the Middle East soon and need a Cheap and cheerful tripod for the job. I have a libec ls38 but it's way too heavy. I can live without the silky smooth tilts/pans and i don't mind if it's a bit smaller than ideal. Something i can throw over my shoulder without too much worry.

Any ideas?

As you guys know, I purchased a cheap £20 tripod off ebay which was a decent enough unit and for a noob like me seemed perfect.
I was sent a pm by a couple of people about the manfroto so decided to buy one.
I have to say it is awesome, a real serious piece of kit.
The ability to pan up and down, left and right with ease is amazing, no judder, just sweet movement throughout.

Has to be one of the best purchases so far !

Which model did you get? They have a bunch.

Maybe the 503HDV, the finest for a low price.
Just a guess...

quick question for anyone, I too am looking for a desent tripod but I need something that would have wheels so i can move the tripod along. I havent seen many with wheels on legs or is it something that one can attach to any tripod. I am interested in the Libec 38 for my soon to be XH A1.

Thank you.

I bought the 190XPROB with 804RC2 head

quick question for anyone, I too am looking for a desent tripod but I need something that would have wheels so i can move the tripod along. I havent seen many with wheels on legs or is it something that one can attach to any tripod. I am interested in the Libec 38 for my soon to be XH A1.

Thank you.

The wheels are usually referred to as a "dolly." They are separate from the tripod.

There are several listed here that are made by bogen:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=bogen+dolly&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproduct.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

Some match tripods exactly, and others are more universal and suitable for various tripods.

Bogen makes both kinds. Libec makes wheels that fit their tripods. Cartoni has dollies that match their tripods, etc.

A long time ago I bought a Velbon video tripod and later bought the dolly wheels that matched it.

From everything I've read, the Libec 38 is an excellent match for the XHA1. I had requested it at work, but they bought me the cheap Bogen 055XB with the 301 head and it sucks. Stay away from those sticks with the XHA1! They'd probably work great for stills or with a tiny camcorder, but not with anything as big as the A1.

I own the A-1 and shoot video as a hobby.. I bought the A-1 for the 20X zoom and all the available features as I shoot wildlife. I couldn't be happier with this camera for what I want to do.

The tripod that I own is an el cheapo for still camera and I am impressed at what it can do with the A-1 on it. Well, I should say it holds the A-1 steady if I don't touch the A-1.

I don't need to do a lot of panning and tilting. If I could find something heavy that would hold the A-1 and keep it solid so that it would hold a steady image when I zoomed, and costs less than $600 - $700 I would probably buy it.

At this point, I'm close to buying the the Libec 38 as I've heard nothing but good things about it. However, if I could buy something heavy(that I wouldn't move much) that would hold the A-1 steady...well that sounds good to me.

Any suggestions for something less than $600? If it's heavy and I don't move it much...I don't care.

If I don't find an alternative, I'll buy the LS-38.

Thanks

Rog Lee

In my opinion you'll do no better than the Libec LS38 unless you want to significantly increase that budget. Trying to save a couple of hundred $ on a lesser option would, in my opinion be a mistake you'll regret in the long run - don't forget that the tripod will last longer than your current camera too.

They are superbly made, well engineered items and have excellent stability yet are not too heavy to lug around.

Libecs punch way above their weight, yet, surprisingly (to me) are often not held with the regard that they deserve/overlooked in the rush to buy Vintens etc. I can vouch (as others have done on here) that their after sales service is also second to none - should you ever have a problem.

My vote is for a LS38 - you won't be disappointed with it!

Roger,

the lighter but perfectly reasonable alternative is the Libec LS-22
(comes in several flavors: 22(2A), 22(M), 22M(2A): check'em out)
Works perfectly with my A1, it's cheaper than the 38, it's lighter,
and (in case you have to fly around) you can unscrew the head and the
whole thing will fit into a regular piece of luggage
(not a small advantage, these days...)

Best

Vasco

I have not had an opportunity to work with Libecs but as a much less expensive alternative I would suggest the Manfrotto/Bogen 701RC2 head, with whatever legs you like that will work with it.

Because of family needs, I was not able to spend but a few bucks for my FX_1 package, so I went with the 701. Having shot on Vintens and Sachtlers quite a bit, I can say that while the 701RC2 is not in there class it is pretty damned smooth. And while it doesn't have a bowl mount for leveling, it does have a slide mount for balancing the camera position for front/back heavy adjustments. For its price, (around $200-300 with sticks), it's pretty amazing.

Thanks all for the help.

I've also been looking at a Libec LS-22 but it's a ground spreader...not sure I'd like that.

thanks again all.

Rog Lee

Thanks all for the help.

I've also been looking at a Libec LS-22 but it's a ground spreader...not sure I'd like that.

thanks again all.

Rog Lee

Roger, look at the models listed above in Vasco Dones post, A, M, etc.

The M stands for the Mid level spreader I think.

Bogen / Manfrotto | 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head | 701HDV (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=556159&is=REG)

Ok ok... before everyone tells me that this is a bad idea- I currently have a 501 head that I am sort of happy with, but still wish it was a little smoother. However, I am going on a 7 day backpacking trip with huge elevation gains and need to pack all of my own equipment. I have 745 legs and would like to shave some weight off of my 501 head. Has anyone tried the Manfrotto 701HDV head (with the 501 plate) and the XHA1? I know it won't be ideal, but I'm really hoping that it will work and save me almost 2 lbs. Can I get away with it???

Unless I am misunderstanding your post the 701 & 501 plates are not interchangable.

Paul W. H

FWIW, the B&H specs lists the same plate (501PL) for either head, but I also don't understand the original poster making that an issue to begin with. If it's the same plate with a new head, so be it. If it isn't you use the plate that comes with the new head... no?

Bogen / Manfrotto | 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head | 701HDV (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=556159&is=REG)

Has anyone tried the Manfrotto 701HDV head (with the 501 plate) and the XHA1? I know it won't be ideal, but I'm really hoping that it will work and save me almost 2 lbs. Can I get away with it???

I guess I took too long to get to the gist of the question: Has anyone tried this head with the XHA1 and is it workable or is the XHA1 too heavy.

Roger, look at the models listed above in Vasco Dones post, A, M, etc.

The M stands for the Mid level spreader I think.

Yes:
LS22M = 1-stage tripod, mid level spreader
LS22M(2A) = 2-stage tripod, mid level spreader
LS22 = 1-stage tripod, ground spreader
LS22(2A) = 2-stage tripod, ground spreader

(their "branding & naming" division needs a reshuffle, IMHO)

Best

Vasco

I need a really sturdy tripod for my xh a1. I am going to be shooting footage from the middle of a river on most occasions, so I was thinking something with carbon fiber legs to help absord some of the vibration. A fluid head would be a great help. Any suggestions?

I'd suggest something that can take a weight of 20 pounds or more slung underneath the tripod - for stability as well as reducing vibration. The deeper and faster the water, the more weight you need. A bag of stones will do the trick.

Thanks Annie. Yeah, we had already figured on slinging some sort of weight underneath the tripod. I hadn't even thought that would reduce vibration, but now that you mentioned it, of course it will! Have you used anything that fits that description?

When I've shot under situations with high vibration I've found that hand held is usually better. But if it's just a lot of motion and not lots of vibration as you'd get in a fast moving speedboat, a tripod is good. You might go to the Gitzo web site and find the appropriate head and a set of their lightweight carbon fiber legs; I think they're called the Mountaineer. I bought a Gitzo 1338 system a few years ago for about $1500. It was good for weight up to 22 pounds, and of course the legs could hold more.

I've done some work in a shallow river (10-12 inches deep) using an old Manfrotto (Bogen) 144 tripod with a plastic shopping bag of stones hung underneath. I think that tripod would support about 20lb and certainly the combination felt pretty stable. My usual 190Pro tripod supports only 10lb, so there isn't much leeway for extra weight once I've got the camera on it.

That extra weight helps in windy conditions too. If the head as well as well the legs, can support the weight then fix the weight so that it goes over the head, and even over the camera. Just make sure your bag of stones doesn't swing in the wind and knock against the legs.

I currently use a Canon XH-A1 mounted on a Manfroto 501 pan/tilt head and Manfroto 525 legs with a 75mm half-ball leveller. The only accessory I mount on-camera, normally, is a microphone and wind-gag on a shock-mount. No matt-box, 35mm adaptor, etc.

I'm considering replacing the head with something better. I have tried, and really like, the Vinten Vision 3, and I think I can afford it (£675 - £700 in UK atm, depending on the dealer). What other models should I be considering? Sachtler DV4 or DV6? Miller? Gitzo? Cartoni? Anyone else? I'd like to save a little weight and/or money, as long as the operation is as good as the Vinten. Must have a 75mm half-ball, or be able to take the one off the old 501.