Mark,

That seems very cheap for the Vision 3 - I paid over £600 for a Vision Pro-6 HDV, which has good heavyweight Vinten legs but a head based on the Manfrotto 503HDV. All complete Vision 3 kits (legs + head + bag) seem to start from around £950 for single stage alloy legs up to £1500 for two-stage carbon fibre.

My Sachtler DV6 is fantastic. I never thought I would love an inanimate object so much! Very sturdy and smooth, but possibly overkill for a Sony V1 (more or less the same basic size and weight as the Canon A1). But I'm future-proofed for life!

If I was to buy again I would think about the Sachtler FSB-6. It has a max 6kg payload compared to the 10kg or so max for the DV6. It has the same number of balance steps, so you get finer adjustment. It seems to be the same robust construction as the DV6 that I have, and it's probably £300 at least cheaper. But still around the £900 price range, which may be outside your budget.

Your location in the UK might be handier than mine - there's at least one specialist Sachtler dealer (not a DVinfo sponsor though) who would probably let you play with the gear before you commit.

Hi Mike,

I am considering either the Vinten Vision 3 or Sachtler DV6 or FSB6. I'll be using it with a Canon XH A1 and I have had a chance to briefly try both but not side by side. I preferred the feel of the Sachtler but am a little undecided. I have read some posts that mention wind up in the Sachtler sticks. Do you notice any and how do yo feel the Vinten and Sachtler compare? I'd be interested to hear your pros and cons on each since you have had a chance to live with both tripods.

Thanks,
Garrett

Hi Garrett,

I should first point out that my Vinten wasn't one of the professional Vision range, it was the Pro-6HDV (based on the Bogen/Manfrotto 503HDV head). So I can't compare between the Vision 3 and the Sachtler directly. I also haven't carried out extensive performance tests, I've just put it through some normal use.

Pro-6 HDV legs:
+ Genuine Vinten 2-stage alloy pozi-loc legs
+ Solid, very resistant to twist/torsion
- Floor spreader was awkward for me, had to fumble round on the ground if I had to adjust these. (A mid level spreader is available though.)
- Heavy! I carried this on a 3-mile hike for UWOL and I was bruised.
- Awkward to set up if I wanted to use the lower stage, have to fumble round on the ground

Sachtler CF 2-stage legs:
+ Lighter than the Vinten alloy legs (obviously!)
+ Again, very solid. I haven't detected any major torsional/twist problems (but see below), but I'll admit I've only done normal shooting, not an in-depth shakedown
+ Mid spreader is pretty good. It's sort of a "budget" one compared to their higher end models, it looks flimsy but actually seems to do the job very well.
+ Dead easy to set up. A single lever at the top of the middle leg section is used to tighten everything without scambling round on the ground. So you set up your tripod, release three levers, lift the head to the desired height (both sections of legs will extend as required) and then clamp the three levers shut.
+ The Sachtler feet are brilliant!
+ Built-in hooks for carrying strap. I use the strap that came with the tripod bag. I'm hoping to replace it with something with metal clasps rather than plastic ones.
- I don't like the velcro strip to keep the legs together, it seems a bit cheap on a tripod that costs this much.

Both tripods had a similar maximum height - I'm 6 feet tall and have to stand on tippy-toes to be on the same level as the camera in both cases. The mid spreader is better at maximum height than the ground spreader, this applies to both models. The floor spreader is better for low angle shots.

Vinten Pro-6 HDV head: (Note: not Vision series head)
+ Good for general (event and documentary-type) camerawork
+ Adjustable tension for both pan and tilt
+ Good plate and fore/aft adjustment.
+ Adjustable counterbalance (0,1,2,3)
- Camera plate can be a bit big for hand held work, it sometimes got in the way for me.
- Counterbalance doesn't give much fine adjustment
- Awkward to adjust pan tension. The knob is underneath the tripod head so you have to tilt the camera to get at it, unless you have small girl-like hands. And I don't!
- Tilt tension doesn't have a very high "max" setting. so artisitic tilts are more tricky.
- Not ideal for telephoto work, as the tension adjusting isn't exactly scientific.
- Driftback is quite apparent at high levels of zoom.
- Build quality just doesn't feel right for me. Still very good, but not bomb-proof.


Sachtler DV6-SB:
+ Good all-rounder tripod head
+ Adjustable pan and tilt tension, 0-5 for each
+ Easy to access both tension knobs
+ Counterbalance in 10 steps from 1-10 kg (it might be 1-12, I can't recall!), easily adjusted. No messing with springs like the Vinten Vision 3.
+ Tiny camera plate for the bottom of your camcorder, so it doesn't get in the way when you are hand-held.
+ Great for telephoto work. I tracked a snail oozing across the garbage bin in macro close-up with tension set to max, it was really smooth. Tracking birds at 20x or 30x zoom is much more achievable, though you obviously still need good technique. I'm not quite there yet, need more practice. But it is much easier to pull off the good moves.
+ Tilt tension works! I can do artisitic tilts now
+ Build quality is excellent. Built like a tank.
- Touch & Go camera plate adjusts backwards only, and my V1E is a bit back-heavy it seems. I need to buy an adapter to push the camera further forward on the plate. The Snap & Go would probably be a better plate choice for small cameras.
- "Gear change" when you adjust tension up. You get a noticable "clunk" before the new tension kicks in, so you can't do it mid-pan or tilt.
- At 20x or 30x zoom, there is a very slight driftback. I am unsure as to whether this is the legs or the head. It is pretty easy to control if I use max tension or just keep my hand on the tripod bar.
- I think the head is heavier than the Pro-6, so while the legs are lighter, the head is heavier. Overall, my tripod and back weigh in at 6.6kg, appox 12lbs. Pro-6 was 8kg, 16lbs.
- Still don't know how to pronounce "Sachtler!"

Some of the issues I have had (with both tripods) are probably down to the fact that the V1E is quite light. Handing improves when I have the camera "Pimped up" with big Mic, battery and lens. A naked V1E doesn't have a lot of mass to it.

Like I said previously, if I were buying again, I would investigate the FSB-6 head if only for the fact that it's cheaper. Availablity of the FSB head is very poor in the UK, it only appeared at one dealer after I had ordered the DV6. I have no regrets though, the DV6 is superb.

Mark,

That seems very cheap for the Vision 3 - I paid over £600 for a Vision Pro-6 HDV, which has good heavyweight Vinten legs but a head based on the Manfrotto 503HDV. All complete Vision 3 kits (legs + head + bag) seem to start from around £950 for single stage alloy legs up to £1500 for two-stage carbon fibre.
That price is for the Vision 3 head alone. Pukka Vinten legs would add £300 or more, so my Manfroto 525 legs will have to soldier on for a while yet.

Thanks for the comments regarding the Sachtler DV6. It seems to be about £100 more than the Vision 3. There's also a DV4 model that's a little over £600, but doesn't have so much adjustment for drag and counter-balance. I haven't yet found a price for the FSB6 head on its own, but I guess it will be somewhere between the DV4 and DV6, looking at the prices of full kits.

I've had a quote of just over £600 for an FSB6. I see that there is also an FSB6T listed on the Sachtler web site. The only difference appears to be that the FSB6T has the "Touch & Go" mounting plate, whereas the FSB6 has the "Snap & Go" mount. Does anyone have any experience of the different mounts? Which is more appropriate for an XH-A1? As I mentioned, I don't use a matt box, 35mm adaptor, etc, so balancing the camera with a range of different accessories is not really an issue for me.

Mike,

Thanks for the great info and comparison. I believe the sticks that the Pro-6 and the Vision 3 come with are the same. I've tried teh Vision 3 and DV6 SB heads and I like the feel of the Sachtler a littel better. Just a matter of personal choice as both were excellent. The only thing holding me from getting the Sachtler were reports of the sticks exhibiting wind up. It sounds like if you use a little more drag it doesn't happen and that would be fine with me as I usually need a bit more for me to get smooth even pans.

I wouldn't mind the weight since most of my shoots are stage events which mean I'd set up and leave it and I do prefer a little more weight. Maybe it's just my mind playing tricks but I feel like I can get a steadier shot with more weight on the tripod. I usually put a couple of weighted bags around my current tripod legs to help with vibration.

I did get a chance to compare the FSB6 to the DV6SB and they are very close. I think the FSB6 would work for now but I want a setup I can really keep for a long time and I think the difference between a the 6kg mas for the FSB6 and the 9kg for the DV6 may be a factor in the future. I also like the way the DV6 mounting works better than the FSB6.

As for your adjustment issues (problems?) with your V1E I read somewhere where a guy reversed his mounting plate so he could ajust it for a Sony EX1. He said he had to drill one extra hole but that it worked great. You might look into that.

I also am not sure how to say "Sachtler". I've heard all kinds of way. I've heard

Sack-la
Sock-ler
Satch-ler
and even saw one that said it was Zaht-la.

I have no idea. I just know they make pretty darn good heads.

Mark,

I'm planning on using it with my XH-A1 and when I compared them I liked the Touch & Go system better (the same one as on the DV6). The Snap & Go is similar to a Cartoni I have and the only thing is everytime you remove the camera from the head you have to reposition it. I can't remember if that was how the FSB6 was but it's kind of annoying. Most people I've spoke to or heard feedback from way to go with the Touch & Go system.

Thanks for the great info,
Garrett

Garrett,

I think that logic dictates that higher drag makes for more wind up, but my logic isn't always right. I will try to experiment with that tomorrow, in between holiday preparations - so I can't promise anything.

Even if there's a bit of wind-up with the legs, I can live with it - they're lighter and more user friendly than any lower-end tripod I've ever used. Vinten Fibertecs are reportedly the ultimate for minimal wind-up, but they make the Sachtler look affordable.

Not sure I like the sound of taking the drill to my $3000 tripod, though!

My limited grasp of the German language suggests "sack-ler" - but as you say, who cares when the kit is as good as it is!

Mike,

I was also thinking that with higher drag the sticks should experience more torsion. But it may not be too bad. I was thinking that if I did really find it to become an issue I could experiment with a different set of sticks. Like I said, from heads I've tried with my camera on it I liked the DV6SB the best.

I've heard that the larger Sachtler tripods are increadible. I did talk to a professional camera operator (the History Channel was filming in my home town so I got to talk to some of their shooters) using a Video 25 setup. Extremely nice and at almost $10k it should be.

I hear you on drilling holes in your tripod, but from what I understand you only need to drill the hole in slide plate which can be removed. But I would be very skiddish about doing it too. My XH A1 is front heavey so hopefully I wouldn't have to do any adjustments.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing your results of your tests.

Garrett

What do you think is a good tripod option for a XH-A1 with a NTG-2, and a LitePanel Micro LED light kit connected? My budget is about 500 dollars, and was thinking if a decent ($400-ish) tripod with a fluid head that can support a lot of weight (15-20, just to be safe) would be better option.

Hi Arif,

one of the Libec LS-22 series (several versions available: check out their website) will do the job.
Pros: lightweight, fits into a regular suitcase (if you unscrew the head), is well within your budget.
Cons: well, it's lightweight (hence not the most stable tripod on the market) and a bit borderline for your gear (but it works perfectly: I use it with my A1 when I have to travel by plane).

Best

Vasco

Hi Arif,

one of the Libec LS-22 series (several versions available: check out their website) will do the job.
Pros: lightweight, fits into a regular suitcase (if you unscrew the head), is well within your budget.
Cons: well, it's lightweight (hence not the most stable tripod on the market) and a bit borderline for your gear (but it works perfectly: I use it with my A1 when I have to travel by plane).

Best

Vasco

That Libec is what I had in mind, do you think it will be dumb to use my camera on it? Also, any other fluid heads I can use on it that can support more weight? (no idea if any fluid head would work on any system)

I have a Libec 38. I bought a 22 first but thought it was a little undersized for the camera and TA100 quick release plate, which probably makes my system as heavy as your setup with the light. It was difficult to make a smooth tilt when zoomed in very far. The Libec 38 seems to fit the camera just right. But it is significantly heavier than the 22. The 22 is probably one of the best in its price/weight range, but you have to be careful in using it, trying to avoid too much tilting and panning when zoomed in a lot. It has a little bounceback at the end of a pan too, which the 38 does not. However, with practice you can control that by squeezing the lock down gently at the end of a move. I sold my 22 but wish I had kept it because there are times when a lighter tripod would be handy--shooting interviews, for example, where the camera is static anyway. I could carry one of my 500LED lights and stand in one hand, the camera bag in the other, with the 22 strapped to the side. So if mobility and weight are significant for you, the 22 might be ideal.

Here's a recommendation from someone who's been there. I first bought a 22 and while light weight, it's nearly worthless for panning. It's not a true fluid head.

After months of frustration, I finally took the plunge on the Cartoni Focus. Hokey smokes! The difference was like night and day. Yes, the Focus is three times your budget but if you're doing this for money and you'll use it regularly you might want to save up for some good sticks. Other options are Vinton (more $ still), Manfrotto (not 503) or the higher end Libec which I think is about US$600.

My point is that if you buy the right one now, you won't have to purchase it later.

Here's a recommendation from someone who's been there. I first bought a 22 and while light weight, it's nearly worthless for panning. It's not a true fluid head.

Yeah, of course: if you're panning while completely zoomed in, you're in trouble. But worthless? I beg to differ...


After months of frustration, I finally took the plunge on the Cartoni Focus. Hokey smokes! The difference was like night and day. Yes, the Focus is three times your budget but if you're doing this for money and you'll use it regularly you might want to save up for some good sticks. Other options are Vinton (more $ still), Manfrotto (not 503) or the higher end Libec which I think is about US$600.

My point is that if you buy the right one now, you won't have to purchase it later.

Well, Tripp, this is true for the tripod, for the camera, the mikes (oh, especially the mikes!), the mixer, the light fixtures, the editing suite...: in a nutshell, for all the various toys we need and like to play and work with. Problem is, most of us have budget constraints. You can stretch your budget a little bit here, but then you're short over there. I don't know Arif's "budget flexibility", that's why I suggested the Libec 22. As Bill points out (and you seem to agree) the 38 might do as well, but it's slightly heavier on the credit card...

Best

Vasco

Your setup may overload the LS-22 payload capacity (it's true useful capacity which will be less than it's listed capacity). If that's the case, IMO you would be wasting your money. You won't be able to balance the camera so tilts won't be fun and you may not be able to achieve smooth starts or ends of pans. My reasoning for saying it would be a waste of your money is you might be just as well off if you spend maybe $79 on a tripod at your local Best Buy.

Like so many others on this site, I've done the steps through tirpods. On to my third video tripod purchase (4th if you count the Velbon I started with). Luckily I didn't loose anything on each step up since I bought used and was able to sell them for what I bought them for. That would be my advise. If you have the time to wait, look for a good used set up. If you monitor the classifieds for this site as well as other video user sites you'll find several for sale each week. I've had and sold a Cartoni, Miller and am currently in the market for a Sachtler (or Vinten as a second choice).

Before you buy I would definetly try out the ones you're considering. Make sure the store has your camera with hopefully similar set up to put on the tripod. If you're buying a used one locally bring your camera when you look at it.

I would recommend trying to make the stretch to the Libec 38. It is close to your budget and it may full fill your needs. And, if it does not I think they hold their value a little better on the used market.

Another Libec 38 user here. Quite happy with it.

Got a good deal from Zotz(nice job Zotz) digital on a Libec 22 tripod. I'm surprised at how sturdy it is and what a nice job it does with my A-1. The Libec seems to handle my A-1 with very little effort.

I use my A-1 mostly for my hobby(wildlife) and grandpa cam.

Someday, I may need something heavier but for now with just the A-1...I'm pretty pleased.

By the way, I got lots of great advice on a tripod on this forum.

You are a great group to get help from.

Thank you all,

Rog Lee

I was also recommended the Libec-22 on my budget and don't regret buying it. Nice tripod for the money.

What do you think is a good tripod option for a XH-A1 with a NTG-2, and a LitePanel Micro LED light kit connected? My budget is about 500 dollars, and was thinking if a decent ($400-ish) tripod with a fluid head that can support a lot of weight (15-20, just to be safe) would be better option.

Arif,

I just bought the LS-22 and use the A-1 with the NTG-2. With that combo(and your budget..same as mine) I have been impressed.

If you want more capacity, you need to move up to the LS-38 which is closer to $650 delivered....or some similar tripod.

You might be surprised at what the LS-22 can do.

Best of luck. There's a lot more knowledgeable people here than me.

Rog Lee

Garrett,

Just so I don't leave you hanging - I haven't had a chance to carry out any proper wind up/drift back tests yet, and it'll me over a month before I can get back to it, as holidays beckon!

I'll definitely look into this on my return.

Thanks Mike,

I had a chance to pick up used set up so I went ahead and got it. It should be here on Friday. I have tried the setup before just not under all situations. I do love the way the head feels so if I find issues witht he legs I'll just have to save for a differnt set.

Thanks and have a good holiday. I would still be interesed to know what you find when you get back.

Garrett

Mike,


I also am not sure how to say "Sachtler". I've heard all kinds of way. I've heard

Sack-la
Sock-ler
Satch-ler
and even saw one that said it was Zaht-la.

Garrett

Focusing on the most essential part of this interesting discussion <:-)>, the technically correct pronunciation is with the "S" soft (like a "Z") and the the "ch" halfway between a "sh" and a back-of-the-throat choking noise (technical, hey?).

A simpler version would be "Zaktler", or close to it.

There - I feel better now

The failsafe way to find out correct pronunciation is to simply call them and listen to how they answer. If you missed it, just ask :)

I had to call Wacom many years ago for a tech issue with the graphics tablet I had and thought it would be an ideal time to actually find out the correct pronunciation. I always thought it was "whack-om", but it's "wah-com". There you have it :)

Search Results - Tiffen.Com (http://www.tiffen.com/results.html?search_type_no=215&tablename=davissanford&family=Davis+%26+Sanford+Tripods&)

I have used Davis and Sanford tripods with my XH-A1, and they have been amazing, very smooth, very supportive and sturdy, and very affordable

...more often than not I use a $60 Velbon VideoMate. Laugh if you want to...

I never understood that attitude. Getting good imagery and performance out of cheap gear is way more impressive to me than the same with expensive gear.

So I need a tripod for my HV30 that will also work for the Scarlet when it comes out. My requirements for a tripod are simple, and I think the same as everyone else's:

1. Doesn't wobble.
2. Tilts/pans smoothly with no bounce/drift back.
3. Lightweight would be nice.

This thread basically convinced me to get the Libec 38:

Libec | LS-38M(2A) Professional Tripod System | LS38M2A | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/458997-REG/Libec_LS38M2A_LS_38M_2A_Professional_Tripod_System.html)

But what's this about the VideoMate? Fluid head, no drifting or bouncing? Sturdy? Lightweight? At 1/10th the price? Why on Earth would I not go with the VideoMate?

Velbon | Videomate 607 Tripod with PH-368 Head and | VMATE607F (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/146249-REG/Velbon_VMATE607F_Videomate_607_Tripod_with.html)

Seriously, can anyone tell me why I shouldn't? With all those fantastic reviews?

Josh

It's all relative.

I bought a $30 cheap tripod with my first Hi-8 camcorder. I thought it was great.

Then I bought a Velbon for around $150. I thought it was best tripod ever. I raved about it, and it made the $30 one look really poor.

I bought a Sony VX2100, and got a Libec 950DV for around $350. It was the best tripod ever, it made the Velbon and the no-name look like toys.

Then I got a Libec LS-37. $700. It was the best tripod ever...

...then I got a Sony V1E, and needed an upgrade. So I got the Vinten Pro-6 HDV, $1200 - and guess what - it was the best tripod ever!

Now I have a Sachtler DV6-SB, and yes, it is the best tripod ever. $3000 or so. I think my game has to stop now, they're not going to get any better, surely!

My point is, at each stage I got a significant upgrade and it really did seem the best deal for the money to me, and, yes, thought I'd bought the best tripod in the world and raved about it at the time.

At each stage though, I started to notice shortcomings, mainly as I became more fussy and particular over time. Put it this way, if the Velbon was going to give me perfect panning, tilting and zero driftback and wind-up, why the heck did I spend so much money on the path to Sachtler-ness!

Hi Mike,

I got my DV6 SB in and I have to say it is teh best tripod I've had my XH A1 on. I went in a similar route as you. Started with a Sunpac, then got a Cartoni Action Pro, tried a Miller DS10, then finally was able to get the Sachtler. I tried the Vinten Vision 3 also and that is also a very good system. I liked the legs on the Vinten a little better than the Sachter's. They aren't as quick to set up and break down but they just seemed more solid. I didn't like that the mid spreader for the Vinten was almost $800.

I did like the DV6 SB head the best. I was lucky in that I bought all of my tripods used so I was able to recoup almost all of the cost for each step.

I spoke to a service tech for Sachtler out here and he pronounced it "SZock-lar". The S and Z almost ran together.

Garrett

We just received a Sachtler Soom for review. WOW!

Hi,

I am in desperate search for a new lightweight tripod. I am going to need it for a 6 month travelling/documentary work. My libec LS 55 is to heavy for this so when I decide anyway to take it it will be more staying in the hotel then anything else...
another thing is that iI have to stay low profile. walking around with this big setup will not be helpfull. so size is off greater importance then weight ( guess I will get used to it..)

my setup is canon XH A1, ntg2 mounted + wideangle...

any suggestions. I am willing to sacrifice quality. maybe thinking about a super compact tripod in combination of a dvrig pro. or something.

really need advice as I am leaving soon...



thanks a lot.

Gosh. There are really many tripods to fit your requirements. for the type of shoot that you're talking about, a still photo tripod is less conspicuous. I use the Manfrotto 755XB MDeVe Video Tripod.

Hi,

I am in desperate search for a new lightweight tripod. I am going to need it for a 6 month travelling/documentary work. My libec LS 55 is to heavy for this so when I decide anyway to take it it will be more staying in the hotel then anything else...
another thing is that iI have to stay low profile. walking around with this big setup will not be helpfull. so size is off greater importance then weight ( guess I will get used to it..)

my setup is canon XH A1, ntg2 mounted + wideangle...

any suggestions. I am willing to sacrifice quality. maybe thinking about a super compact tripod in combination of a dvrig pro. or something.

really need advice as I am leaving soon...



thanks a lot.

Hi,

I am in desperate search for a new lightweight tripod. I am going to need it for a 6 month travelling/documentary work. My libec LS 55 is to heavy for this so when I decide anyway to take it it will be more staying in the hotel then anything else...
another thing is that iI have to stay low profile. walking around with this big setup will not be helpfull. so size is off greater importance then weight ( guess I will get used to it..)

my setup is canon XH A1, ntg2 mounted + wideangle...

any suggestions. I am willing to sacrifice quality. maybe thinking about a super compact tripod in combination of a dvrig pro. or something.

really need advice as I am leaving soon...



thanks a lot.

I think the Miller Solo tripods are well worth a look at — lightweight and very smooth.

Best,
Peter Rhalter

Hi,

sorry guys but i dont call this ultra light and neither low profile.
these tripod are everage 4-5 kilo and 60-70 cm high. this is to way to much... , allmost same as my libec LS55. I am surprised that there isnt a bigger market in this section. Is now thes days nobody walking around with his gear? I tought thats why they maked this dv hdv cameras so small and light, guess they forgot about the tripod....

grtz

You could try the Libec TH-950DV. Reasonably good fluid effect head with counterbalance, lightweight legs. If you're willing to sacrafice quality for portability this could work. You just couldn't overload the camera though, there's a limit of 2.5kg on that head I think.

The problem I see with a complete tripod kit that only weighs a couple of kilos is that it will weigh less than the camera and the physics with that are bad, particularly with the risk of everything toppling over and falling to the ground.

I just checked the kit list for "Long Way Down" from the book of the series. On the bikes, they used a Velbon tripod (probably for the Sony A1s) and a Gitzo traveller (G0041587) with Manfrotto 701RC2 head. I can't find any details of the tripod legs, so that may be the wrong model number.

hi,

thanks for the info,
you think you can do panning with that 701 head?

grtz

It might be worth your while to check out www.safaritripod.com (http://safaritripod.com/)

This is supposedly a sub-company of Miller (even though Miller doesn't want or have their name on them), but I believe they don't actually manufacture these & most likely just license them from a Chinese co.

I got one only for backpacking/hiking & it serves it's purpose well. The head kind of leaves something to be desired, but for the price, being carbon fiber & super lightweight, it serves it's purpose.

There's a Belgium company listed as a dealer.

hi,

thanks for the info,
you think you can do panning with that 701 head?

grtz

Having struggled a bit with panning on a 701RC head, I wouldn't recommend it for the Canon A1 even though it is supposed to be able to take the weight easily. I really felt the difference when I put the small Sony A1 on the head this weekend - not perfect, but much easier than with the Canon A1.

thanks guys for the info.
going to test the safari tripod.. did you mean that the head was not good enough? can you please give some more info on that?you think the HDV 501 is a better head?

grtz
niels

"good enough" is subjective. It's good enough for it's limited intended purpose for me. Check it out for yourself. Make sure when balancing the XHA1 you have the tilt drag knob completely neutral. Even though that head has a sliding plate for balancing, I also use a Giottos quick release assembly for further balance if needed. Then adjust the tilt drag after you get it about right. There's really no pan drag, but with practice it's ok, but I don't do a lot of panning for my purposes when I use it anyway.

You were looking for something lightweight, low profile & compact, and for the price I doubt there's anything else out there.

I'm not familiar with any recent Bogen/Manfrotto offerings, so I can't comment on the 501. The Safari has a ridiculous 55mm bowl, so finding a head to replace it is near impossible. I've been on the lookout for an alternative though and if I could get one of these Chinese manufacturers to reply to emails regarding the simple bowl part in 75mm then I think I'd have something.

I just installed a 501 HDV head on Velbon El Carmagne 530 carbon fiber legs. I already had the legs and used a 1/4" to 3/8" bushing to make the head fit on the narrower legs screw (with a makeshift gasket between the two to increase stability). I have started testing this set up with the XH-A1 and so far I like it a lot. This set up replaces the Velbon legs with the 700RC2. The whole tripod/head combo weighs about 6 pounds I believe. The panning and tilting is very smooth, and although slightly top-heavy, the combination is stable. With the XH-A1 at full zoom, I can still get a little swing back at the end of a pan, but I can minimize it or eliminate with some attention to technique.

Manfrotto makes a set of legs that is comparable to these, i.e., lightweight and carbon-fiber. This system comes with a 3/8" screw and Manfrotto's 3 lock-down/adjustment screws. I would recommend the 501 HDV head and carbon fiber legs as a good option for field work with the XH-A1.

Pat

thanks guys for the info.
going to test the safari tripod.. did you mean that the head was not good enough? can you please give some more info on that?you think the HDV 501 is a better head?

grtz
niels
I looked at the Safari and it's not that small or lightweight for what I consider the ultimate travel tripod.

I think you should look at this:
Bogen / Manfrotto | 190CXPRO3 Mag Fiber Tripod System with | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/549528-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190CXPRO3_Mag_Fiber_Tripod.html#features)

Here is a review:
http://www.videomaker.com/article/12717/

As far as being lightweight and stable, nothing compares to the Gitzo legs. Not Sachtler, Miller, etc. Gitzo series three are rock solid. Series two are solid and very lightweight.

The Bogen listed above is very nice and also lightweight at a lower cost. It opens quick and the head works well. The panning is smooth on the 701RC2. To get best panning results use a rubber band and other techniques. For jump pans and a handheld look it just takes a little practice. In the long run, for extensive traveling without porters, lightweight and small size is going to take precedence over all other considerations, in my opinion.

Hi jack,

thanks again for the advice jack but I got today the safari and I am quiet happy with it. I looked alot around on these and other forums and it seemed that the 701head is superlight but just not good enough for my xhA1 and wideangle mounted on it. same story for the legs,they seem solid but they dont have a levelingball. the safari does have carbon legs, has this leveling ball (not allways adjusting the legs all the time!) and the head is so far great...this weekend i will take it outdoor for a test and I will let you know..

guess a superlight fluidhead is not invented yet...

greetz

I have just purchased a Canon XH-A1 w/ a Brevis MP1.1 35mm Adapter (with Flip) and rod supports...Any suggestions on a tripod that is going to carry this kind of weight and allow for smooth pans and tilts?

What did the camera and all attached bits cost you?

Fancy spending the same again on a support system?

Think you better read the whole of this thread and weep.


CS

Has anyone used the Gitzo GT253LVL tripod? I'm interested in how it would work with my XH-A1. I'm also interested in how well the G2180 and G2380 heads would work both with the tripod and with the XH-A1.

I occasionally use the Canon wide angle lens - does that make a difference for this tripod with either head?

Hi guys:

i need to buy a tripod for my XH A1S, any suggestions on which one ot get?

Also the base plate which connects the camera to the tripod do i have to buy it seperately or that will come with the tripod aswell

Thanks

Several people have been happy with the Libec LS38 tripod. You can get it with a mid-level spreader instead of a ground spreader also.

a helpful sponsor with a good price
LS38M(2A) (http://tapeworkstexas.com/ls38m_2a_.html)

I use a miller DS 10 / solo and it's great, you get get super low and also it extends v.high. The head is pretty good too.

J

I have the Libec LS38 and also used the LS21 I think its called

ok, so the libec38 seems to be a great budget tripod. But the review doesn't say if the head is removeable for use on other supports, eg a hi-hat. I often do low level photography and video, and often in areas where a there isn't enough room to use a tripod with it's legs splayed right out. So I'm considering a hi-hat and a tripod. But don't really want to end up getting with two heads. Can anyone enlighten me?

Currently I'm using a 50mm levelling head on the Manfrotto 190B that I use for stills photography. But it isn't quite man enough for the Canon XHa1, especially when panning. And that set-up doesn't go down anywhere near low enough (it's back to the fixed tripod head for that).

is Miller 10 better then Bogen 503HDV/ with 351MVB2K legs ... ?

i am looking to get a tripod for my A1s too and at the moment using Manfrotto 503HDV, 351MVB2K with Canon XL2 and was thinking if i should get another Manfrotto or go for MIller 10... price is around $400 more for miller 10 .. is it better then monfrotto (the one i have), why should i spend another $400 and get Miller 10 over Bogen 503HDV/351MVB2K ?

This is the tripod i use current:

Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 351MVB2 Tripod | 503HDV,351MVB2K (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496825-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_503HDV_351MVB2K_351MVB2_Tripod_Legs_with.html)