Any recommendations for a lightweight tripod/head setup for the A1?

My next doc will require me to do a lot of hiking and I want to get a setup that will be light on my back but deliver smooth performance when panning across a beautiful landscape.

Thanks

unfortunately, you will almost always sacrifice some stability for portability. i would recommend a tripod kit with a half ball as this will make shooting level shots much easier, regardless of terrain. this kit, coming in at less than 9 lbs, looks like it might suit you...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=341514&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I second that--make sure you get a ball leveling head. That recommendation looks like a pretty good deal for the money. The only negative I see is the maximum height is just under 6'.

I have that same kit, great set, but yes, you are limited by the height. I don't have the A1 yet, but I've used it with my VX2100 and Canon XL1s. The bowl leveling is excellent. Very quick to adjust, and the whole unit is pretty light.

The flip style connectors on the legs are much better than the screw type. You can extend and contract the legs in seconds. That working in conjunction with the quick bowl adjustment is absolutely perfect. Plus with the 503 head being a true fluid head it's very smooth.

A little bit of overkill for my VX2100, but it still works great nonetheless.

Daniel
I have the A1 mounted to the exact set up Henry suggested, and I love it. The A1 is heavier than my older GL2 that it replaced, and I find that the 503 head works much better with the extra weight. I do a lot of trips to Africa and into the Sierra Mountains in California and the adjustable half ball head has worked great. I also love the fact that you can get some very low angle shots with this tripod. I don't know how long your hikes will be but as long as your not planing an "over night" this set up should work great.
For extended trips I have found that I can get some very decent shots if I just take my time with a monopod.

The 503 is not a true fluid head. But you can use some tricks to make it work very well. I say this is the minimum tripod head that you should look at.

I was under the impression it was the 501 head that was not fluid.

I was under the impression it was the 501 head that was not fluid.

Zoom to medium and then start panning on the 503, you will see a "sticky" start. Pan and then stop, you will see the "Rebound" (you dont even have to zoom to medium to see the above effects on the 503). The 503 is not a true fluid head, dont feel bad as even the popular Cartoni focus suffers from the later "rebound" problem.

I think, the cheapest true starter fluid heads are the Sachtler DV6 and Vinten Vision 3

The bogen 526 is a true fluid head but again, with that price range it is better to go Sachtler or Vinten.

P/S: Another Downer, The Sachtler DV6 and Vinten Vison 3 at ~$2000 are made in Costa Rica

So, The 503 is a good deal and its pretty easy to get over the limitation of the 503.

Wow, definitely.... at that price the 503 is a great value for now! I have noticed exactly what you're talking about with my 503, I just figured I was doing something wrong

Any opinions on the Libec LS-22? B&H has it with the T-58 legs and a free ZC-3DV zoom control for $400.

I am looking for a very solid head for my XHA1, keeping in mind that sometimes I will be using the Go35Pro adaptor on it, adding some weight. Yesterday, I was looking at the Bogen line at B+H and it seems like the 501 and 503 are both very sturdy, does anyone use either? What are you currently using with your XH, and how has it performed thus far?

** Sorry, just noticed another thread below, ok to delete.

Wade-
Brian at Zotz told me the LS-38 (or 55 even) was a good match for the XH-A1.

Would getting an even bigger tripod/head be problematic? Aside from the cost and weight issues, would something along the lines of the Miller DS25 be ok?

How much was the 38 from Zotz?

$690 for the LS-38M and $900 for the LS-55M.

I just ordered the Libec-22 with mid level spreaders from Zotz Digita. The price is cheap enough to make me nervous ($440) but I thought I'd try it out.

Thanks. I decided to go with the Libec-22. Lighter, smaller and cheaper is where I'm coming from with this camera setup.

I got the Libec LS-22 in today, and it's perfectly sized for the XH A1. The camera is about 5 pounds, and the Canon quick release plate I bought is right at 1 pound, for a total of 6. The head is rated for a little over 8 pounds.

The head is nice and smooth, and the quick release plate is adjustable for good balance. You really don't need the Canon quick release--I had bought it so I could use the camera with other tripods that only have the 3/8" thread, and then I decided to get a dedicated tripod for the camera.

There's also a counterweight spring adjustment with three positions--off, nose heavy and back heavy. This would be good for something like an XL2. I think the H1 would be just a bit heavy for this model.

For bigger cameras I have an O'Connor 50 and a Gitzo 1338. Both those are much more expensive than the Libec 22. You can pan at any speed, take your hand off the handle when you stop, and the head will not move a bit. With cheaper heads like this Libec you have to be a bit more precise at the end of your pan. It takes a light touch. Not a big deal for me because older tripods I grew up with in my 16mm days were like that. Even if you're a klutz, you wouldn't notice any end movement unless you're zoomed in all the way.

The kit comes with a ground level spreader and for 40 bucks more from Zotz Digital you can get it with a mid level spreader. They also have a special deal going on with a free lanc zoom controller. I haven't tried it out yet to see if it works with the A1. Since it was free I won't be suicidal if it's not good, but it says it works with "most" Canons.

I like the legs too. they're lightweight but sturdy enough and collapse down fairly low. Overall this is not a tripod you would check out to students in college filmmaking class or put in rental; but if you want a lightweight, good system sized for the A1, it's a winner at 400 bucks. It comes with a bag too.

Dealing with Zotz was good. When I got the package today, it had the ground level spreader instead of mid level. I called Brian. His first comment was, "Oh ****, I hope I didn't turn in the order wrong." He checked his paperwork and he had done it right. It was the Libec wholesaler who shipped it that got it wrong. He said he'd take care of it immediately. Within a couple of hours I got an email, and the wholesaler is going to ship out the mid level spreader immediately. They said to keep the one I've got too, rather than sending it back. Can't beat that for customer service. And, actually, the ground level spreader is OK too because it folds up inside the tripod--no need to remove it as you do with some.

I just ordered a Canon XH-A1 and I'm looking to buy a tripod. Which tripod do you recommend?

Moved from Canon XH forum to Tripod Sticks & Heads.

Sorry about the reposting, b/c I didn't see the tripod section and posted this in the Canon XH-A1 camcorder section and was move to the tripod section.

Anthony,

Tripods are under "support your local camera"

There you will find countless tripod discussions. A few for the A1 and plenty of others in regards to other 5.5 pound cameras.

I just picked up what I felt, from reading about and finally getting my hands on a few, was the least amount of money I could spend to get the job done for now. I am hiking through the woods and in and out of boats with my gear. All my shots are very short in duration, and as I am chasing the sun I need to be fast.

So for a head, I agree, the Bogen 503 is the minimum. It pans an tilts nicely but at the end of a movement you need to leave the weight of you hand on the bar or it ever so slightly moves back. Yep, thats what you get for about $250. I am happy with the purchase but I have a feeling it will be upgraded next year.

For sticks I picked up the Manfrotto 745B mdeve aluminum tripod. They are stable. They don't twist at all when I pan the camera. I can set them up fast and break them down just as quickly. Actually I have already taken to just putting the legs together while extended, leaving the camera attached and carting it on my shoulder to the next opportunity. Nice versatile legs. Instead of a colum, they have a half bowl to level the camera. It is fast. Much faster than readjusting legs attempting to level the camera.

If I was not on a budget I would have bought the Gitzo set-up. But they were $1800. These were $500, the bare minimum as far as I am concerned.

If I were doing studio work or in one place for a long time. I might have bought the 503 with the Manfrotto 351 sticks. Looked even more stable but more complex to set up and more weight to carry.

Good Luck,
Jay

I'm in film school and I need a tripod for my A1 and I on a student's budget. What's the best I can get for under $100. All suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance!!

Go to your backyard, cut down your a tree, any tree will do. Get three limbs of similiar size, get some twine to fasten them together. Now get some duct tape and tape your camcorder to the wooden legs.

Works like a charm and is basically free.


In all seriousness, $100 isn't going to cut it, unless you aren't using it for pans. You have spent a descent chunk of change on the camcorder and $100 is chump change. If you are serious about videography, $100 is just wasting your time. $350 might get you rolling with semi-smooth pans, but no less than that.

Sorry I can't help, anything under $100, wont be pleasing and only will frustrate you with sticking pans, hesitation and shaking at telephoto. If anything it makes your work look horrible.

If you already knew this then, I suppose anything under $100 will suit your needs, I have seen tripods at Walmart for $15 before, but keep your eyes open for those kind of deals, they go quick.

I just ordered a Bogen/Manfrotto Tripod. The store insisted that the 501 bogen head was just fine for smooth pans. It is a friction/fluid head (I don't know what that means) but they said it was fine. About $469 what do you think.

Is the 503 really that much better for a Canon XH A1

So for a head, I agree, the Bogen 503 is the minimum.


Yeap, I am using this setup for both my HC1 + XH-A1. I had the 501 breifly before I returned it but the 503 definately feels better. and pans smoother.


For sticks I picked up the Manfrotto 745B mdeve aluminum tripod. They are stable. They don't twist at all when I pan the camera. I can set them up fast and break them down just as quickly.

the 745B is great, I used to borrow that tripod from school, but when I bought y own setup I went just a tad up and got the 755B, its basiically a 745B supports a bit more weight but best all it has an adjustable centre column that goes up and down, furhter adding height flexibility.

Whether 745B/755B I would HIGHLY recommend getting a tripod with that quick and easy leveling mechanism as Jay mentioned. It is a MUST IMHO

I'm in film school and I need a tripod for my A1 and I on a student's budget. What's the best I can get for under $100. All suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance!!

I'm looking at the Libec LS-38 Tripod, you can get one at Zotz for $600. Too expensive then checkout the Libec LS-22 for around $400 and change. www.libecusa.com

Is the 503 really that much better for a Canon XH A1

Yes. No sticking @ all @ the beginning of pans, I bought the 501 for a week then returned it for a 503. And @ the time I was using for my HC1. The 503+755B is well mated with my A1 for run and gun videography IMO.

Thanks I will lookminto the 503 instead of the 501. I have it (501) it was delivered the other day. I will try and see with pans etc. If not return it for 503 unless anyone else as another opinion

Which is the best Tripod system for the Xh a1?

The :

Vinten Pro5
or
Vinten Pro 6
or
Sachtler DV 1

Did anyone here compare the 755B with the 351 (351MVB2 2-stage alu tripod)? Or the 3046 (also Bogen/Manfrotto)?

I think the Vinten pro 6 is ideal for the A1.

Libec LS-38. Exceptionally good for the price.

vinten Pro 6 head is good, however the 2nd stage lock on several of the tripods that are combined with the system have failed us. You could step up to the vvinten vision 3 system. you can trade out counter balance springs depending on the weight of the camera. very good investment.

can someone please recommend a great tripod for it. I know that's kind of a vague question with so many out there. but will be used for weddings and events of that nature, also gonna try and do some high school football games next season. willing to spend good money for a good product but dont want to get too excessive :). Trying to stay under $1500 which should get me something really nice. thanks in advance.


Mark

can someone please recommend a great tripod for it. I know that's kind of a vague question with so many out there. but will be used for weddings and events of that nature, also gonna try and do some high school football games next season. willing to spend good money for a good product but dont want to get too excessive :). Trying to stay under $1500 which should get me something really nice. thanks in advance.


Mark


I think if you were to ask this question of 20 different people,
you would probably get 18 different answers. :)


#1.
Do you already have a fluid head, or was that $1500 bugget for both a head and sticks?

I think a "really nice tripod" as you put it, could run you $4k or more.

IMHO, probably the best bang for the buck in a head/legs combo would be the Libec LS-55.
I picked up one the other day with mid-level spreader & case for $820 + tax.

or the LS-38. See the review by Nigel Cooper below.

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=150

The January 2007 issue of Digital Video magazine has a comparison review of 5 tripods. These are expensive professional models above your price limit. But just thought I'd mention it for others. And their discussion may point out things you should consider when selecting a tripod. They say what you will find best depends on your personal needs and preferences. But overall they pick the "Sachtler 15 SB SL MCF".

I am not that familiar with all the tripods, just passing on their info...

If you have $1500 for a tripod, the Gitzo is possibly the most you can get for your money. I bought a Gitzo 1338 system for a DSR250 a few years ago, and later found that it handles the much heavier DSR500 just fine. They have different size heads, but you can also get reduced tension springs to change out if you have one of the bigger ones and want to use a smaller camera.

I got a Libec 22 for my XA A1 because I wanted the smallest, lightest weight tripod I could get for most of what I'm doing with this camera.

I purchased a Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head with 755b tripod combo for my XH-A1 and I really like it. This was influenced by some recommendations from users here on the forums and the reputation of the company (as well as one or two similar ones I had used at school). I'm not an expert on tripods however, as this is my first professional quality one (my previous was a 35$ from Walmart) but it feels nice to handle, is fairly simple, and looks beautiful attached to the camera (the black and red accents match exactly, not that that matters very much!). I'm sure these other professionals have a much better idea of the best tripod for you, but at $590 it's a great system for it.

I use an old Bogen 3221WN and a 501 fluid head. Works very well. If I were buying one today I would move up to the slightly more steady Bogen 3046 with the 501 fluid head. And you're only talking $500.

Not to be picky, or hurt anyone's feelings, but the $150 Bogen/Manfrotto 501 is not a true fluid head.
If I were going the Manfrotto route, I would step up to a 503, which is a much better head than the 501.

And yes we do own a 501.

wow, thanks guys. if i can get away with $500-$700 on this and get great performance, I can get a mic setup as well :)

Mark,

As someone mentioned in this thread, the "perfect" tripod really comes down to personal preference. Tapeworks is a direct dealer for all of the main tripod manufacturers on the market including Bogen (Gitzo and Manfrotto), Vinten, Miller and Libec.

As a dealer, I recommend the manufacturer that fits within budget for the client and provides the best customer support. Libec has provided the best support to my clients over all the others. Libec is always there for my clients needs and requests. Their products are in stock majority of the time and ready to dropship straight to the client.

If you budget is in the $500 - $700 range, then Libec can supply a professional tripod system within that budget. Someone mentioned earlier in this thread about the LS38 which is a nice system. The LS38 had a great write up in a couple DV magazines. TapeWorks sales this system for $599.00 with the mid-level spreader.

However, I generally recommend the Libec LS55 as it has Strong and weak torque change for pan and tilt where the LS38 does not. The LS55 system runs for $849.00 with the mid-level spreader.

If you have any questions on the Libec systems or any of the others (Bogen, Vinten, Miller) Please contact me at TapeWorks and I would be glad to provide any information you need.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
TapeWorks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
866-827-3489 TOLL FREE
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

ok so again with the budget questions. I have an A1 and only about 400 dollars to spend on a tripod and head what would you recomend?? Ill be shooting high school sporting events and weddings here and there


the libec 22 seems reasonable but im not sure about its head
bogen 501 or the 503 are also some of my other choices

what is the take on the bogen 701 rc

what is the take on the bogen 701 rc

Click on the 'Search' link above, type in "701" (without quotes) and you'll find about 20 links referencing the 701 on this board.

Here's an example (an older thread, but lots of info): http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=31151&highlight=701

I own and use a 701RCII and Manfrotto 756B legs with a small, consumer type DV cam (Sony TRV38) and it performs well enough for my non-commercial applications.

Hope this helps...

Allen

the 701 head is not bad. It is way better than not having a fluid head.

The 501 is better though. You can adjust the friction on the 501 more and i think it feels a little smoother.

I have used both with a vx-2000 with the big battery and both will give acceptable results.

If weight, portability is a big issue or if what your doing is just for personal use I think the 701 will be find for you.

I have two 701RC2 heads that I use with a VX2100 to film dog sports. With experience, you can develop a light touch to make the head work well for pans, but its harder to get smooth movement if you need a diagonal (more so if you're zoomed in, of course). Its not bad for the price, as long as you recognize its limits.

For me I'm mostly set up on the field and don't need to tilt. But if you're filming from the top of the bleachers you'll need more combinations of movements and may find yourself wishing you had gotten a more expensive head. Also, I'd say the VX2100 is at about the limit weight-wise for this head. Mine holds the camera level just fine, but if you're looking down on the field its hard to tweak it so it doesn't sag. An XH A1 might be a little much.

Keep in mind that heads last a long time. Maybe see if you can find a local users group where you might be able to hit people up to try their equipment and see what you like before investing the cash.

-Terence

The Gitzo G2180 head is worth looking at for $250. It is very small, very light and quite smooth in my experience. That leaves you $150 for legs.

Best wishes,
Peter
______________________
http://www.parkfilms.com