What do you recommend? (light and monopod) at DVinfo.net

Josh Hibbard · February 25th, 2005, 10:41 AM

What do you recommend? The Canon VL-3 is the perfect price, and I saw was a recommended accessory for the xl2, but is it compatible with the xl1s? (if its not what other light would you recommend at a similar price point?) after looking some more I saw on this board its incompatible, but other companys said it was... I beilive this board.

What about the Canon VL-10LI is that compatible?

Next I’m looking for a cheap monopod, I mean, it’s just a stick right; why pay 300 dollars for it?

what’s the cheapest monopod you can recommend, There is a lot of selection and I’m really not sure what to look for other than maximum weight, how strong does a monopod need to be to hold up an xl1s with the xlr adaptor and a wireless mic

I’m looking here, but I’m a little overwhelmed

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Tripods&cat2=Monopods&sf=Price

Chris Hurd · February 25th, 2005, 03:51 PM

The VL-3 light is not compatible with the XL1 or XL1S. However, the VL-10i is compatible.

With monopods, you get what you pay for. The cheap lightweight plastic ones are not going to hold up well underneath an XL1. Your best bet is to go to a local photo/camera store and pick one out that will do the job. It's a much better way to select something like this, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Marco Leavitt · February 25th, 2005, 05:46 PM

Good monopods are surprisingly inexpensive. You shouldn't have to spend anywhere near $300.

Les Wilson · February 26th, 2005, 02:02 PM

I use my XL1s on a Bogen 680B with a Tiltall video head all available from B&H. It's probaably aaa $160 rig altogether. The head is the minimum I'd recommend for an XL1s. It's the same one used on the Matthews and Bescor 3 stage tripods (also at B&H). There are better heads but I like mounting the plate on my cameras once and having the same heads on all my "legs". I'm high on the pod, lukewarm on the head.

I like the cushioned grip and sturdy build of the Bogen over my first pod (a $40 Vangard).

Josh Hibbard · February 26th, 2005, 05:09 PM

I was actualy looking at that monopod, but just for clarification. Do I need the head to make the monopod useable? (is it like a tripod) Or is that just if you want tilt and pan?

(Thanks for everyones help already) :)

Chris Hurd · February 26th, 2005, 05:28 PM

Usually you don't need a head with a monopod, because if you need to tilt or pan, you can simply tilt or pan the monopod itself.

;-)

Les Wilson · February 26th, 2005, 05:36 PM

I am an advanced hobbiest. I am not a professional. In my opinion and experience, you should use a head. With a head you get a handle for another piece of equipment I wouldn't do without. That would be a lens controller such as the canon ZR-1000, Varizoom or others. If you are right handed it works like this: Left hand on the pod, right hand on the handle, thumb on the controller, face in the eyepiece. I get tight with my equipment to get tight with my subject. All together, I'm pleased wth my results.

Josh Hibbard · February 26th, 2005, 05:36 PM

Great, then I'm buying that monopod monday, and maybe pick up a head down the road

Its right in my budget and will be great for getting steady shots off my tripod, at the reception, and outdoors.

Just wondering, which would you choose?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5251&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=5535&is=REG

Fairly similar except one holds 3 sections and 26 pounds, the other is 4 sections and 22 pounds, and compact size isnt a terribly big issue.

February 25th, 2005, 10:41 AM	#1
Josh Hibbard Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Manitowoc Wisconsin Posts: 77	What do you recommend? (light and monopod) What do you recommend? The Canon VL-3 is the perfect price, and I saw was a recommended accessory for the xl2, but is it compatible with the xl1s? (if its not what other light would you recommend at a similar price point?) after looking some more I saw on this board its incompatible, but other companys said it was... I beilive this board. What about the Canon VL-10LI is that compatible? Next I’m looking for a cheap monopod, I mean, it’s just a stick right; why pay 300 dollars for it? what’s the cheapest monopod you can recommend, There is a lot of selection and I’m really not sure what to look for other than maximum weight, how strong does a monopod need to be to hold up an xl1s with the xlr adaptor and a wireless mic I’m looking here, but I’m a little overwhelmed http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&cat1=Tripods&cat2=Monopods&sf=Price

February 25th, 2005, 03:51 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	The VL-3 light is not compatible with the XL1 or XL1S. However, the VL-10i is compatible. With monopods, you get what you pay for. The cheap lightweight plastic ones are not going to hold up well underneath an XL1. Your best bet is to go to a local photo/camera store and pick one out that will do the job. It's a much better way to select something like this, especially if you're on a tight budget. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 26th, 2005, 05:28 PM	#6
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Usually you don't need a head with a monopod, because if you need to tilt or pan, you can simply tilt or pan the monopod itself. ;-) __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 25th, 2005, 05:46 PM	#3
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Good monopods are surprisingly inexpensive. You shouldn't have to spend anywhere near $300.

February 26th, 2005, 02:02 PM	#4
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	I use my XL1s on a Bogen 680B with a Tiltall video head all available from B&H. It's probaably aaa $160 rig altogether. The head is the minimum I'd recommend for an XL1s. It's the same one used on the Matthews and Bescor 3 stage tripods (also at B&H). There are better heads but I like mounting the plate on my cameras once and having the same heads on all my "legs". I'm high on the pod, lukewarm on the head. I like the cushioned grip and sturdy build of the Bogen over my first pod (a $40 Vangard).

February 26th, 2005, 05:09 PM	#5
Josh Hibbard Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Manitowoc Wisconsin Posts: 77	I was actualy looking at that monopod, but just for clarification. Do I need the head to make the monopod useable? (is it like a tripod) Or is that just if you want tilt and pan? (Thanks for everyones help already) :)

February 26th, 2005, 05:36 PM	#7
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	I am an advanced hobbiest. I am not a professional. In my opinion and experience, you should use a head. With a head you get a handle for another piece of equipment I wouldn't do without. That would be a lens controller such as the canon ZR-1000, Varizoom or others. If you are right handed it works like this: Left hand on the pod, right hand on the handle, thumb on the controller, face in the eyepiece. I get tight with my equipment to get tight with my subject. All together, I'm pleased wth my results.