A good tripod for the HMC-150? at DVinfo.net

Simon Zimmer · June 4th, 2009, 09:35 AM

Hello,

Just bought the HMC-150. Can anyone recommend a good tripod for about $150 or so?

Thanks,

Simon

Gareth Watkins · June 4th, 2009, 10:19 AM

Hi Simon,
I think unfortunately you'll need to double your money to get anything that falls in line with your camera... A half way decent fluid head is pretty essential.
The Libec tripods are pretty good for the money and you can get those for around 300-350 dollars... I have an LS38, which works ok with my Z1 but costs a bit more.
Many people decry the old Manfrotto 501, but I have one of these too, they are a reasonable place to start... but is a bit heavy.
I think you'll find if you pay 150 bucks for a tripod in a year you'll be buying another. If you have a three or four grand camera the general thought is buy a tripod that costs 20% of the camera's value...A good tripod will out live your cameras...

Regards
Gareth

Simon Zimmer · June 4th, 2009, 10:59 AM

Good advice.

Thanks for the information.

Simon

Steve Wolla · June 5th, 2009, 12:13 AM

Can't get a fluid head for a tripod for $150....
I have a rather basic setup, that does seem to work well, although it ain't $150. I just got a Bogen 475B / 503HDV / 522P setup. So far so good. The tripod and head were about $625.

Simon Zimmer · June 5th, 2009, 07:12 AM

wow!

That is expensive. Oh well, that won't be in the budget. I will have to live with a cheap one for now.

Thanks,

Simon

Bob Thieda · June 5th, 2009, 07:34 AM

Simon, try ebay.

I picked up an older manfrotto setup, with fluid head, a couple of years ago in your price range.
No quick release, but I added one later.
Got it from photo studio that was upgrading to newer stuff.

My son just picked up one just like for about $150...

They are both in decent shape and work well...

Its just a heavy son-of-a-gun if you move around a lot.

The key is to be patient.

Simon Zimmer · June 5th, 2009, 08:38 AM

I already ordered one from Amazon for 150 bucks.

Of course, if it really sucks, I will return it and check out ebay.

Thanks for the tip.

Simon

Eric Pasarin · June 5th, 2009, 12:21 PM

I picked up a Manfrotto 503HDV on eBay for $395. It was this one:
Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging | 351MVB2 Tripod | 503HDV,351MVB2K

in mint new condition. If you can wait, you'll find some deals. I'm happy with mine.

John Reese · June 7th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Simon,
I know you already ordered a tripod but here is some information for others that may be considering a tripod combo purchase. After reading reviews and browsing the forums I ordered a Libec LS22M2A for almost $500.00. The HMC-150 is not very heavy and may not work well on some tripod heads that have a higher weight rating because of the balancing spring. The LS22M2A can handle up to 8.8 lbs and I have read that is a fantastic match for the HMC-150 and balances nicely. I am chewing on the side of my desk right now because the camera should be arriving today. Best of luck with your choice.

Simon Zimmer · June 7th, 2009, 11:51 AM

I feel the same way!

But mine won't be here for another 2 weeks.

:(((((((

Simon

D.J. Ammons · June 13th, 2009, 05:52 PM

Simon, unless you plan on just using your tripod for fixed static shots you are going to do away with the point of having a great camera by not having a decent fluid head tripod.

The absolute minimum head / tripod combo I would consider for professional results would be the Bogen/Manfrotto 501 or 503HDV head with the appropriate tripod to go with it.

I have the 503HDV with 475B legs and then a Satchler FSB6 head and tripod. Even though the Satchler is a better system ($1600 vs. $600 for the 503HDV/475B) I end up using the Bogen a lot more because the 475B tripod has a geared center column that cranks up so that I can gain enough height to shoot over the heads of people standing up when I don't have a balcony to shoot from for music events or weddings.

Simon Zimmer · June 13th, 2009, 07:38 PM

Point taken.

When I have more money, I will get a better tripod. Thanks for the tips on which ones are good.

For now, I am enjoying the HMC-150 even with my low budget tripod.

Great camera!

Simon
p.s.
for now I just need it for fixed positions (interviews).

Simon Zimmer · December 31st, 2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.J. Ammons

Simon, unless you plan on just using your tripod for fixed static shots you are going to do away with the point of having a great camera by not having a decent fluid head tripod.

You were right. I am getting the Libec LS22M2A any day now.

Though my Silk tripod was not bad, it was difficult to use for pans. I hear the Libec is much better. I can't wait to try it out!

Next time, I will listen to the forum FIRST before I buy anything.

Happy New Year!

Simon

Chris Harding · December 31st, 2009, 11:00 PM

Hi Simon

Just for interest I got myself a Weifeng e717 which is a "copy" Bogen for just under $200!
It's pretty well built and the feature I like the most is the bowl head so I don't have to fiddle around with legs to get my verticals right. You can get it dead level in seconds and the legs are pretty robust too (although it's a tad heavy!!)
Pan and tilt is silky smooth ..yeah I'd like one of the Libec bowl units but here they start at $1000!!!
The Weifeng supports my HMC72's easily even though they are heavier than the HMC150! (With a Rode mic and radio mic they weigh in at 8 lbs and the tripod is quite happy)

Chris

Simon Zimmer · January 1st, 2010, 08:18 PM

Hi Chris,

Enjoy your tripod.

That is a great deal you got.

Thanks for sharing.

Happy New Year!

Simon

June 4th, 2009, 09:35 AM	#1
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	A good tripod for the HMC-150? Hello, Just bought the HMC-150. Can anyone recommend a good tripod for about $150 or so? Thanks, Simon

June 4th, 2009, 10:19 AM	#2
Gareth Watkins Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: France Posts: 578	Hi Simon, I think unfortunately you'll need to double your money to get anything that falls in line with your camera... A half way decent fluid head is pretty essential. The Libec tripods are pretty good for the money and you can get those for around 300-350 dollars... I have an LS38, which works ok with my Z1 but costs a bit more. Many people decry the old Manfrotto 501, but I have one of these too, they are a reasonable place to start... but is a bit heavy. I think you'll find if you pay 150 bucks for a tripod in a year you'll be buying another. If you have a three or four grand camera the general thought is buy a tripod that costs 20% of the camera's value...A good tripod will out live your cameras... Regards Gareth __________________ www.gwenllyn.com

June 5th, 2009, 07:34 AM	#6
Bob Thieda Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 541	Simon, try ebay. I picked up an older manfrotto setup, with fluid head, a couple of years ago in your price range. No quick release, but I added one later. Got it from photo studio that was upgrading to newer stuff. My son just picked up one just like for about $150... They are both in decent shape and work well... Its just a heavy son-of-a-gun if you move around a lot. The key is to be patient. __________________ Bob T.

June 4th, 2009, 10:59 AM	#3
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	Good advice. Thanks for the information. Simon

June 5th, 2009, 12:13 AM	#4
Steve Wolla Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 477	Can't get a fluid head for a tripod for $150.... I have a rather basic setup, that does seem to work well, although it ain't $150. I just got a Bogen 475B / 503HDV / 522P setup. So far so good. The tripod and head were about $625.

June 5th, 2009, 07:12 AM	#5
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	wow! That is expensive. Oh well, that won't be in the budget. I will have to live with a cheap one for now. Thanks, Simon

June 5th, 2009, 08:38 AM	#7
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	I already ordered one from Amazon for 150 bucks. Of course, if it really sucks, I will return it and check out ebay. Thanks for the tip. Simon

June 5th, 2009, 12:21 PM	#8
Eric Pasarin Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: city, ST Posts: 27	I picked up a Manfrotto 503HDV on eBay for $395. It was this one: Manfrotto by Bogen Imaging \| 351MVB2 Tripod \| 503HDV,351MVB2K in mint new condition. If you can wait, you'll find some deals. I'm happy with mine.

June 7th, 2009, 10:55 AM	#9
John Reese Tourist Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Santa Maria California Posts: 1	Simon, I know you already ordered a tripod but here is some information for others that may be considering a tripod combo purchase. After reading reviews and browsing the forums I ordered a Libec LS22M2A for almost $500.00. The HMC-150 is not very heavy and may not work well on some tripod heads that have a higher weight rating because of the balancing spring. The LS22M2A can handle up to 8.8 lbs and I have read that is a fantastic match for the HMC-150 and balances nicely. I am chewing on the side of my desk right now because the camera should be arriving today. Best of luck with your choice.

June 7th, 2009, 11:51 AM	#10
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	I feel the same way! But mine won't be here for another 2 weeks. :((((((( Simon

June 13th, 2009, 05:52 PM	#11
D.J. Ammons Major Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 506	Simon, unless you plan on just using your tripod for fixed static shots you are going to do away with the point of having a great camera by not having a decent fluid head tripod. The absolute minimum head / tripod combo I would consider for professional results would be the Bogen/Manfrotto 501 or 503HDV head with the appropriate tripod to go with it. I have the 503HDV with 475B legs and then a Satchler FSB6 head and tripod. Even though the Satchler is a better system ($1600 vs. $600 for the 503HDV/475B) I end up using the Bogen a lot more because the 475B tripod has a geared center column that cranks up so that I can gain enough height to shoot over the heads of people standing up when I don't have a balcony to shoot from for music events or weddings.

June 13th, 2009, 07:38 PM	#12
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	Point taken. When I have more money, I will get a better tripod. Thanks for the tips on which ones are good. For now, I am enjoying the HMC-150 even with my low budget tripod. Great camera! Simon p.s. for now I just need it for fixed positions (interviews).

December 31st, 2009, 11:00 PM	#14
Chris Harding Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 8,441	Hi Simon Just for interest I got myself a Weifeng e717 which is a "copy" Bogen for just under $200! It's pretty well built and the feature I like the most is the bowl head so I don't have to fiddle around with legs to get my verticals right. You can get it dead level in seconds and the legs are pretty robust too (although it's a tad heavy!!) Pan and tilt is silky smooth ..yeah I'd like one of the Libec bowl units but here they start at $1000!!! The Weifeng supports my HMC72's easily even though they are heavier than the HMC150! (With a Rode mic and radio mic they weigh in at 8 lbs and the tripod is quite happy) Chris

January 1st, 2010, 08:18 PM	#15
Simon Zimmer Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Easton, Maryland Posts: 497	Hi Chris, Enjoy your tripod. That is a great deal you got. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year! Simon