501, 503 and Varizoom? at DVinfo.net

Nathan Gifford · March 12th, 2002, 09:00 PM

Hello to ya'll,

I am trying to figure out my next addition to my XL-1. Many of you really like the 503 video head from Bogen. I am wondering if the 503 is that much better than the 501? If I go 501 I could probably get on of those Stealth Varizoom controllers.

What does the group think?

Nathan Gifford

B. Moore · March 12th, 2002, 09:54 PM

Hi
I use the 501 with the bogen compact leveling head
(BG3502) on a bogen tripod 3221. as a combo they work well

Vic Owen · March 12th, 2002, 11:37 PM

I haven't used the 501 (I think that Chris has), but I'm using the 503 and it works well. Some don't like the counter-spring, but it has caused me no grief. I typically use the XL-1 with a Varizoom type LCD monitor on the XL-1.

Chris Hurd · March 13th, 2002, 01:10 AM

I had a 501, didn't like it, and changed up to a 503. Almost identical in appearance but quite different in handling. I'd still much rather have a Miller if I could afford it. There are several threads about this; do a search for "tripod"

My favorite VariZoom is the new version of the PG-L. www.varizoom.com

Nathan Gifford · March 13th, 2002, 09:29 AM

Glad all of you weighed in. Tickfaw is a tough place to find video heads. What surprises me even more is that the camera stores in New Orleans, do not stock either the 501 or 503 heads. Heck they DO stock the XL-1S and 3X lens: you'd think they would have at least a 501 to try out!

I guess I will make a decision today some time. If anyone else has comments send them along.

I hope Pro-Tape comes through on the 501 or 503...

Nathan Gifford

Nathan Gifford · March 16th, 2002, 02:39 PM

After much soul search or rather sole searching...I decided on the 503. Since I will be heading to Houston probably in April, I hope to try out a varizoom while I am there.

Thanks to all,
Nathan Gifford

Chris Hurd · March 16th, 2002, 09:12 PM

You'll be happy with the 503. I consider it a big improvement over the 501.

Nathan Gifford · March 17th, 2002, 09:34 AM

I don't know about the 501 but its got to better than the 3130!

Nathan Gifford

Nathan Gifford · March 19th, 2002, 10:37 PM

Wel Chris, et al,

The 503 (Bogen 3460) arrived today. It is nice head and a real improvement over the 3130. When you add the Manfrotto 438 (Bogen 3502) compact ball leveler it is a great combo.

The ball leveler works even better with 503. The 503 has bullseye level, which is in the correct position after mounting on leveler.

If you don't have both, I recommend getting them.

Nathan Gifford

P.S. Chris if you promote the 503, you really ought to add the 438.

Chris Hurd · March 19th, 2002, 10:51 PM

438 - thanks for the tip Nathan, I'll be sure to get one.

March 12th, 2002, 09:00 PM	#1
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	501, 503 and Varizoom? Hello to ya'll, I am trying to figure out my next addition to my XL-1. Many of you really like the 503 video head from Bogen. I am wondering if the 503 is that much better than the 501? If I go 501 I could probably get on of those Stealth Varizoom controllers. What does the group think? Nathan Gifford

March 12th, 2002, 11:37 PM	#3
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	I haven't used the 501 (I think that Chris has), but I'm using the 503 and it works well. Some don't like the counter-spring, but it has caused me no grief. I typically use the XL-1 with a Varizoom type LCD monitor on the XL-1. __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 13th, 2002, 01:10 AM	#4
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	I had a 501, didn't like it, and changed up to a 503. Almost identical in appearance but quite different in handling. I'd still much rather have a Miller if I could afford it. There are several threads about this; do a search for "tripod" My favorite VariZoom is the new version of the PG-L. www.varizoom.com __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 13th, 2002, 09:29 AM	#5
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Thanks all Glad all of you weighed in. Tickfaw is a tough place to find video heads. What surprises me even more is that the camera stores in New Orleans, do not stock either the 501 or 503 heads. Heck they DO stock the XL-1S and 3X lens: you'd think they would have at least a 501 to try out! I guess I will make a decision today some time. If anyone else has comments send them along. I hope Pro-Tape comes through on the 501 or 503... Nathan Gifford

March 16th, 2002, 02:39 PM	#6
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	Bought 503. After much soul search or rather sole searching...I decided on the 503. Since I will be heading to Houston probably in April, I hope to try out a varizoom while I am there. Thanks to all, Nathan Gifford

March 12th, 2002, 09:54 PM	#2
B. Moore Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 181	Hi I use the 501 with the bogen compact leveling head (BG3502) on a bogen tripod 3221. as a combo they work well

March 16th, 2002, 09:12 PM	#7
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	You'll be happy with the 503. I consider it a big improvement over the 501. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 17th, 2002, 09:34 AM	#8
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	I don't know about the 501 but its got to better than the 3130! I don't know about the 501 but its got to better than the 3130! Nathan Gifford

March 19th, 2002, 10:37 PM	#9
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	503 with Bogen 3502 nice combo. Wel Chris, et al, The 503 (Bogen 3460) arrived today. It is nice head and a real improvement over the 3130. When you add the Manfrotto 438 (Bogen 3502) compact ball leveler it is a great combo. The ball leveler works even better with 503. The 503 has bullseye level, which is in the correct position after mounting on leveler. If you don't have both, I recommend getting them. Nathan Gifford P.S. Chris if you promote the 503, you really ought to add the 438.

March 19th, 2002, 10:51 PM	#10
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	438 - thanks for the tip Nathan, I'll be sure to get one. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!