Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I continue my quest for the ultimate Subway kit. The goal being able to carry everything myself sans even a taxi.

The kit now looks like
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
Lens may be Panasonic f2.8 12-35mm, Nikon Metabones Speedbooster, Nikon f1.8 50mm, Nikon f2.8 35mm. I may add Sigma f1.8 18-35 instead of a couple of of the above lenses.
Lights are Two DigitalJuice 128s. 1 Litepanels Sola ENG, 1 Airbox inflatable soft box.

Tripod is Sachtler legs with FSB6 head which is too heavy.
Surprisingly while I normally wouldn't consider Velbon "professional" I had a chance to use a Velbon DV-7000 and found it quite passible (keeping in mind I'm not doing much panning during these shoots).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366741-REG/Velbon_DV_7000_DV_7000_Tripod_with_2_Way.html
Also on my list may be an Edelkron Slider Pro Medium
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1016669-REG/edelkrone_80507_2_sliderplus_v2.htmlbut I may need to stick with my heavy legs for that.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Have you looked at Libec legs? I'm happy with mine. Actually I've had good luck with a Ries wooden tripod I found 2nd hand - normally use it for 8 x 10 inch stills, but it does better than "just sort of OK" with my BMCC and a Manfrotto head. Both the above might be overkill for a BMPCC though.

I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I have in a pinch put the BMCC and a small Manfrotto head on a light weight Giotto's tripod that packs down to 16" or so. Not ideal but it all fits in a carry-on roller bag when I fly.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

One of my main clients has me do a lot of work at hospitals and universities where they love to place parking as far an humanly possible from wherever you actually need to go. To that end over the last ~5 years, I've developed a highly portable kit that I've wound up using on a few flight jobs as well. General rundown:

Pelican 1514 case: (can also fit easily in a medium Tamrac backpack I own, I prefer the rolling 1514 for pavement jobs)
- GH2 body
- 14-140, 12-35, PL25/1.4, Tokina 11-16+SpeedBooster, Micro-Nikkor 55
- Rode VMP, Sennheiser EW100-G2 wireless lav
- CamAdapter microscope adapter kit OR Marantz PM660 audio recorder OR Lowel Pro-Light OR 2x Lowel V-light
- 2x Z96 LEDs w/ NP770 batteries OR Lowel Pro-Light w/ barn doors; small Gorillapod; Superclamp w/ flex arm
- batteries, diopter lenses, VND, +4 ND, pens, chargers, card reader, SD card case, audio cables, earbuds, etc

Manfrotto 'MBAG90P' tripod bag
- Manfrotto 755XB legs w/ 701 head
- Kessler Pocket Dolly, 2' OR Lowel RIFA 55
- 2x mini light stands; 2x white umbrellas for Lowel lights
- inline dimmer, Pro-light/RIFA power cords, 12' stinger, cheater plug & triple tap, 10' XLR cable

If no lighting is necessary, I've got an ultra-small kit that fits into a UTG messenger bag with a padded insert and just sling the tripod... but let's face it, light is always necessary.

I've also worked with a MeFoto Globetrotter tripod with the Manfrotto 701 head which worked surprisingly well and was much more compact than the 755 legs... no ballhead, though.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

The MeFoto is exactly the same as the Giotto's I mentioned above - exact same thing. Much better than you might think for the price/weight.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Libec TH-650DV weighs 7lbs.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/628720-REG/Libec_TH_650DV_TH_650DV_Head_Tripod_with_Brace.html

Giottos BL1150N also weighs in a 7lbs.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/703749-REG/Giottos_BL1150N_3_Section_Video_Tripod_w_Leveling.html

MeFOTO Globe Trotter at 4.6lbs (headless of course).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/926473-REG/benro_a2350q2k_2_series_travel_tripod_kit.html

Monfrotto 701HDV head seems to be going away.
Seems 755XB has 500 as "equivalent." Head 2lbs and legs at 5.5lbs for a total of 7.5lbs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/944781-REG/manfrotto_mvh500ah_755xbk_mvh500ah_fluid_head.html
All these significantly lighter than my Sachlter carbon fiber with FSB6 head at just over 11lbs.

BTW I also have Rode VideoMicPro as well as Sennheiser EW100 ENG G3 with Lav and handheld base. Using a Beyer Dynamic MT88.

Other lights are Lowell Pro, Lowell Omni, Riffa 66 with conversion kit so I can switch it to flo as needed. Also two Totas with umbrellas.
All this means time to use the car though and, sometimes, an assistant as well for me but that breaks the Single Person Crew rule in my case.

Other stuff that may come with me is a cheap Impact boom which can hang my 6x8 portable green screen or hair light or mic.

So my goal is have just camera bag, tripod bag, lights bag and be able to carry it up/down a couple flights of stairs on a subway. That's why I'm looking to shave off as much poundage as possible.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

That's why I use an "oversized" camera bag and tripod bag for their respective tripod and camera... I can then ditch the light bag, even on interview setups. The RIFA55 and 2 stands fit in the tripod bag alongside the smallish tripod, and a pro light for rim or background goes into the camera case. One soft key, one backlight, and maybe spring-clamp a small collapsible reflector/bounce to a chair (forgot to mention that bit in the kit, because it takes almost no space) for fill. Bang: 3 lights, no extra case.

At the risk of horn-tooting, here's a mess of samples with almost that exact gear, almost all o-solo-me-o:
Interview Reel (2013) | McBob.TV

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Hmm, you can fit all that in this (newer version)
MBAG90PN
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655996-REG/Manfrotto_MBAG90PN_MBAG90PN_Padded_Tripod_Bag.html
7.1 x 9.06 x 33.5" (18 x 23 x 85.1cm)

I believe this is what my Sachtler sits in
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/256451-REG/Sachtler_9108_Padded_Bag_75S_Tripod.html
36.2 x 8.3 x 7.1" (92.0 x 21.0 x 18.0 cm)

So I might be able to squeeze into that. It's almost worth starting a thread on Packing for the Single Person Crew.

Nice interviews. It looks as if you might be using a background light on a couple of them. Wouldn't that mean bringing one more light?

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Thanks Craig... as to the '3rd light'... yes; sometimes another Pro-Light or one of the Z96 LED's (both very small), or often just another light at the location (gooseneck desk lamps, recessed lights if they work, other lamps, windows gelled or otherwise, etc)

One note on the RIFA and how it packs well with an umbrella... that little cardboard tube meant to roll up the diffuser for the RIFA? Ditch it and use a folded up umbrella instead. Also make sure to roll up any diffusion or CTB/O gels with the RIFA diffuser.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I recently purchased these 2 items:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/903499-REG/varavon_vasc_103hd_103hd_fluid_video_head.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759477-REG/Gitzo_GT1542T_Series_1_Traveler_6x.html
The head was a mistake. No drag control on the pan at all and its one "setting" provides virtually no resistance.

The legs are great even if I'm not so sure I'd load them up to rated capacity. Very light, folds up incredibly short (I wanted something I could put in a backpack. Also with a centre column for quickly changing the height). I've used it with a GH3, cage, juiced link and DP4 with viewfinder.

Upon opening up the box I was initially concerned at how thin the legs were, but I haven't found flex to be an issue. Not cheap. Now I'm on the hunt for the right head.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Kevin, are you packing an egg crate for the Rifa as well? I assume so to control spill.

Jase, what I'm finding is that heads with both tilt and pan drag control tend to be on the heavier side.

Manfrotto 502HD is about 4 lbs for example.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827209-REG/Manfrotto_MVH502A_75Mm_Half_Ball_Head.htmlBenero S6 is closing in on 6 lbs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1026244-REG/benro_s8_pro_video_head.html

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Yes, the 30 degree variety

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Craig, I've had my eye on both of those Manfrottos. I've got a much older 501. Certainly better than the varavon but I can't say I really like it. Any idea how it would compare to the ones you reference?

I did try the Benro S6 which only has fixed pan drag but returned it, as I should have with the Varavon. Its probably fair to say the S8 would be better given the variable drag.

I also have a Rifa but with a 40 degree egg crate on it. Nice light although I haven't used it in a while as its in pieces. Its the older version and I took it apart to put in the CFL upgrade but then changed my mind as it seemed fussing around with CFLs would defeat the whole portability benefit of that light.

BTW, if you haven't tried it, the Sigma f1.8, 18-35 is a nice lens. Heavy and big mind you. I've used it on both my GH3 and pocket camera. And if you do go that route and don't already have an adapter I think its worth getting a decent one. The first one I got, fotodiox I think it was but not sure, would fit on the pocket cam but not the Gh3. Maybe just bad luck but ended up with a metabones, not the speedbooster, just the straight adapter.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Manforotto heads would probably be too heavy for what I'm looking for unfortunately. My Sachtler with FSB6 head is my "heavy artillery."

The Dracast 17A has piqued my interest at 6.4 lbs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/834007-REG/Dracast_DVT_17A_DVT_17A_Video.html
It seems to have pan and tilt controls adjusting the "resistance." Perhaps they've found an inexpensive way to have some sort of drag control. I've seen their gear at trade shows and the build quality does seem good at low prices no less.

I have the CFL mode for my Rifa 66. Of course that would make it impossible to cart as a one person crew via subway. That and my Flolight 4 tubes will remain in my shoot studio, I suspect.

A transportable tungsten Rifa 66 seems possible but I really want to get away from baking the talent especially in some of the smaller offices I face and I'm not inclined to get a Rifa 44 or 55.

Sigma f1.8 18-35 is absolutely on my shopping list. Off topic but I'm facing another quandary as a result. I have Metabones Nikon SpeedBooster for BMPCC (and well as previously purchased MFT version). I'm thinking of getting the Canon SpeedBooster though given I may move to the BMP4K given I can still remain smallish with that.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Dracast does look interesting. If you do get it, I'd be curious to hear what you think. Of late I've spent a little too much money returning things to B&H, so I doubt I'd spring for that without a good recommendation.

I also went the LED route after dismantling my rifa, one of which is a 128 but not from Digital Juice. Seems that model comes in a variety of rebrands but I do wonder, if in fact, they're all the same. A shoot that I was on some months ago, someone had brought in a version that cost considerably more than what I had got from LA ColorPro, yet seemed somewhat greener.

I've also got an air box. It may look a little goofy but brilliant concept and works well. The other next thing for me is a somewhat longer but fast zoom .

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

The B&H risk on the Dracast 17A is that it's a special order supposedly with no return. They carry the 17 which seems to be the same head but with much heavier legs. I remember looking at Dracast tripods at a trade show some time back and was impressed with the build quality at surprisingly low prices. I can buy from Dracast directly but their prices are higher than B&H. I don't like buying hardware like tripods where "feel" really matters, online.

Also looking for a longer fast zoom for indoor use. This all part of the BMPCC Speedbooster quandary for me. As an "SPC" having fewer but more versatile lenses is important. If the reason for using a zoom over primes is going handheld I'm back to looking at Canon Speedboster which supports image stabilized zooms.

At f2.8 Nikon mount
Tamron has 28-75mm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284402-REG/Tamron_AF09NII_700_28_75mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html
Sigma 24-70mm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/596258-REG/Sigma_571306_24_70mm_f_2_8_IF_EX.html
But the concern is whether they go soft when the aperture is open all the way. You can certainly get faster primes. I suspect the Sigma f1.8 18-35mm has people spoiled as that covers 20, 28, 35mm fast primes.

If only Sigma had an f1.8 35-100mm.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Asking about drag control on the Dracast DVT-17 head they responded

"Hello Craig,

The Dvt-17 does have positive pan and tilt controls. There is a twist knob for the pan and tilt. The tighter you make the knob, the more resistant the pan and tilt are."

So the DVT-17A (same head lighter legs) is certainly worth investigating. It's the lightest head I can find with drag control. I'll have to go down to B&H and see if they have the head so I can see how it feels.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I’ll be interested to hear what you think. A 3rd light weight tripod wouldn’t hurt, especially at that price. Tomorrow I’m going to check out the Manfrottos. Heavy I know, but do need something for the Gitzo I recently got. Weight was what sucked me into the Varavon.

It seems like you and are considering a lot of the same gear. Ditto on the lenses in your previous post. I do a lot of event shooting hence the need for longer, faster zooms. From everything I've looked at I think the best solution for me is the lumix f2.8 35-100. That said, ideally it would be longer and faster. I did just buy the 14-140 lumix for a shoot I did on a boat. Performed remarkably well. Not perfect, given the boat movement, but as well as could be expected, but definitely an outdoor lens. If only that were a constant 2.8.

I didn't realize the Canon Speedbooster supported image stabilized zooms. But as its only for the pocket, I doubt I’d go for it, at least not right now.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Well, they don't... but almost.

I also have an AF100 kit (usually rides in its own bag) that includes the Sigma 18-35/1.8 (Nikon)... it's companion tele zoom is the Sigma 50-150/2.8 (earlier non-OS version). Speedboosted (standard m43 version), it thus becomes a ~35-105/f2 lens. Its approximately the same size and weight as the 18-35, and is par focal with internal zoom and repeatable focus like the 18-35. Together, they make a very nice combination... Boost them if you need faster/wider, use them unboosted if you need the distance.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Interesting that you mention shooting on a boat. That's what I was doing on the 14th. Shooting whales and dolphins,

The BMPCC being 2.88 crop, my Lumix 12-35 is about 100mm full frame equivalent at 35mm. That wasn't long enough.

The Lumix f2.8 35-100 is about $1500.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892457-REG/Panasonic_h_hs35100_35_100mm_f_2_8_Lumix_G.html
I may consider getting the Canon to BMPCC Metabones Speedbooster (already have the Nikon version) for $650 and look at Canon image stabilized zooms. Given that I may get another camera such as BMP4K which is a Canon mount it may make sense for me to get Canon mount lenses. Otherwise a Lumix zoom would serve me better (smaller, lighter and with BMPCC crop factor, perceptually longer).

I'm curious to hear about your boat shooting experiences. The hardest part about shooting whales is trying to anticipate them. On top of that, the longer the lens the more accurate you have to be to anticipate.

As to tripods, while I see a lot of good light legs, it seems very hard to find a light head with good drag control. I have the Sachtler FSB6 is very good but heavy. It's fine for my more involved productions.

Of course the rule of thumb now is to put all gear purchases on hold until after IBC given he potential new product announcements. I hate "hurry up and wait."

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I hadn't thought about that combination. Its even a little cheaper than the panasonic 35-100. Kevin, have you used that lens? Most of what I seem to read about it and its sister lens, the 12-35, people seem to rave about the latter but not so much that one.

Aside from the obvious, how would you compare those 2 choices, that is assuming you've used them both.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

First I'll list the obvious, in case it wasn't obvious to some:
- Lumix set is MUCH more compact, has auto features and OIS
- Sigma set is larger, faster, parfocal with repeatable focus, non-extending

I've used all 4 lenses, and own 3.
I own and use both the Lumix 12-35 and Sigma 18-35 (sometimes boosted). In quick work and for bopping around shooting some B-roll and taking photos, the 12-35 is too convenient not to have. The 18-35 really is a hefty chunk of glass... I tend to use it more on tripod shoots or with my AF100. While the 18-35 also can ostensibly cover the entire ~12-35 focal range either using the booster or not, that step of changing out adapters is sometimes more trouble than it's worth. I tend to use the 18-35 more like a cinema lens (with follow focus etc) for shots with setup time and for interviews with its greater speed/focus depth control. It's a perfect interview MED/wide lens, for that matter, as I tend to shoot just about every such interview at 18-35mm around f1.8 anyway when using m43 cameras.

I enjoyed using the Lumix 35-100, but didn't love it. Images are just as crisp as with the 12-35, OIS is great, but it's a very expensive lens and I tend to only use that focal length on a tripod anyway. The Sigma focuses a little closer and has the capability of longer reach when used unboosted, is faster when boosted, plus it is mechanically parfocal with repeatable focus. The older 50-150 is indeed a little softer than the Sigma 18-35 or the Lumix lenses, but not greatly so. For the way I use those focal lengths, it just made more sense.

Another factor in the decision was that I sometimes rent S35 cameras (FS700, C300, etc) and the Sigma lenses offered usability on those systems.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I have Lumix 12-35 and plan on getting Sigma 18-35. As Kevin notes, they serve different purposes.

Keeping in mind I have the Pocket (but the thinking is the same for other MFT cameras but with slightly different numbers)

Panasonic f2.8 12-35 is about 35-100mm on the Pocket. Also being OIS makes it a good walk around lens for hand held work.

Sigma f1.8 18-35 Pocket Speedboost is about f1.0 31-61 which, as Kevin notes would be a great tripod mounted interview lens. Sort of like having a 35mm and 50mm Prime but with more flexibility due to the zoom.
With standard Nikon G adaptor on Pocket it's about 50-100mm
Pocket crop is 2.88 and I believe 1.75 with Speedboost if you want to do the math for more exact numbers.

For me, the issue with whether to get Nikon or Canon mount Sigma 18-35. I already have Nikon Pocket SpeedBoost but I'm thinking Canon mount lenses for future Canon mount camera purchases (BMP4K). On the other hand Nikon mount would be fine with Nikon MFT SpeedBoost (which I already have as well) if I were to get Panasonic GH4. Decisions, decisions.

In any case, the Sigma 18-35 seems like a must have for "SPC" given it's flexibility on a tripod. It's two fast primes only more flexible. It can be either f1.0 31-61 or f1.8 50-100 on Pocket. So in that respect it's cover 35, 50, 85mm primes with one lens. Basically if you have a Pocket or other MFT camera and can only take one lens and you're on sticks, this would be it.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

It should be noted that I don't only use the 18-35 on sticks... with a stable enough shoulder mount, it works ok run & gunning - in one respect better than the Lumix 12-35 because it will hold focus and aperture through a zoom (and there are plenty of ways to use that technique, not just the local-newsesque slow-zoom-in/out or 60's movie snap zooms).

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I've been looking at shoulder rigs as well. Also heard from others that IS isn't really necessary with a good shoulder rig. I've started looking although that might be beyond "subway kit." It would involve more first hand testing.

I went to B&H on the "great tripod hunt" and confirmed some things.

Dracast DVT-17 head has a poor excuse for drag control. Friction really and not well implemented. Head felt like a bad consumer head.

Generally good pan drag mechanisms add a lot of weight to the head. Checked with several sales people and all said there are no really light options with that.

Libec TH-650HD Head/Tripod with Carrying Case
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1045089-REG/libec_th_650hd_head_tripod_with_carrying.html
This was passible/serviceable but not quite as smooth a pan as I'd like. 7 lbs

Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Head & 755CX3 Tripod with Carrying Bag
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/944784-REG/manfrotto_mvh500ah_755cx3_mvh500ah_plus_755cx3_plus.html
This head felt much better and at 6.25 lbs closer to acceptable.

Benro C2573FS4 S4 Video Head and CF Flip Lock Legs Kit
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896851-REG/Benro_c2573fs4_C2573F_SERS_2_CF.html
This was pretty good. There's a serviceable Tilt drag and panning felt smooth even though there's no drag control. Weight was impressively light at 4.8 lbs for $440. Aluminum legs would bring it up to 5.8 lbs but drop price to $275

Benro C2573FS6 S6 Video Head and CF Flip Lock Legs Kit
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896852-REG/Benro_c2573fs6_C2573F_SERS_2_CF.html
Has a much better Tilt drag control. Pretty good actually but still not Pan drag. The head adds more weight bringing it to 6 lbs and $465. Aluminum legs add almost another pound at 6.9 lbs while price drops to $300.

Benro S4 and S6 with CF legs are close in prices interestingly enough.
S4 CF other key specs
67.9" Maximum Height
8.8 lb Load Capacity
29.9" Folded

S6 CF other key specs
68.5" Maximum Height
13.2 lb Load Capacity
30.5" Folded

Between the two it comes down do greater load capacity at a heavier weight.

Manfrotto 755CX3 MagFiber Video Tripod Legs with Rapid Center Column & 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base Kit
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/853563-REG/Manfrotto_755CX3_MagFiber_Video_Tripod.html
This seems to be the lightest with viable Tilt and Pan drag head. $694 and about 7.8 lbs.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

That was my second time shooting whales. Needless to say, a long lens can either reward or disappoint greatly and it did. This last shoot in particular, I just let the camera roll. I had a spotter which helped. I was up north where the water can be rough, so rarely did I use the full 140mm and the times that I did, when I thought I could get away with it, I wanted more. Not surprisingly there were also times when I rolled and rolled without a single breach and as soon as I rested my arms or took a drink of water, up comes a whale.

Yesterday I picked up a Manfrotto 502. I’ll be returning it not just because it turned out to be defective (odd clicking noise on the tilt and scraping on pans) but because it quickly became apparent its really meant for a much heavier load than I’ll give it. Too much tension on the counterbalance spring for my taste, although I will say I thought for the price it was otherwise decent enough.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Typically I also only use a longer lens when on a tripod. The whale shoot being one exception. Up until that, most of what I used the GH3 for were sit down interviews with the Sigma 18-35. But as a significant percentage of the shooting I do is fast paced, get the shot right now or its gone type of stuff, I often use autofocus, assuming there’s enough light to make it reliable. Do you know if there is an adapter which would enable the autofocus of the sigma 50-150. I’ve looked but there doesn’t seem to be one, speed booster or otherwise.

I have to say I was impressed with the GH3’s ability to accurately indicate whether it had found focus or not. There were times when it couldn’t find right away but it never lied.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Craig, how do you power your pocket camera? I've been using a tekkeon battery with this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598008-REG/BEC_BEC_TEK_BEC_TEK_Mounting_Box_for.html
both of which I had anyway. Goes for hours but adds a bulk I'd rather do without.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

With the Pocket camera the only "auto focus" seems to be with Panasonic lenses and it's really just a push for focus and wait three seconds.
Neither the Nikon or Canon SpeedBoosters support auto focus. Canon supports IS.
Panasonic IS is supported natively.

What I tried doing was infinity focus which is hard with the Panasonic lens focus rings but not impossible.

I've just been using the Blackmagic branded batteries (plus one Nikon). I generally get about 50 minutes from the BMD batteries and closer to 60 from the Nikon. I've learned to change the very quickly. Pop the bottom, pull it out and bite down on it while one hand holds the camera and the other pulls out another battery from my bag on my waist. Probably takes me about 15 seconds or so.

I debated about continuous shooting vs grabbing shots as I anticipate. If only the Pocket had pre-record. I just ended up grabbing since the Pocket record is near instant. I guess if you anticipate in advance and happen to have the camera pointing to an exact spot before a breach... which has got be like winning the lottery with a long lens.

Did you find shooting continuos really helped?

Regarding spotting, the captain shouted clock directions. Their regular Photog (he does this at least three days a week during season) explained to us what he was looking for, how to spot the congregation of the bunker fish and watch their activity, They tend to jump a lot more of a whale's coming up from under them.

Alas maybe whale shooting is better served with a small ENG style camera with deep depth of field, 20x zoom and pre-record.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Yes, the “autofocusing" ability of the pocket is one reason I haven’t used it much so far. When I have, its mostly been for static wides when I do a 3 camera set up at speaking events. These events are usually about 2 hours so changing batteries isn’t really a good option.

That said, I’m going out of town tomorrow on a shoot, the nature of which means I have to bring 4 cameras. I’m considering leaving the GH3 at home and taking the pocket instead. Anything to lighten the load which is somewhat ridiculous. There’ll be an arm wrestle over that tomorrow morning I’m sure.

Pre record would be perfect and yes, continuous shooting did help. But it did mean taking the time after the shoot to cut out what had nothing in it. A client that has been good to me so it seemed like the right thing to do.

Despite everything I’ve said about the next lens I’m considering, what I should get is a 1/3 inch camcorder, as you suggest. The difference between what I want and what I need I guess. I do have my eye slightly pointed towards the Panasonic AJ-PX270 as well as the Sony PXW-X180 which isn’t out yet.

I also want to see how the Panasonic FZ1000 does. I haven’t read up on it much but from what I gather there are trade offs. To be expected for a $900 camera with lens.

Too many choices...

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

If I were getting a Professional "handy cam" at this point I'd want 4K.

That could be the Sony PXW-X70 but it won't be 4K until next year from what I understand at an unknown cost. Also it has one of those one ring multiple function designs I'm not crazy about. It's an odd bird in that it actually has a 1" chip which helps in low light compared to some of the other 4K professional handycams. That even gives some wiggle room with shallow depth of field.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072752-REG/sony_pxw_x70_professional_xdcam_compact.html
There's also the Sony PXW-Z100 which is 4K and a 10 bit intraframe codec. The reason for the interest is if I'm going to go the handycam route whether it's whale "filming" or corporate, it'll give me the opportunity to crop zoom/pan. That can certainly help when filming whales.

The Sony PXW-X70 is certainly small though and fits within the "Subway Kit" theme for me.

As it is, I do have the Sony EX1 so I'd have to see something compelling. IBC is coming up in a few weeks so there's no rush.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

For what it's worth Craig, for the past few months my primary tripod with the BMPCC has been a set of old Manfrotto 190XPROB aluminium stills legs I had laying around, and a new 500AH head I bought.

The 500 head seems to be pretty good with the low weight of the BMPCC on it, and the legs are find as long as they're weighted down properly. As you can imagine the whole thing doesn't weigh much and some pans can move it around if you're not careful - just takes a camera bag hooked on it or an extra hand on the tripod.

From memory the legs are 1.8kg and the head is 0.6kg, so 2.4kg total. I'm currently looking for some lighter legs for travel though, I fly a lot and want something that will pack down slightly smaller and weighs less.

Still searching for the perfect one, but the Gitzo GT1542T looks closest so far, just so pricey!

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Thanks Ryan

Those Gitzo GT1542T legs are 1kg (2.2 lbs).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759477-REG/Gitzo_GT1542T_Series_1_Traveler_6x.html

This Manfrotto 500 head with the 190 legs roughly 5.6 lbs. These are carbon fiber legs though. So perhaps a different model.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1022506-REG/manfrotto_mvh500ah_flat_base_fluid.html

I believe from what B&H said, the Benros are good quality Manfrotto knockoffs
This Benro SF4 and carbon fiber legs are interesting. Total weight 4.8 lbs (2.2 kg)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896851-REG/Benro_c2573fs4_C2573F_SERS_2_CF.htmlLegs don't seem to be sold separately though.


If your 190 legs are aluminum perhaps just get the CF version at 1.3 kg (3 lbs). Gitzo legs are a bit lighter though.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548526-REG/Manfrotto_190CXPRO4_190CXPRO4_4_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

The thing I don't like about those Benro's Craig is the folded length.

I'm thinking you might be right about the 190CXPRO4, although that kit you linked with the MT190CXPRO4, the new version is heavier but holds more weight. Trade offs!

I'm even toying with the idea of getting a couple of those cheap Horusbennu carbon tripods off ebay... for $100 each I could get a very cheap Chinese alternative to the Gitzo, and replace them after a year or two.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Carbon Fiber would have to be lighter. You mention legs as 1.8kg and the Manfrotto system I point to has legs that are 1.6kg. Gitzo legs are certainly lighter still at 1kg. The Manfrotto 500 head with Gitzo legs would certainly have a small folded size. They're only 149cm high max without head though. Benro nearly 173cm (with head) and column fully extended (which might be unstable though).

I'm concerned about short tripod with tall subject. For me, if it fits into a tripod bag any smaller doesn't buy me too much. Lighter is important if I have to carry it some distance though.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Someone elsewhere mentioned they bought one of these to try
Sirui 005X. Folds to 12 inches/30cm, extends to 54.5 inches/149cm with column extended. 2.2lbs/1kg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/917556-REG/sirui_bsrt005xr_t_005x_aluminum_tripod_red.html
but then I'd look at Sirui 025x which is carbon fiber. Same as above but 1.7lbs/0.8kg
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/917559-REG/sirui_bsrt025x_t_025x_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Video review of someone using it with BMPCC. Note creative use as a shoulder stabilized "rig"

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

Craig, when I said heavier, the weights from memory are:
190CXPRO4 - 1.3kg (old version)
MT190CXPRO4 - 1.6kg (new version)
190XPROB - 1.8kg (aluminimum version)

Not sure the expense is worth saving 200g just to get a slightly more compact tripod...

The Sirui looks good, I'm also looking at:
Horusbennu C2240X - Horusbennu C2240X Carbon Fiber Camera Premium Tripod W Case | eBay
Induro CT114 - Induro Carbon 8X CT114 Tripod 693174735004 | eBay

The new BeFree Carbon also looks a lot better than the aluminium version (which feels too flimsy to me).

The Horusbennu seems like it's worth the risk at this point, when you can buy them for ~$100 each, could be perfect for what I want it for.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I watched the above video some months ago and bought the carbon fibre version. I agree that it does make for a good "shoulder mount" but was disappointed with its overall stability and returned it.

Ryan, if I'm not mistaken, it was you who first made me aware of the Gitzo legs ( in some post or another in the tripods section). If you haven't already, take a look at a previous post of mine in this thread. Expensive yes, but worth it.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

I suspect you're probably right Jake, but my quandary now is my new slider really needs 2+ tripods, and I'm not sure I can afford the financial outlay of two Gitzos.

Maybe the solution in my case is the Gitzo, plus two of the cheap carbon tripods? We shall see.

Re: Subway Kit and the Tripod Quandary
 

When I use a longer slider, I'll often use a tripod on one end and a monopod on the other (Manfrotto). It stays steady enough.