Budget Tripod at DVinfo.net

Stelios Christofides · December 8th, 2007, 11:19 PM

Hi
Can you please recommend a budget tripod for me, not more than $350 for my HDR-FX7? I know you can get wonderful tripods for more than $350 but money is really tight right now.
What do you think about these:
Libec LS-22DV http://www.libec.co.jp/eng/index.html
Sony VCT-1170RM http://www.expandore.com/product/Son...ony_Tripod.htm

Stelios

Bill Koehler · December 12th, 2007, 02:09 PM

As another budget shooter, I would answer that I bought the following earlier this year:

1. Manfrotto 3011BN Tripod
2. Manfrotto 3130 Fluid Head

I even bought it at a DV Info Net sponsor!
But then, I've been buying from them since ~1984.

Checking the B & H website, it appears the 3011BN Tripod has been discontinued.
It has been replaced with the Manfrotto 055XDB Tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...eplacementLink

You also might want to consider either the Manfrotto 3433 (501) or 700RC2 heads.

Either way, the total cost will be around $210 - $230, well within your budget.

I did finally look at what you picked out.
To go by what info I could find, I think the Libec is outside of your stated budget. So is the Sony at $370.

One very obvious difference between the two choices is that the Sony includes a built in LANC controller.
Those cost a pretty penny as I, and others, can attest.

I have a Manfrotto 523PRO. It currently sells for $390.00 all by itself. Ouch!

Jack Walker · December 12th, 2007, 05:10 PM

You might look at the Velbon tripods:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

I've had a Velbon Videomate fluid head tripod for 25 years, and it still works great.

At one point I was going to replace it with a $300 Bogen, but the Velbon had a better operating head.

I now have a Gitzo, two Cartonis, and I may get the new Sacthler. I still use the Velbon for a second camera.

For $70 or $110 (see the link above and the two tripod "On Special"), if you are on very tight budget, this might be the deal. Then save you money and get one of the better ones if you continue with video.

See the link above, go to the tripods, read the specs for weight, and read the customer reviews.

December 8th, 2007, 11:19 PM	#1
Stelios Christofides Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Nicosia, CYPRUS Posts: 1,080	Budget Tripod Hi Can you please recommend a budget tripod for me, not more than $350 for my HDR-FX7? I know you can get wonderful tripods for more than $350 but money is really tight right now. What do you think about these: Libec LS-22DV http://www.libec.co.jp/eng/index.html Sony VCT-1170RM http://www.expandore.com/product/Son...ony_Tripod.htm Stelios __________________ My Blog: http://steliosc.blogspot.com "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free" Nikos Kazantzakis Last edited by Stelios Christofides; December 9th, 2007 at 01:53 AM.

December 12th, 2007, 02:09 PM	#2
Bill Koehler Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia, USA Posts: 760	As another budget shooter, I would answer that I bought the following earlier this year: 1. Manfrotto 3011BN Tripod 2. Manfrotto 3130 Fluid Head I even bought it at a DV Info Net sponsor! But then, I've been buying from them since ~1984. Checking the B & H website, it appears the 3011BN Tripod has been discontinued. It has been replaced with the Manfrotto 055XDB Tripod. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...eplacementLink You also might want to consider either the Manfrotto 3433 (501) or 700RC2 heads. Either way, the total cost will be around $210 - $230, well within your budget. I did finally look at what you picked out. To go by what info I could find, I think the Libec is outside of your stated budget. So is the Sony at $370. One very obvious difference between the two choices is that the Sony includes a built in LANC controller. Those cost a pretty penny as I, and others, can attest. I have a Manfrotto 523PRO. It currently sells for $390.00 all by itself. Ouch!

December 12th, 2007, 05:10 PM	#3
Jack Walker Trustee Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Burbank Posts: 1,811	You might look at the Velbon tripods: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t I've had a Velbon Videomate fluid head tripod for 25 years, and it still works great. At one point I was going to replace it with a $300 Bogen, but the Velbon had a better operating head. I now have a Gitzo, two Cartonis, and I may get the new Sacthler. I still use the Velbon for a second camera. For $70 or $110 (see the link above and the two tripod "On Special"), if you are on very tight budget, this might be the deal. Then save you money and get one of the better ones if you continue with video. See the link above, go to the tripods, read the specs for weight, and read the customer reviews.