Manfrotto 701HDV or Gitzo G2180 For GH2 at DVinfo.net

Sean Malone · January 31st, 2011, 08:08 PM

I'm looking for any hands-on info regarding these two heads. From what I can tell, these are my two best options for my budget. I know I won't be getting $1000 movements, but these are probably the best I can afford right now. I'll be using it for my Panisonic GH2 with only a few add-ons (light weight). From what I can tell, the G2180 has some level of counterbalancing which is why I would pay more for it if the pan/tilt movements are as good or better then the 701HDV. Is ether one better regarding tension control?

Any hands-on experience welcome.

Alex Savage · January 31st, 2011, 09:47 PM

I use the 701 with my GH2 and it works great but I don't have any other experience with proper heads so I couldn't tell you which to buy.

Sean Malone · February 1st, 2011, 04:18 PM

I just re-calculated my budget and decided to go with the 701HDV. It should do for 6 months or so. Hopefully some more affordable DSLR based heads (i.e. 704HDV - with counterbalancing and better drag control) will come out within the next year or so.

Brian Luce · February 2nd, 2011, 10:18 PM

Have you tried Libec? the LS22DV is nice for a GH2. They're only $325 for sticks and head. You can buy the head separately I believe. I know for a fact it's much better than the lowly 701.

Sean Malone · February 3rd, 2011, 05:09 PM

I did think of that head (H22) but couldn't find it by itself. I've already ordered the 701HDV thinking I would replace it in 6 months or so if funds become more available.

Thanks for the input.

January 31st, 2011, 08:08 PM	#1
Sean Malone Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 40	Manfrotto 701HDV or Gitzo G2180 For GH2 I'm looking for any hands-on info regarding these two heads. From what I can tell, these are my two best options for my budget. I know I won't be getting $1000 movements, but these are probably the best I can afford right now. I'll be using it for my Panisonic GH2 with only a few add-ons (light weight). From what I can tell, the G2180 has some level of counterbalancing which is why I would pay more for it if the pan/tilt movements are as good or better then the 701HDV. Is ether one better regarding tension control? Any hands-on experience welcome. __________________ Sean Malone

February 1st, 2011, 04:18 PM	#3
Sean Malone Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 40	Went with 701HDV I just re-calculated my budget and decided to go with the 701HDV. It should do for 6 months or so. Hopefully some more affordable DSLR based heads (i.e. 704HDV - with counterbalancing and better drag control) will come out within the next year or so. __________________ Sean Malone

February 3rd, 2011, 05:09 PM	#5
Sean Malone Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 40	I did think of that head (H22) but couldn't find it by itself. I've already ordered the 701HDV thinking I would replace it in 6 months or so if funds become more available. Thanks for the input. __________________ Sean Malone

January 31st, 2011, 09:47 PM	#2
Alex Savage New Boot Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 10	I use the 701 with my GH2 and it works great but I don't have any other experience with proper heads so I couldn't tell you which to buy.

February 2nd, 2011, 10:18 PM	#4
Brian Luce Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,290	Have you tried Libec? the LS22DV is nice for a GH2. They're only $325 for sticks and head. You can buy the head separately I believe. I know for a fact it's much better than the lowly 701.