Camera weight and tripod max load question? at DVinfo.net

Jeff Troiano · October 24th, 2011, 04:37 PM

I'm trying to decide on a tripod, no this isn't a "which tripod do you suggest" thread. I'm curious if a tripod rated for 11 pounds max, would be good enough for a fully outfitted small camera? I plan on outfitting with full rails, matte box, and possibly monitor. I see the camera body only is 2.2 pounds. Not having much experience with all this, I'm wondering about the added weight on all the accessories? I won't always be fully loaded, so I'm trying to pick a tripod that is good both with a light camera, and loaded down. The rating of my first choice is 11 pounds max, while my 2nd choice is 20 pounds. Although I do worry the 2nd choice, while giving me headroom for the accessories, might not be as good at the light end.

Any thoughts from?

Thanks as always for the advice,
Jeff

Kawika Ohumukini · October 24th, 2011, 05:32 PM

My threshold is more dollar related. At some point I want the investment to work today and in the near future. Plan ahead and buy accordingly. If it's below the threshold then I just get what will work, preferably multiple uses like our DSLR and Videocam, and don't worry about too far down the road. GL

James Kuhn · October 24th, 2011, 07:35 PM

Jeff...you are going through the same thought process I did. The camera I plan on purchasing is ~5.1lb with a battery and mic, add to that an LED light~10oz, and an HD-SDI recorder ~1.5lb. This adds up to ~7.2-3lb. Then the Center of Gravity (COG) comes into play. Most fluid head/tripod Max. Capacity calculations are based upon a particular weight + how high (COG) the camera is. The higher the 'load' the less weight the tripod system will handle. The other issue is, the calculation is not necessarily linear. The closer you get to the upper end of the scale, the less movement you can safely get out of the fluid head. I'm sure there are people who can describe this more elegantly, I hope you understand. This is why I chose a tripod/head system with a little more top-end capacity. Be advised, the low-end of the scale is also critical, you don't want to use a camera that is rated too light for the tripod/head.

YMMV,

J.

Peter Harman · October 25th, 2011, 05:37 AM

Hi all

A useful reference tool can be found on our web site, take a look.

Vinten | What Camera, Which Head? | www.vinten.com

James Kuhn · October 25th, 2011, 08:11 AM

Mr. Harmon...thank you!

J.

October 24th, 2011, 04:37 PM	#1
Jeff Troiano Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 480	Camera weight and tripod max load question? I'm trying to decide on a tripod, no this isn't a "which tripod do you suggest" thread. I'm curious if a tripod rated for 11 pounds max, would be good enough for a fully outfitted small camera? I plan on outfitting with full rails, matte box, and possibly monitor. I see the camera body only is 2.2 pounds. Not having much experience with all this, I'm wondering about the added weight on all the accessories? I won't always be fully loaded, so I'm trying to pick a tripod that is good both with a light camera, and loaded down. The rating of my first choice is 11 pounds max, while my 2nd choice is 20 pounds. Although I do worry the 2nd choice, while giving me headroom for the accessories, might not be as good at the light end. Any thoughts from? Thanks as always for the advice, Jeff

October 24th, 2011, 05:32 PM	#2
Kawika Ohumukini Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 185	Re: Camera weight and tripod max load question? My threshold is more dollar related. At some point I want the investment to work today and in the near future. Plan ahead and buy accordingly. If it's below the threshold then I just get what will work, preferably multiple uses like our DSLR and Videocam, and don't worry about too far down the road. GL

October 24th, 2011, 07:35 PM	#3
James Kuhn Major Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Merritt Island, Florida Posts: 865	Re: Camera weight and tripod max load question? Jeff...you are going through the same thought process I did. The camera I plan on purchasing is ~5.1lb with a battery and mic, add to that an LED light~10oz, and an HD-SDI recorder ~1.5lb. This adds up to ~7.2-3lb. Then the Center of Gravity (COG) comes into play. Most fluid head/tripod Max. Capacity calculations are based upon a particular weight + how high (COG) the camera is. The higher the 'load' the less weight the tripod system will handle. The other issue is, the calculation is not necessarily linear. The closer you get to the upper end of the scale, the less movement you can safely get out of the fluid head. I'm sure there are people who can describe this more elegantly, I hope you understand. This is why I chose a tripod/head system with a little more top-end capacity. Be advised, the low-end of the scale is also critical, you don't want to use a camera that is rated too light for the tripod/head. YMMV, J.

October 25th, 2011, 05:37 AM	#4
Peter Harman Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK Posts: 73	Re: Camera weight and tripod max load question? Hi all A useful reference tool can be found on our web site, take a look. Vinten \| What Camera, Which Head? \| www.vinten.com __________________ Peter Harman Head of Global Product & Sales Training, Vitec Videocom Ltd.

October 25th, 2011, 08:11 AM	#5
James Kuhn Major Player Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Merritt Island, Florida Posts: 865	Re: Camera weight and tripod max load question? Mr. Harmon...thank you! J.