Best Under $400 Or So at DVinfo.net

Adam Palomer · March 1st, 2013, 07:41 PM

I'm looking for a tripod system with adjustable pan and tilt drag. Can you recommend one, or two, or three?

Ed Lefkowicz · March 1st, 2013, 09:40 PM

I come from the still world, so I started with a Manfrotto 055X tripod (about $140 at B&H), and later added a Manfrotto 502HD head ($170 at B&H). I'm very happy with the combo. B&H has a kit, sticks and head and carrying case, for $330. I found the head used, but barely, on eBay for a bit less.

Disclaimer: I don't work for B&H or Manfrotto!

Shaun Roemich · March 1st, 2013, 10:43 PM

It would help to know what you plan to mount on said tripod and how you intend to use it. Mostly locked off, attaching slider, etc.

Adam Palomer · March 1st, 2013, 11:09 PM

I'm going to use the tripod with a camcorder, a Canon HF-G10 to be precise (It's the same as the XA10).

Weight wise, since I'm going to be attaching an XLR adapter and a portable audio recorder, the weight will most likely add up to about 4 lbs.

I would like to be able to do a lot of pans and some tilts.

I had a Manfrotto 501 head until a couple of years ago. It was OK, but I'd like to have something that is less bulky, but provides more precise control.

Adam Palomer · March 5th, 2013, 04:22 AM

Has anyone had any experience with Dracast tripods? They appear to be well-built, but reviews are scant online.

Joe Garrick · March 15th, 2013, 04:04 AM

I recently picked up a Manfrotto flat base 502HD head to go on my 3221WN sticks, and am pretty happy with this compromise setup. Leveling the thing without a proper ball blows, but they have an adapter that can be added to the head in the future when I get a proper set of video sticks.

The head itself is insanely large, but pans and tilts are decent enough for a head that's well under $200.

Donald McPherson · March 15th, 2013, 12:49 PM

Have you looked at the fancier 270a I think it will be right up your street and price.

March 1st, 2013, 07:41 PM	#1
Adam Palomer Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Summit, NJ Posts: 169	Best Under $400 Or So I'm looking for a tripod system with adjustable pan and tilt drag. Can you recommend one, or two, or three?

March 1st, 2013, 09:40 PM	#2
Ed Lefkowicz Tourist Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 1	Re: Best Under $400 Or So I come from the still world, so I started with a Manfrotto 055X tripod (about $140 at B&H), and later added a Manfrotto 502HD head ($170 at B&H). I'm very happy with the combo. B&H has a kit, sticks and head and carrying case, for $330. I found the head used, but barely, on eBay for a bit less. Disclaimer: I don't work for B&H or Manfrotto!

March 1st, 2013, 10:43 PM	#3
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	Re: Best Under $400 Or So It would help to know what you plan to mount on said tripod and how you intend to use it. Mostly locked off, attaching slider, etc. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/

March 1st, 2013, 11:09 PM	#4
Adam Palomer Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Summit, NJ Posts: 169	Re: Best Under $400 Or So I'm going to use the tripod with a camcorder, a Canon HF-G10 to be precise (It's the same as the XA10). Weight wise, since I'm going to be attaching an XLR adapter and a portable audio recorder, the weight will most likely add up to about 4 lbs. I would like to be able to do a lot of pans and some tilts. I had a Manfrotto 501 head until a couple of years ago. It was OK, but I'd like to have something that is less bulky, but provides more precise control.

March 5th, 2013, 04:22 AM	#5
Adam Palomer Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Summit, NJ Posts: 169	Re: Best Under $400 Or So Has anyone had any experience with Dracast tripods? They appear to be well-built, but reviews are scant online.

March 15th, 2013, 04:04 AM	#6
Joe Garrick New Boot Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Anoka MN Posts: 9	Re: Best Under $400 Or So I recently picked up a Manfrotto flat base 502HD head to go on my 3221WN sticks, and am pretty happy with this compromise setup. Leveling the thing without a proper ball blows, but they have an adapter that can be added to the head in the future when I get a proper set of video sticks. The head itself is insanely large, but pans and tilts are decent enough for a head that's well under $200.

March 15th, 2013, 12:49 PM	#7
Donald McPherson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Aberdeen Scotland Posts: 815	Re: Best Under $400 Or So Have you looked at the fancier 270a I think it will be right up your street and price.