Prosumer video fluid head for Canon TA-100 and Bogen 3192? at DVinfo.net

Dan Peterson · November 16th, 2024, 01:26 PM

Hello,
Life intervened and it's been a long time since I've been here!
I'm *just* a hobbyist.

I snagged a Manfrotto Bogen 3192 from shopgoodwill for a song.
Here is parts view: 3192 Version 4 Video Tripod | BogenTripodParts.com

I have a Canon C100 Mark II with the Canon TA-100 tripod adapter (and its quick release plate).
Post #7 of this thread shows both sides of the TA-100: https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-x...e=pocket_saves

My question: What would be a good prosumer video fluid head to use with the C100 (and TA-100 plate) and the Bogen tripod? I believe the screw on the tripod is 3/8" where the fluid head would connect to it.

Thank you for any help or suggestions!

Chris Soucy · November 17th, 2024, 01:45 AM

Hi Dan,

Been a while since I've seen your type of question here so I'm a bit rusty on the subject, but pretty well any flat based head with a 3/8" socket will fit that Manfrotto half ball base.

From there the usual place to start is budget, though as it appears all your gear so far is S/H you might get lucky and get a good deal on a head that when new was 10 times the price.

My suggestion for prime head options is continuously variable counterbalance, pretty well above all else, all things being equal. This allows you to set the counterbalance so that no matter where you set the camera tilt angle, the camera will stay at that angle even with no hand on the pan bar and minimum drag set. It is truly worth its weight in gold.
To get that right you need to know the all up camera rig weight fully configured and select a head that can deal with that weight plus a bit more. As that camera looks a tad on the tall side thus raising its centre of gravity I'd guesstimate adding about half a pound to the actual rig weight for safety with the heads c/b range.

You may find that the TA - 100 adaptor is surplus to requirements as many, if not all, p/t head quick release plates will allow the use of either 1/4" or 3/8" bolts to the camera. If that isn't clear lets start with the tripod:

tripod/ half ball flat top adapter with 3/8" bolt; pan/ tilt flat bottom head with 3/8" socket; p/t quick release plate with 1/4" bolt; camera OR : p/t quick release plate with 3/8" bolt; TA - 100 adaptor with 3/8" socket; TA - 100 quick release plate with 1/4" bolt; camera.

(I have a vague feeling I've made that even murkier than it started)

If they're still in the DVinfo archives you should be able to dig up some of my reviews of camera support gear from the early Triassic which goes into this stuff in a lot more detail.

I'm only really familiar with Vinten, Sachtler, Libec and Manfrotto from those reviews and things have changed somewhat, particularly the prices, since then.

I'll stay tuned for the next exciting episode.

Regards.

CS

Dan Peterson · November 17th, 2024, 02:16 PM

Thank you for your reply, Chris!
I hadn't thought about the whole counterbalance component. I know that's importance from my still photography experience using a balanced gimbal with a big telephoto lens, which makes all the difference fatigue-wise. :-)
I'll ponder your points and update when ready.
Thanks again!

November 16th, 2024, 01:26 PM	#1
Dan Peterson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 61	Prosumer video fluid head for Canon TA-100 and Bogen 3192? Hello, Life intervened and it's been a long time since I've been here! I'm just a hobbyist. I snagged a Manfrotto Bogen 3192 from shopgoodwill for a song. Here is parts view: 3192 Version 4 Video Tripod \| BogenTripodParts.com I have a Canon C100 Mark II with the Canon TA-100 tripod adapter (and its quick release plate). Post #7 of this thread shows both sides of the TA-100: https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-x...e=pocket_saves My question: What would be a good prosumer video fluid head to use with the C100 (and TA-100 plate) and the Bogen tripod? I believe the screw on the tripod is 3/8" where the fluid head would connect to it. Thank you for any help or suggestions!

November 17th, 2024, 01:45 AM	#2
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,689 Images: 18	Re: Prosumer video fluid head for Canon TA-100 and Bogen 3192? Hi Dan, Been a while since I've seen your type of question here so I'm a bit rusty on the subject, but pretty well any flat based head with a 3/8" socket will fit that Manfrotto half ball base. From there the usual place to start is budget, though as it appears all your gear so far is S/H you might get lucky and get a good deal on a head that when new was 10 times the price. My suggestion for prime head options is continuously variable counterbalance, pretty well above all else, all things being equal. This allows you to set the counterbalance so that no matter where you set the camera tilt angle, the camera will stay at that angle even with no hand on the pan bar and minimum drag set. It is truly worth its weight in gold. To get that right you need to know the all up camera rig weight fully configured and select a head that can deal with that weight plus a bit more. As that camera looks a tad on the tall side thus raising its centre of gravity I'd guesstimate adding about half a pound to the actual rig weight for safety with the heads c/b range. You may find that the TA - 100 adaptor is surplus to requirements as many, if not all, p/t head quick release plates will allow the use of either 1/4" or 3/8" bolts to the camera. If that isn't clear lets start with the tripod: tripod/ half ball flat top adapter with 3/8" bolt; pan/ tilt flat bottom head with 3/8" socket; p/t quick release plate with 1/4" bolt; camera OR : p/t quick release plate with 3/8" bolt; TA - 100 adaptor with 3/8" socket; TA - 100 quick release plate with 1/4" bolt; camera. (I have a vague feeling I've made that even murkier than it started) If they're still in the DVinfo archives you should be able to dig up some of my reviews of camera support gear from the early Triassic which goes into this stuff in a lot more detail. I'm only really familiar with Vinten, Sachtler, Libec and Manfrotto from those reviews and things have changed somewhat, particularly the prices, since then. I'll stay tuned for the next exciting episode. Regards. CS

November 17th, 2024, 02:16 PM	#3
Dan Peterson Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 61	Re: Prosumer video fluid head for Canon TA-100 and Bogen 3192? Thank you for your reply, Chris! I hadn't thought about the whole counterbalance component. I know that's importance from my still photography experience using a balanced gimbal with a big telephoto lens, which makes all the difference fatigue-wise. :-) I'll ponder your points and update when ready. Thanks again!