Looking for a good economical tripod at DVinfo.net

David Delaney · March 5th, 2006, 02:24 PM

I have a Optex T465. It is ok. And by ok I mean it is serviceable if you don't want to pan, tilt or expect it to stay in position while you adjust the focus.
So I am looking for a new tripod that won't kill me bank account, but give me the stability for the rod/rail support I have - and most importantly won't give me the shakes when using the pan/tilt function (smoother control).

Any suggestions?

Jack D. Hubbard · March 5th, 2006, 02:34 PM

What kind of camera?

Graham Bernard · March 5th, 2006, 02:42 PM

What budget you on?

Grazie

David Delaney · March 5th, 2006, 02:46 PM

Well,
I paid about $75 for the T465, money not well spent. I want to spend under $200.00 if I can. The camera is just a mini-dv, but I want to upgrade to an consumer/prosumer HD camera in the future - maybe the ZU1

Mike Toledano · March 5th, 2006, 04:33 PM

When do you plan to upgrade? The issue is that the z1 and a much smaller camera require different tripods, and you can probably get away with a cheaper head for your current camera. I have read here that the minimum for the z1 is the 501 head and the 3221 legs. http://tinyurl.com/qpdw8

I'm not sure you'll have too much luck finding a decent tripod for the z1 for under 200.

Jack D. Hubbard · March 5th, 2006, 06:25 PM

You have issues of durability, weight, and ability give the right support. I use the 3221 legs with Gitzo Head with an adjusting ball; is sturdy and serviceable; I look my Gitzo carbon legs better, because they only weigh 4 lbs; with the head, about 8 lbs. If you carry it all day, it makes a huge difference. The 3221 and the Gitzo weigh around 11.5. Don't about the 501 combo, but suspect it also weighs about 11. The Gitzo legs have twist releases, not levers, which some people don't like. I love them, only a quarter turn and the legs are down. You have to spend some money. Don't chintz on camera support it is an absolute necessity to have a solid platform. For any decent legs, figure about $250 to $300, the same for a head, and about $100 for a ball leveller. I know, that is about $700...but if you are serious...This also a place where you can buy used equipment, if it has been used but not abused. And it is an piece of gear that will last you through a Z1 and beyond.

Marcus Marchesseault · March 5th, 2006, 07:01 PM

In about a week, I am going to post reviews of amvona.com (an ebay store) tripods. I got one set of carbon fiber sticks from them and have mostly good thoughts about it. I am getting another set (heavier duty) and will post reviews if it looks good. I don't want to recommend the company until I have more than one experience with them. Their carbon fiber sticks can be had for under $75 shipped. I haven't tried getting a sticks/head combo, so I won't review their video heads.

David Delaney · March 5th, 2006, 08:30 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. Marcus I am looking forward to your review.

David Delaney · March 6th, 2006, 12:26 PM

I just finished looking at the Amvona pro-tripods (pistol grip) - how do they stack up? Are they worth it?

Doug Boze · March 6th, 2006, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack D. Hubbard

Don't chintz on camera support it is an absolute necessity to have a solid platform. ...it is an piece of gear that will last you through a Z1 and beyond.

Jack's right. A good tripod is an investment that never loses value. You can have "too much" tripod for a given camera, but that's far better than having "too little". Same general rule also applies to microphones and filters. Buy once, use forever. If you ever do sell, they'll pay you back in full.

Charles Penn · March 9th, 2006, 08:50 PM

I'm looking for an solid tripod but nothing too expensive for my Canon XL-2. If I have to pay a little more, I will as I realize you need a sturdy tripod with a smooth fluid head. Budget @ $300. Any suggestions?

March 5th, 2006, 02:24 PM	#1
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	Looking for a good economical tripod I have a Optex T465. It is ok. And by ok I mean it is serviceable if you don't want to pan, tilt or expect it to stay in position while you adjust the focus. So I am looking for a new tripod that won't kill me bank account, but give me the stability for the rod/rail support I have - and most importantly won't give me the shakes when using the pan/tilt function (smoother control). Any suggestions?

March 5th, 2006, 02:34 PM	#2
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	Tripod What kind of camera?

March 5th, 2006, 06:25 PM	#6
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	3221 You have issues of durability, weight, and ability give the right support. I use the 3221 legs with Gitzo Head with an adjusting ball; is sturdy and serviceable; I look my Gitzo carbon legs better, because they only weigh 4 lbs; with the head, about 8 lbs. If you carry it all day, it makes a huge difference. The 3221 and the Gitzo weigh around 11.5. Don't about the 501 combo, but suspect it also weighs about 11. The Gitzo legs have twist releases, not levers, which some people don't like. I love them, only a quarter turn and the legs are down. You have to spend some money. Don't chintz on camera support it is an absolute necessity to have a solid platform. For any decent legs, figure about $250 to $300, the same for a head, and about $100 for a ball leveller. I know, that is about $700...but if you are serious...This also a place where you can buy used equipment, if it has been used but not abused. And it is an piece of gear that will last you through a Z1 and beyond. Last edited by Jack D. Hubbard; March 6th, 2006 at 12:05 AM. Reason: word fix

March 9th, 2006, 08:50 PM	#11
Charles Penn Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Port St. Lucie, Florida Posts: 103	Looking for good entry level tripod for Xl-2 I'm looking for an solid tripod but nothing too expensive for my Canon XL-2. If I have to pay a little more, I will as I realize you need a sturdy tripod with a smooth fluid head. Budget @ $300. Any suggestions?

March 5th, 2006, 02:42 PM	#3
Graham Bernard Old Boot Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London UK Posts: 3,633	What budget you on? Grazie

March 5th, 2006, 02:46 PM	#4
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	Well, I paid about $75 for the T465, money not well spent. I want to spend under $200.00 if I can. The camera is just a mini-dv, but I want to upgrade to an consumer/prosumer HD camera in the future - maybe the ZU1

March 5th, 2006, 04:33 PM	#5
Mike Toledano Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 85	When do you plan to upgrade? The issue is that the z1 and a much smaller camera require different tripods, and you can probably get away with a cheaper head for your current camera. I have read here that the minimum for the z1 is the 501 head and the 3221 legs. http://tinyurl.com/qpdw8 I'm not sure you'll have too much luck finding a decent tripod for the z1 for under 200.

March 5th, 2006, 07:01 PM	#7
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	In about a week, I am going to post reviews of amvona.com (an ebay store) tripods. I got one set of carbon fiber sticks from them and have mostly good thoughts about it. I am getting another set (heavier duty) and will post reviews if it looks good. I don't want to recommend the company until I have more than one experience with them. Their carbon fiber sticks can be had for under $75 shipped. I haven't tried getting a sticks/head combo, so I won't review their video heads.

March 5th, 2006, 08:30 PM	#8
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	Thanks for the input everyone. Marcus I am looking forward to your review.

March 6th, 2006, 12:26 PM	#9
David Delaney Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Niagara Ontario Canada Posts: 1,121	I just finished looking at the Amvona pro-tripods (pistol grip) - how do they stack up? Are they worth it?