Tripod suggestions for Canon XH A1

Ole Vik · January 2nd, 2007, 06:12 PM

Did anyone here compare the 755B with the 351 (351MVB2 2-stage alu tripod)? Or the 3046 (also Bogen/Manfrotto)?

Adrian Paul Spiteri · January 4th, 2007, 03:50 PM

I think the Vinten pro 6 is ideal for the A1.

Alex Leith · January 4th, 2007, 04:47 PM

Libec LS-38. Exceptionally good for the price.

Craig Chartier · January 4th, 2007, 11:41 PM

vinten Pro 6 head is good, however the 2nd stage lock on several of the tripods that are combined with the system have failed us. You could step up to the vvinten vision 3 system. you can trade out counter balance springs depending on the weight of the camera. very good investment.

Mark Leonard · January 18th, 2007, 06:02 PM

can someone please recommend a great tripod for it. I know that's kind of a vague question with so many out there. but will be used for weddings and events of that nature, also gonna try and do some high school football games next season. willing to spend good money for a good product but dont want to get too excessive :). Trying to stay under $1500 which should get me something really nice. thanks in advance.

Mark

David W. Jones · January 18th, 2007, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Leonard

can someone please recommend a great tripod for it. I know that's kind of a vague question with so many out there. but will be used for weddings and events of that nature, also gonna try and do some high school football games next season. willing to spend good money for a good product but dont want to get too excessive :). Trying to stay under $1500 which should get me something really nice. thanks in advance.

Mark

I think if you were to ask this question of 20 different people,
you would probably get 18 different answers. :)

#1.
Do you already have a fluid head, or was that $1500 bugget for both a head and sticks?

I think a "really nice tripod" as you put it, could run you $4k or more.

IMHO, probably the best bang for the buck in a head/legs combo would be the Libec LS-55.
I picked up one the other day with mid-level spreader & case for $820 + tax.

Bill Busby · January 18th, 2007, 07:52 PM

or the LS-38. See the review by Nigel Cooper below.

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=150

Rick Hensley · January 18th, 2007, 08:07 PM

The January 2007 issue of Digital Video magazine has a comparison review of 5 tripods. These are expensive professional models above your price limit. But just thought I'd mention it for others. And their discussion may point out things you should consider when selecting a tripod. They say what you will find best depends on your personal needs and preferences. But overall they pick the "Sachtler 15 SB SL MCF".

I am not that familiar with all the tripods, just passing on their info...

Bill Pryor · January 18th, 2007, 08:54 PM

If you have $1500 for a tripod, the Gitzo is possibly the most you can get for your money. I bought a Gitzo 1338 system for a DSR250 a few years ago, and later found that it handles the much heavier DSR500 just fine. They have different size heads, but you can also get reduced tension springs to change out if you have one of the bigger ones and want to use a smaller camera.

I got a Libec 22 for my XA A1 because I wanted the smallest, lightest weight tripod I could get for most of what I'm doing with this camera.

Byron Huskey · January 18th, 2007, 09:34 PM

I purchased a Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head with 755b tripod combo for my XH-A1 and I really like it. This was influenced by some recommendations from users here on the forums and the reputation of the company (as well as one or two similar ones I had used at school). I'm not an expert on tripods however, as this is my first professional quality one (my previous was a 35$ from Walmart) but it feels nice to handle, is fairly simple, and looks beautiful attached to the camera (the black and red accents match exactly, not that that matters very much!). I'm sure these other professionals have a much better idea of the best tripod for you, but at $590 it's a great system for it.

Steve Wolla · January 18th, 2007, 11:25 PM

I use an old Bogen 3221WN and a 501 fluid head. Works very well. If I were buying one today I would move up to the slightly more steady Bogen 3046 with the 501 fluid head. And you're only talking $500.

David W. Jones · January 19th, 2007, 08:13 AM

Not to be picky, or hurt anyone's feelings, but the $150 Bogen/Manfrotto 501 is not a true fluid head.
If I were going the Manfrotto route, I would step up to a 503, which is a much better head than the 501.

And yes we do own a 501.

Mark Leonard · January 19th, 2007, 08:15 AM

wow, thanks guys. if i can get away with $500-$700 on this and get great performance, I can get a mic setup as well :)

Scott Cantrell · January 19th, 2007, 10:53 AM

Mark,

As someone mentioned in this thread, the "perfect" tripod really comes down to personal preference. Tapeworks is a direct dealer for all of the main tripod manufacturers on the market including Bogen (Gitzo and Manfrotto), Vinten, Miller and Libec.

As a dealer, I recommend the manufacturer that fits within budget for the client and provides the best customer support. Libec has provided the best support to my clients over all the others. Libec is always there for my clients needs and requests. Their products are in stock majority of the time and ready to dropship straight to the client.

If you budget is in the $500 - $700 range, then Libec can supply a professional tripod system within that budget. Someone mentioned earlier in this thread about the LS38 which is a nice system. The LS38 had a great write up in a couple DV magazines. TapeWorks sales this system for $599.00 with the mid-level spreader.

However, I generally recommend the Libec LS55 as it has Strong and weak torque change for pan and tilt where the LS38 does not. The LS55 system runs for $849.00 with the mid-level spreader.

If you have any questions on the Libec systems or any of the others (Bogen, Vinten, Miller) Please contact me at TapeWorks and I would be glad to provide any information you need.

Best Regards,
Scott Cantrell
TapeWorks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser
866-827-3489 TOLL FREE
tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net

Chris Sinista · January 20th, 2007, 06:41 PM

ok so again with the budget questions. I have an A1 and only about 400 dollars to spend on a tripod and head what would you recomend?? Ill be shooting high school sporting events and weddings here and there

the libec 22 seems reasonable but im not sure about its head
bogen 501 or the 503 are also some of my other choices

January 4th, 2007, 04:47 PM	#33
Alex Leith Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Northampton, England Posts: 500	Libec LS-38. Exceptionally good for the price. __________________ Alex

January 18th, 2007, 06:02 PM	#35
Mark Leonard Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 166	Tripod suggestions for Canon XH A1 can someone please recommend a great tripod for it. I know that's kind of a vague question with so many out there. but will be used for weddings and events of that nature, also gonna try and do some high school football games next season. willing to spend good money for a good product but dont want to get too excessive :). Trying to stay under $1500 which should get me something really nice. thanks in advance. Mark

January 18th, 2007, 09:34 PM	#40
Byron Huskey Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 64	I purchased a Bogen/Manfrotto 503 head with 755b tripod combo for my XH-A1 and I really like it. This was influenced by some recommendations from users here on the forums and the reputation of the company (as well as one or two similar ones I had used at school). I'm not an expert on tripods however, as this is my first professional quality one (my previous was a 35$ from Walmart) but it feels nice to handle, is fairly simple, and looks beautiful attached to the camera (the black and red accents match exactly, not that that matters very much!). I'm sure these other professionals have a much better idea of the best tripod for you, but at $590 it's a great system for it. __________________ Byron Huskey Rhapsodist Productions "Film as dream, film as music. No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls." - Ingmar Bergman Last edited by Byron Huskey; January 19th, 2007 at 04:56 AM.

January 20th, 2007, 06:41 PM	#45
Chris Sinista Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pasadena CA Posts: 59	for 400 dollars what stick set up would you go with ok so again with the budget questions. I have an A1 and only about 400 dollars to spend on a tripod and head what would you recomend?? Ill be shooting high school sporting events and weddings here and there the libec 22 seems reasonable but im not sure about its head bogen 501 or the 503 are also some of my other choices

January 2nd, 2007, 06:12 PM	#31
Ole Vik New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Stokke, Norway Posts: 11	Did anyone here compare the 755B with the 351 (351MVB2 2-stage alu tripod)? Or the 3046 (also Bogen/Manfrotto)?

January 4th, 2007, 03:50 PM	#32
Adrian Paul Spiteri Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Malta\| Europe Posts: 55	I think the Vinten pro 6 is ideal for the A1.

January 4th, 2007, 11:41 PM	#34
Craig Chartier DVi Contributor Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 374	vinten Pro 6 head is good, however the 2nd stage lock on several of the tripods that are combined with the system have failed us. You could step up to the vvinten vision 3 system. you can trade out counter balance springs depending on the weight of the camera. very good investment.

January 18th, 2007, 07:52 PM	#37
Bill Busby Major Player Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 959	or the LS-38. See the review by Nigel Cooper below. http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=150

January 18th, 2007, 08:07 PM	#38
Rick Hensley Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 52	The January 2007 issue of Digital Video magazine has a comparison review of 5 tripods. These are expensive professional models above your price limit. But just thought I'd mention it for others. And their discussion may point out things you should consider when selecting a tripod. They say what you will find best depends on your personal needs and preferences. But overall they pick the "Sachtler 15 SB SL MCF". I am not that familiar with all the tripods, just passing on their info...

January 18th, 2007, 08:54 PM	#39
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	If you have $1500 for a tripod, the Gitzo is possibly the most you can get for your money. I bought a Gitzo 1338 system for a DSR250 a few years ago, and later found that it handles the much heavier DSR500 just fine. They have different size heads, but you can also get reduced tension springs to change out if you have one of the bigger ones and want to use a smaller camera. I got a Libec 22 for my XA A1 because I wanted the smallest, lightest weight tripod I could get for most of what I'm doing with this camera.

January 18th, 2007, 11:25 PM	#41
Steve Wolla Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 477	I use an old Bogen 3221WN and a 501 fluid head. Works very well. If I were buying one today I would move up to the slightly more steady Bogen 3046 with the 501 fluid head. And you're only talking $500.

January 19th, 2007, 08:13 AM	#42
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	Not to be picky, or hurt anyone's feelings, but the $150 Bogen/Manfrotto 501 is not a true fluid head. If I were going the Manfrotto route, I would step up to a 503, which is a much better head than the 501. And yes we do own a 501.

January 19th, 2007, 08:15 AM	#43
Mark Leonard Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Mobile, Alabama Posts: 166	wow, thanks guys. if i can get away with $500-$700 on this and get great performance, I can get a mic setup as well :)

January 19th, 2007, 10:53 AM	#44
Scott Cantrell Sponsor: TapeWorks Texas Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 357	Mark, As someone mentioned in this thread, the "perfect" tripod really comes down to personal preference. Tapeworks is a direct dealer for all of the main tripod manufacturers on the market including Bogen (Gitzo and Manfrotto), Vinten, Miller and Libec. As a dealer, I recommend the manufacturer that fits within budget for the client and provides the best customer support. Libec has provided the best support to my clients over all the others. Libec is always there for my clients needs and requests. Their products are in stock majority of the time and ready to dropship straight to the client. If you budget is in the $500 - $700 range, then Libec can supply a professional tripod system within that budget. Someone mentioned earlier in this thread about the LS38 which is a nice system. The LS38 had a great write up in a couple DV magazines. TapeWorks sales this system for $599.00 with the mid-level spreader. However, I generally recommend the Libec LS55 as it has Strong and weak torque change for pan and tilt where the LS38 does not. The LS55 system runs for $849.00 with the mid-level spreader. If you have any questions on the Libec systems or any of the others (Bogen, Vinten, Miller) Please contact me at TapeWorks and I would be glad to provide any information you need. Best Regards, Scott Cantrell TapeWorks Texas Inc - HDVinfo Sponser 866-827-3489 TOLL FREE tapeworksscott@sbcglobal.net