March 3rd, 2007, 01:10 AM | #1 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tucson AZ
Posts: 2,211
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Very basic noob question about video tripods
Most of my experience to date has been with still cameras.
All of my tripods are fitted with a 3/8" threaded stub to which the heads attach. I'm looking for a sturdier tripod for video and have been looking at Manfrotto and other lines of video tripods, but they all refer to a half bowl mounting system. Could someone explain to me how this mounting system works? For example, do the heads that attach to this kind of tripod have a bowl shaped section that mates to the tripod? I would think the purpose of the bowl is to facilitate leveling the camera, but I may be wrong. If I have the right idea, is there any kind of adapter that would let me use my existing collection of tripod heads with such a tripod? Or am I completely confused??? My camera is a GL-2, so it's quite light, but I want a sturdier tripod partly so I can weight it down to minimize vibration and jiggling while panning, etc. Seems like a good idea, but I'd also like any comments on this thought, pro or con. |
March 3rd, 2007, 07:09 AM | #2 |
Major Player
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Savannah, GA
Posts: 463
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No, the bowl is integrated into the tripod head. It's part of the design of the head. A large threaded bolt extends out of the bottom of the bowl, to which a mating hand-turned piece attaches to provide friction against the bowl in the base. Most video tripods have a bubble level integrated into the head - you're right about the function of the bowl. There are two main sizes of bowls - 75 mm and 100 mm. The 100mm size is more applicable to heavier/larger cameras (over say, 15 lbs.), and the 75 mm is usually employed for smaller rigs. Most of the time, tripods are sold as a system - head, legs, handle(s) and spreader. But you can buy them as separate pieces, too.
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March 3rd, 2007, 10:44 AM | #3 | |
Wrangler
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Quote:
Be aware there's some 150mm bowls out there as well, if you're trolling Ebay. This is more for full-size motion picture gear.
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March 3rd, 2007, 11:34 AM | #4 |
Major Player
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Ah, I'm unfamiliar with Bogen's stuff, so that's good to know.
I have seen larger bowls, but they are relatively rare - hence the "two main sizes" comment. |
March 3rd, 2007, 12:36 PM | #5 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 3,840
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Yeah, the bowls are sold seperately from the better branded heads. And the 'grip' that tightens the bowl can vary from a 'star knob' to a 'twist rod' but both work the same way.
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March 3rd, 2007, 11:19 PM | #6 |
Inner Circle
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tucson AZ
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Thanks much. I think I've got it!
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