Tripod for GL2?

John Kim · April 27th, 2005, 03:37 AM

This is a bit off topic, but here goes... I'm shooting macro with my gl1..
What tripod is best suited for this?

Problems During Marco Filming are:

1. Hand vibrations/jittery...
2. More vibration during change of direction... (i.e. panning right to left, then quickly left to right.)

Any Fluid head suggestions?

Thanks,

John

Tim Agnew · May 31st, 2005, 01:10 PM

Hi all:

Can anyone suggest a decent (reasonable priced) tripod for my GL2? I was wondering about the remote devices, too- do these all attach to the tripod or are they hand held and connected to a wire? Suggestions appreciated. My price range of course is in the low-low budget area....

David Ennis · May 31st, 2005, 02:52 PM

As soon as you can, you will want to get a real professional video tripod. They make a world of difference. But in the meantime you can get the one in the link below for about $130. It's an excellent value. I have one and it served me well until I got a really good tripod. I still use it occasionally for noncritical events when I don't want to lug in my heavy tripod. It's reasonably tall with a geared center post and bubble level, it's lightweight, has a built in remote control on the handle that works with the GL2, comes with a bag, and has very smooth pan and tilt movement even though it's not a fluid head. The down side is that it is not ruggedly built. So if you hit it with your knee while filming, or even take hold of the pan bar carelessly, you'll get some shake in your video. I don't think you can do better than this for the money. The zoom control on the remote works quite well. The link below is for B&H but they are currently out of stock. You can find more stores at pricegrabber.com.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=179980&is=REG

Tim Agnew · May 31st, 2005, 03:17 PM

Thanks- but what's the remote do? Is it to minimize shaking during filming? Is this attached to the tripod or is it held in your hand? I was considering the Davis & Sanford ProVista Video Tripod, but then I'd need the remote device. Thanks

David Ennis · May 31st, 2005, 09:25 PM

The remote is built into the handle of the tripod. It has a record/pause button, a power standby button and a zoom control rocker. Also a button to take stills. There is a cord that plugs into the LANC port on the GL2. The idea is that the same hand that controls panning and tilting can also smoothly control the zoom.

Chris Hurd · May 31st, 2005, 11:12 PM

Tim, see the discussion threads that are listed at the top of this forum's index page. They link to Ken Tanaka's reviews of the VariZoom Rock and the Zoe DV-L controllers -- those two articles will give you plenty to read about how these controllers work and why they're such a good idea. Oh, and those links to the articles are:

http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camaccs/vzrock.php

and

http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camaccs/zoedvlanc.php

Hope this helps,

Jeremiah Rickert · June 3rd, 2005, 11:22 PM

Will the tripod that's linked above control a GL1 as well? I have seen zoom commanders for the GL1, but they seem priced as much as that tripod/control is combined.

Jeremiah

Tim Agnew · June 4th, 2005, 09:01 AM

I went with the Davis & Sanford ProVista- seems more durable for the bucks. I'll eventually get a controller. Everyone I spoke with is very happy with this product.

Darko Flajpan · June 6th, 2005, 01:25 AM

Tim, I had also that kind of dillema and bought cheap Hama (130$) tripod for my XM2. That was a waste of money. All i got from that tripod was frustration (levelling and setup was nigtmare, legs were very weak, head was awful etc...) I recently bought slightly used Vinten Pro5 on eBay for 300$. Working like a charm and kicking myself for spending money on something which is now somewhere in my basement. Investing is good tripod is essential, since you will have it for long, long period.

Will Hayes · December 29th, 2005, 11:20 PM

Hey guys, I just got a gl2 for christmas. Its a huge upgrade from my old sharp handicam. Now I am not a professional, (i am only 14), but I do need a tripod. I have a budget of up to 300. I would enjoy a fluid head for easy panning, and i dont really need a remote, I really dont see the use of one. Also, are there any other must have accessories, i am planning on purchasing a wd-58h wide angle converter, because the first short film i am going to shoot is a ping pong movie, and the room isnt that big. Thanks guys, Will.

Bill Ball · January 2nd, 2006, 08:45 AM

I have used the Libec TH-M20 for my GL-2 for three years and it works out really well with that camera and mounted accessories. The head seems very smooth. The legs are not super strong so it would probably not stand up to rough treatment.

$189 at BHphoto.com

K. Forman · January 2nd, 2006, 12:39 PM

IF you should look at Bogen Manfrotto, skip the 501 head, and get the 503. The 501 isn't very fluid.

Loren Roberts · January 2nd, 2006, 08:43 PM

I mentioned that I like the 701RC2 as a cheap alternative for the GL2 in this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ht=gl2+701rc2). I still like them for an inexpensive head -- they have travelled throughout Asia with me and they have held up nicely.

Marco Leavitt · January 3rd, 2006, 08:15 AM

I like and use the Libec, but if you have the extra cash definitely go for the Bogen with 501 head. I don't think you're going to find the 503 with sticks for $300. The rule with tripods is you spend as much as you can possibly afford. There's almost no limit.

K. Forman · January 3rd, 2006, 10:42 AM

I will have to argue this with you Marco... The 501 wasn't too bad under the extra weight, but with the GL1, it sticks too bad when starting a pan. Add to this the 2001 legs I have are a tad flimsy, they actually twist when panning. In order to overcome this, I am forced to grab the neck in a deathgrip with one hand. It may be I just got a bad head, and cheap legs, but it isn't that great a combo for me.

If I had it to do over again, I would buy a $35 dollar tripod from Walmart, and put the extra $200 into batteries- good batteries, and not the $30 knock offs. But, this is just my opinion.

May 31st, 2005, 01:10 PM	#77
Tim Agnew Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sarasota Posts: 64	Tripod for GL2? Hi all: Can anyone suggest a decent (reasonable priced) tripod for my GL2? I was wondering about the remote devices, too- do these all attach to the tripod or are they hand held and connected to a wire? Suggestions appreciated. My price range of course is in the low-low budget area....

May 31st, 2005, 02:52 PM	#78
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	As soon as you can, you will want to get a real professional video tripod. They make a world of difference. But in the meantime you can get the one in the link below for about $130. It's an excellent value. I have one and it served me well until I got a really good tripod. I still use it occasionally for noncritical events when I don't want to lug in my heavy tripod. It's reasonably tall with a geared center post and bubble level, it's lightweight, has a built in remote control on the handle that works with the GL2, comes with a bag, and has very smooth pan and tilt movement even though it's not a fluid head. The down side is that it is not ruggedly built. So if you hit it with your knee while filming, or even take hold of the pan bar carelessly, you'll get some shake in your video. I don't think you can do better than this for the money. The zoom control on the remote works quite well. The link below is for B&H but they are currently out of stock. You can find more stores at pricegrabber.com. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=179980&is=REG __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

May 31st, 2005, 09:25 PM	#80
David Ennis Fred Retread Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Hartford, CT Posts: 1,227	The remote is built into the handle of the tripod. It has a record/pause button, a power standby button and a zoom control rocker. Also a button to take stills. There is a cord that plugs into the LANC port on the GL2. The idea is that the same hand that controls panning and tilting can also smoothly control the zoom. __________________ "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence..." - Calvin Coolidge "My brain is wired to want to know how other things are wired." - Me

May 31st, 2005, 11:12 PM	#81
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Tim, see the discussion threads that are listed at the top of this forum's index page. They link to Ken Tanaka's reviews of the VariZoom Rock and the Zoe DV-L controllers -- those two articles will give you plenty to read about how these controllers work and why they're such a good idea. Oh, and those links to the articles are: http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camaccs/vzrock.php and http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/camaccs/zoedvlanc.php Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

June 3rd, 2005, 11:22 PM	#82
Jeremiah Rickert Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 494	work with GL1? Will the tripod that's linked above control a GL1 as well? I have seen zoom commanders for the GL1, but they seem priced as much as that tripod/control is combined. Jeremiah

April 27th, 2005, 03:37 AM	#76
John Kim Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: CA Posts: 26	This is a bit off topic, but here goes... I'm shooting macro with my gl1.. What tripod is best suited for this? Problems During Marco Filming are: 1. Hand vibrations/jittery... 2. More vibration during change of direction... (i.e. panning right to left, then quickly left to right.) Any Fluid head suggestions? Thanks, John

May 31st, 2005, 03:17 PM	#79
Tim Agnew Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sarasota Posts: 64	Thanks- but what's the remote do? Is it to minimize shaking during filming? Is this attached to the tripod or is it held in your hand? I was considering the Davis & Sanford ProVista Video Tripod, but then I'd need the remote device. Thanks

June 4th, 2005, 09:01 AM	#83
Tim Agnew Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sarasota Posts: 64	I went with the Davis & Sanford ProVista- seems more durable for the bucks. I'll eventually get a controller. Everyone I spoke with is very happy with this product.

June 6th, 2005, 01:25 AM	#84
Darko Flajpan Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bjelovar, Croatia Posts: 153	Tim, I had also that kind of dillema and bought cheap Hama (130$) tripod for my XM2. That was a waste of money. All i got from that tripod was frustration (levelling and setup was nigtmare, legs were very weak, head was awful etc...) I recently bought slightly used Vinten Pro5 on eBay for 300$. Working like a charm and kicking myself for spending money on something which is now somewhere in my basement. Investing is good tripod is essential, since you will have it for long, long period. __________________ XM2 Sony DXC637P BetaSP

December 29th, 2005, 11:20 PM	#85
Will Hayes New Boot Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 16	GL2 Tripod Hey guys, I just got a gl2 for christmas. Its a huge upgrade from my old sharp handicam. Now I am not a professional, (i am only 14), but I do need a tripod. I have a budget of up to 300. I would enjoy a fluid head for easy panning, and i dont really need a remote, I really dont see the use of one. Also, are there any other must have accessories, i am planning on purchasing a wd-58h wide angle converter, because the first short film i am going to shoot is a ping pong movie, and the room isnt that big. Thanks guys, Will.

January 2nd, 2006, 08:45 AM	#86
Bill Ball Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NEW JERSEY Posts: 216	I have used the Libec TH-M20 for my GL-2 for three years and it works out really well with that camera and mounted accessories. The head seems very smooth. The legs are not super strong so it would probably not stand up to rough treatment. $189 at BHphoto.com

January 2nd, 2006, 12:39 PM	#87
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	IF you should look at Bogen Manfrotto, skip the 501 head, and get the 503. The 501 isn't very fluid. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us

January 2nd, 2006, 08:43 PM	#88
Loren Roberts New Boot Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 5	701rc2 I mentioned that I like the 701RC2 as a cheap alternative for the GL2 in this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ht=gl2+701rc2). I still like them for an inexpensive head -- they have travelled throughout Asia with me and they have held up nicely. __________________ Loren A. Roberts Hearken Creative Services loren@hearkencreative.com

January 3rd, 2006, 08:15 AM	#89
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	I like and use the Libec, but if you have the extra cash definitely go for the Bogen with 501 head. I don't think you're going to find the 503 with sticks for $300. The rule with tripods is you spend as much as you can possibly afford. There's almost no limit.

January 3rd, 2006, 10:42 AM	#90
K. Forman Capt. Quirk Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Middle of the woods in Georgia Posts: 3,596	I will have to argue this with you Marco... The 501 wasn't too bad under the extra weight, but with the GL1, it sticks too bad when starting a pan. Add to this the 2001 legs I have are a tad flimsy, they actually twist when panning. In order to overcome this, I am forced to grab the neck in a deathgrip with one hand. It may be I just got a bad head, and cheap legs, but it isn't that great a combo for me. If I had it to do over again, I would buy a $35 dollar tripod from Walmart, and put the extra $200 into batteries- good batteries, and not the $30 knock offs. But, this is just my opinion. __________________ www.SmokeWagonLeather.us