Tripods Again

[daveswan]

Yes I know it's been done before, but just a quick question.
I've upped my budget considerably and am now looking at Sachter 'pods.
Given that I use a bare HVX, and even when / if I get a Scarlet the rig will be pretty sparten;

Is the DV6 SB kit with ali legs ok, or is there any milage in going to the DV8 SB still with 75mm ali legs?

I hope the former, since it is considerably cheaper, and I'm on a very tight budget, which will be stretched in either case.
Cheers,
Dave

edited for typos aargh!

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

Tripod sytems I've used:

Manfrotto 501HDV
I own a system with this head, it's an OK system. Low budgeteer friend.

Manfrotto 516
Used this slightly with a Super16 camera, it's a nice head, but I thought it's not even close to the best in its league.

Sachtler DV6
If the camera is not so heavy I guess this head would do an outstanding work.

___

I have heard that Vinten systems are the best in everything but counterbalance system, that are a little awkward, requiring spring changes and stuff. But that seems minor compared to how well people talk about it. Never used them, so I can't really recommend.

People talk good things about the Cartoni Focus performance, but I have heard from more than one person that they run into durability problems very soon.

:thumbsup:

[MattN]

I use a Vinten Pro6 and I am extremely happy with it. Very sturdy, nice drags, and I can get a very nice movement from the head.

It has the minimum standards for me as far as usability. Sure you can get by with one that isn't as good, but it sure makes things a lot easier if you get a really nice one.

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

I use a Vinten Pro6 and I am extremely happy with it. Very sturdy, nice drags, and I can get a very nice movement from the head.

It has the minimum standards for mas far as usability. Sure you can get by with one that isn't as good, but it sure makes things a lot easier if you get a really nice one.

Exactly, getting that perfect shot is far easier when you are not fighting your stabilization system.

:thumbsup:

[daveswan]

I also considered the Vinten Vision 3, as it has a payoad weight in the region I'm looking at, but I also need a mid level spreader as I want to use it on uneaven ground.
I'm puting off making a decision until the new year, out of concern for my bank balance.
So, either the Sachtler DV6SB, the Vinten Vision 3 or perhaps the Pro 6 if funds won't strech to the other two

[Mark A. Beal]

I also considered the Vinten Vision 3, as it has a payoad weight in the region I'm looking at, but I also need a mid level spreader as I want to use it on uneaven ground.
I'm puting off making a decision until the new year, out of concern for my bank balance.
So, either the Sachtler DV6SB, the Vinten Vision 3 or perhaps the Pro 6 if funds won't strech to the other two

You might also want to consider the Gitzo 1380. Their tough as nails and no spreader at all. An added bonus is the legs almost down to ground level, so it's like having a built in high hat. There are also some very good bargains on the used market since they don't have the same name recognition (among the film/videomakers) as similar quality Vinten and Sachtler tripods.

[daveswan]

I know of Gitzo as a photographer, sky-high rep, didn't think they did video / cine 'pods.
I'll look into it.
Dave

[Mark A. Beal]

I know of Gitzo as a photographer, sky-high rep, didn't think they did video / cine 'pods.
I'll look into it.
Dave

There's not a big lineup -- the 1380 is their only one real pro head -- and prices are on a par with Miller, Sachtler, and the like. On the used market, though, their relative obscurity can really work to your advantage: a new one will run $ 1,600 - 1,800 (US), I bought mine in extremely good condition for $ 400.

Here's an article:

http://www.viewonline.com/pages/articles/gitzo.htm

Disclaimer: I don't work for or hold stock in Gitzo -- just been pleased with the product.

[gshort]

Ive been looking at the 501 head, it seems like it will be a lot nicer than the 1970s POS Im using currently! Ive found the 501 for £125 HERE (http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/info_210.html)

BUT they have the 503HDV fluid head for £220. Im wondering if it would be worth the difference seeing as I really dont use the tripod too much. Im confused and could do with some advice!

Thanks guys

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

If you have the money for the 503 I'd say go for it.

[Stefan Christou]

Ive been looking at the 501 head, it seems like it will be a lot nicer than the 1970s POS Im using currently! Ive found the 501 for £125 HERE (http://www.cameragrip.co.uk/acatalog/info_210.html)

BUT they have the 503HDV fluid head for £220. Im wondering if it would be worth the difference seeing as I really dont use the tripod too much. Im confused and could do with some advice!

Thanks guys

Wow those are cheap!!!

If only they did the Vintens.

What do you guys think about the tripod dolly's worth getting for use on concrete or laminate floors?

[JonFairhurst]

If you have the money for the 503 I'd say go for it.

This weekend, I had the chance to play with the 501 and 503 side by side. The 503 seems like a nice value. It felt nice and smooth, and was especially nice with a double-length handle. The 501 felt like it was a pretending to be a fluid head. It's nicer than a photo tripod, but is more of a consumer product than a prosumer product.

[Peter Majtan]

I have used both the 501 and 503 heads and the one thing that is really important is to set the fluid friction according to the weight of Your camera. Once properly set up - both will give You "professional" results. The 503 is smoother, but even the 501 is great head - especially at that price...

:D Peter

[gshort]

Thanks a lot guys! I think Ill wait until after xmas and pick up the 503. Then Ill post a new thread about legs!! Haha
Thanks again

[johnvid]

I have a 501, and love it...for the Legs I got a great deal on the Manfrotto Short tripod with bowl with twin legs, cost me about $100, then I bought some tubes from manfrotto, so sometimes i just have it short, but most of the time with the top section legs replaced, short at the bottom, its the perfect height, If I got an extra set of 6 tubes, I would need to stand on a chair or something, Manfrotto great gear, love the way you can attach all sorts of extras, bit like the Scarlet which will hopefully be just as strong.

[Joseph Hutson]

I just bought this...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487976-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_501HDV_351MVB2K_501HDV_351MVB2K_Tr ipod_System_Black_.html

...with a KATA bag which gave me a $100 rebate. I love it, and we used it with an HVX200 with Brevis system this weekend on our "Greyscale" shoot with Doug Jones.

It gave us great results, and I like it a lot.