Tripods

[Gerrit Gulden]

I purchased the MX 1000 two years ago, Its just the right size for my small camcorder and works great for my digital photography as well. It has the hook where you can attach weight, a level eye for getting leveled, etc. I purchased it from walmart for around 30-40 dollars. I wasnt going after TOP models obviously and just wanted something I could afford. No problems yet.

I think shopping for a Tripod depends on your equipment. Obviously if you spent a thousand on your digi cam and 1000+ on your video camcorder, then you definetely want to go with a very sturdy Tripod, you dont want a cheap tripod for expensive camera's. I would have to agree with the recomendations made by everyone here that suggested Bogen/Manfrotto, they look like great tripods and seem to withstand alot.

In the end, If your budget is tight and you just want a quick tripod, check with walmart, best buy, etc. Youll find tripods from 20 dollars and up. They basically all do the same thing in the end, except when you buy quality tripods you have more durability and strength in the end.

Good luck on your search...

-gerrit

 

[David Mikulec]

In the mid 1990s Radio Shack came out with a very sturdy, very affordable fluid head tripod, with a hook attachment for weights, a bubble level and a removable head with the standard (3/8"?) stud. I've got two to complement my Manfrotto 3221 and 679B. As you can guess, the Shack didn't offer these for very long as they were overbuilt for the price and the best sub $50 unit you could find just about anywhere at the time.

These units pop up on eBay from time to time and I got my last one new, still in the box a couple years ago for a $5 bid. It now sports a Bogen 3265 head while the original fliud head sits atop a custom mounting system in my Taurus.

The model number of the tripod is RST-84V and is slate grey in colour with the Radio Shack name printed on one of the legs, in either black or red (I have one of each).

 

[Eric Flescher]

what are advantages of fluid head?

what are advantages of fluid head? I can guess but I would like to know more

::

Photography was part of my profession for years, and now retired, I still do a lot of coaching. I suggest buying a very good quality Aluminum Tripod and Bogen/Manfrotto is a good choice. One key to look for: Buy one with the availability of a hook at the bottom of the head assembly. Then suspend a sandbag from it for more stability.

As others have suggested, don't do the cheap on this equipment. Buy a good Fluid Head.

 

[John Diel]

Eric,

A "fluid head" for a tripod is exactly yhat. It's movements are much smoother than a standard head or one built for still photography. This comes in very handy when panning and tilting. Most cheap heads or still photographic heads will jerk just a bit when panning across a scene. This is due to the way they are built and the friction between the moving parts. Most fluid heads dampen this jerkiness with felt, or some other type of washer that provides enough resistance that you have something to push aganst, but prevents the jerking movements we so commonly see.

For a more professional video look these are worth the money. Be sure to adjust for your camera though. You really don't want something really huge and and built like a tank when all you have is a small handy cam.

I have a tripod and head combo that serve me well but it's abrand no longer made. Unfortunately, it's really too big for the little Canon Optura I carry around. It's built for one of the Sony 3 chipper beta cams that I occasionally have on hand.

 

[fplowman]

Another tip.. Turn off OIS when using a triopod for panning. It will make for jerky video as the OIS attempts to compensate.

Fluid head is the only way to go. Minimum IMO is the Bogen 501 head. Here is a good starter package. I have used this package for about 5 yrs. It has held up well.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...frotto__BO3221WN501K_Video_Tripod_System.html

 

[Chris Nuttall]

Add another to the Bogen/Manfrotto club. Make sure you get a tripod head with a quick-release plate. I can't remember which tripod I have, but I have two heads: a mini video fluid head on the tripod, and the standard 3-way tilt (kind of like on your standard Wal-Mart tripod) head on the mount in the car.

It also might not be a bad idea to find a head with a bubble-level indicator, or find one that you can put somewhere on the head. That way you make sure your tripod is nice and level.

I'd like to get a new tripod. My legs have the "wing" locks, but I would much rather have the flip-style latches. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to spend on a new tripod right now.

 

[Tony Perkins]

I had trouble finding a mount that allows adustment and lock on all 3 axis. I think the 3292 below is the first I've seen that can. I'll be going with that one I think.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361796-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3292390RC2_3292_Car_Window_Pod.html

If you go with the 3221 system, there is also the 3292 Car WIndow Pod as well.

-John

 

[John Diel]

Tony,

3 way heads are really very common. Most Pan/Tilt heads are actually a 3 way head with a horizontal axis adjustment built in. Most aren't 3 way specific though. Bogen has made several through out the years (3047, 3039, etc.). Here's the caveat though. You don't see them too much in the video world. Since they are primarily still camera mounts, they don't pan or tilt very smoothly and the long range shot you have of a tornado 2 or 3 miles away that you're zoomed in on goes out the top of the frame because it's not made for the smooth fine movements we use in videography.

Video pan/tilts are usually only 2 axix as the video tripod has it's own, 3rd axis horizontal control. These are usually ona "Bowl" type mount and with a simple twist, you control you're leveling by moving the camera so the horizon is even and tighten down the axis. After that, it's pan/tilt to your hearts content.

This doesn't translate well to the Bogen 3221 series with a straight 501 head. It's workable by adjusting the leg heighth but certainly not perfect. Unfortunately, the Bowl Heads are more expensive and usually requite a larger tripod that most folks are willing to lug around.

Same typ thing and again, not built for video cameras, but you might take a look at a Ball Head. They are adustable through ALL axis of movement. Again, it's made for still photography, but can work with Videography.

 

[James Siler]

Hold off on the Manfrotto. Let me ask some questions. What kind of camera do you own? Is it a professional grade or consumer? You want to use it other than chasing...what type of shooting do you want to do with it? For you hobby? Weddings?

Answer these and then I'll give you some ideas.

I make a living shooting video and will say that the tripod is THE most important item you will buy...dont rush to do it

First off thank you to everyone who replied on this topic, alot of info to digest. Sorry didn't respond quicker. I have been having to take care of life. Ok back to the subject, answer to your questions Jonathan, My video camera is a Sony Handycam Hi8 Model # ccd-trv318 ntsc. So that would be consumer grade i beleive. I recently had to shoot a 2 hour graduation, holding the camera the hole time! So it would be on some special events but I am also wanting to try to see if I can do time laps with this. I would like to be able to earn some cash off of videoing events. Not a priority but if you can make money on something you love. Hey, do it. I am hopeing to be getting a better digital camera for the 08 season but that is still aways off. And additonal info would be greatly apprecaited.
James