tripods with fluid panheads
Feb 6, 2014 08:28:53 #
ocbeyer wrote:
Buy used. Good tripods are not like cameras, no electronics, they last a long, long time. You can find a lot on Craigslist in local metro areas and you can try them before you buy. I have a Bogen Manfrotto combo much like you asked for, sturdy as a tank, cost me $100.
Here is just one example, $100:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pho/4286964899.html
Feb 6, 2014 08:53:07 #
ocbeyer wrote:
Hey, I have that same head model, bought it a long time ago at a pawn shop. I used it for my twin lens and my 4x5.
It's a great head, and that is a good price.
To the OP: You need to realize that some "fluid heads" are for video cameras and do not go in to portrait orientation. Then you will need a "L" bracket also
Feb 6, 2014 08:59:35 #
Be careful about buying used. Not to say that you can't find a decent one for your needs, but buying, sight unseen, off of someplace like eBay, can be a crap shoot. That said, KEH, Adorama & B&H also have a presence on eBay & should not be ruled out...A good still photography tripod will not have the "lower support braces" connecting the legs as they limit the useability of the pod being used on uneven surfaces....
Feb 6, 2014 09:03:30 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Be careful about buying used. Not to say that you can't find a decent one for your needs, but buying, sight unseen, off of someplace like eBay, can be a crap shoot. That said, KEH, Adorama & B&H also have a presence on eBay & should not be ruled out...A good still photography tripod will not have the "lower support braces" connecting the legs as they limit the useability of the pod being used on uneven surfaces....
Right, why buying from the local classifieds (including Craig's list) is such a good way to buy - you can see it, feel it and try it out before buying. And avoid the shipping fees. That being said I buy EVERYTHING used, including lenses and cameras, usually off of Amazon and to date have had nary a problem. Amazon has a great return policy if there are any problems.
Feb 6, 2014 09:06:03 #
Hey ocbeyer, I lived in Baltimore for 34 years... In & around the west side of town except for a few years in Reisterstown just before getting transferred to Georgia in 92...
ocbeyer wrote:
Right, why buying from the local classifieds (including Craig's list) is such a good way to buy - you can see it, feel it and try it out before buying. And avoid the shipping fees. That being said I buy EVERYTHING used, including lenses and cameras, usually off of Amazon and to date have had nary a problem. Amazon has a great return policy if there are any problems.
Feb 6, 2014 09:07:05 #
mrtobin wrote:
Hey, I have that same head model, bought it a long time ago at a pawn shop. I used it for my twin lens and my 4x5.
It's a great head, and that is a good price.
To the OP: You need to realize that some "fluid heads" are for video cameras and do not go in to portrait orientation. Then you will need a "L" bracket also
It's a great head, and that is a good price.
To the OP: You need to realize that some "fluid heads" are for video cameras and do not go in to portrait orientation. Then you will need a "L" bracket also
:thumbup:
My Bogen Manfotto is a fluid head and while it won't allow me to shoot in portrait I just crop for that aspect. But it is an excellent head for shooting at the car races - tracks smoothly and steadily. And it also comes in handy when I do shoot video.
Feb 6, 2014 09:08:32 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Hey ocbeyer, I lived in Baltimore for 34 years... In & around the west side of town except for a few years in Reisterstown just before getting transferred to Georgia in 92...
Small world. I'm a "Westie" as well, live in Ellicott City. I like my town but Georgia sure sounds nice. ;)
Feb 6, 2014 09:40:00 #
A cheap grease smoothed "fluid head" with good characteristics (I say this owning a real O'Connor 50 fluid head for movie cameras) is the...
Fancier FT-17AH
By "good characteristics" I mean it feathers correctly to a stop, something that all Manfrotto "fluid heads" cannot, at MUCH more money.
For the small outfit described, this should be fine.
Here is a similar model with tripod:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Camcorder-Tripod-Fancier-WF717A/dp/B003UOHPQU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_5
Fancier FT-17AH
By "good characteristics" I mean it feathers correctly to a stop, something that all Manfrotto "fluid heads" cannot, at MUCH more money.
For the small outfit described, this should be fine.
Here is a similar model with tripod:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Camcorder-Tripod-Fancier-WF717A/dp/B003UOHPQU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_5
Feb 6, 2014 10:03:05 #
I'm assuming you plan to shoot video as well, since you ask for a fluid Panhead. If you do only still photos, there is no need for it. If you do indeed shoot both as I do, Davis and Sanford makes a combo with a fluid head that is very decent. Sure it has flaws, but the head is actually pretty smooth. Better that a 501 IMHO.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243272-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTA7518B_Provista_7518_Tripod_w_FM18.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243272-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTA7518B_Provista_7518_Tripod_w_FM18.html
Feb 6, 2014 10:12:15 #
I just looked up tripod reviews and there are a million of them . . . all different.
Best bet is to go to a large camera store and actually try them to get the right balance of weight and stability.
I actually have the D7000 and a 300mm lens and use it on a Gitzo G1197. I love the tripod (lightweight, stable, carbon fiber $$$$) and use a Linhof Ballhead which a tolerate (ball very sticky). Have a larger Kreg ballhead which I love, but too heavy for this tripod.
Net, too many choices without actually just trying it out. You have to factor weight into your decision. You can lean on the tripod for increased stability, but can you carry it all day.
For $200, you should be able to get a very nice non-ballhead tripod.
Best bet is to go to a large camera store and actually try them to get the right balance of weight and stability.
I actually have the D7000 and a 300mm lens and use it on a Gitzo G1197. I love the tripod (lightweight, stable, carbon fiber $$$$) and use a Linhof Ballhead which a tolerate (ball very sticky). Have a larger Kreg ballhead which I love, but too heavy for this tripod.
Net, too many choices without actually just trying it out. You have to factor weight into your decision. You can lean on the tripod for increased stability, but can you carry it all day.
For $200, you should be able to get a very nice non-ballhead tripod.
Feb 6, 2014 10:20:05 #
The best tripod I've ever used was a Pro Junior. This was a myopic tripod, wooden legs, but quick setup. Sturdy enough to use for what you want. Fluid heads are expensive and very heavy. Unfortunately the lat time I used one was in the early 70's. I realize this isn't much help, but it's all I've got. You might try to find an Arriflex tripod on Ebay or Craig's list.
Feb 6, 2014 13:07:33 #
roy4711
Loc: Spring Valley IL.
thank you for your recommendation. I ordered the complete kit tripod with head, dolly, and video light very nice equipment for the money. Thanks again.
Feb 6, 2014 13:16:56 #
Feb 6, 2014 14:37:49 #
I'm not real hip on all the tripods myself and I don't have all the particulars but you mite look at the Verizoom TK75A. It's complete with fluid head for right at $$200 or little less. (Amazon has um)
Feb 6, 2014 16:14:12 #
There should be a definition of terms here:
A fluid head is a piece of pro video movie gear which starts at about $2,000. Generally, a fluid head has an internal balancing mechanism, and does not rely on moving the camera fore and aft for balance.
To spend anything less and you are buying an oil or grease dampened friction head, and this is fine (even Sachtler makes one that sells complete with tripod for under $600) if you know what you want out of the device.
Basically, in pro shooting, the ability to feather, whether using a fluid head or dampened friction head is the ball game. Does the unit smoothly go to and from the full stop? If so, you have a winner. Many, many heads simply do not feather right. I was in a big camera store and tried many oil/greased dampened heads and found only a Gitzo worked well, all others, mainly Manfrotto, did not. Jerky starts and stops are verboten.
The Fancier units are surprisingly good for their lack of price. Good and light for travel.
A fluid head is a piece of pro video movie gear which starts at about $2,000. Generally, a fluid head has an internal balancing mechanism, and does not rely on moving the camera fore and aft for balance.
To spend anything less and you are buying an oil or grease dampened friction head, and this is fine (even Sachtler makes one that sells complete with tripod for under $600) if you know what you want out of the device.
Basically, in pro shooting, the ability to feather, whether using a fluid head or dampened friction head is the ball game. Does the unit smoothly go to and from the full stop? If so, you have a winner. Many, many heads simply do not feather right. I was in a big camera store and tried many oil/greased dampened heads and found only a Gitzo worked well, all others, mainly Manfrotto, did not. Jerky starts and stops are verboten.
The Fancier units are surprisingly good for their lack of price. Good and light for travel.
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