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As I read different forums and see that someone posts something "GOOD" about various equipment, I make a note of it. Then when I start thinking about spending some $$$'s - I can check here and see what I have noted in the past. Note: Not many) of the comments below are mine - but taken from sites as I read about different tripods. I try to note where the comments come from - but do not always get that housekeeping job done. Davis & Sanford PROVISTAGR18 Provista Professional Video Tripod
These have had high ratings
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...nal_Video.html For under $200 This is probably next best http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...m.html#reviews $459 This is the perfect entry level tripod: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ge_Tripod.html - $179
Libec TH-M20 Aluminum 2-Stage Tripo
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| $435-550 | Jan Ozer (video author in EventDV magazine has the following: Head - Manfrotto501 Legs - Manfrotto 351MVB2
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| $435-550 |
Bogen / Manfrotto Pro Video Kit w/351MVB2 Aluminum Tripod Legs, 501 Pro Fluid
Head, 75mm Half Ball, Spreader, Shoes & MBAG90P Padded Case -
$435 at
B&H - $530 -
What don't you get? If you're used to high-end products and you're looking for an inexpensive solution — perhaps for personal use or as a second or third tripod — you'll miss counter-balancing to help steady your camcorder during tilts. Interestingly, Bogen just announced the 501HDV head, which includes a fixed counter-balance spring set for a 5.5lb. camcorder, for about $40 more than the 501 reviewed here. That said, if you can balance the XL2 on the 501 by adjusting the plate backwards, there's probably no camera in the class that it can't balance. You'll probably also miss a lighted leveling bubble. Of course, you won't have a true fluid-driven head, although it may be tough to tell the difference. ,,,,but I would recommend at least the 503 head,
which is another $100.00 or so more than the 501. |
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| $ | P.S. -- If you could spend a little more.... the Bogen / Manfrotto 3046 Tripod Legs for $229.95, and the Bogen / Manfrotto 3433 (501) Pro Video Head
for $149.95 would be a most excellent combination! (Or the Bogen / Manfrotto
501HDV Fluid Video Head for $173.95 adds a counterbalance spring. Useful if
people are taking turns operating the camera.) Ahhhh....decisions,
decisions!
 243+173 = 416 |
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| These are some top heads - discussion
here |
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| $159 |
 |
Mathews M25
Tripod. $170 "I fell in love as soon as I pulled
it out of the box. Now it can't compare to the Miller that I use at work. BUT
for less than $200 I beleve this is the best tripod out there. Next step up from
the $200 would be the Bogen 503HDV." Videomaker
review I, Dave Messinger, personally purchased this one. Found out it is
very similar to a Libec - in fact, I think Mathews bought or owns Mathews.
This actually seemed to have a better head than a similiar priced
Libec TH650
that I recently looked at - at least at first glance. |
| $149 |
 |
Libec TH650
- The TH-650 fluid head has a 65mm diameter claw-ball, making levelling
simple even on rough or uneven ground. The TH-650 fluid head has a
built-in counter-balanced tilt mechanism which compensates for the
camera's weight and tilt angle. The camera (weight up to 5kg) is held
steady at any desired angle
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| $ 199.95 |  |
Davis & Sanford Pro Vista Tripod with FM 18 HeadProVista A7518 - If this is the most you've ever spent on a tripod, you'll probably miss the pedestal shaft between the tripod legs that lets you raise and lower the camera with a crank. Instead, you have to adjust height by manipulating all three camera legs, which is hard to do smoothly while shooting. Otherwise, it's all good. The leveling ball is a dream, the adjustable slide is a great feature for heavier cameras in the class, and the motion is far smoother than that delivered by any less-expensive tripod that I've worked with. |
| From Dave Stone: The only fluid (or to be more exact, fluid-like motion) head tripods that you'll find in this range are the Chinese knockoffs of the various Bogen tripods. Check out Ebay for the Amvona AT-9903 (this is also sold under the name Fancier and is made by Weifeng Industries (also may be under their subsidiary, Ningbo). The 9903 and 9905 (heavier duty) are both true fluid heads (fluid cartridges). The AT-9901 is only fluid-like. If searching online, the company product model number prefix is FT and not AT (e.g. FT-9905). Another Ebay seller of the Weifeng products is 2DreamMaker. | ||
| $250 |
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/349250-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTAIR18_ProVista_Airlift_Tripod_with.html
- $250 - The Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift,
combined with the FM18 Fluid Video Head, provides rigid support for those
that need strength more than versatility in height options
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|
| Some prices I seemed to gleam out of various
locations: Bogen/Manfrotto, 501, $142.95 Bogen/Manfrotto, 503, $259.95 Manfrotto video tripod and Head - 503, 351 - $499 (351 must be tripod)
Cartoni, AP10/11, $559.95
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| 219 |
Smith Victor Professional Heavy Duty Tripod System
SKU: PROPOD V - $219 |
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| 120 | Another option is the Slik 504 QF II. It is sold in the U.S. and runs about $120. | |
| 109 | http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366741-REG/Velbon_DV7000_DV_7000_Tripod_with_2_Wayl $109 + quick release - recommended on HV20.com | |
| 70 | Bogen / Manfrotto 785SHB Modo Mini Tripod with Pistol Grip Ball Head (Quick Release) - Supports 2.2 lb (1 kg) - recommended for HV20 in manual - $70 - very light weight - I've got it. It's a great light tripod if you don't need to pan - no fluid head | |
| 70 | http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366741-REG/Velbon_VideoMate 607Tripod_with_2_Way Vel-Flo 9 PH-368 head.html (Quick Release) & Case - Supports 15 lb $69.95 This is what I have 2 of |
