What do I look for in a Tripod (for video use)?

[thefiddler]

I don't know much about tripods, but I need to get one. I'm thinking up to $150, I don't want to spend much more than that if I can avoid it. On the other hand I don't want a cheapie. It would be nice if it could be turned side to side and/or up and down smoothly (for pans and such). One I recently used would always jerk and shudder lighltly when trying to turn the camera on the tripod's axies (sp?). As you can see, I don't even know the terminology to look for these features.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[lordsmurf]

One that is sturdy.
One that wind cannot shake or knock over.

About $150 is on par with a good one.

[thefiddler]

what do I look for? how do I know it's sturdy? Is there a certain weight or what? I don't mean to be rude, but I could have told you that. I'm looking for more information, so I can tell what I'm ordering, without having used or physically "tried out."

[pijetro]

Do a google search on Bogen Triman 3046..
I've been looking everywhere for classified ads, but can't find one..
Of course, Ebay has a few..
Most people lean towards both tripod and head assembly..

Personally, a Manfrotto 3063 head, and the 3046 tripod legs are the best money for your buck..
If you find any extras, PM me. I'm looking for one also.

Good luck!!!

[lordsmurf]

I would also vote for BOGEN products. Or MANFROTTO.

[zoobie]

It depends what you're going to do while owning the tripod. For example, I had to suffer with a cheapo lightweight for years while I travelled. In fact, it was so cheap, it fell over once and broke. If you're not travelling, you're best off buying a professional fluid head heavy-duty that will last a lifetime. Make sure it's a real fluid head as some actually aren't. This one-time expense is probably the most important purchase you'll make...even more than the camera itself IMO. I cannot stress how critical the tripod is. You can't get silky-smooth pans and tilts with cheapos. When you start creating videos, you'll appreciate that the tripod is one item that separates amateur video from professional. Read up on tripods and expect to spend at least $150-300. Well worth every penny.

[edDV]

I'd recommend the Bogen with fluid head for serious work but expect it to be heavy and bulky.

I good light one is much better than nothing for travelling and consider a monopod with small fluid head for extreme portability.

[kisrum]

Pretty much what zoobie said.
The $70.00 dollar models at Best Buy and Frys are too wobbly for steady pans and such. It sort of depends on the size of your camera and how much weight you're willing to carry. They can get awfully heavy in a backpack. If your just using consumer-sized DV camcorders then sometimes they're not really heavy enough to provide stability. Look at real camera stores, including re-sale shops, for the brand names mentioned above. If you're in a city, there should be some shops staffed by enthusiasts who can walk you through the features.

A friend gave me his old Bogen 501 (made by Manfrotto) head (probably $150.00 new). It's designed for a full size professional video camera, not my little panasonic. You may not need THAT much of a head, but the fluid head is pretty sweet. I put it on Manfrotto tripod stand ($110.00) which is probably sized too small for the head, but since the camera is small, it works okay. It is a little top-heavy though. I didn't see myself spending that kind of money on a tripod, but it's probably worth it. I just got lucky.

Many stands have hooks on them, on which you can hang weights to add stability. Not a bad feature.

[thefiddler]

Okay, I'm goin to look into Bogen and Manfrotto (thanks for the info), but does anyone see anything wrong with something like this (just as an example)??:

http://www2.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=VGVT558

[daamon]

As well as the above info, you also need to find one that - with the legs extended to their max - is gonna be high enough for you.

Some come in at 1.4m, others at 1.8m (examples, there's all sorts of heights) - a noticeable difference. Especially if it's important to you...

[edDV]

Okay, I'm goin to look into Bogen and Manfrotto (thanks for the info), but does anyone see anything wrong with something like this (just as an example)??:

http://www2.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=VGVT558

Try them all out in a pro camera store. *
You'll quickly see the difference: pro (smooth) and con (weight).

Serious production almost requires that you use the smooth heavy ones.



*Be aware that still camera tripods and video tripods are very different. The fluid head, elevation and dolly options separate the video type.

Example
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bogen-Manfrotto-3046-Tripod-3433-501-Fluid-QR-Head_W0QQitemZ753824...QQcmdZViewItem

[lordsmurf]

If it's too heavy, go to the gym.

[ZAPPER]

If it's too heavy, go to the gym.

I have been looking for a TAAALLLL tripod for shooting above the crowd. I have seen a few online and such but I am a cash and carry kind or guy and the only camera shops that have them on hand don't really want to sell them. (atleast not to poor folks).

The thing about tripods is that there is no easy way to use them. I mean if you are going to set up in one area or event and stay, they are the best, but if you are hiking or at a crowded event and on the move a mono pod may be better. (But you can still use a tri pod like a mono pod)

[pijetro]

Lordsmurf wrote:

I would also vote for BOGEN products. Or MANFROTTO.

I believe Bogen is the North American distributor for Manfrotto..

edDV is totally right..
I bit the bullet, and rented the Bogen 3046 tripod with the 3063 head, and the video turned out to be fantastic..There's no other way you can pan, and tilt with smooth motion..
If you're zooming a lot, then there's no question. This is the best setup for the best price...

Of course, if it's over your budget, then the next best choice IMHO is the Velbon series of tripods..

[thefiddler]

Well I bought the Manfroto 3011BN Tripod, and a 3433 (501) Pro Video Head. My camera is still on the way, but just in testing the variable resitance and fluid heads with my hands, it seems great! I can't wait for the camera to really try them out. Thanks guys for all the help!!!! I think I'm really going to be happy eventhough I spent about $250 instead of the $150 I was going to spend. I think the tripod and head weigh about 3 or 4 times as much as the camera will, but that's okay with me. Like I said, I'm not concerned about weight, just stability, quality, and smooth panning/tilting.

Thanks again for all the input.

[lordsmurf]

I think the tripod and head weigh about 3 or 4 times as much as the camera will,

GOOD! 8)

[edDV]

Where did you find it for $250?
Never mind, I found it.

[andydd]

Three legs ?

[LittleMick35]

A nice and heavy tripod. Forget those little light ones....They just shake and shake and shake...

[andkiich]

I've had good luck with these guys, and decent prices as well.
www.amvona.com

[thefiddler]

I think the tripod and head weigh about 3 or 4 times as much as the camera will,

GOOD! 8)

Yeah, I meant to suggest I was pleased about it. It'll be great!

[thefiddler]

Whoops, I double posted, my bad. This one used to say the same thing as the one above, until I edited it.