Help finding tripod for video camera.

[vid83]

I am having a difficult time finding a tripod for my compact camera and my consumer miniDV video camera. There are so many to choose from and I do not have a store around me where I can go and test a tripod.

The tripod I have right now is a cheap $20-$30 tripod that I purchased from Circuit City. When I pan, the movement is jerky and the head makes a squeeking sound. This sound is picked up by the camcorder's microphone.

So I need a tripod that has a smooth pan and does not squeek. I prefer 3-way pan/tilt.

My budget is at most $100.

I have narrowed down to the Manfrotto 718B, Velbon DF-60, and Velbon Videomate 607.

If you have other suggestions, let me know.

[Soopafresh]

The Velbons are pretty good for the money

[vid83]

Anyone else have suggestions?

I think I narrowed it down to the Manfrotto 718B and Velbon Videomate 607.
I like the Manfrotto 718B for it's professional look but when reading the reviews for the Velbon 607, many commented on how the pan is smooth and not jerky.

[minidv2dvd]

i'd second velbon, i like the way my 607 works. it's hard to beat for the price about $70

[vid83]

i'd second velbon, i like the way my 607 works. it's hard to beat for the price about $70

Good. You have the 607. Can you tell me whether it squeeks as you turn it? My current tripod, when the video camera is mounted, squeeks as it is panned.

[Soopafresh]

Anyone else have suggestions?

I think I narrowed it down to the Manfrotto 718B and Velbon Videomate 607.
I like the Manfrotto 718B for it's professional look but when reading the reviews for the Velbon 607, many commented on how the pan is smooth and not jerky.

Smooth pan on a low budget tripod is paramount. Velbon is an oustanding deal.

[zoobie]

craig's list

[minidv2dvd]

no squeaks. it's a fluid head, not a plastic sliding sleeve like most cheap tripods. wd-40 or silicon spray could probably get rid of the squeak on your old one.

[zoobie]

heavy duty?

[minidv2dvd]

hehe. the best part it's only 6-7 lbs. i have humped it with a cam for miles, not something that can be done with real "heavy duty" tripods with fluid heads.

[zoobie]

I had a little travel tripod like that
wait 'till you knock it over...

I swear a pro tripod is going to cost more than a HDV handycam pretty soon...

[lordsmurf]

Manfrotto makes good equipment.

[maxtrack]

Do searches for use tripods. I just scooped up a Manfrotto 161 with a head (160) for $300 Cdn. Found it on a used gear site. Someone somewhere isn't using their pro tripod anymore and are trying to sell it.