Need help with tripod shopping

T

that1guyy

I'm looking for a tripod, and have this one in mind.

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/MT294A3/_/294_ALU_TRIPOD_3_SECTIONS

I haven't filmed anything with it, but I have messed around with its adjustments. Its very sturdy (as far as I can tell), and can reach a height of 71.5" (when the pipe thing is extended). The guy at the video store was very convincing when he said this is great for someone getting into video.

It comes with this head:

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.31708.76884.0.0/804RC2/_/Basic_Pan_Tilt_Head_with_Quick_Lock

All for about $170. The head is fairly smooth and can rotate three ways. It's not a fluid head, and the handles are a bit too short.

But is this fine for someone wanting to shoot with a small camcorder and a DSLR? I think I can buy a fluid head so which one should i buy? Or will the complimentary one suffice?

I've been looking at this head:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/481667-REG/Manfrotto_501HDV_501HDV_Pro_Video_Head.html

Is this smooth, reliable, and worth the money? Also, will it work with the tripod I have in mind? I'm lost when it comes to this stuff so throw me some advice please!
 
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I own that head. It's okay. For DSLR you might consider the Bogen 701, I think it's more suited to a light camera. It's actually not easy to get a really good tripod system for DSLR's because most higher end systems are designed for much heavier cameras. I have a Libec DV22, it's not bad, not great, but not bad, at least it has some counter balance settings. I talked to a libec rep and he said it's really the only unit they have suitable for DSLR despite the fact they make much more expensive units.
 
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Thanks BrianLuce. Since I posted this topic I have found out about this tripod head:

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8374.31708.83523.0.0/MH055M8-Q5/_/055_MAG_PHOTO-MOVIE_HEAD_Q5

It seems to be perfect for someone like me who is planning on using a camcorder and DSLR on short notice. If anyone has any experience with it, please share. I want to know how smooth it is and how well the counterbalance thing works.

Oh and another open question for anyone: are all manfrotto tripods compatible with all manfrotto heads? The Q5 photo-video head I posted will work with the 294 tripod?

Thanks in advance!
 
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I have some light duty Manfrotto's and they are basically still tripods, but will work in a pinch with a ball head for DSLR and small camcorder applications for static shots. Leveling these tripods is the pain and the ball head will make life easier.

Next up the ladder would be tripods with a 75mm bowl which opens up the world a bit.
 
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that1guyy said:
The new Q5 hybrid head I'm looking at has multiple bubble things on it to help level it. That's good enough right?
Click to expand...

Not really. You are still stuck leveling the tripod instead of the head. Leveling the head takes 4 seconds, leveling the tripod is an art of doing it 10,000 times for reliable results that are always ballpark guesstimates.
 
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