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Posted by CCMiami on 05/15/06 22:43
I just ordered & received one of these "pro" Sony tripods (VCT-1170RM) and I
would appreciate some comments on what I should expect for $350 (List $500)
as I don't have a lot of experience with higher end tripods.
I am using this with a Sony HDR-HC1, I tried to tape my daughters play the
other day and my old-old still camera tripod just didn't cut it. But, this
is just for amateur stuff and frankly $350 was about twice what I was
expecting to spend on a tripod. But, I really liked the remote control and
wanted a solid, smooth motion. From the news group comments I could see the
Bogen's are preferred by the pro's, but I couldn't seem to find a reasonably
priced combination that had the video head and multi-speed zoom remote
control so I opted for the Sony package. (I did see notes about buying the
cheap Sony and taping the remote to a better tripod - but yuck!)
Reactions to the Sony - while the motion is smooth, there is some "backlash"
in the movement when I let go of the handle. On the horizontal it is not
that bad, perhaps 1 inch when zoomed out 20 ft away. Vertically it is not
balanced and tends to creep up when I let go of the handle - it will then
settle down but I would have to hold the handler the entire time to keep it
steady. There does not seem to be any way to balance it, there are some
holes that may be intended for some weights, but I don't think they would
hold sufficient weight to compensate. So, how are these usually balanced,
if at all?
Also, for a Tripod that should be "matched" to the camera there are some
issues, the removable plate would normally be convenient but it prevents
BOTH the tape and battery from being able to be removed, so it has to come
off to change either. The plate is not the same is the Bogen monopod I have
(that doesn't interfere with the battery).
The tripod sticks are very solid and it has reasonable weight for stability
and transport. The remote works quite well and it is easy to do a slow
zoom.
So, any thoughts? I can still return this but don't want to spend more
(would like to spend less). I really like the idea of a remote but all the
ones I could find that are variable zoom cost a lot.
Thanks!
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