Posted by Bill Farnsworth on 11/03/05 23:43

"Smarty" <nobody@nobody.com> wrote
> Thanks Bernie and Steve,
>
> A little research on this Vinten item convinced me that it would be an
> excellent choice were it not for the availability (here in the U.S.) and
> also the price if shipped from the U.K. (roughly $550).
>
> I have seen references to a Manfrotto (Bogen) fluid head tripod selling
> for about $300 at http://www.adorama.com/BG3221WN501.html and there are
> apparently less expensive ones as well.
>
> Should I avoid these $300 and below tripods in favor of the recommended
> $550 and above products?
>
> It's really difficult to assess how much benefit to expect by doubling the
> cost. Both choices seem sturdy (since they claim to support the camcorder
> weight easily) and both seem relatively light-weight as well.
>
> I still don't quite get it.
>
> Thanks again.
>

And considering that you are spending about $3000~43600 for a camera then it
is not unreasonable to spend $600.00 for a tripod system.
Yeah, I know, you would rather put the money to something else. I can't
blame you.

Consider your tripod system much the same as an artist's brush. They come in
many grades. You need the right one for the job.

Talent and experience aside, good, smooth, full range motion is made much
easier with the right tripod and head for the camera that is sitting on it.
This is especially true in situation where you only have one opportunity to
get the shot.
Then again, if the shot is repeatable, you don't want the reason for the
multiple takes to be because your tripod is not good enough for what you are
asking it to do. You want multiple takes to be because of issues in other
departments.......... NOT THE CAMERA DEPT.
Lightweight tripods, much like the type used for consumer grade still
photography are not going to give you a solid plant wherever the shot is
suppose to be set up.
Even with the best fluid head available, the weak link is the one between
the head and the ground. Lightweight tripods have a real tendency to release
there stored energy from the move much sooner than ones with heavier double
supported legs. Simply put, they move around too easily.
Sure, you can carry extra weight in one form or another to make up for some
of the problem. But, why carry an additional bit of.......something with you
when all you really need is just a heavier set of sticks?
But don't get carried away. You still gotta move around. Now, throw mid
level spreaders in there a ball base and you have a pretty stable platform
to put a fluid head that will support your camera and accessory weight.
Remember, the head should have as a minimum; Ball base. Fluid filled pan.
Pan lock. Tilt lock. Pan friction adjustment. Tilt friction adjustment.
Bubble balance. Quick release plate. Quick release lock.
There are many levels you can take this. The system that I own is the
O'Connor 1030B-3 http://www.ocon.com/systems.htm . And that is just a mid
priced professional system.

Good luck. Good hunting.

Bill F.
www.billfarnsworthvideo.com

[Back to original message]