Posted by Bill Fright on 11/04/05 00:12

Smarty 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.
>
>
>
> "Steve L." <emailme@myemail.add> wrote in message
> news:Xns970336B46364Femailmemyemailadd@207.115.17.102...
>
>>bernard.newnham@ntlworld.com just HAD to give an opinion in
>>news:1131012958.783781.232600@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:
>>
>>
>>>Have a look at the Vinten Pro 5 -
>>>http://www.vinten.com/product-detail.php?cn=&lang=1&pid=37&fid=4&rid=
>>>- a good machine.
>>>
>>>Bernie
>>>
>>
>>Please Note: The Pro-5 is not available in the USA, Japan, Canada, or
>>South America
>>
>>--
>>Steve L.
>>_________________________________________________________________________
>>_________
>>
>>"Before you criticize someone you should walk a mile in their shoes.
>>This way, you're a mile away when you criticize them and you have their
>>shoes."
>>-- Unknown
>
>
>


I'd reccommend going to a higher end video shop or a video production
rental house. Mount your camera and zoom most the way in on a distant
object and practice panning and tilting. Pay extra attention on how
smoothly you can do tiny moves. Practice also locking and unlocking the
head while your pretending to roll tape. That's really all you'll need
to see the difference in these cheaper tripods. If you can get near a
high quality tripod you'll see instantly why we pay $10,000 for one.

[Back to original message]