Tripods and fluid heads

Weifeng 717 and 718 heads and tripods topic

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 14:10:53 +0000

Just most popular entry level normal video tripods and heads.

Available at:

Heads are also available at our deals (as part of carbon tripods) : http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/1325/special-deals-weifeng-carbon-video-tripods-and-monopods

Tripod legs with mid-level spreader

Panamedia — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 22:45:12 +0000

I am looking for a tripod with a mid-level spreader under ~4lbs with a max height of +60" and also have a removable head. The only tripods with mid-level spreaders are usually either the really cheap ones that don't have removable heads or else are really big/heavy. The best/closest tripod I could find is the Velbon DV7000 which weighs 5.62 lbs. Anyone have any suggestions?

How It's Made - Camera Tripods

MikeLinn — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 16:37:31 +0000

Libec LX5 vs WEifeng FT-9901 vs Something else

Matrikula — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 13:47:15 +0000

Hello everyone, I just joined in after few months of reading and getting a lot of useful info. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience and knowledge. Here is my question. I'm about to build up a gear I plan to use for shooting mostly corporate stuff, reviews of IT equipment and some nature/landscape shots for some tourist organisation. I'm starting from scratch, but I'm trying to skip regular beginner stuff and get something that will be a bit future proof. I'm in search for a good tripod. I'm aware that this is one of the most important piece of equipment and "more you spend, better", however I'm trying to balance between budget and availability. At the moment I can get one of these three and maybe some Manfrotto. I know that Weifeng is good for a start but I'm trying to go step further. My budget is around $500 maybe a bit on top if its really worth it. My No1 pick at the moment is Libec LX5. I couldn't find any info about it on forum, so I'm wondering did anyone used it and how good it is comparing to regular Velbons, Weifengs etc.? Oh yes, the equipment that goes on it: GH2+Metabones Speedbooster+Sigma18-35/1.8+Basic rig with Fotga follow focus+maybe Fotga Mattebox

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/861077-REG/Libec_LX5_M_LX5_Tripod_With_Pan.html/prm/alsVwDtl

Tripods Organization

MikeLinn — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:01:29 +0000

What Fluid Head is this!?!?

fotosiamo — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 01:37:07 +0000

So my friend bought a Davis & Sanford 7518 tripod recently off Amazon, but instead of getting the popular FM18, she got a V18 fluid head, a model I've never seen before and can't even find any info on Google, Amazon, or B&H.

Anyone heard of this? Someone said that it's a rebadged fluid head, but he doesn't know which one. It does seem smoother than the FM18, though.

Benro, new 2012 lineup, amazing, light video tripods and fluid heads

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:43:08 +0000

This family of tripods is made to close significant gap in video tripod offers.
As we either had cheap plastic heads on very bad legs with good weight, or full fledged video tripods with big metal heads. Both of them are not best company to your small camera if you are travelling or like to walk a lot.

Send me personal message (on the left column at http://www.personal-view.com/talks/profile/1/Vitaliy_Kiselev ) if you want to purchase it.

Benro Video Tripod AF2

Price: $205
Shipping: Includes fast express shipping for US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ/Western Europe. Contact me for any other regions. Packing: Very good padded bag for tripod and good packing.

Benro Video Tripods AF4 and CF4

Price: $380 (Alu) and $530 (Carbon)
Shipping: Includes fast express shipping for US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ/Western Europe.Contact me for any other regions.
Packing: Very good padded bag for tripod and good packing.

Benro Video Tripods AF6 and CF6

Head looks good, with such light package it has counterbalance adjustment.

Price: $545 (Alu) and $680 (Carbon)
Shipping: Includes fast express shipping for US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ/Western Europe. Contact me for any other regions.
Packing: Very good padded bag for tripod and good packing.

Separate video heads, S2, S4, S6

See all data above.

Price: $115 (S2), $175 (S4), $240 (S6)
Shipping: Includes fast express shipping for US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ/Western Europe. Contact me for any other regions.
Packing: Usual.

Very good package if you are tired by big video tripod.

It has levelling base, so you can have advantage of ball type tripods on such light package.

Fluid heads are also video oriented. And it is really light.

All tripods come with good padded bag.

Send me personal message (on the left column at http://www.personal-view.com/talks/profile/1/Vitaliy_Kiselev ) if you want to purchase it.

E-image Tripods, for example EG10A2 Tripod Kit

AlecR — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 10:54:16 +0000

Hi guys,

I'm Alec and this is my first post.

I have just purchased the E-image EG10A2 tripod kit and I will be posting my initial thoughts when I receive it tomorrow. After having a bad experience with the Manfrotto 504HD head (very noisy during movement of the head), I decided it was time to up my budget which should hopefully give me a much better experience and this tripod kit had all my requirements; namely, being suitable for DSLRs (it has a payload range of 0 to 10KG) so hopefully it'll be perfect for my Panasonic GH2 with 14-42mm lens.

I have heard good and bad things about E-Image. The good comments seem to be that their products match (or even surpass) the quality of similar heads, legs, etc. from Manufacturers such as Manfrotto (which, as I said above, I had a bad experience with, with their 504HD head). The negative comments seem to be that they are cheaply made, but I hope this isn't the case with this kit (it did cost me £850 after all!) If it ends up being terrible, I will certainly be returning it (I have a 7 day returns policy), but hopefully it doesn't come to that!

Has anybody experienced this kit/head or similar products from E-Image/Fancier/Weifeng? Please let me know what you think.

High-end asian tripods

Sangye — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 11:28:48 +0000

Anyone know anything about this brand? I've been seeing them on eBay lately while looking for a good deal on a used Sachtler tripod.

Basically, their line-up looks like clones of Sachtler, except for about 1/4 the price ($1000 instead of $4000).

I have my doubts about the fluid head, but the tripod itself might give brands like Sachtler, Miller, or O'connor a good run for their money.

For example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-For-Red-Epic-Scarlet-Cage-Rigs-With-Fluid-Head-For-video-Cam-/251550030885?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a918cdc25

Fancier FC-270A tripod, 717 tripod alternative

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:58:38 +0000

I strongly recomment FC-720A, not FC-270.

And if you have money best is to look at higher models, ala one on our deals, as head and sticks are much much better.

You can get custom colors tripod now :-)

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 23:44:49 +0000

http://www.mefoto.com/byo/intro.aspx

Monopods with legs

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Good monopod with max. load capacity of 4 kg. Comes with fluid head.

Price: $218

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Monopod-Leg-with-Fluid-Video-Head-Max-load-10kg-DSLR-Camera-AS-561BHDV-1-/

Slightly smaller similar monopod without head

Price: $135

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Monopod-Leg-with1-4-or3-8-thread-Max-load-10kg-Stabilizer-Bag-AS-561BHDV-1-/140976646022

Oben monopod

Maximum height 167.6 cm
Price: $99

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oben-ACM-2400L-4-Section-Aluminum-Self-Standing-Monopod-with-Mini-Legs-/110825261538

Benro monopods - A48FBS4 and A38FBS2

S4 head is better, of course. S2 has not so good feedback.

Price: $199 and $139 correspondingly

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Benro-A38FBS2-Video-Monopod-3-Leg-Base-with-Flip-Lock-Legs-S2-Head-Brand-New-/130898962435

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Benro-A48FBS4-Video-Monopod-3-Leg-Base-with-Flip-Lock-Legs-S4-Head-Brand-New-/181132385533

Giottos MM5580 Monopod

Price: about $100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Giottos-MM5580-P-Pod-Pro-Performance-Aluminum-Monopod-with-tilt-head-CASE-/370800936797

Suggestions on a tripod head to buy for these legs?

Richard_Blood — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:48:39 +0000

I've got a pretty decent pair of legs that currently hold a equatorial mount and telescope. I'm looking for a decent head to mount on this for my gh2 and future cage/shoulder rig etc. Any suggestions? Or am I pissing into the wind on this?

Review on Benro Aero and where to buy in Europe?

yskunto — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 02:04:59 +0000

Hi, I am in search of Benro Aero S2. Is there any of you that already use this tripod with Lumix G6, GH1, or GH2? What is your opinion? Anyone has any idea where I could buy it in the Netherlands or in the Europe? Thanks.

Fluid head (+ tripod) for Panasonic G6

AlecR — Mon, 26 May 2014 06:24:33 +0000

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a fluid head (and a tripod, but the fluid head is more important) for the Panasonic G6 and a 14-42mm lens.

I'm looking for a tripod preferably with variable drag on the pan and tilt and also counterbalance that actually works with the G6 (i.e. not so the camera is pulled back, not so the counterbalance does nothing).

I haven't got a budget as such - just interested to see what there is.

UK BTW.

Thanks!

need advice for a small/medium tripod with fluid head

peaceonearth — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 04:46:02 +0000

I am looking for a small/medium tripod with fluid head for my B-Cams like BMPCC, 5DM3. Sometimes the cameras come with with 5" monitor and PadPrompter mounted. Actually I am using one of the Weifeng carbon tripods with a Manfrotto 438 Ball Leveler which can be a pain to find the level. I don't do much panning, it's almost for a second angle on interviews. It should be light for traveling by plane. I was reading the tripod & fluid head topics but still feel helpless. Thanks!

502HD head

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:28:04 +0000

Manfrotto introduced the new 502 professional video heads into their family of products. The 502 heads are designed to provide videographers and photographers with the ideal camera support for the latest equipment and setups.

This 502 head series is available in two models: the MVH502A and the MVH502AH, both compatible with the latest digital video camcorders and hybrid DSLR cameras with medium/long lenses. The MVH502A is equipped with a 75mm ball base, while the MVH502AH comes with a flat base with 3/8-inch thread. The company says the 502 series is guaranteed to offer the “same dynamic performance” that Manfrotto products are known for, thanks to the brand’s patented bridge architecture.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-502-Video-Head-MVH502AH/dp/B005ZMWSGC

Ballhead / Videohead for single tripod and slider

vstardust — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 08:13:22 +0000

I'm looking forward to support my motorized 75cm slider using one tripod only. Overall weight on slider is about 4kg. The problem is that I haven't found good solution to attach the slider to the tripod.

Do you guys have similar setups or have recommendations for sturdy ballheads or videoheads that could do the job? Manfrotto 701HDV videohead or Benro B2 ballhead weren't sturdy enough. Ideal solution would be a sturdy lockable tilt head, but I haven't been able to find any.

iFootage MogoPod

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:01:10 +0000

Jeiyeng JY0506H fluid head

TheLoneRoger — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 08:46:21 +0000

Just come across this new (well to me anyway) Chinese fluid head and wondered if anyone has tried one or knows anything about them? They seem to be even cheaper than the Weifeng 717's, but I can't find any reviews...

Suggestions for damping gloop

TheLoneRoger — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 04:07:33 +0000

I was unhappy with the heavy pan action of my Weifeng 717 head, so I cleaned out the sticky gack inside the mechanism and replaced it with grease. Now guess what - it's too loose. Any suggestions for something I can put in there to increase the friction so that it's somewhere between the two extremes? The mechanism is fairly basic, and theres no real drag adjustment, it's either locked or free, so I'm not sure that just using a heavier grease will really help, but whatever the sticky crap was that was in there before was, it was way too thick.

Manfrotto 701/500 or 502 head with GH2

IS2 — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 16:00:14 +0000

Hey everyone,

I've been heavily researching tripods and tripod heads to get some smooth panning and tilting with my GH2 and have read so much I've ended up going around in circles becoming probably more confused than when I started.

My setup weight-wise at the moment is literally just a GH2 with a 25mm 1.4 pany prime or a 12-35mm pany zoom. Although this is my current setup, I do not want to purchase a tripod/head that will restrict me from building a rig if I decide to do so within the future.

I originally intended on buying 190PROBX legs with a 701HDV fluid head for my video work. However, after doing some research I've come to the conclusion that it will probably be better to pay a little more and go with the more sturdy 055XPROB legs to minimise vibrations, enable a little more future-proofing and also make my tripod more stable when extended. Correct me if you believe otherwise.

The part I'm most confused about is the head. I need a fluid head which will be smooth for video work for sure, but throughout my research I've come across people who have slated the 701HDV for not having control over the drag of the head and a few other reasons (which I can't quite think of right now - I'm very tired). My search also brought me to look into the 501 head, but I read that a number of people were actually shocked at the 501 head performance coming in below the 701HDV, which was a shame. The 501 also (according to my research once again) isn't actually a true fluid head like the 701 and actually works on grease or something instead.

Then I've been looking at the 502 head (which I think is great looking btw), but I have a number of concerns about that. Firstly, the size of the 502 seems to be extreme and whilst size doesn't put me off a huge amount if it's worth the performance, I'm wondering if a tiny GH2 on its own (and in the future the slightly larger GH3) will be completely wrong for this head. Is the 502 simply excessive for my camera (even if I decided to rig it up)? This leads me to my next concern which is counter balance - what's up with that? I've read about the counter balance potentially causing many issues with a GH2 because it's too light to work properly in a number of ways.

So as you can see, I'm having a bit of an issue making this decision. I'm looking for a head that will give me that flawless panning etc that people seem to attribute to the 502's performance (and I like the extra control that the 502 has), but is it overkill? Is the 701HDV really a contender against the 502? Can I achieve the same performance with that head and will it be a longer-term investment like the 502 could be?

Travel Tripod

Tommyboy — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:25:21 +0000

Hi Guys,
Any suggestion on a compact travel tripod for our GH2? This is strictly for traveling purposes so weight along with its stability is important.
I’ve used SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Manfrotto MH055M8-Q5 055 MAG Photo-Movie Head in the past and I would like to find a similar solution even more compact and as good as or even better than SLIK PRO 700DX.

Thanks!

Half bowl adapter for tripods

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:18:50 +0000

Made for 75mm fluid heads. Allow to mount many other stuff.

Price: Less than $90 shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Multi-Function-al-DSLR-Camera-Tripod-Head-Cage-Rig-For-75-60-50mm-Adapter-5D2-D4-/251214822420

Connecting Manfrotto MVH500A/AH fluid head and MT190XPRO4 tripod

PeterParkorr — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 14:09:51 +0000

I bought both of these items (the head with half bowl) and they both have a male 3/8" connector...

Not sure how they should attach? The Manfrotto video tripod legs (755XB) also have the same 3/8" attachment I think so unless it is female (and it doesn't look to be), am I missing something?

I thought the half bowl itself would have movement to allow me to level my camera without adjusting tripod legs, but it was rigid so I've reboxed it and returning for the flat base fluid head instead. I guess the flat base means a female 3/8" connector?

Only problem then being I need everything ready for Friday!!

Head being returned: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/lightweight-fluid-video-head-60mm-half-ball Head on the way: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/lightweight-fluid-video-head-flat-base Tripod: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/aluminium-tripod-4-section-190

Quick release adapters and QR plates

Zoke — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:56:08 +0000

I've recently purchased a GH1 while waiting for the GH2 hack. I have not received either camera's yet but I was wondering which quick release adapter & plate that is commended for tripod and shoulder rig on which the battery would still be accessible? With Google I find a few and some people recommend Acratech 2173 QR. Any tips?

Fancier HF-314CT tripod +HF501H head reviews?

marx92 — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:29:25 +0000

Has anyone found any reviews of this tripod, or uses it themselves. This tripod-head combo is for sale on the carbon tripods' Deals topic. Seems quite nice, but even when googled, it doesn't give any information about it.

Thanks

looking for a monopod with heavy base plate

olli66 — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 03:10:57 +0000

I want to place a camera at a concert stage and want it to be stable but not taking up too much space saw Springsteen using several "robot" cameras, all on single leg with heavy base plate on the ground, like an umbrella on your balcony...you know what I mean... any suggestions or alternatives for what I am looking for thanks for any tips

Looking for high, sturdy and stable stands for mounting projectors + more

dtr — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 06:51:05 +0000

This is somewhat of a tangent but I have a feeling some of you might have good tips for me. I'm a media artist and in 1 of my main projects I use 3 or 4 projectors and motion tracking camera's mounted on DIY stands at about 1,80m height. Attached are pics of one stand.

The components of these stands are large and heavy to transport and slow to assemble. I'd like to improve that situation and am looking into foldable camera/light/speaker stands. Main issue is that they have to be extremely stable. My system requires very precise calibration of projectors and cameras. Once set it shouldn't move by the slightest amount. All light and speaker stands that I have seen so far have a certain amount of play in them so wouldn't be usable.

The big and heavy Manfrotto camera stands look like they would fit the bill well, though that's a costly solution: http://www.manfrotto.com/super-professional-tripod-mk2 in combo with something like http://www.manfrotto.com/405-geared-head for easy positioning (would have to work out a way to connect the beamers to the head, obviously the half-couplers I have now won't work)

Do you guys have other ideas for me?

Special deals: Carbon video tripods and monopods

Vitaliy_Kiselev — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 08:55:28 +0000

Look at photo like tripods and monopods below the video tripods section.

Most deals moved to

http://www.personal-view.com/deals/overview#tripods-monopods-and-fluid-heads

Video tripods

Tripods offered have FC-04H head (modified version):

With stepless adjustable counterbalance, and stepless adjustable pan and tilt drag.

Counterbalance range is 1-3kg (free extra spring included for 3-6kg).

Weight: 1.8kg;

Check additional details and price.

New NEST tripods

NEST is top chinese produced premium tripods. Best option if you want to be sure in your gear.

Carbon transformers with amazing ball head.

Check additional details and price.

New Fancier tripods specially made for HDSLR owners

Light, sturdy, with ability to transform, you can also get optional telescopic center column to big heigh to get unusual angle.

Compact, but fully metal fluid head. Work good for photo also.

Both kits come with very good padded bags.

Check additional details and price.

E-Image Carbon Monopod with fluid head.

High quality and sturdy thing, not very light due to head (of course, you can remove head if you want).

Price: $189
Shipping: Includes express shipping for US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ/Western Europe. Ask for others.
Packing: Usual. Good padded bag for monopod.

E-Image Carbon Monopod with QR.

Light, with big diameter carbon tubes used and adjustable metal clamps.

Price: $149
Shipping: Includes express shipping for US/Canada/UK/Australia&NZ/Western Europe. Ask for others.
Packing: Usual. Good padded bag for monopod.

Click on http://www.personal-view.com/faqs/deals/deals-how-to if you want to purchase any of this items.