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Manfrotto 501 HDV+ 190 XDB- anyone used this combo/ either of the two?
Posts: 2014
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Karma: 84
Replacing my DSLR tripod. Gonna be wanting to use this for DSLR filming and as a photo tripod, if I feel up to lugging it around.
my DSLR setup (rails, follow focus, mics, small on cam lighting, no matte, not getting any lenses over 200mm in the next while) isn't too heavy and fits under the 6kg weight limit.
I've read tonnes of reviews on both and on the combination of the two. most are quite good, some are mixed. Also read Dan Carr's post on the 503HDV- useful for anyone looking for a video tripod system btw- but still want to know if anyone else has opinions of it.
the system fits in my budget of 250-300$ for new tripod, but only if I order off B+H. I hate ordering things like this without trying first, so im asking M+A.
Has anyone used this combo or the 701 or 503 either?
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i have 501 with the 732 carbon legs. it works well
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i have the exact setup sitting right next to me. works fine!
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I have that setup, my only beef is the legs are secured with hand screws, which work fine, but snaps are way more efficient.
Posts: 2014
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Karma: 84
for some reason I thought you had the 503 hdv, no clue why though.
yeah I knew 1337 has it too. Well I'm about convinced, not stoked on the hand screws but I guess I can get used to it.
is it as heavy as people say? (both generally and top heavy)
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Its a big head and the cheapest legs, def heavy but i mean its a good tripod, its gonna be heavy.
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I have that exact setup. For DSLR shooting at 100mm focal lengths or higher, its absolutely worthless. I'm about to throw mine away even though it "works."
Sachtler FSB 6 ftw
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isn't that like insanely more than my previously stated 250-300$ budget? hah
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ive got teh 701hdv with 190 legs for my t2i
works great
super smooth
quick question for you guys. when storing your fluid head, do you keep the tilt really tight or loose, because i have heard that keeping it tight when storing it may damage it over time?
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Buy once, cry once.
Buying cheap tripods costs more money and time. if you need something to tide you over, you may as well get a REALLY cheap tripod because frankly, $300 is just not worth it. 701 + 190xb might work for DSLR stuff. It's going to be shaky as hell at long focal lengths, but you're definitely not going to have any improvement by getting a 501 or 503. Buying rail support + FF and whip will stabilize your telephoto shots more than a 501 head will.
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Also, for $800 you can get a Sachtler FSB 4 setup, which is actually more optimal for DSLR work from what I've heard. Sure, it's just over twice the price, but its worth it if you want a real fluid head.
Posts: 2014
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Karma: 84
this may be true, but I can't spend more money on one part of my kit than everything else. I'm currently making a bunch of upgrades in preparation for a few shoots and can't really afford to drop 1500 on a tripod... I don't see how what you're suggesting could be seen as anything but ridiculous. that mantra though, "buy once, cry once", is really hard to fulfill if you ask me... somewhere along the line something has to give.
I have 300$ for a tripod, I need a tripod because one broke, and I'm not willing to not buy any of my upgrades because I need a tripod worth a small car
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did you see my post about the FSB 4? Less than half the price of an FSB 6 setup...not ridiculous at all. Besides, if you buy a Bogus 503 setup, I guarantee you're going to spend about $600-$700 over the next 3 or 4 years just replacing the damn thing, which is why I say that you should at least try to get a decent tripod.
What accessories did you have in mind? I can almost guarantee you that they aren't as important as a solid tripod. Also keep in mind that your camera + accessories are all relatively temporary. A good tripod is really the only part of your rig that you keep for years.
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Not to mention that a perfectly new one will produce shite telephoto images in the first place...
Posts: 2014
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Karma: 84
Rails/shoulder rig. this tripod will be for both photo and video. I already have another tripod I'm satisfied with, this one is backup/ slider support (I use light stands as well) and probably just if I want to film with a smaller tripod.
I didn't see your post about the FSB 4, but I don't know if we're quite on the same page as per my requirements.
From what I've seen, the 503 setup will put me back around 250, last me several years and produce the footage I need to, when/ if I use it. I'm not made of money, no one is, but lenses/ actual camera movement equip. comes first for now. If I absolutely couldn't find any options that were going to work at all for sub 300$, I would wait and buy another setup in several years. I do require this second tripod though, and many of the people who own it (i.e. eheath and 1337) produce great stuff with it, so I can't see it to be that terrible.
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I've heard kept it loose. I always have and don't have any problems yet
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While Landis is correct, nobody will listen on this skiing forum.
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apparently a shoulder rig is more important than a tripod...ha!
Posts: 2014
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let me further clarify:
I'm going to be needing a second tripod for a shoot I'm doing in a few months. for this shoot, I need at least two cameras on, and I need movement from both of them. I have a 800$ tripod system going with me that I'm very pleased with. I would be even more pleased if I could use what money I have - before I spend on getting my shoulder rig and some other new items - and get a second tripod. If it's good and works for this shoot, AWESOME. if it lasts a year, sweet, longer than that, I'm stoked.
Point is, I know tripods are the second most important thing in your setup, after your camera. I see your points and I know that really, I should find a way to wait and invest more so I spend less later. problem is I don't really have that option right now. I'm just trying to make the whole thing work, understand?
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check out the video i just posted. I used the setup. I like it for sure!
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haha I do not...This isn't just an issue about durability. What I'm saying is that Manfrotto video tripods are garbage even when they're brand new. Its even more frustrating because they seem to work fine when you operate them, but it isn't until you're viewing the final project on a 1080p TV when you realize that your shots look like crap. They are literally a waste of money. There is no quality difference between a 701 and a 501 or 503, so you might as well spend less than $150 if you really feel like throwing away your money.
NS is turning into Skateperception.
Posts: 2014
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Karma: 84
alright, so all that being said, what you would say is a better alternative where I wouldn't be throwing away my money? Cause I obviously don't want to do that.
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I own a 701, 503 and a Cartoni Focus head. A low range, mid range, and high range on price and quality. Each has their use and I use them all. A 701 and 503 are perfectly capable of smooth, shake free shots, even on the long end of the lens. It comes down to user skill and patience. Durability wise, they hold up if you take care of them. I have tossed my 701 head around without any problems, and my 503 looks like it's been to hell and back, but it still works great. But, like Slandy was saying, don't expect anything amazing. The 701 and 503 are decent heads and are not built as well as higher end heads, but they are certainly two of the best in the price range you're looking in.
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What focal lengths are you talking about? On an HPX170 I could get smooth-ish movement at full telephoto (after about 5 takes, which shouldn't be an issue in the first place), but smooth pan/tilt at 200mm with a 2x extender (or without even) was impossible, and for skiing (big mountain anyway) I find these focal lengths a necessity.
If you're using focal lengths that aren't too long, or are vast pan/tilt movements, a 503 will hold you over. But for any sort of micromovement, you're pretty much hosed. Other people may have had different experiences, but every Manfrotto video tripod I have ever bought had play in the legs and head within a month of moderate use. Any amount of play on a tripod whatsoever pretty much makes it useless unless you're shooting shorter focal lengths or have the camera sitting idol without movement.
Posts: 2014
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Karma: 84
Alright, thanks for that info. I'm not looking for the best tripod for sub 300, just looking for something that works for now. and thanks to slandy for the help too, I don't think the focal length should be an issue; I'm going to be shooting mainly HDSLR on this head and won't be bringing my tele with me even so it's not a problem.
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Yeah dude, the 501 will work great, even the 701 would be fine.
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