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Tripod Help

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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
Media and Arts, I don't know too much about tripods. Apparently there are way more factors I need to consider when buying one than I thought. I shoot with a Canon 7d, and I am looking for a heavy duty tripod that I can use on the mountain as well as off. Any recommendations? +K for helpful answers.
Jun 4 2011 9:39AM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Video or photo?
Jun 4 2011 9:43AM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Oh, and what is your budget. Pretty important too.

And just looking for tripod or also ball/fluid head?
Jun 4 2011 9:44AM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
both, but probably more video than photo. and what are the benefits of a fluid or ball head?
Jun 4 2011 9:47AM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
and I'm open to all price ranges
Jun 4 2011 9:48AM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Fluid head is the only way to go. Friction heads are cheaper, but they also don't perform nearly as well.

Manfrotto tripods are good if you're just starting out, but if you want a fluid had that will last more than four years, I suggest saving up for a Sachtler, Vinten, or Miller.
Jun 4 2011 4:24PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
+k, any specific models I should save up for?
Jun 4 2011 6:12PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
For your purposes, I think a Sachtler FSB 4 would be a good buy. Its payload is versatile enough for DSLRs or full size video cameras, and the price is reasonable ($840). It is almost the exact same design as Sachtler's FSB 6 and FSB 8 models, which are well over $1k; the only difference is two spring, which determine payload. In other words, you're getting a $1500 tripod built for smaller cameras for half the price.
Jun 4 2011 6:24PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
Also, If you want a fluid head that works well and is similar to a manfrotto 701 or 501 head but less get this one http://cgi.ebay.com/EI717A-Tripod-Fluid-Drag-Head-Kit-Video-Camera-/120649797912?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item1c1749d118#ht_3341wt_950. I have it and it is pretty nice but if you can get a sachtler or a miller definitely do you wont regret it.
Jun 4 2011 8:49PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,089
You gotta realize that manfrotto and other brands that claim fluid head don't have having fluid heads, they have have "fluid"(meaning smooth) head, they're still frictional.
Jun 4 2011 9:07PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
so what do you recommend?
Jun 4 2011 9:18PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,089
Well, if you're on a budget, the manfrotto 501/701 heads with whatever sticks will work for you, but they'll get worn out eventually. Ive been using my 501 (older one) for almost 4 years now, its starting to break apart, i may be buying a much better one soon. But, for you, a 701/501 system will work and it will only be 2-300 dollars.
Jun 4 2011 9:27PM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 528
I bought that head after reading about it on Cheesycam, and I have to say I'm not really impressed with it at all. It okay for the price, and it's better than the cheap photo tripod I was trying to make due with before, but it is definitely not very well built. the horizontal panning has a good amount of play in it, and it does have some slight sticky spots in both vertical and horizontal axises. I guess you could make it work if you are REALLY on a budget, but if you can manage to spend any more, go for a Manfrotto head or just sack up and get a real fluid head that will last you for a long time.
Jun 4 2011 9:48PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
When I first took it out of the box there was a lot of horizontal play but after messing around with it I noticed a screw was loose on mine and after tightening it there was no more play. Also I may have just had a bad experience with the manfrotto heads but I didn't like them at all.
Jun 5 2011 12:48PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
It isn't a fluid head...

These cheap friction heads are a great quick fix, but they don't stand the test of time. The reason why I always recommend spending more money on a tripod is because it is more financially viable. With a Manfrotto, you will spend about $1k just replacing it after about 8 years. On the other hand, you could spend $1k to begin with and have a tripod that lasts you a decade or more, and is a phenomenally better product. Buy once, cry once.
Jun 5 2011 1:08PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/708726-REG/Manfrotto_701HDV_755XBK_701HDV_Head_w_755XB_Tripod.html


i think i'm going to go with this one
Jun 5 2011 1:15PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,089
if you wanna save some money, check this out too

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/506146-REG/Manfrotto_055XB_Tripod_System_with.html
Jun 5 2011 1:35PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
If you are going to get a Manfrotto, the 701 is a good bet because its just as good as the 501, only smaller/cheaper.

In your situation I would recommend the 055XB legs. The design of the "half bowl" on the 755 is despicable; if you're shooting in any sort of extreme conditions (snow) I guarantee it will malfunction very soon. the 055XB has a center column which is a more simple and durable design.
Jun 5 2011 1:43PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
so should i go with the one eheath just recommended?
Jun 5 2011 2:21PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
If you want a quick fix, yes.
Jun 5 2011 2:23PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
what do you mean by quick fix
Jun 5 2011 2:24PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,089
Meaning the tripod will work well for a few years but it will break down, my 501 head and legs are pushing 4 years of use and they're pretty beat up. The nicer, 1000+ tripods last forever like fks bindings, but its hard to fork out the money especially if you're on a budget, so the cheaper tripods are a quick fix but down the road you might have to deal with it.
Jun 5 2011 2:27PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
ah i see, yeah i don't have the money to put towards a high end tri pod like that. so right now i'm stuck between the 501 and 701, which are both within my price range.
Jun 5 2011 2:41PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,089
the 701 is just newer, the 501 will be cheaper, they'll probably perform the same.
Jun 5 2011 2:42PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Meaning it is only a cheaper solution temporarily. The poor design and durability of those tripods makes them more expensive than the $1,000+ models because you keep having to replace parts as they break down. When you buy a nice tripod, it is an investment.

When I was in high school I easily spent $1,000 replacing my Manfrotto as it fell apart over time. I should have just invested that money in a tripod that would actually have lasted and performed better, but I can understand how that isn't always an option.
Jun 5 2011 2:58PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
it's because i am going to put money towards a glidetrack sd 1m, and a glidecam hd2000 later on. i can't spend 1000+ bucks now because then i will have little money for the other items. while i'm here, is the glidetrack worth it? i don't have the time to construct my own cine dolly, and figured for a decent price it would be effective on a tripod.
Jun 5 2011 3:28PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
You don't have time to drill three holes? You can make a Glidetrack of your own using the bulkier parts from the same manufacturer for a third of the price. I own a Glidetrack SD 1m and I honestly regret not making my own.

Also keep in mind the price of a Glidecam + Glidetrack = the price of a sturdy tripod. Glidecams and sliders are fun and all, but if you don't have a solid tripod, you are going to find yourself using the former all too often. Videos that are all Glidecam get really boring really fast...

Besides, $1k will get you a Sachtler FSB 4 + used Glidecam. Just a thought...
Jun 5 2011 3:43PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
with that in mind, i'm thinking about going with the 701 with 055xb legs, DIY glidetrack (can you help me out on where to get the materials?), and a glidecam 2000HD. i just dont think the 800+ dollar tripod will fly to well by my parents...
Jun 5 2011 4:15PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
Google "Igus slider"
Jun 5 2011 4:29PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
opteka also makes a slider

http://opteka.com/gld200.aspx

http://opteka.com/gld400.aspx

Jun 5 2011 5:37PM
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.cam.
Posts: 1852 - Karma: 48
opteka also makes a slider

http://opteka.com/gld200.aspx

http://opteka.com/gld400.aspx

yes I realize it is just an Igus slider that is already made. I am just showing him it incase he doesnt want to make it himself.
Jun 5 2011 5:39PM
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HeadyTopper
Posts: 1170 - Karma: 97
god the igus website is so damn confusing, i have to apparently request a price for a part?
Jun 5 2011 6:22PM
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BIGben*
Posts: 1942 - Karma: 8
Fluid head, it is worth it. For what one to get i'd go with miller, i have had good experiences.
Jun 5 2011 6:40PM
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