Tripod Setups

[Chasebaker]

Ok.. well I was wandering what the best Tripod/Head/ and Lanc Controller setup.

I was looking at the Manfrotto/Bogen products

[Big Country]

I use this tripod/fluidhead combo......
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487786-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_501HDV_525PKIT_525MVB_Tripod_w_501 HDV_3284_.html

and this remote controller......
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=manfrotto+523pro&ci=0&sb=ps&p n=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=produc t.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

[lungbuster12point06]

It really depends on what camera you shoot as to what the "best" setup is............you need to match the weight of your camera to the tripod/head.
I use a Bogen 3221 tripod and 3130 head for my DVX100 and fully extended the tripod is borderline to small, but the head works great and most of the time I only extend one section of the legs so the tripod works well in the field in most cases.

[Chasebaker]

Lets say a GL1 and XL1s?

[Big Country]

ORIGINAL: Chasebaker

Lets say a GL1 and XL1s?

As far as tripods go, I personally like more than I need. Sturdy, no squeek, and stable as can be is IMPORTANT for any footage you even think might go to DVD/TV.

Fluidheads? A 3130 would work for a GL1/2, although it is NOT a fluidhead. It is a glorified panhead suitable for personal videoing with a small camera. It is nowhere near enough for an XL body camera.

Remote controllers.......the 523pro is the nicest, and most expensive one I have tried. You can get one for less. For me, the 523 is the easiest to use, but others will do the same thing for 100 bucks less.

IMO, the most important feature to get in a remote handle is the programmable zoom speed. Few things look worse than a really fast zoom, or pan back.

[MichiganWhitetails74]

I agree...heavy is a pain but its worth it...I used a cheepy on my turkey video and it rolled up on me and squeeked when I was working a bird....mostly my fault because I was not locked down....

[lungbuster12point06]

Beg to differ about the 3130..............it is a fluid head and works really well for cameras up to about 8lbs............The tripod you listed,Bigcountry is a nice one, but how does it work in the turkey woods with that leg spreader, also isn't it extremely cumbersome in the high country for ELK.........that is the type of tripod you would you for studio work,but i can't see it being too practical in the field..........just my opinion.

[Big Country]

Don`t really know what to say?

A 3130 head is basically a toy. It will handle, although not very well, an XL2. An XL2 with a big battery and a wireless mic weighs in at just over 6lbs.

Like I said, the 3130 will handle it....for a brief time.

And actually, I did not find my exact tripod when I hurredly looked for it in B&H. Mine is similar in weight, weight capability, 75mm half ball, etc., but with no spreader. I agree, the spreader would be a pain in the butt while in the field.