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Author Topic: Tripod Recommendations  (Read 3717 times)

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Offline mattmiller

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Tripod Recommendations
« on: May 02, 2012, 03:21:02 PM »
I'm ordering one of these to use to shoot an interview for a marketing video we're putting together.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-VIXIA-Camcorder-Internal-Memory/dp/B004HW7E7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335883408&sr=8-1

I was quite pleased to read that it has a microphone input at this price point.  While I'm sure it's not top HD quality, it'll be more than good enough for our purposes.

What I need now is a tripod for it.  I don't know anything about them.  I can spend $100 or more (probably even $200) if I need to, but I'm not sure what I need.  Basically, I need it to be able to keep the camera absolutely MOTIONLESS for short interview segments, even if there's a light breeze (we'll be shooting the interviews outdoors).  So heavy is probably better (we're not carrying it through the jungle, so weight isn't an issue).  But smooth tilting/panning will also be needed for some landscape footage we'll be shooting.

Any recommendations?  Any other accessories we'll need?  Are sandbags needed for outdoor shooting, or will a heavy/sturdy tripod do the job?
Mics: Neumann KM100 (x4), AK40 (x2), AK50 (x2)
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Offline ScoobieKW

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: May 02, 2012, 03:36:53 PM »
I'd go look on B&H starting with this search.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?srtclk=sort&ci=3909&Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0&N=4291073445+4291073455&mnp=100&mxp=200

With as light of a camera as you are using, you may want a few sandbags. This tripod does have spikes for outdoor, as well as rubber feet that spin down over them.

A fluid ball head with adjustable drag is helpful. You want drag to smooth your pans and tilts, adjustable drag let's you set it based on the mass of the camera.

One thing to think about is height. Depending on how you frame your shots and how tall your subject is, you may need a taller tripod. B&H has a selector that includes max height.

Steve
« Last Edit: May 02, 2012, 03:40:20 PM by ScoobieKW »
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Offline mattmiller

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: May 02, 2012, 06:31:05 PM »
This one is highly reviewed.  With the exception of the drag being fixed, any downside to this one?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/537863-REG/Pearstone_VT_2500B_VT2500B_Video_Tripod_System.html
Mics: Neumann KM100 (x4), AK40 (x2), AK50 (x2)
Pre: Lunatec V3
Recorders: Tascam DR-680, Tascam HD-P2 (x2), Sony PCM-M10

Offline ScoobieKW

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2012, 06:41:13 PM »
it would depend on how tight the drag is. i'd also look at the manfrotto offerings. same reasons for their tripods as their lighting gear. Built well. solid. A bit more expensive, but quality.

Busman BSC1, AT853 (O,C),KAM i2 Chuck Mod (C), Nak 300 (C),
M10, UA-5, US-1800, Presonus Firepod

http://kennedy-williams.net/scoobiesnax/

Offline mattmiller

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2012, 07:24:31 PM »
it would depend on how tight the drag is. i'd also look at the manfrotto offerings. same reasons for their tripods as their lighting gear. Built well. solid. A bit more expensive, but quality.

Gotcha.  So essentially, the tighter the drag, the more muscle it will take to move it, since a lightweight camera won't have the mass to provide any assistance via gravity.
Mics: Neumann KM100 (x4), AK40 (x2), AK50 (x2)
Pre: Lunatec V3
Recorders: Tascam DR-680, Tascam HD-P2 (x2), Sony PCM-M10

Offline Red Boink

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2012, 03:16:37 AM »
Gitzo,  I'd rather have a used gitzo for $x than a new low cost new one.

Offline db

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2012, 08:09:21 PM »
i have a manfrotto 501 fluid head that's pretty great... i found that the tripod is not as important. 
i learned a trick re: panning. loop a rubber band around the handle halfway tight and drag with the resultant loop left and right. makes for a much smoother pan.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2012, 08:11:45 PM by db »
db

Offline Red Boink

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2012, 05:33:22 PM »
Just like recording, quality is subjective.  Someone who uses a tripod a few times a year may not need or want to spend money on a workhorse.  I shoot for a living, have for many years and the lowest I'd recommend is  Gitzo.  There's a whooooole bunch of Chinese knockoffs, and I've heard some horror stories about gear being damaged by tripod faults.  Gitzo is tried and proven in the field for the amatuer and pro. 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/737966-REG/Davis_Sanford_MAGNUMXG_MagnumXG_Tripod_W_FX12_Head.html  I've heard of good performance from this model....  Look at the rest of their line.

Best,

John

Offline ArchivalAudio

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2012, 02:36:07 AM »
I got this one
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=detailsdisc&sku=TFTPVF12
last year, it is no longer available:
Davis & Sanford Provista Heavy Duty Tripod with F12 Fluid Pan Head & Case at the time I paid $109.95

Its goes up over head high, easy to shoot over crowds
Technical Specs
Tripod Legs    Specifications
Max Height w/closed column    78" - Centerpost adjustment 15"
Minimum Height    31"
Closed Length    34"
Leg Sections    3
Max Load Capacity    25 lbs. (tripod)
Weight    9 lbs.
Tripod Head    Specifications
Max load Capacity    12 lbs.
Head height    4"
Quick Release    Yes
Spirit Level    No
Female Thread size (Connect to Tripod)    3/8"-16
Weight    1 lb. 14 oz.
Notes    Tilt Adjustment: 90° up, 90° down
Pan Rotation: 360°
Platform Size: 2 x 2-1/2"


It doesn't look like there are other comparable ones... but I did not do any extensive searching - possibly used.

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Offline ingram

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Re: Tripod Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: August 11, 2012, 08:17:46 AM »

 

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