Recommend me a new video tripod head

**dipstik** · 08-13-2010, 11:40 AM

I'm looking for advice on a new fluid head and/or new setup altogether.

Right now I am using a Libec H38 head on libec sticks: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Aluminum.html

It's a decent setup, but I'd like to upgrade the head to something with more control over tilts and pans. The head I'm using now is pretty smooth, but offers little in the way of resistance/drag settings. I am shooting with the 5D2 and a Beachtek audio adapter, with an overall weight of <10lbs, depending on lens choice.

The Libec RH25 head looks like a nice upgrade: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ibec_RH25.html

Thoughts on that?

Also, the tripod legs I'm using now are kind of a pain in the ass to adjust, and overall pretty heavy.

Any thoughts on a complete upgrade? I'm not partial to any brand. I'd love something lighter. The Sachtler stuff looks great, but I'm open to suggestions. Overall budget ~$1000-$1200

**Tippster** · 08-14-2010, 10:00 AM

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...bon_Fiber.html

Really good sticks for light cameras - so will do very well with either your DSLR setup or a prosumer cam like the HVX200. Sachtler is the bomb.

**dipstik** · 08-14-2010, 10:37 AM

Dang, that is nice. Question about weight capacity: it says "8.8 lbs" - what happens if one day I rent one of the big heavy telephoto primes from Canon that puts the total weight at 12-15lbs - am I going to damage the tripod head? Or will it just not give me smooth results?

**Tippster** · 08-14-2010, 11:54 AM

It'll shake like shit, and the legs could collapse, I guess... In that case get the FSB-6.

You might want to look into some heavy duty Gitzo legs and a Vinten head. Probably end up around $1500. Not Sachtler, but certainly decent.

Gitzo legs: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ex_Tripod.html

Vinten Head: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0_Pan_and.html

**salomonskiier12** · 10-12-2010, 08:41 AM

hate to jack this thread, but I'm also loooking for a small but good tripod mainly used for filming skiing. it has to be small enough to fit in my pack...any suggestions?

**sklar** · 10-17-2010, 09:30 PM

manfrotto 501 head

**Tippster** · 10-18-2010, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by sklar

manfrotto 501 head

You know, my main beef against this head is that it doesn't have a ball, making it much slower to level - you have to work with all 3 legs to get it flat. If set-up speed isn't an issue then this is a decent fluid head for the money ($170 at B&H right now.)

**kidwoo** · 10-18-2010, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Tippster

You know, my main beef against this head is that it doesn't have a ball, making it much slower to level - you have to work with all 3 legs to get it flat. If set-up speed isn't an issue then this is a decent fluid head for the money ($170 at B&H right now.)

But you can get a tripod with a ball head. That's what I did.

But yeah you are right.....once you've used a leving head, there's no going back.

**JeffreyJim** · 10-18-2010, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Tippster

You know, my main beef against this head is that it doesn't have a ball, making it much slower to level - you have to work with all 3 legs to get it flat. If set-up speed isn't an issue then this is a decent fluid head for the money ($170 at B&H right now.)

What would be the cheapest head that I could level easily (ball)...Just curious.

**kidwoo** · 10-18-2010, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by JeffreyJim

What would be the cheapest head that I could level easily (ball)...Just curious.

A 701 head on a ball leveling tripod.

**JeffreyJim** · 10-18-2010, 10:29 AM

Can I use [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A1VKPM/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER"]Amazon.com: Manfrotto 438 3/8 Ball Camera Leveler - Replaces 3502: Camera & Photo[/ame]

On this [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006HOKU/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6"]Amazon.com: SLIK TRIPODS 504 QF II Video Tripod: Adorama Camera: Reviews, Prices & more[/ame]

**kidwoo** · 10-18-2010, 11:34 AM

Sure.

That's a pretty ghetto head and leg set though.

**JeffreyJim** · 10-18-2010, 11:53 AM

agreed...but what will I *really* gain with a better head or legs at this point? Not doing a whole bunch of panning...

Beast shoots all his stuff on this with my rig and it looks shake free and fine...but then again, I haven't used it so maybe it totally sucks.

I'm already pushing my overall budget BIG TIME!

**Tippster** · 10-18-2010, 12:12 PM

Why would you want a fluid head if you're not panning/tilting?

I wonder what the weight rating for that add-on ball leveler is.

**JeffreyJim** · 10-18-2010, 12:55 PM

Read, I will pan (especially for panoramic type applicaitions) but overall I'll be keep thing things more steady than not. My feeling is fast pan with HDSLR=jellovision.

Weight is T2i+70-200mm lens.

**powdork** · 10-18-2010, 07:20 PM

How is something like this
Bogen Manfrotto 3411 Tripod w/ 3130 Head for $72.50 shipped

I hope it's good cause i won the auction.

**kidwoo** · 10-18-2010, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by JeffreyJim

Beast shoots all his stuff on this with my rig

I rest my case

**dipstik** · 10-18-2010, 07:56 PM

Sachtler just announced the Cine DSLR, basically the FSB6 with a lower minimum weight, and better mount designed for DSLRS, for $1500. My decision is made.

http://www.sachtler.com/en/fluid-head-cine-dslr.html

**kidwoo** · 10-18-2010, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by dipstik

for $1500.

I'll take a dozen!

**powdork** · 10-18-2010, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by dipstik

Sachtler just announced the Cine DSLR, basically the FSB6 with a lower minimum weight, and better mount designed for DSLRS, for $1500. My decision is made.

http://www.sachtler.com/en/fluid-head-cine-dslr.html

that includes the camera, right?

**dipstik** · 10-18-2010, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by powdork

that includes the camera, right?

Yes, and a couple stickers, too, so everyone will know how core you are.

**Tippster** · 10-19-2010, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by kidwoo

I'll take a dozen!

Originally Posted by powdork

that includes the camera, right?

Originally Posted by dipstik

Yes, and a couple stickers, too, so everyone will know how core you are.

I know it seems expensive, but honestly there's NOTHING as smooth as a Sachtler Head for <40lb (read non-Cine) heads. Period.

The tripod/head combo I'm trying to talk my boss into buying for me is this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...r_Hot_Pod.html

Yes, you saw right. ~$5500. I'd honestly prefer the $7.5k one but am trying to look like I'm saving them money.

That head Dipstick posted is for pros, not Dentists. Keep in mind they're not marketing it to you guys, but for the dudes who are showing up at press events with multi-person crews including audio, DSLRs rigged with matte boxes, and producers.

Jeebus help us all.

**PowderAlltheTime** · 10-19-2010, 10:48 PM

On the other end of the spectrum. This guy raves about this one for DSLR's on the cheap.

http://cheesycam.com/hidden-treasure...id-head-717ah/

**skiandbike** · 10-20-2010, 06:36 PM

On the other end of the spectrum.

I actually picked up that head in a 75mm bowl mount with a set of tripod legs off Amazon recently. All metal except for a switch or two. Not bad for the price ($150 for the kit, looks like it is discounted down to $140 now) and the Chinese company that makes these (Ningbo/Weifeng/Fancier/ePhoto...all the same) is the largest tripod manufacturer in the world. Tilt drag is adjustable. Pan drag seems to be set at a fixed resistance.

Is it a Sachtler? Absolutely NOT. Will it work if you're considering a 701/501 and already in the budget realm? So far signs point to yes. No stickers though.