Best Head for Video with a 5d II

[Okami]

Thought you guys in this part of the forum might know a little more about this. What tripod heads would you recommend for a camera like the 5d II for video?

Thanks!

[FlyingPhotog]

Depends on how much glass you hang off the front.

Smaller glass would be fine with just about any mid-grade video pan head. As the glass gets bigger, give more consideration to fluid heads as they dampen motion better and allow for more aggressive drag settings.

You actually want to have a little tension to work against so the camera doesn't wander on you.

[Okami]

Thanks for the reply FlyingPhotog

Do you have any specific models you can recommend of both? I'm not really sure what a midgrade pan head consist of

[FlyingPhotog]

Thanks for the reply FlyingPhotog

Do you have any specific models you can recommend of both? I'm not really sure what a midgrade pan head consist of

I wish I could name some right off but since I work in television for a living, I've tended to avoid it when I'm not at work...

This is the link to the Bogen/Manfrotto "Consumer Video" section at B&H which should give you some idea of what's available at a "moderate" price point.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/5137/Camcorder_Tripods_Support_Bogen_Manfrotto_Tripod_S ystems.html

One thing I can tell you is you do need to pay attention to the reccomended weights that can be supported. If you go too heavy, a fluid head can begin to bind and that defeats the purpose of having a fluid head .. Smoothness...

Pro gear can easily run $5K and up with full on pedestle systems costing upwards of $50K :shock:

Sorry I can't be of more help off the cuff...

Good Luck

[Chandler.]

I have no experience with video, but I intend to change that with the 5DII. Looking around on B+H, I found this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=workaround.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=336011&is=REG#features

It's rated for 18 pounds. Is that okay? Too much?