Video Tripod Setups. Stuck between two different ones.

So Ive been trying to figure out a good tripod/head combo to go with for video. Right now Im looking at these two setups in the $750 range:

1. Manfrotto 546B Tripod w/ Manfrotto 519 Head LINK
   
2. Manfrotto 546B Tripod w/ Manfrotto 504HD Head LINK

the 540HD is a new head, i'm not seeing it listed on their site yet. The 519 is a bit older, rated up to 10kg (your rig is 4.6kg and after camera and a lens you're probably around 7kg so that's fine, unless you have tons of accessories mounted to it). Because of the foot design it won't be the most friendly to be taking into the wilderness so if you're sticking mostly to indoors or at least decently-flat surfaces you'll be good. (The cross-braces aren't on the bottommost feet, though, so that's a plus.)

Im sorry, that was my mistake, its not a 540, its the 504HD. I mis-typed that and fixed it above. That being the case now which head is a better choice? Or should I be looking at another?

And no, this setup more than likely wont be out in any wilderness, as Im figuring more indoor use or someones lawn at most.

ben_r_ wrote in post #12652502
So Ive been trying to figure out a good tripod/head combo to go with for video. Right now Im looking at these two setups in the $750 range:

1. Manfrotto 546B Tripod w/ Manfrotto 519 Head LINK
   
2. Manfrotto 546B Tripod w/ Manfrotto 504HD Head LINK

Same set of legs, two different heads, both kits come with the same carrying bag, same price and Im not sure which would be best to go with. I will be mounted a Redrock Micro Shoulder Rig onto this like this one: LINK

Is there another brand/combo I should be looking at?

Any input is always welcome. Thanks all in advance.

The 504 head is better suited for a light body such as a HDSLR whereas the 519 is designed more for an ENG shoulder mounted camcorder.

If you use a camera which is too light for the head you are asking for less than suitable results.

Wayne

Chippy569 wrote in post #12653426
Because of the foot design it won't be the most friendly to be taking into the wilderness so if you're sticking mostly to indoors or at least decently-flat surfaces you'll be good.

Why is that??

Wayne

Yea thats what I think Im going to end up going with. There is very little out there on the 519 and the 504HD seems to be getting a lot more publicity and from that what I have seen I do really like. I dont see that the 546B legs are amazing by any standards, but Ill probably end up replacing those someday with a set of Gitzo 3 series legs and a bowl adapter or something like that.

ben_r_
I have 504hd kit (546)for dslr , 400mm 2,8 and 1d body going close to 8kg load.
400mm + ex 2.0 = 800mm working nice and smooth , balance is not perfect but this is "cheap kit" .
Working fine but still my dream will be this baby and that balance

https://www.youtube.co​m …0&feature=playe​r_embedded

and 504hd

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=gDyaMZdhOBA


Dariusz

Oh yea, Id LOVE a SACHTLER. Not there yet though. I will someday. I went with the 504HD and 546B combo and so far its seems decent enough to get me through until I can get a real video tripod/head setup.

I have the 504hd/546b set and I don't think you'll be disappointed at all =)

ideally the counterbalance would be a little more adjustable than just 3 settings but it gets the job done.

Yea it seems to be pretty darn solid and the counter balance works decent enough if you keep the load low.

Well that didnt last long... Ended up selling the 546B legs and picking up a set of Gitzo GT3541LS legs with a 75mm bowl adapter. There was nothing wrong with the 546B legs, they were just heavy and slow to setup. That and I have always wanted a 3 series Gitzo to compliment my Gitzo Traveler 1541T/Markins Q3T travel/hiking setup. So this way I have the 3 series doing double duty for photography and videography.

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If your going to spend 700+ then a used sacthler would be a better option. The Manfrotto heads still stick on starts of pans/tilts. Once you try a sachtler and then go play with a manfrotto, you will notice the slight stickiness I'm referring too.

Mossman6 wrote in post #13032971
If your going to spend 700+ then a used sacthler would be a better option. The Manfrotto heads still stick on starts of pans/tilts. Once you try a sachtler and then go play with a manfrotto, you will notice the slight stickiness I'm referring too.

You are quite right. Good to see youre still around Josh! Hope youve been well! And yes, Sacthler is on the list. I got a really good deal on the 504HD head and just got it as a starter head. Im intending to sell it when I get the funding for the Sacthler and figure out which Sacthler Im going to go with. Audio is going to be my focus first however. Thats gonna take A LOT of funding for a while though, so the Manfrotto will have to do for the moment...

Heres the tripod setup so far:

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ben_r_ wrote in post #13033007
You are quite right. Good to see youre still around Josh! Hope youve been well! And yes, Sacthler is on the list. I got a really good deal on the 504HD head and just got it as a starter head. Im intending to sell it when I get the funding for the Sacthler and figure out which Sacthler Im going to go with. Audio is going to be my focus first however. Thats gonna take A LOT of funding for a while though, so the Manfrotto will have to do for the moment...

Heres the tripod setup so far:

Yeah still around Just staying super busy with business. I used to own bogen heads too and they're about 80% of what the big boys can do. They are very nice heads for the money and I wished that bogen had found a way to make their starts and stops of pans/tilts more solid. When your ready for the Sachtler's give me a call. I used to own them when I filmed weddings. Vinten is another brand to look into.

Mossman6 wrote in post #13033229
Yeah still around Just staying super busy with business. I used to own bogen heads too and they're about 80% of what the big boys can do. They are very nice heads for the money and I wished that bogen had found a way to make their starts and stops of pans/tilts more solid. When your ready for the Sachtler's give me a call. I used to own them when I filmed weddings. Vinten is another brand to look into.

Alrighty, will do!