Video Tripod Recommendations

Looking for a tripod and head. Suggestions?

Budget is around $350, but I can be persuaded to wait and save up some more cash if necessary. The tripod will mainly be used for interviews and some wedding ceremony shots. I'd like the head to be compatible with the manfrotto 501PL plates. All my other gear is set up for this plate.

Anybody have experience with this one?

Manfrotto 546B legs with a 504HD head is as cheap as I would recommend anyone go. Watch ebay, you can get them for cheaper there.

I love my Manfrotto 055xprob legs [$139.00] and the Manfrotto 501hdv video head [$177.00] I use this combo with my T3i with 100-400. So far I am veryy pleased with this set up. Check B&H I think they have a rebate on the legs. Good luck!

I use the same set up but have my reservations. The 501 head isn't great. The adjuster for horizontal movement is almost useless as you have to have it screwed right out to its softest setting. And the horizontal lock isn't that great either. The vertical damping is quite good and will work with a 100-400 or 70-200 2.8 quite happily.

It is just as well the vertical damping works so well as, if I want to disengage it, the switch comes off.

If set on the 055 sticks I would get the Classic rather than the ProB as the clever horizontal centre tube arrangement of the ProB introduces unnecassary lash and isn't a facility of any use for video.

Manfrotto doesn't seem to have the quality it built its reputation on.

For the same/less money there are eBay copies of the Schatler Ace which may be a better option.

Any bowl/head arrangement is good as it makes levelling so much easier than poncing about with the length of your legs. Manfrotto do a bowl arrangement for the 055 but at £100 on it seems like good money after bad.

That said the simplicity of the 055 makes it light and convenient and, as such, gives you a workable tripod when others might opt for a mono pod. I have given serious consideration to swapping mine to a Classic with the cup and ball column. I would get a different head though.

Looking through the Manfrotto site this morning they now have available the 502 head (with various stick kit versions) which could be a good option.

I was talking to Manfrottos UK guy earlier this year and he conceded the 501 wasn't a good head (particularly for lighter cameras) and he noted then the 502.

I have the 055XPROB legs and they are for stills shooting duty only, and even then I wish I had something more stable, they really are pretty horrible but a good bang for buck and it's a popular model.

I really recommend getting something with twin sticks like a proper video tripod, you'll wonder how you ever suffered with whatever you had before... In fact, I rarely recommend anything less than $800, regardless of which camera you intend to put on it.

Anybody have experience with this photo/video combo head?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …to_Movie_Tripod​_Head.html

I almost pulled the trigger on a 504HD head, but the incompatible quick release plate is really a deal breaker for me.

Our slider, monopods, and steadicam all use the same 501PL plate. Switching back and forth between different QR plates is just not something we have time to do during many of our projects.

My 501PL plate comes with the 561bhdv-1 monopod works on my 502HD head. And looks like 502 and 504 use the same plate.

Thanks for the info.

B&H says the 502HD and 504HD both take the 504PLONG QR plate. The 501PL and 504PLONG must be the same width and the tripod head must not require the extra length in order to mount a camera securely. Is this true?

both plates are 5cm wide and 1cm thick. second photo is 501PL plate on 502hd head. hope it helps.

For your budget, I would get THIS
and the 055xprob with Velbon PH-368.
This way you will have a heavy duty setup and a lightweight setup.
You can get 501 plate adapters from Calumet.

I had the 504HD, and did not like it. As others have said, I think Manfrotto is over-rated.
I then tried the Sachtler Ace, which is very nice for the money, but finally upgraded to the Sach. Cine DSLR, a really sweet head, but prob out of your range.
At any event, make sure you get a ball/socket head or you will go insane trying to level it outdoors.

Trout Bum wrote in post #15247949
I had the 504HD, and did not like it. As others have said, I think Manfrotto is over-rated.
I then tried the Sachtler Ace, which is very nice for the money, but finally upgraded to the Sach. Cine DSLR, a really sweet head, but prob out of your range.
At any event, make sure you get a ball/socket head or you will go insane trying to level it outdoors.

I hear this a lot.

Manfrotto isnt "over rated" I dont think, they are just the best for the money and since they are so much cheaper they are insanely popular. But yes, even the cheapest Sachtler is worlds better than any Manfrotto.

John Sims wrote in post #15197706
For the same/less money there are eBay copies of the Schatler Ace which may be a better option.

Can you post a link to the ones you are talking about? Have you tried one of these copies?

Are they better than a 504HD but not quite as nice as an Ace?