Suggest a Tripod and Head(s) for Stills and Video

I've decided to keep the 150-600 Sigma Sports, so I'll need a good outdoor tripod (better than manfrotto). I'll use the same tripod for outdoor videography using a very lightweight panasonic Lumix. I have a manfrotto fluid head (MVH502AH) on a cheap (i.e. junk) leveling base mounted on an ancient bogen tripod. I don't mind (maybe prefer) replacing the fluid head and leveling base with better quality gear. I don't mind using the new fluid head with the 600mm if it would be appropriate for panning stills work. The 600mm does ok on the monfrotto. I have a sidekick gimbal, but haven't used it yet because I don't have a ball head. So what would you suggest.

That’s a lot of different considerations! While a small lumix on a rig suitable for a 150-600 may look ridiculous, it should be quite steady!

I’ve wondered about tracking shots with long lenses on a video head as well, but haven’t experimented. How well does it work? One think I don’t like about most of the middle-weight manfrotto video heads is that they have a fixed level of counterbalance spring - it doesn’t ever seem to be the amount I want for whatever video camera I’m trying to use. How does it track for you? Does the counterbalance seem right?

This is where a gimbal or sidekick comes in - it doesn’t rely on a counterbalance mechanism, you just slide the lens foot back and forth to achieve balance without springs.

I’m using a Tamron 150-600 on a Wimberley Sidekick on an inexpensive Desmond medium weight ball head. The head is mounted on a 75mm half-ball leveler, all of which is on an older Gitzo 1325 tripod (I’m told this is equivalent to current Series 3).

This rig has been fantastic - quickly leveled, super sturdy, the legs don’t wiggle. I can take a few steps away from it with confidence. Granted, I like my camera support beefy.

I had a lot of help on this forum in deciding to go with a sidekick - it really does seem about right for the lens.

I was actually surprised how shakey some of my videos were with the Lumix mounted on a bogen. In order to look through the viewfinder I had to remove the handle and many times my hands are on the camera while I'm filming. Haven't done much filimg lately.

Tracking with the 600mm on a video head seems fine, but I have no other reference to compare. I like a little drag vs super easy movement. My experience with the 600 on the video head is very limited and movements were very small. I've been shooting backyard hummingbirds. No. I can't track a hummer, but I have been able to stay on it as it backs off the feeder and hovers.

I can't really comment on counterbalance. It's easy to balance provided I don't use the zoom, which I haven't yet. The lens stays put provided theres some drag dialed in. My issue with the manfrotto is the horizontal counterbalance knob seems to have some play in it. If I add some drag, then back off, it takes about a 20 degree turn of the knob before it feels like the drag is being backed off.

I like the idea of a half-ball leveler instead of a flat leveling base. Looks like my existing video head would easily mount on it. I'd be fine continueing to use ot for video and getting a ballhead so I can use the sidekick with the 600 for photography.

Watch this video, you'ii wind up buying one and the price is right only $130 or a Acratech GP Ball Head about $400

I own both but actually prefer the Fluid head, probably going to sell the Acratech GP Ball Head




Acratech GP Ball Head

Maybe your not using your fluid head to it's fullest potential

SailingAway wrote in post #18908522
That’s a lot of different ...... lens.

Bianchi wrote in post #18915067
Maybe your not using your fluid head to it's fullest potential

I ordered a Leofoto LN-364C in camo with a half dome leveling head. Will use existing manfrotto fluid head for stills and video unless it doesn't work for me. I'm excited.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #18917665
I ordered a Leofoto LN-364C in camo with a half dome leveling head. Will use existing manfrotto fluid head for stills and video unless it doesn't work for me. I'm excited.

Congrats on the Leofoto tripod, they make a great Tripod, you wont be disappointed

I have the LS 365C, folds to just 18" great for travel, and it's one beefy Tripod.

After watching the video, and continue using your Manfrotto Fluid Head, let us know how its working out for you.