Tripod and Fluid Head

What are you guys using? Do you like it.. hate it... recommend it?

rxjohn wrote in post #11755978
What are you guys using? Do you like it.. hate it... recommend it?

We have a couple of Manfrotto 516's nice head easy to set drag and nicely counterbalanced, also have a 511 nice head too just not as heavy duty.

Wayne

RE: fluid heads

I bought this http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1297955​521&sr=1-4

It's heavy duty, I can recommend you don't need necessarily a large tripod for an slr. This one has an air cylinder that allows it to rise automatically for pedestal shots but its way to strong to work well, its probably better suited for a large DV-Cam. The fluid heads nice but sometimes can be tricky just to get the right amount of drag. The vertical adjustment has a big lever which is easy to use however sometimes gets in the way of the base of the camera. The horizontal adjustment is the just a knob so its hard to use well. In my opinion it acts more like a lock then it does for tension.The best thing about this was its price ($234) is pretty cheap compared to some.
They also changed this tripod since i got it mine has snaps on the bottom as apposed to the twist locks (which look more secure). It came with spare 1/4th, 5/8ths theads and an addition plate. I would still recommend this tripod someone looking for something heavy duty even though its probably not the best for slrs, however if you have a large lens it will work pretty well.


I also got a http://www.amazon.com …F8&qid=12979563​73&sr=1-23
This is a pretty cheap but still decent tripod. I like the fluid head better than my Davis and Sanford one. They have more of a drum shaped head, it has adjustments on both sides for vertical drag (both sides affect it the same.) The horizontal is just like my other tripod, with a knob which still works but it would be cool to see if they could design it better. I may need to tape the head base as when moving it horizontally the head wants to un-thread giving difficulty in going counter clockwise. This should be an easy fix I just haven't gotten around to it. This one isn't very heavy making it very portable. The best part is the arm extends to twice the length. It helps to give a more spread out leverage making it really easy to keep it smooth. For the price this one is also an awesome deal, I got mine on sale for about 20% off, Its worth checking amazon as they can offer discounts on Dolica brand.

Fluid head Tips: Don't expect the same results in the cold. Even though most are filled with oil, the get very stiff, I went out shooting this December for a Christmas event and learned quickly of this fact.
Add a rubber band to the handle, it works very well with fluid head to slow the stops. It will also even out your pulls!

Channel One wrote in post #11756454
Manfrotto 516's

Love this head. (awkward jokes aside)

polar59155 wrote in post #11860916
I bought this http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1297955​521&sr=1-4

It's heavy duty, I can recommend you don't need necessarily a large tripod for an slr.

For what it is worth B&H has them now for $220 with a dolly.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …+18&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

Wayne

Chippy569 wrote in post #11860974
Love this head. (awkward jokes aside)

We have'nt busted one yet and that's saying a lot for the way they're treated.

Wayne