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Affordable tripod/head
  • Many good advices on affordable equip on this forum. Would like to start a topic on affordable tripod/tripod heads :)
    As far as I know, it's hard to do any bargains, mostly you get what you pay for. Also your choice is depending on type of use and weight of the rig.

    Still, I'd like to hear what you use, and possibly an affordable tripod/head recommendations for typical GH2 rig with cage, FF, and some accessories.

    So far, I've mostly been using Libec tripod, LS38 (around $600) http://www.libecsales.com/products/ls/ls-38-2a.html
  • 5 Replies sorted by
  • I am personally for this one:
    http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/292/fancier-fc-470-tripod

    As soon as they'll release modified head specially made for HDSLRs.
    They are working on it.

    LS38 seems to have same problem with counterbalance.

    Vor cheap, not video like tripod:
    http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/498/cheap-and-light-tripod-with-video-head#Item_3
  • I'm very happy with my Manfrotto 504HD with 546BK 2 stage legs. The head is absolutely wonderful, rivaling much higher dollar Sachtlers. The plate is quite long which makes balancing a tricked out DSLR rig easy. Also I prefer the mid spreader to a ground spreader for uneven terrain and overall quicker deployment. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/683563-REG/Manfrotto_504HD_546BK_504HD_Head_w_546B_2_Stage.html
  • Manfrotto 504HD is good head.
    I talked to owner, and he only mentioned limited counterbalance options and also that head is using simle friction adjustment of drag.
  • I agree that the Libec LS38 doesn't match a HDSLR very well. The long shape of the camera plate alone makes it problematic from time to time.

    The Fancier FC 470 looks very nice, I hope it will be made in a modified version. Also a shame they don't ship worldwide, at least the ebay seller is very restrictive.

    @Vitaliy: Did Fancier indicate any time frame of a modded version, or if it even will happen? Also, please feel free to move this topic into the fancier forum thread you made. I didn't realize it was a smiliar topic already.
  • Watch ebay for older Manfrotto/Bogen tripods. You can get a good used one for around 100$