ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 5 months ago - Susi Arnott

Take a look at the Libec series (CVP carry them) - you get what you pay for, they're not true 'fluid head', but quick and easy ball-and-socket head is pretty good, and very easy leg system too. Affordable and light

10 years, 5 months ago - John Lubran

Hi Jenny, Interesting to read that you have the Sony pxw- x70. It seems to have truly remarkable specifications for it's price. might even be a 'break through' camera. (Breaking through the previously deliberate glass ceiling created by the manufactures in order to protect their mega buck market) I've not yet had a chance to check it it out. It would be great to have your feed back on it.

10 years, 5 months ago - Claire Buckley

Yes, I would agree with Susi.
The LIbec TC-6 series is quite a useful light portable piece of kit (probably a different model names by now). As Susi says, Libec at that end of the product range is not fluid head, but very smooth pan and tilt nonetheless. It has a quick release plate and should be fine for the PXW-X70, HXR-NX5 types. I particularly liked the way the sections adjusted using one-click clamping actions rather than screw actions. Come with carry bags.

10 years, 5 months ago - Marcos Avlonitis

The Libec looks interesting although I have to put a word in for the excellent Manfrotto 535AQ (AQ is for the aluminium model - way cheaper than the carbon fibre version and about the same weight). It's a rock solid tripod with an incredible range of height - about 30cm to almost 2 metres!

I've owned a lot of tripods from heavier Miller and Manfrotto ones as well as cheaper/lighter models and this is as sturdy as any of them - and way more versatile. I presently use a Miller DS head on it but you could get cheaper Manfrotto heads. Video Gear actually sell the tripod in a kit with the Manfrotto 502 which is a pretty good deal: http://www.videogear.co.uk/Tripods/Tripod-Kits/Payload-5-10KG/Manfrotto-502-Aluminium-Single-Leg-Video-System/prod_6359.html

Overall, you could buy a little cheaper (although there is no better bargain for this level of quality) and get a little lighter (although it's only 4KG with the 502 head), but this tripod will see you food for many years and will be exceptionally versatile for whatever your shoots throw at you. Ultimately, I've been looking for years for the perfect compromise of price and functionality but suffice to say, I'm now no longer shopping for tripods :)

Hope that helps!


PS the tripod has actually gone UP in price since I bought mine (mine was £190, it's now £230) due to demand so if that's not a recommendation, I don't know what is!

10 years, 1 month ago - Jenny Collins

Hello all. Apologies for not replying I had a few issues renewing my ShootingPeople account. Thank you for the advice, im sure my physio will be glad to know im looking at new kit.
Also, John Lubran, yes quite frankly the Sony is great. I haven't had full opportunity to discover all it's potential as ive mostly been covering lectures and such the last few months, but im coming up to Tennis and Golf season so i will get to play then. I can send you some footage if you'd like, but there are great reviews out there. It is very small, but sturdy. It's heavier than you think. The buttons are nicely placed for me, but then i have small hands. A couple of fiddly important points. The menu jog button is a bit stiff at first, but that seams to be getting more user friendly. Also the menu button itself is right under the flip out screen which is a little tight. The only thing i wish it had, would be a separate focus ring. However, the switch between the two is smooth and pretty easy to get used to. Low light is GREAT. Which is ultimately what swayed me away from cannon. On the run film making often doesn't give time to light well enough and this is the perfect partner. You can have the gain up to 18 and there is barely a spot of noise in a dark room. Good review is here:http://www.xdcam-user.com/reviews/cameras/sony-pxw-x70-review/
Hope that helps.
Right, back to tripod. Thanks again!