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Cheapest tripod for RED Epic

Joshua Hoareau

Joshua Hoareau

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Hey all. I'm upgrading from my current manfrotto 503HD tripod system and am looking for a good tripod for the following system:
RED Epic
Rokinon Cine lenses
Matte Box
Monitor
Follow Focus

I have max $1800 to spend on the tripod. Any suggestions? I was looking at the Manfrotto 504HD and 509HD, but not sure.
 
I think the 509 is probably the most affordable head that will do a decent job. It also has the handy illuminated bevel!
 
I use the Manfrotto 536 CF legs with a 509 head. Total came to 1700 and it works like a charm :)
 
Find a used Ronford baker set of legs and something like an F4 head or perhaps a lighter weight 2003 head. Tripods can be found in 100mm and 150mm bowl the 2003 head are 100mm and F4 150mm. When you sell it you wont loose any money. Probably it will be working and in use when we have all left this planet.
 
I would recommend the Miller head, but I'd go the next size up. While the 12 might handle it, you're always better off going heavier. It will be cheaper in the longer run. While I admire Manfrotto and agree they are improving and are great bang for the buck, Miller is a step up and also great bang for the buck. I'd check them both out if you can. You might consider trying for a used Miller with that budget, an Arrow or DS 25 would be minimal and would be around that price with good sticks. Or get the sticks separately. The Miller solo legs are very versatile and light. You might even luck into an older Oconnor or Sachtler close to your budget as well.

Epic setups can get heavy pretty fast, even with stlll lenses. I would plan for some leeway and the future if you can. And support doesn't become quickly obsolete so it's good investment.
 
 
I bought that tripod and head as an experiment in super light packages, and I use it 99% of the time now. I had to use my Cartoni last week and was like, "Holy hell is this thing heavy..."

Nick
 
I have used my Sachtler FSB 8 with our Epic on plenty of shoots and love it. You can usually find them used for under $2k if you shop around a bit.
 
I understand that you might be strapped for cash, but you have an Epic. Get a deserving tripod. Only O'connor and Sachtler can actually fit that bill. But I'm guessing a majority of people here won't agree. Also, you can only use primes or still camera zooms on any head that is rated for up to 40-50 pounds. If you want to use a cine zoom, you'll just have to rent a 2575 or cine30 along with it.
 
@Carey - I got to test out all of the new RS and RS+ Libec heads somewhat recently. I spent a whole day checking them out. Worth investigating for sure. They are gunning hard to compete with Manfrotto, Miller, OConnor, and Sachtler heads.

All of the RS models were created to target cameras like ours. Take a look at the RSP-750 and RSP-850. The "M" designation after the model means mid-level spreader. Their legs are pretty strong and stable. I put up 200lbs on their heavy duty tripod and it was just fine.

Something has changed at Libec over the last couple years. Pretty much since their Jib release they have been making much higher quality gear.
 
Should have mentioned I'm in Australia, so access to top film gear... non existent. We have very few places with price that are severely OP. I know for a fact I won't be doing an super heavy set-ups so with that in mind, yeah?
 
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