$3,000 tripod for RED

[prime zero]

I recently just purchased the E-image tripod RED camera set from www.fluidheadtripod.com . Before on every shoot I just rented an oconnor 1030hds tripod. Thats the bottom of the barrel for the red but still comes in at $6,000-$7,000. I just couldn't afford it after all the costs but out for the red. I heard about the e-image tripod, which is half the price of anything comparable, and I decided to give it a try. I used it this weekend on a music video shoot, and it was great. My camera all set up is about 30lbs, and the tripod was just as sturdy and smooth as the oconnor 1030hds. When I tilted to an extreme down angle I did need to put a little more force on the handle but that is a small price to pay for saving $3,000-$4,000. For anyone looking for a well priced entry level tripod for their red system I would highly recommend this product.

Ben Griffin
www.vimeo.com/primezero

 

[Mark B.]

You might get better counterbalance support if you move the weight closer to the tripod head. Moving the battery/drive cage to the back of the cam instead of high on top might lessen the effort needed at steep angles. Course, it would make reading the LCD a pain, and I'm not sure if the performance gains would be big enough to justify the hassle.

 

[michael zaletel]

Hey Ben:

What are you using for a dolly? I see the PVC pipe but what's the RED riding on?

-shooter

 

[prime zero]

it's an extremely old t shaped dolly with skateboard wheels from promax. I don't even know if they sell it anymore I got it 7 years ago. of course I prefer a fischer dolly, but when we have no budget it gets the job done.

 

[Seth Larney]

Hi Ben,

What's the build quality of the e-image setup like? I've heard a few good reports about it's performance but it looks very plastic-y in all the pictures I've seen?

Thanks!
Seth.

 

[prime zero]

The head is very solid, and so are the legs. The only thing that is a little plasticy is the lever on the legs to raise them up and down. That is the only piece I could actually see breaking from being thrown around alot. But the case they give you is pretty thick so as long as you throw it around in the case it should be fine. I wouldn't recommend throwing it around uncovered though