Best Economic Tripod?

[Andrew Hutcheson]

I'm trying to find a decent set of sticks with a head for under $2k - does anyone have any recommendations?

Similarly, if you've got a tripod you're looking to sell, I would be very interested in discussing that with you.

Thanks,
Andrew H.

 

[Mike 'Fireman' Ross]

Can find Miller Arrow 50 used for around $2k sometimes; depending on what deals work out I may be about to buy one myself. Steve Gibby has been raving about the Arrow 55 (close enough as makes little difference) and others seem to like them too:

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread...rison-thoughts&p=767888&viewfull=1#post767888

Mike

 

[Richard Foster]

You can also find good condition O'connor 50D and sticks for under $2K. I have a couple and I love them. Very smooth and hold 50 lbs.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

You didn't say what kind of specs you are looking for. Do you need it for a fully loaded RED ONE or something lighter?

I'll probably get dissed from all the guys here with really high quality (expensive!) legs :001_smile: but for something lighter, I have personally always loved my Libec LS-55. And, I looked at their new stuff at NAB and still think they offer a great bargain for good equipment.

That said, the RED ONE that I have the privilege of shooting on comes with a Miller 55, and it's a great tripod. :thumbup1:

 

[Franck De Togni]

Gitzo is making a great video tripod for about 1000$ + fluid head !

 

[Sam Eilertsen]

I'll probably get dissed from all the guys here with really high quality (expensive!) legs :001_smile: but for something lighter, I have personally always loved my Libec LS-55. And, I looked at their new stuff at NAB and still think they offer a great bargain for good equipment.

I use the LS-55 quite a bit (but with much lighter cameras), and I'm generally very happy with it. My main complaint is that is you don't really tighten the bottom tilt knob the whole head can tilt down when you pan the camera down.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

I use the LS-55 quite a bit (but with much lighter cameras), and I'm generally very happy with it. My main complaint is that is you don't really tighten the bottom tilt knob the whole head can tilt down when you pan the camera down.

When you say "the bottom tilt knob" are you referring to the ball leveler adjustment? I haven't had any problems so far.

 

[Joe Taylor]

I use the Cartonie Focus head on a set of Miller carbon fiber sticks. Dresses out at about $1400. Not only is the Cartonie and Miller combo a great buy, but they make a great field setup. Ultra light, about 6lbs, maybe less, and rise to about 7+ feet and as low as 18 inches when totally compacted and flattened (even lower if it weren't for the heads tie-down.)

 

[Richard Foster]

That Cartoni Focus performs with the Red? I thought it was rated at 6-10 lb payload?

 

[paul engstrom]

That Cartoni Focus performs with the Red? I thought it was rated at 6-10 lb payload?

up to 22 lbs

http://www.cartoni.com/eng/focus.html

 

[Richard Foster]

I stand corrected.

 

[Joe Taylor]

No, it the Cartoni has much more capacity than that. It locks down rock solid with my current setup and very smooth. This is just for field work, though. Hiking through the desert or up mountain slopes I praise the day I bought this setup. Super light.

However, on features or even narrative shorts we always rent the standard O'Connor 2575. It's a beast but steady in at least a Category 4.

 

[Daniel Soderberg]

What do people think of the Miller 30 Fluid Head for a Red One set up?

 

[chuck colburn]

I use the LS-55 quite a bit (but with much lighter cameras), and I'm generally very happy with it. My main complaint is that is you don't really tighten the bottom tilt knob the whole head can tilt down when you pan the camera down.

Saw that once. The person did not have his third leg out front like you should and it went over on it's face. Very ugly. You tilt up and down and you pan left and right.

 

[Andrew Hutcheson]

Wow! Thank you so much everyone, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Debating that Arrow 50 and Miller 50D - since we're coming up on a feature I want something sturdy but will definitely keep that Cartoni in mind as I'll be taking the camera over to India in December.

Once again, much appreciated!

 

[Daniel Soderberg]

Anybody use/try the Miller 30 Fluid Head with their Red One set up?

 

[Rob Ruffo]

I use the LS-55 quite a bit (but with much lighter cameras), and I'm generally very happy with it. My main complaint is that is you don't really tighten the bottom tilt knob the whole head can tilt down when you pan the camera down.

We have the Libec Ls-55 and teh Libec Rh45 head. People laugh until they try it, and they ask me where I got mine. We almost only shoot Red, rarely with Ex1 - and both can be handled perfectly with the adjustable springs.

 

[Curran Giddens]

Wow! Thank you so much everyone, this is exactly what I was hoping for. Debating that Arrow 50 and Miller 50D.

You mean Miller Arrow and OConnor 50D. I bought a 50D on eBay for $500 shipped including metal sticks and rolling tripod dolly. I am going to get the head reconditioned and buy some carbon fiber sticks with spreader and then I will be all set.

 

[Stivan Widick]

I'm a big fan of both Sachtler and Cartoni; I've had very good experiences with both. Suggest keeping an eye on eBay and check the load specs for any head and sticks you come across.