Mitchell Tripod Legs.. your preference is??

[Ryan Glater]

Hi Eric this is a Medium Duty Tripod. It was a special order from a customer, it's basically got shortened legs.
You will not be able to fit a standard spreader, your best option is to use a similar chain spreader as in the picture.
This spreader was fit to one of our Low Angle Bowl & Forks.
You can hook the spreader through the foot casting on your tripod.
The parts for this spreader can actually be purchased from B&Q or similar Hardware store.
Thanks, Ryan

 

[ericyoung]

Thanks very much for the detailed answer Ryan!

E

 

[Tim Naylor]

I mostly use small primes for indy or handheld work, so my RED package stays pretty light. I'm using an Arrow 55 with Miller Heavy Duty CF legs. For indies, it works perfect for me, the legs have virtually no twist and I do like the lightweight aspect as well.

For larger productions, if I'm using MP's and Zooms, I always go with the Ronford Legs / O'Connor Head combo. Weight doesn't really matter as the AC's are doing all the lifting . Sometimes I use the O'Connor legs but I must say, I find the Ronfords just a bit simpler.

That said, when I have to do outback work or work on difficult and uneven terrain, things that involve hiking, streams, rocky hillsides, etc. I always carry my Miller VJ Solo legs with me (see pic). My AC's hate/love them. They're not used to the Gitzo style lock but absolutely love how you can get them from 8" to 72" and in positions that you'd never dream of with a standard tripod. At full height they've a little flex but will get you at heights never dreamed of without rigging or ladders.

If you plan to actually pan / tilt stay away from the Varizoom Zero gravity, aside from it's toylike build, the movement/friction of the head makes a Bogen look like a work of art. I'd destroy it in a week's time. Another thing to consider are your preference for midlevel spreaders. I personally hate them as they make a huge footprint when your at full stick and shooting in NYC, space is a premium. I love how the new Ronford bottom spreaders keep them off the ground. Nice touch. Then theres the shag carpet method I've seen some old school AC's employ. They just throw a piece of shag rug on the floor and just spike into that. Works really well. Cats love it.

Last bit, seriously check out the Gearnex for real. I tested one out about 6 months ago and wasn't too impressed. Weird slow gears and not smooth. Though I heard it's been radically updated since. Any reviews on that, anyone?

My 2 cents.

 

[Mr. Paul White]

I second Tim's words.

 

[ericyoung]

...Another thing to consider are your preference for midlevel spreaders. I personally hate them as they make a huge footprint when your at full stick and shooting in NYC, space is a premium. I love how the new Ronford bottom spreaders keep them off the ground. Nice touch...

Actually, some of the newer mid-level spreaders can be adjusted to be rigid with the arms down at an angle which keeps the footprint as small as a ground spreader. I know that Vinten and Sachtler both have such spreaders.