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SOME cheap tripod for RED?

I

Ivan Egorov

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I will definitely need a tripod (and a head) for RED, but I'd go with a crappy one at first, until I save enough dough for a good one.
Which tripod would do?
Just something basic but good.

Thanks
 
Bogen 510 handles only 23 lbs, is that enough?
 
No, it's not enough. You need to be looking at heads that the min weight is 40-45 lbs. With that head you can put a prime lens, mattebox, & follow focus and stay under the weight. I am not looking at upgrading to a Sachter Video 25 or 60 from my Video 18 because I just need a little more leeway thanks to my Cooke 20-60.

Matthew
 
I will be using Nikon lenses, and by cheap I mean CHEAP, like $1000-2500

Thanks
 
Bogen 526 supports 35lbs. Or maybe a used Bogen 316. Cheapest I've found.
 
nippler said:
I will be using Nikon lenses, and by cheap I mean CHEAP, like $1000-2500

Thanks
Click to expand...

Skip the Bogen it's a complete waste of time and money, I tried one and returned it the next day.

If you want an affordable head look on ebay, or phone some rental houses, and try and pick up a good quality used head.

Vinten Vison 11, Cartoni Delta, Miller Arrow 55 are all far superior to the Bogen, and can be found (occasionally) used for within your price range.
 
I agree with ED here. Search on ebay for something used..lots of good deals that you can find..a Sachtler Video series head can be found used pretty easily.
The ones ED listed above fit the bill.
 
Bogen 526 works, thats what I use, because I dont have the coin for a $6k tripod.
 
ok cool, thanks
but I'd rather go with a new one (if that makes sense),
so what would be the NEW ones that would fit?
 
Why go with a new one? I got a used Sachtler Video 18 off ebay that is older than me and it works as good as the day it was made. For what you are doing, getting a used $2k-$2.5k head will last you for a long time. In fact, unless you go to really big lenses, it should outlast your RED (not to mention that most of the heads can be serviced by the maker for reasonable rates.)

If you absolutely have to buy new, I don't know what to suggest. Almost anything you can buy for $2.5k is going to have you cussing quickly when you realize that it can't fully support your rig (I've found the weight adds up really quickly!)

Matthew
 
Ed Watkins said:
Skip the Bogen it's a complete waste of time and money, I tried one and returned it the next day.
Click to expand...

Hi Ed,

what kind of problems did you have? I was thinking of adding some manfrotto 526 here to the sachtlers.

I and a co-worker only used the 526 on a tradeshowfloor for ~10 minutes, and the head felt ok - so what were the problems you experienced?
 
I have never used the bogen 526 and if Shawn says it works.. I guess you found the tripod you have been looking for.

A good fluid head tripod with sticks will run you 4-5 grand new.

The IDEAL fluid head is something along the lines of an oconnor 2060 head. 10k new which will handle a red with everything mounted- red lcd, red evf, battery, red drive, lens, mattebox..and other acessories.

I don't think there are many brand new fluid head tripods with sticks, if any at all besides the bogen 526, under 3k that can legitimately balance a red with battery, lcd +lcd arm, handle, lens and mattebox.
 
Too late, I already bought the used 526 on on BH. I've been eyeing it for the last few days and when it went public on here, I was forced to pony up. Hopefully it works as I need it for a second pair of legs for use with Red and for my M2 rigs.

Of course you're basically getting the legs for free with the used purchase, so even new its not a bad deal.
 
look for used equipment

look for used equipment

I just bought on Ebay for $560 with shipping an O'connor 50 fluid head rated to 50lbs - Peter Lisand wood tripod + baby legs with case!!! :w00t: I will also buy an O'connor 2060 - really a big difference - but the O'connor 50 is still a great tripod IMO. When I see people pay good money for a solution that at best is temporary I wonder about all the used gear that is available. If you do a little searching good deals are out there. Hope this helps you.

6980_1217287797.jpg
 
For reference, I use a Miller Arrow 55 most of the time.

My issues with the Bogen head were:
The head felt cheap and plastic, especially the lever locks.
The counter balance wasn't very responsive.
The fluid head didn't feel anywhere near as smooth, controlled, and adjustable as I'm used to.

Maybe it is just personal bias, but the whole head stuck me as very cheap and breakable.

I just feel for the money you can get a better used head, than this head brand new.
 
Stripped down the Red will ride okay on some of the lower end tripod systems, but I can assure you that once you start building it up (it's amazing what you end up adding to the camera for certain shoots) things get heavy fast. I use my Miller Arrow 55 for a lot of things, but we tried using that head on a jib and people were not that thrilled with it because it didn't feel as solid as it should with the amount of weight we had on it. For a lot of things, the Miller is great and handles fine for a $5K tripod.

I can't imagine putting the Red on anything rated for 30lbs or less. Even in my somewhat stripped down configurations I have found that the camera needs a solid support system. It's not just about whether it will hold the weight. Does it balance well, can you do complicated pans and tilts witha high degree of accuracy? Is there any stepping in the motion? Do the legs shake?

No one wants to spend $5K or more on a tripod. But unless you are going to shoot with a very light rig, you may want to do some tests. I'd rather look for a used setup that is appropriate than a new system that won't cut it.
 
I know everyone keeps saying "buy used"... and I support that concept. But with all the new Red owners, there aren't that many good deals to be had anymore. eBay auctions usually shoot up as Red owners compete for the item. Fixed price sales are costlier than normal because the sellers are looking around at the eBay prices. All in all, the used heads are getting close to new head prices. We should probably have a group buy for one of the lesser priced competent heads on the market, such as the Arrow55.

The used OConnor 50's are still cheap, but the +/-45 degree limit is too restrictive.
 
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