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Tripod Help Please.

John Galeano

John Galeano

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Hey,
I was hoping for a little help from you guys deciding what tripod to purchase. I'm choosing between the the Manfrotto 509HD w/ Manfrotto 545B sticks or the Cartoni Focus HD w/sticks. If any of you guys own these, would you mind explaining your thoughts on your purchase? I would go for something more expensive but I can't justify spending thousands on tripod head when at the end of the day my gear kitted out probably won't weigh more than 15 pounds. Thanks guys!


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/760085-REG/Manfrotto_509HD_545BK_509HD_Video_Head_with.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/740392-REG/Cartoni_F126_F126_FocusHD_System.html
 
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There are a lot of options out there that work, some better than others and the minute differences are noticeable. I've had other heads that were rated at some arbitrary weight limit and found them to be lacking. Knowing that there are hordes of people with new DSLR cameras, the manufacturers are hawking their wares left and right on places like Reduser and others, trying to woo you over. All I can offer is go try the equipment, listen to others and see for yourself.

When buying a serious tripod at first is like the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It's like a slap in the face, "You mean I have to buy a new tripod too?" Yes, you do, and not just any tripod, one with a mysterious "fluid head". And not only that, the tripod is going to cost more than your fancy camera did, how absurd is that? Well, that is a Canon DSLR not Red, you know what I mean. There is an unwritten law stating that the camera should be the most expensive piece of the equipment, everything else has to cost less, so if that line is crossed, the space-time continuum rips. Same goes for lenses. They cost more than the camera? That's crazy/wrong/unconstitutional. I think it's a car mentality. Accessories for your car cost less, the same should go for a camera. But the problem is, a really good tripod head is expensive and worth it. You notice it when making subtle moves or trying to counterbalance a heavy load. Buy a good tripod and head and you'll smile each time you use it. Buy a marginally acceptable one and you curse yourself for being cheap.

I'm not going to debate the various models, there are several very good brands to consider. But there are also several that are marginal even though well-accepted and used by many. In the end, you have to pick your own poison about what is going to be acceptable for you.
 
I got the Manfrotto 509HD, used it a few days ago on an epic shoot and it performed awesome.
We were using Compact primes with the epic and a matte box with follow focus. Batteries were in the side handle and the tripod's counter balance was set to full.
Everyone that used it was very happy with how it went. The crew tried it out with a Red One and it was no good. They also tried it with a Red brick on the Epic's rails and apparently it went okay.

Just got my Scarlet so haven't had the chance to try it with a light weight Canon lens rig but I assume it would be fine.
 
Liam thank you for the post.. I will certainly look into that tripod when I visit B&H Photo

Lliam Worthington said:
I had looked at these options and several others. A third suggestion within your price point...

http://www.dvuser.co.uk/content.php?CID=228

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con..._P&O=&is=REG&zmas=1&zmap=673921-REG&A=details

I can't state enough how ecstatic I am with the 350. I literally just cannot believe how good it is for the price. I feel like I've been blessed by the tripod gods.

Best

Lliam
Click to expand...

Hey Mark,
Trust me, I'm a firm believer in buying right the first time to save myself from the headaches. There have been plenty of times where I tried going the cheaper route and regretted it shortly after! Unfortunately This damn camera has left me tapped out between media, lenses, Power and so on.. That I just can't afford to spend a ton of money on camera support. Luckily for my shoots I think one of these two tripods should suit me just fine... and trust me if I had the extra funds to purchase a real deal tripod head, I wouldn't think twice about it. Thank you very much Mark for your post.



Mark Phelan said:
There are a lot of options out there that work, some better than others and the minute differences are noticeable. I've had other heads that were rated at some arbitrary weight limit and found them to be lacking. Knowing that there are hordes of people with new DSLR cameras, the manufacturers are hawking their wares left and right on places like Reduser and others, trying to woo you over. All I can offer is go try the equipment, listen to others and see for yourself.

When buying a serious tripod at first is like the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It's like a slap in the face, "You mean I have to buy a new tripod too?" Yes, you do, and not just any tripod, one with a mysterious "fluid head". And not only that, the tripod is going to cost more than your fancy camera did, how absurd is that? Well, that is a Canon DSLR not Red, you know what I mean. There is an unwritten law stating that the camera should be the most expensive piece of the equipment, everything else has to cost less, so if that line is crossed, the space-time continuum rips. Same goes for lenses. They cost more than the camera? That's crazy/wrong/unconstitutional. I think it's a car mentality. Accessories for your car cost less, the same should go for a camera. But the problem is, a really good tripod head is expensive and worth it. You notice it when making subtle moves or trying to counterbalance a heavy load. Buy a good tripod and head and you'll smile each time you use it. Buy a marginally acceptable one and you curse yourself for being cheap.

I'm not going to debate the various models, there are several very good brands to consider. But there are also several that are marginal even though well-accepted and used by many. In the end, you have to pick your own poison about what is going to be acceptable for you.
Click to expand...


Hey Mitch,
I actually took a ride out to B&H Last week to test these two tripod heads. They both felt very nice as far as fluidity. One thing I did not like about the Cartoni was the plastic feel the tripod head had, although for me its more about performance. It's too bad that its was hard to judge between them without my actual equipment on the tripods. Mitch it doesn't surprise me that you're crew had a hard time with the Red One on it, That bitch is heavy as hell kitted out lol.. Congrats by the way on receiving your Scarlet.. Wish you the best of luck with her! Mitch if you finally get a chance to play with your baby, report back here and let me know how that 509 is working out for you. I'm not purchasing for another week, so I would love to hear your feedback.. Thanks again Mitch.

Mitch Pierias said:
I got the Manfrotto 509HD, used it a few days ago on an epic shoot and it performed awesome.
We were using Compact primes with the epic and a matte box with follow focus. Batteries were in the side handle and the tripod's counter balance was set to full.
Everyone that used it was very happy with how it went. The crew tried it out with a Red One and it was no good. They also tried it with a Red brick on the Epic's rails and apparently it went okay.

Just got my Scarlet so haven't had the chance to try it with a light weight Canon lens rig but I assume it would be fine.
Click to expand...
 
I just received my Cartoni Focus HD three days ago ..... its really amazing head.. I tried many Manofrotto tripod never satisfied with the results.
 

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I have the 509HD + 545B setup. Use it with my Scarlet, matte box, follow focus, Canon zooms and primes... Tripod works great. It's extremely stable for a $1500 setup, and I've been happy with how smooth it pans.

Some people don't like Manfrotto heads, but more than likely they only have experience with things like the 501HD, etc. The 509HD is big and solid, and a great value for the price in my opinion.
 
Your welcome John. Try it out. The genuine fluid based drag system and counter balance are perfect, start stops, tilting while panning, rigidity of the legs, all fantastic.
All as the review linked states. It's really something else.
 
I'm likely going for the 504, I know it doesn't handle the weight of the 509, but I don't anticipate my rig every being that heavy. If it gets there, I'll sell it and get a bigger one.

/broke
 
+1 for the 509HD. Had a full Scarlet setup with rails, v-mount, 70-200 lens, Durus FF-1, and matte box and everything was solid and smooth. Plus, the illuminated bubble level is really convenient.

I had the 545B sticks and they were alright, but the spreader was cumbersome. I went with the slightly more light weight 536B and really like this combo.
 
+1 to Lliam's suggestion to go with the Libec RS series. I just got my RS 450 yesterday and it is AWESOME ! Solid build through and through. A really beautiful milky smooth head with a stop pin for the sliding plate. I bought this sight unseen as B & H is across the continent from me -totally happy with my purchase choice, especially for the $$. Best value for the money that I could find after doing an extensive search!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=libec+rs450m&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
Extra specs to consider (vs Manfrotto) with the Libec are: Temperature range tolerances (-40 C) which is incredible given the REAL fluid head, and the big difference of CONTINUOUS Balancing.
I've heard a lot of "fluid heads" are not really fluid at all, rather some type of bearing system and advertised fluid to command a larger price -just do your research.
This system is also a bit cheaper than the Manfrotto, saving you some cash which seems to be an important element in your decision.
 
I have the 509HD/536 set and love it. Great tripod and it can get so low to the ground I don't plan on getting a hi-hat anytime soon.
 
Doug Beatty said:
+1 for the 509HD. Had a full Scarlet setup with rails, v-mount, 70-200 lens, Durus FF-1, and matte box and everything was solid and smooth. Plus, the illuminated bubble level is really convenient.

I had the 545B sticks and they were alright, but the spreader was cumbersome. I went with the slightly more light weight 536B and really like this combo.
Click to expand...

I actually own the 536 legs.. And love them! I'll keep those legs incase I need those really low shots
 
Thank u all for the great suggestions.. I'm happy to hear you guys are having good results with the 509HD which will probably be my choice. I'll also be looking into the libec tripod. Im going next week to B&H I'll let u guys know my thoughts on the other tripods mentioned in this thread. Thanks again to everyone who posted here!

@Aaron that miller setup looks pretty nice too! I'll deff have to look into that one as well when I get to B&H

Aaron Henderson said:
I'm really enjoying my Miller DS 20.

It doesn't handle quite the weight of the cartoni, but I really liked the way it felt...
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/179044-REG/Miller_850_DS_20_Aluminum_Tripod_System.html
Click to expand...
 
+1 for the 509HD

I have used it now on about 10 serious projects since I've gotten it back in December. All shoots were with the Epic mostly loaded with the heavy 18-85 RPZ (which really is a beast). Fully kitted it was heavier then my Scarlet will be 99% of the time (save for the 800mm Canon setup) and it performed flawlessly. People who are used to $10K+ O'Connors usually don't like Mannfrotto (mostly on principal) - but even if someone was offering me a FREE O'Connor vs PAID 509HD - I would go for the 509HD. And I'm not trying to say that the O'Connors are inferior to the Mannfrotto. Not at all. But for every job there is a right tool. If you are mostly working on fully staffed cine productions where you will have a personal slave carrying your gear around - O'Connors would be very much at home (even thou will most likely have a problem with the light-weight Scarlet). You have to remember that matching the weight capacity of the tripod to your rig goes in both directions...

Go with the 509HD and do yourself a huge favor by taking a weekend out to get yourself fully familiar with it's functions and operation. You will not look back...

Peter
 
Hmmm.... I have to agree with Gavin above, the Cartoni Focus is miles ahead of these Manfrotto heads. Personally, I have yet to meet a Manfrotto head that I like.
 
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