Tripod w/Mitchell, 150mm, 100mm plus 3/8 Solution??

[Ketch Rossi]

Okay,

what I'm looking for is to have one light Tripod system to use both for Cinema and Photo applications, it must have the possibility to mount the Gearnex Gear Head, Mitchell, 150mm or 100mm, but I also like to be able to use the same sticks with a Ball head and other accessories which make use of the 3/8 screw.

Any assistance in better understanding the best solution will be greatly appreciated, also what is really the best solution as far as the main differences in the use of the Mitchell head vs. the Ball head system, and a Tripod with a Ball head mount, which can be fitted with a Ball head to Mitchell adapter, is a good idea?

Thanks

 

[Evin Grant]

I know you probably don't want to hear this but I think you're much better off having two sets of sticks. The Mitchell base is by far the strongest and most robust of all mounting systems, but it's large and requires either a leveling base on a dolly or leveling with the legs. Slow but sturdy, this is your best bet for the Gearnex and a R1/Epic in cinema mode. By contrast I use the Gitzo Basalt tripods with a Arca Swiss ball head for my still photography. This is a very compact and light weight tripod/head combination, but can still easily hold my 300mm f2.8 Nikkor and D3 on a Wimberly Sidekick Gimbal arm.

If you must have a one size fits all option I'd look into the Miller Solo VJ legs, they hold 66lbs and have 100mm ball, which is small IMO for the Gearnex and Red but may be able to hold a lightweight config. Adapters from Mitchell to ball are OK but the other way around just adds height and instability. It's much better to use the right tool for the job IMHO.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks for the input Evin,

well I just sold all my Photographic gear, so I'll be mainly photographing with the R1 and soon with the Scarlet/Epic system, and I'm already equipping my self for it.

But I do have also some customized accessories that will hold both the R1 and the Scarlet/Epic configurations with the 18-85, and yes I must have only one stick do it all

Okay so you just confirmed my experience that I'm better off with Mitchell sticks and then adapt them to a Ball head if need to.

Now is there a way to get something mounted in to the Mitchell base tripod to mount 3/8 based gear such a Ball head just like arca swiss or Markins?


EDIT: As a leveling base you mean something like the MSE 4 Way Leveling Head
Mitchell Mount?

And would the Cartoni K626 3-Way Leveling 1-Stage Aluminum Tripod with Mid-level Spreader be a better system all together? Instead of getting a standard Tripod with Mitchell base and then put the leveling base on it, as it seems a huge base in it self!


ciao

 

[Evin Grant]

Sure just get this...

http://www.filmtools.com/mitchell-100mm-ball.html

And this...

http://www.filmtools.com/ma10hashstpa.html

Filmtools says they are not compatible but if you get a big washer for the bottom you can make it work. You could also use a 3/8" tie down and a big washer. Which would be cheaper but a little less secure.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Great Evin, it looks like a good solution.

Any toughs on the Cartoni sticks with included 3 way leveling base vs. the adding of the MSE leveling base to a standard Mitchell tripod?

ciao

 

[Evin Grant]

Seems like a lot of extra weight up top. I'd just get some Ronfords.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Is this what you talking about Evin? Would this then mount directly on to the Mitchell base tripods?



ciao

 

[Frank Weeks]

Ketch

Will you be getting the 100mm or the 150mm ball attachment with the Gearnex? I have one coming soon and I am not sure which way to go.

Evin

Is there a real advantage to the 150mm?

I am also looking for the right sticks.

 

[Evin Grant]

No Ketch, I meant go without a leveler and just use the sticks.

The only advantage to 150mm is more surface area so less chance of the ball slipping on you. You can get Ronford legs in 150mm if you like but I recommend Mitchell. It's an industry standard for a reason.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Okay Evin, I'll trust and follow your suggestion and will go with out a leveling base, plus I'll get the two items to fit the base to a 3/8, I'm good on making things custom, so I know I'll have no problem make it fit staidly.
.

Frank, definitely go with the Mitchell, I always favored that mount, and Evin confirmed, I do trust Evin's suggestion as I know how much He gets around with the use of various gear, and the Mitchell was, after all my base of choice.

ciao