Tripod and head for XL2?

[Todd Gillespie]

Ty,
As I’m sure you are aware, ‘you get what you pay for.’ I find this to be especially true of Tripods/Heads. I don’t make a lot of recommendations for Tripod/heads because the good ones cost so much $$. I would usually recommend the big 3 Sachtler, Vinten, Miller.(one can probably add O’connor as well as some other makers) We have one Sachtler Tripod head that cost as much as the camera!
BUT, Manfrotto just release their ‘best’ head. (that sounds kind of dirty) that I saw at NAB, it is really nice and smooth. We have a lot of Manfrotto heads, but this is the only one that I would recommend. Actually, it looks like they have 2 of the same kind. 519 & 526. The sticks aren’t as critial, carbon fiber with quick release and elevated spreaders are my favorite.
What you didn’t say is what you are going to be doing. Sports? Interviews? Traveling? Studio? etc. If you’re not going to do a lot of ‘on camera’ panning and tilting, then you probably could get by with a less exspensive model.

FWIW,

Todd at UCSB
Television Production

[Ty Ford]

Hi Todd,

The use is uncertain but will most likely include studio, club and documentary stuff.

Someone showed me their $8K Sachtler(which they ‘got a bargain on at $6k’. My head almost exploded.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Regards,

Ty

[Jasonr]

I use a manfrotto 3021BPRO pod and a 501 Head. At $350.00, it beats the 6k idea. I have no complaints. Very fluid. I use it for weddings.

[Peter Ralph]

you don’t need to spend 6k for a camera as light as the XL2

vinten, sachtler and miller all make “DV” setups that will handle the XL2 starting around $1200

I am real happy with my Vinten Vison 3 which was around $1600. The best deals for vintens are from theri west coast dealer – significantly cheaper than B&H

[Salatar]

I have a Manfrotto 503 head
Smooth as hell when set up right

[Ty Ford]

OK so a 503 head for an XL2.

What about sticks?

Ty

Ty Ford’s “Audio Bootcamp Field Guide” was written for video people who want better audio. Find out more at https://www.tyford.com

[Todd Gillespie]

Woa, Woa, Woa.
Slow Down, do not pass go, do not collect $200!
I have 8 503 heads, I would NOT recommend them for XL-2. We use all of them exclusively on XL-2s and I find them to be rough to start and stop with. One they start moving, ya their smooth, but not what you want if you need a smooth start.
Peter was correct, you can get a pretty decent one for around $1k. I already mentioned about sticks, see first post.

If you want to get a 503 head you should try it or demo one before you buy. Even for around $300, if it’s not going to work for you, then it’s a waste of money. I’m not bad mouthing Manfrotto or the other posters, you just need to use your own judgement.

You can go back and forth with people who love something or hate it.
FWIW

Todd at UCSB
Television Production

[Ty Ford]

Hmm,

Apparently there’s a fly in the jelly.

OK, what head would you suggest for the XL2?

Ty Ford

Ty Ford’s “Audio Bootcamp Field Guide” was written for video people who want better audio. Find out more at https://www.tyford.com

[Ty Ford]

OK,

What about:

Sachtler
Sachtler DV-4II Aluminum Tripod System – consists of: DV-4II Fluid Head, DA-75L 1-Stage Tripod, Mid-Level Spreader and Padded Case – Supports 13.2 lbs
Mfr# 0432

[Todd Gillespie]

Hi Ty,
it looks like you’re in the ballpark.
You will probably be happy with any of them. I am a little concerned about the Sachtler only supports 13lb?
Can you take the head from option B with the sticks from option C? LOL I don’t know how important the sticks are? If you don’t need to lug it around, then Aluminum would be OK, but you may not want to ware yourself out with heavy sticks. I don’t know how big of a guy are you? So, maybe Aluminum may not be that heavy.

Here’s the thing, a tripod/head purchase is something that you will use for YEARS to come. Since a good head/tripod can last a long time (with proper care), you want to spend your money the right way, the first time.
Although I spend A LOT of money for the companies I work for, if it was my personal money, $1,300 is a lot of dough.
You might want to check ebay as well, those will be your best deals. Private party to private party.

Good Luck,

Todd at UCSB
Television Production