off topic, tripods

[Bartman]

Hey folks,

I know we've got a lot of very well versed media professionals here so I'm wondering if all y'all would give me a good steer in the direction of a quality tripod for studio use. I've got a limited budget so I'm looking for maximum bang for the buck but would like a quality head for leveling the camera when I'm outside the studio and moving around a bit.

Links to product pages would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Bart

 

[fltundra]

I little on the heavy side, but more stable. Built like a tank.
http://www.manfrotto.us/camera-tripod

 

[fmkit]

my diy 2d stabilized tripod

2st version wasn't tuned properly, watch end of the clip

 

[violetwolf]

I second the Manfrotto tripods. I have 3 and would never buy anything else. They have several models so there's one that'll fit your budget and needs.

And they literally last lifetimes.

 

[violetwolf]

PS: get one with a ball head and fluid damping for video.

I like the 501 head for midpriced

 

[JoeBob]

Manfrotto was called 'Bogen' back in my day. And there is no comparison. All you have to do is decide how much 'Studio' you want.


I second the fluid head recommendation for video. If you're panning the camera, you need a fluid head.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/553886-REG/Manfrotto_128RC_128RC_QR_Micro_Fluid.html

For making the video tutorials that you do so well, I'd recommend one of these:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/325444-REG/Manfrotto_244N_244N_Variable_Friction_Magic.html
Use a Super Clamp ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546371-REG/Manfrotto_035_035_Super_Clamp_without.html ) to attach it to anything, like an overhead shelf, and have an instant camera position.

(PM me if you need dollys. I got lotsa leftover Bogen wheels. But you pay shipping this time.)

 

[Bartman]

thanks for the info
@JoeBob @violetwolf @fmkit @fltundra

the plan is to get into the new new office on Oct 1 and begin building out one end of one room as a studio for all sorts of stuff including a new feature of the site that I can't get too specific on just yet. streaming live video will be a necessity though so we're working towards having the space well lit with pro audio and multiple camera positions. i'm going tomorrow to pick up some stuff for it and I'll begin purchasing the lights, audio gear, whatever camera stuff we'll need, etc. in another week or so.

currently deciding what I want to use for a live feed camera, maybe my trusty old T2i, maybe the GH4, maybe I'll pick up an older Panasonic HVX200.

any opinions on that would be appreciated as well. it will be for streaming, not recording and we've decided 720p HD will be adequate although we'll do better if it's available.

I appreciate having you guys around to bounce this stuff off of. @Motopreserve and @SleepyC have been helpful too

Bart

 

[violetwolf]

Ok I had my number wrong. Here is the "Mid" priced tripod I use for my day to day stuff:
http://www.amazon.ca/Manfrotto-755X...sim_421_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0N098YZJK8WATW7CM6RB

With this head on it (502 not 501 as I mentioned above)
http://www.amazon.ca/Manfrotto-502-...sim_421_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1DTDEB3E2TC4B04N7YPY The tripod has the ball-mount for fast leveling, and the head is silky smooth fluid damped.

I also have this unit for impressing people but I almost never use it due the fact that it weighs a ton. Great if you have a jib though:
http://www.amazon.ca/Manfrotto-MVT5...=1441870488&sr=1-16&keywords=manfrotto+tripod

With this head on it:
http://www.amazon.ca/Manfrotto-MVH5...sim_421_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=19MVJK7V8VQXTSFYCNED