Which tripod?

[Billy]

For about $1500, more or less, which tripod would you choose for a full-size camera, about 15 lbs.?

[MediaConcepts]

You can't go wrong with a Vinten or Sachtler. I've had both and they're great.

Joe

[AndrewMSV]

It depends on the useage.
Will you be moving it around in run-and-gun shooting like in weddings or will you have a steady, controlled or semi-controlled environment in which to shoot?

[Billy]

It depends on the useage.
Will you be moving it around in run-and-gun shooting like in weddings or will you have a steady, controlled or semi-controlled environment in which to shoot?Mostly controlled or semi-controlled. Even at weddings we put the cameras on tripods and don't move them (much) and at the reception we only shoot the cake cuttings on tripods and hand-hold everything else.

We've looked at the Vinten and Sachtlers and they're on the top of our list right now. Just wanting some other opinions to make sure we don't miss anything.

[Bill Wilson]

I have a Bogen/Manfrotto 3193 tripod w 316 head I need to sell. The head will take any full size camera to 35lbs. It has had light use; church broadcast work for 4 mos. Very smooth action & great control. Let me know if there is interest. $850-.

[chucksav]

Miller may be worth looking into.

http://www.miller.com.au/index.cfm?sectid=00

'Course, they're 'Stralian, so they may have a tendency to flip over north of the equator. :grinning-smiley-021

[tbanucci]

I use tripods now after testing them at WEVA one year. They are really smooth and light:

Slik Tripods (http://www.slikbroadcast.com/products_index.html)

[LighthouseMedia]

Billy hey man hows the south?? Man check out the Catoni Focus...great head. And they have a good system with a mid level spreader.

[Tim J]

I have the Vinten Vision 3 system and it is butter smooth. I've had it for about 5 years and it is still as good as new. I can't recommend it enough. It may be the best piece of equipment I've ever bought. I use it with a Panasonic DVC-200.

I've used most of the Bogen heads and they just do not compare. 501, 503, 3066, etc.

My buddy has a miller that is even better than my Vinten, but he paid about $3k for it. I got the Vinten setup for about $1200 for Custom Supply (www.mediasupplystore.com) They were very helpful and had the best price I could find. This was a few years ago though.

[Billy]

Billy hey man hows the south?? Man check out the Catoni Focus...great head. And they have a good system with a mid level spreader.The south around these parts are a lot different than they were a year and a half ago. You'd think it would get back to normal, but I think now is the new normal. One good thing is that we're a lot busier and business is good, so I guess the change is not all bad.

We're still weighing options on that tripod but I may have found a good deal on a used one.