Sorry to dredge this up again, but I thought I'd keep my question in a relevant thread...

I'd like to hear the opinions of the Manfrotto 503 head from those of you that have used it for a while. My purpose is mainly for the PD150 and V1u camcorders.

While at NAB last week, I picked up a B&H catalog that has some show specials, it lists some really decent prices on both Manfrotto 501 and 503 tripod systems.

The 501HDV351MVB2K is on sale for $384.95 It's normally $456.95.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=487976&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

The 503351MVB2K is on sale for $439.95. It's normally $494.95.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=5136&A=details&Q=&sku=387808&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

You can't order these online at the NAB show special price, you have to call to get the deal. 1-800-947-5541

The NAB show special number for the 501 is "NAB070570"
The number for the 503 is "NAB070571"

The prices are good through May 3rd.

John

This is going to sound odd, but ....

I have a friend who has a Canon XL-H1 and is looking for a "good cheap reliable" tripod - I think his budget runs upwards of 3K (I've seen some that run 10k+)..So, for that money, does someone have a good recommendation? I know the Canon camera is one heavy SOB so it's gotta take the weight. I thought he was looking at either a Sachtler or a Cartoni but I cannot be sure.

TIA!

slk2k

Shout from the bleachers, I've seen media shot on low-mid level TPs by experienced cameramen. They have the best gear available of course, but they don't NEED the fluid heads to get a great shot/pan. They know how to work with anything. 80-20 rule applies: It's the person...not the metal.

addition:
Ya know, over the years I've found 4 professional TPs just sitting there in many 2nd hand stores (value village/etc.) - fully functional with the exception of scuffs/etc. You might take a stroll through one near you for items such as this, you'll be surprised what turns up every now and then.

Don't overlook Miller, they have a pretty fine Solo with a DS10 head that handle the Canon quite happily.
I don't think there's much between Satchler and Miller these days. Cartoni and Panther are in a different league but that said there's a lot of film cameras resting on Miller sticks, they were good enough for March Of The Penguins and you don't find a much more hostile shooting environment than that.

Quite apart from whatever tripod and head you buy, a more significant factor is learning how to setup the head correctly for the camera and how to "warm it up".

However this isn't answering John's question!
All I can add is I've never been a fan of Bogan heads, that's despite us owning around 50 sets of their light stands. Their new monopod is great too, we love it. And on the upside they do make some great "glue" bits and pieces as well as affordable and very usefull grips bits.
Whatever you go for in tripods or boom poles the added cost of the latest carbon fibre composites seems money well spent. The boom poles from Loon are just magic, price not withstanding!

Bob.

Thanks Bob,

I should just bite the bullet and get a Miller. I had one years ago and, now that I think about it, it was my favorite tripod ever.

By the way, sorry I missed meeting you at the Vegas party at NAB. Had I known you were going to be there, I would have made it a point.

John

Miller, they have a pretty fine Solo with a DS10 head

Been using same setup for nearly 2 years now. Used again today in confined spaces in building - had one leg on table and 2 on the floor - solid as a rock. I shot stuff with 2 on the floor and one leg "cocked-up" against a wall! Low shots or high shots pipe my video down to a monitor, perfeckto! - For carrying, KATA camera bag over one shoulder and Miller trip-bag slung over my other. Thru' London Transport system, no sweat.

Well I DID listen to Bob's recommendation then - haven't looked back since.

John, I've got a 501, and it is ok, nothin great but for the money it does the job plus pretty much bullet proof , mount in on a jib been banged around like crazy , still the same... its ok.

Sorry I missed you too, and lots of other people as well.
Such a crowd there it was difficult to mingle.
This was the most full on NAB I've been to, we really ran out of time and my feet still hurt.
Funny thing was the number of Australians I kept running into, I don't know how many there was at NAB in total but I do know quite a few are still stuck in L.A. so we were lucky to get back when we did.

Maybe next year we can all organise something as well as the official Vegas party, maybe just a place and a time for a get together for a chin wag. The party is now such a big and long event it doesn't serve the 'get to know one another' role very well.

Bob.

"The party is now such a big and long event it doesn't serve the 'get to know one another' role very well.

Quite frankly, I was disappointed with the party. Not so much the party itself, but the fact that there seemed to be so many "outsiders" that were just there because they heard there would be alcohol and food.

The Vegas forum members should have their own "party" next year.

My feet would be hurting, too, except for the fact that years ago, while at another NAB, I discovered Reebok sneakers that use a very effective air cushioning system called "DMX MAX." Highly recommended!

John

Good shoes are a must, just like good tripods, see I got this back on topic! Unfortunately I have a minor foot ailment that needs surgery that I've put off for years but I'll sure be getting it fixed before the next NAB.

I can't speak for everyone else at the party but those bludgers down the back that wouldn't keep quiet drove me NUTS. If I'd been in my home town they would have copped a few expletives from yours truly. I mean if you really must have the conversation right THEN, cause your life really does depend on it, how hard is it to step outside?

Bob.

Thank you for the heads up on the Miller (and this excellent thread BTW)! I passed along a link to this thread.

Thanks again!