OT: upgrading the tripod

megabit wrote on 12/11/2008, 7:08 AM
With the RR matte box and glass filters, the 11" field/studio monitor, on-camera light powered from a100 Wh brick battery, Letus Extreme 35mm adapter with a Canon lens - the overall weight of my EX1 rig has just exceeded 10 kg...

I need to upgrade my Manfrotto 503/535 tripod, and I'm facing a dilemma: being sort of loyal Manfrotto customer, should I opt for their 526 top-of-the-line head (up to 16 kg payload), or spend roughly the same amount on a higher-end brand, like e.g. Libec LS-70 (up to 14kg payload).

Also similar would be the price for the highly regarded Miller Solo DS-20 combo, but it's rated 10 kg (no safety margin left).

I'd like to hear your opinions whether high-level head from Manfrotto are comparable to mid-range solution from their competitors, or still are considered "poor man's supports" :)

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Comments

richard-courtney wrote on 12/11/2008, 8:25 PM
Weight is weight. Make sure your head and legs can handle it.

Here's another issue...balance.
With all the goodies loaded and a helper ready to catch the rig,
are you able to find the center near the normal tripod mount spot on the camera?
If not, you may need a balance slide plate.

You have a fair amount of money on top of the camera so don't skimp on what you
put under it.

EDIT: Don't forget to add the weight of the plate to your total.
Serena wrote on 12/11/2008, 9:06 PM
With your rig you need a bit more sophistication in the fluid head (balance options etc) and good rigidity in the tripod. All that mass and inertia demands well braced tripod legs, and something like http://www.miller.com.au/products.cfm?sectid=20&subsec=2020&productID=209Miller Arrow[/link] is the minimum I'd consider. Not as if you need a light weight tripod for run-n-gun for that gear.
ushere wrote on 12/11/2008, 11:07 PM
agree entirely with serena. however, you might get away with a ds20, but probably no on solo legs...

i'd forget manfrotto for that weight, and certainly libec - with your gear you need both strength and fluidity - miller, satchler, vinton (NOT the rebadged manfrotto), cartoni, etc.,