Max Field Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 (edited) Over the course of 2 years, talking to various experts, I had built up a list of heavy-duty tripods to purchase that surprisingly were not all that expensive. Just had a crash on my external drive and lost my little notepad file with all of the names, conveniently right when I was about to pull the trigger on buying another one. Tried Google, and I keep getting suggestions for flimsy photography tripods. So yeah, when you get the chance, please give some models of tripods that have done you well. I'm looking for over 20 pounds of support. (either pre built systems or pieces you like together) Thanks in advance. Edited July 28, 2016 by Macks Fiiod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Mark Kenfield Posted July 28, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted July 28, 2016 Under $400? I'd suggest scanning ebay for a few months until you find someone selling a piece of gear that they know nothing about, that's the only way I can imagine you'll get anything worthwhile. My recommendation would be to save up more money. $1,000 will get you a serviceable, well-used tripod that's smooth enough for professional usage. Less than that? I'm afraid you'll wading through the murk. Be wary of wasting $400 on something that can't do the job properly (and therefore will need to be replaced in short order), it'll cost you more than saving up the extra $600 in the first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Field Posted July 28, 2016 Author Share Posted July 28, 2016 (edited) My situation right now is using a $200 (retail) Benro video tripod that was only designed for 11 pounds. I have a RED One stuck on it most of the time. From where I am right now, anything is an improvement. Edited July 28, 2016 by Macks Fiiod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Mark Kenfield Posted July 28, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted July 28, 2016 I'm sure it is, but honestly, $400 isn't going to get you there. Save up a grand, and you can get yourself something nice and smooth. It'll be old and used, but if it's in good condition, it'll be a huge improvement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Field Posted July 28, 2016 Author Share Posted July 28, 2016 Well could you list some at around 1000? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg MacPherson Posted July 28, 2016 Share Posted July 28, 2016 There are some usefull threads already if you use the search tools. Google is also quite good at that. "tripod and head cinematography.com" made a start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Field Posted July 29, 2016 Author Share Posted July 29, 2016 Already tried the search function as "tripods" but there was nothing newer than 2013/2012, and I'd assume the prices have altered a tad since then. But I'll give the quoted Google a try. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Soltys Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 Just checked ebay, and they have an O'Connor 50 with Birns & Saywer legs for $448 OBO. Not sure if it has ever been repacked or if it leaks but I love that head. I'd love to get one, but as I'm using a BMPCC these days, the camera is way too light for the head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Mark Kenfield Posted July 29, 2016 Premium Member Share Posted July 29, 2016 Weird, I posted some links from ebay the other day, but it seems that post never arrived. Right now there's a Vinten Vision 10 and a Miller DS30 available for around $1000 each. They'd fit the bill for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg MacPherson Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 There was a chap on the forum about a week ago selling an O'Connor 50 in good shape for $300. http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=72200 Discussions about what support is useful for various context have come up before and there are some usefull discussions archived. That's what I was hoping to point Max to. The older gear that people often refer to is still around and some prices may not have changed much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Oppenheimer Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 I would NOT consider an O'Connor 50. OK head in its day, but no service parts available today. I do have a Ronford F4 head with Ronford Medium Duty legs that I could do for $1000. Much better choice for a Red One than some of the other choices I see out there. Marty Oppenheimer Seattle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregg MacPherson Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 One could check with Transylvania Films. They service, overhaul old O'Connor. Marty, have you checked them out already, and they don't overhaul 50s? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Oppenheimer Posted July 29, 2016 Share Posted July 29, 2016 I like Transylvania. Michael Saar is great. But for some parts for OC50 heads, I don't think even he can come up with them. The parts have long been a problem. I think O'Connor stopped servicing these heads 20 years ago. BUT if Michael says he can do it, that's OK.Still, the OC50 was on the ragged edge with an NPR or even a CP16. I'd seriously look at the Ronford F4. Not that common in the USA, but the go to head for S16 in the UK for many many years.Marty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now