Author Topic: 2015 tripod head discussion and advice (Read 5669 times)

Mantis · « **on:** March 07, 2015, 20:35 »

I thought I'd start a thread to discuss tripod heads. I am in the market for a new tripod. Some specifics:

My budget: I'd be willing to spend up to $750 for a good head.

What I shoot: This will be used mostly for landscape work. With my Nikon and heavy lenses, al;on with my panning unit, the head would have to comfortably support 10 lbs but more is better.

I will be also wanting to do some manual panning so a fluid head is probably the direction I would go, or one that is VERY FRIENDLY for manual panning.

The tripod itself will also be purchased but I am not looking for a carbon fiber one as I will be doing long exposures in breezes and carbon is typically flimsier than steel/aluminum.

Couple of ones I have been eyeing

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/683559-REG/Manfrotto_504HD_504HD_Fluid_Video_Head.html

If ya'll want to buy me an early Christmas present:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Video-Support/Fluid-Head-Pkg-Mid-Sized.html

Holmes · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2015, 23:36 »

i got this a few months ago. love it. use canon 5dm2 and Sony HXR-NX3

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827210-REG/Manfrotto_MVH502AH_75Mm_Flat_Head.html

tickstock · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2015, 00:11 »

I have the 504HD, it's ok but I think you need a fairly heavy setup for it to work best. It doesn't work so well with a light setup. It also wouldn't be good for photo if that's what you mean by landscape? Another thing is that you need a different type of tripod to use it, you can't use your photo tripod legs with it.

Mantis · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2015, 10:15 »

Quote from: tickstock on March 08, 2015, 00:11

I have the 504HD, it's ok but I think you need a fairly heavy setup for it to work best. It doesn't work so well with a light setup. It also wouldn't be good for photo if that's what you mean by landscape? Another thing is that you need a different type of tripod to use it, you can't use your photo tripod legs with it.

Thanks, Ticktock. What are your opinions on a system more aligned with my weight? If I interpret your post correctly, you are saying that my (or a normal DSLR setup is a bit light for optimal use with the 540HD. I see it is for up to 17 lbs and I know I won't get anywhere near that. Are you suggesting to step down to a lighter ranked head?

Thanks you to you and Holmes for your feedback.

w7lwi · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2015, 12:44 »

A few years back I needed to purchase two fluid heads and tripods for video production. I ended up with the Manfrotto 501 head and 3283B tripod. I know the tripod number is an old one, but I believe they still carry it under a different number. The only caution is be sure whatever tripod you get, it will accommodate the head. The 500 series heads will not mount on all tripods, so be sure your tripod is compatible.

tickstock · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2015, 21:26 »

Quote from: Mantis on March 08, 2015, 10:15

Quote from: tickstock on March 08, 2015, 00:11
I have the 504HD, it's ok but I think you need a fairly heavy setup for it to work best. It doesn't work so well with a light setup. It also wouldn't be good for photo if that's what you mean by landscape? Another thing is that you need a different type of tripod to use it, you can't use your photo tripod legs with it.

Thanks, Ticktock. What are your opinions on a system more aligned with my weight? If I interpret your post correctly, you are saying that my (or a normal DSLR setup is a bit light for optimal use with the 540HD. I see it is for up to 17 lbs and I know I won't get anywhere near that. Are you suggesting to step down to a lighter ranked head?

Thanks you to you and Holmes for your feedback.

Yep something rated for lighter gear would be better. You need to get the right kind of legs for the head also, some screw in like most photo heads but some sit in a bowl. The RRS one you posted looks like it's a normal one but the 504hd needs video tripod legs with a bowl (there are different sizes of those too so make sure you get the right one or get it as a set). The 504hd with legs is very big and weighs a lot too, you might want to look at something like that in person first or you'll be in for a surprise. Also read up on the head you want, some say fluid but aren't actually.

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Author Topic: 2015 tripod head discussion and advice (Read 5669 times)

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