Camera v video tripods

[Greg]

Slik make a sturdy tripod, the 504 QF II, described as a video tripod. It appears to be perfectly suitable to support a digital SLR with telephoto lens, but am I missing something? The retailer assures me there is no reason I shouldn't use it.

 

[CT]

There's no real reason you shouldn't use it, but that long panning handle would be a pain and get in the way most of the time. At 6lbs it's no lightweight mind you. I'd take your time and have a good look at what's available. The tripod head and the legs really need to be two separately considered items - you have to live with it for a long time.

 

[moomike]

You should take a look at the Manfrotto range as your tripod is going to be with you for the long run & it's best to buy a decent one 1st time around - my cheaper tripod lasted a grand total of 3 minutes with my 300mm lens, snapped & ruined a whole morning of shooting - since I'd gotten up at 4:00am I was not best pleased & went out soon after to get an 055PROB - excellent piece of kit (a bit heavy but very sturdy).
Good luck with your choice

 

[Greg]

Thanks, guys. It does appear to be sturdier than a similarly priced Manfrotto. The reason I'm looking for one is that the cheapie I bought when I started photography is too flimsy.

 

[Phil T]

FYI I bought a used video tripod & CT is right - the panning handle can get in the way. I also had to re-design it a bit with an angle grinder as the head was getting in the way of the battery grip. But it does the job admirably.

 

[Messiah Khan]

If you are looking at video tripods, also check the head mounting as some of the larger ones use bowl mounts which could make for some confusing compatibility issues. Ive recently bought a Manfrotto 503 Pro Video and Manfrotto 350MVB Legs for work, and they make my 190X ProB and 322RC2 looks like toys in comparison. They weight a ton as well, but are rocks solid even with a camera jib on top.

 

[barryj]

Seems that everytime a tripod thread appears the "Manfrotto" brigade come out in droves

Don't get me wrong I've nothing against them and from the feedback they get on this forum alone they must be good.

However When I looked at getting a tripod a couple of months ago I found the Manfrotto range a little pricey and in most cases you'd have to go and buy a head on top of that. Which to me as an amateur was too much.

Any way after a bit of research I decided on the Slik 500dx and it is superb; not too heavy (just over 2k), rock solid (even on shingle ), clip legs, hotshoe and pan handle included (this is the head I wanted) all for £80 delivered.

/*rant over*/ Just wanted Slik to get a good word in

 

[Greg]

One thing I like about Talk Photography is you ask a simple, or naive or even silly question and you get loads of constructive feedback/advice etc. Thanks to all for your comments. I've just got an idea for another question - perhaps I'll start a new thread.