Video Tripods

[Tdes]

I have a need about two or three times a year for a tripod with a fluid head for video work. I have a Manfrotto monopod with the three feet at the bottom but the fluid head on it only tilts, there is no pan. It does fit my other tripod but I feel that there is a bit too much movement for video work (only a k&f tall tripod, fine for stills).

I am thinking I need one with twin legs to make it a bit more solid, can single leg versions be as stable or is twin legs a must?

Only having to use it a few times a year, what brand/price/features do I need to look for so it is not utter crap, but at the same time not costing the earth.

Any advise welcome!

T

edit... It is only going to take a canon R and maximum 70-200mm lens... also needs to be tall, min 6'.

 

[TCR4x4]

I’ve got an ifootage tc7 with a manfrotto mvh502 head. It’s solid as a rock, but is pretty heavy.
I got it at a bargain of £99 On eBay. The tripod alone is usually double that and the head no far off it either. It holds my Sony a9 and 200-600 lens just fine.
It also has the benefit of a levelling bowl, so even if you can’t get the legs to make the tripod level, you can adjust the bowl to get it perfect.

 

[Tdes]

I’ve got an ifootage tc7 with a manfrotto mvh502 head. It’s solid as a rock, but is pretty heavy.
I got it at a bargain of £99 On eBay. The tripod alone is usually double that and the head no far off it either. It holds my Sony a9 and 200-600 lens just fine.
It also has the benefit of a levelling bowl, so even if you can’t get the legs to make the tripod level, you can adjust the bowl to get it perfect.

Sounds like you got an absolute bargain!!

Interesting that single leg tripod is solid enough, thought twin legs were a must.

T

 

[paul.w]

You can usually pick up a Libec video tripod off ebay for very little money, should be ideal for your needs.

 

[Mr Badger]

A Velbon D700 (or the later DV7000) with fluid head can often be found quite cheaply on eBay (£50 or less including postage - check the 'completed items' section for an idea of current/recent prices). Condition is everything though, so make sure it doesn't look battered about and make sure the pan and tilt head is with it. If the quick release plate is missing (it's a cork coated one, so look for that in the photos) from the head then these can still be bought new for around £10 or so from eBay and Amazon sellers, so it's not a deal breaker but factor that price into the cost to see if it's worth buying. Other than that, it's a fairly simple, large, and relatively sturdy, amateur video type tripod.