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Home: Video University Forums: Canon All Camcorders:
Tripod Recommendations, Please

dwhurst
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Apr 14, 2006, 2:42 PM

Post #1 of 6 (4692 views)
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Tripod Recommendations, Please	Can't Post

Does this forum include XL2? I'm feeling like a man without a country since my beloved XL2 doesn't have a forum here. Wink

Quick question: Just went into business with all new gear, including the XL2. I feel pretty good about the quality of my setup for someone just starting out, but am weak when it comes to a tripod. I was duped into buying a package with a "Pro" (yeah, right) video tripod included. It actually is a nice little tripod if you're not planning on breathing (much less panning, tilting, etc....you know, things we videographers tend to do). So for my purposes, it's a piece of trash.

Shopping online for a tripod is confusing me, as I don't have the experience to know what's good and what to stay away from. Can someone please do me a favor and recommend a good pro video tripod for the XL2 without breaking the bank? I know tripods can go well into the thousands of dollars. I'm looking for something in the $400 to $600 range. Can I get something respectable within this range?

Dave

RatVega
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Apr 14, 2006, 4:17 PM

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Re: [dwhurst] Tripod Recommendations, Please [In reply to]	Can't Post

No, it doesn't include XL-2, please go away... Wink

Seriously, there are a number of good tripods available in your price range that will get the job done. My personal preference is for the Boden/Manfrotto units with are affordable and well built.

Something I saw as an issue in shooting the XL-2 is balance. It's seriously nose-heavy (but ya gotta love that glass...) You're going to want a 'pod designed for several times the weight of the cam unless you get into a QR mounting plate that allows quite a bit of offset. I found that camera movement was noticeable using the Manfrotto 3001 /3130 combination I use for the GL-2s. I'd be looking something like a 501 or 503 pro head and 525 or 528 legs.

The good news is that you can get what you need from Manfrotto, and you can buy it for resonable money at B&H and not get jacked around by some fast talking salesman. If you do decide on B&H, use the ads here on VU when you order - it helps the organization and costs you nothing.

______________________________________________________________
Currently on a loaded 2.5GHz G5 dualie/5GB/1TB internal RAID/dual 19" monitors. Final Cut Studio, Adobe Suite, Boris RED. Shooting with Canon.

VU California Crew, Inland Empire Sub-Chapter (paragraph?)

AndrewMSV
Veteran

Apr 14, 2006, 11:37 PM

Post #3 of 6 (4643 views)
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Re: [dwhurst] Tripod Recommendations, Please [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use this setup HERE.
Do a search for this topic. It has been thoroughly discussed and well documented.

Cheers!

Andrew
m o r n i n g__s t a r__v i d e o g r a p h y
sf chapter, vu california crew
I think we should turn that whole region into one shiny piece of radioactive glass. - CartoonChris

dwhurst
User

Apr 15, 2006, 4:49 AM

Post #4 of 6 (4597 views)
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Re: [AndrewMSV] Tripod Recommendations, Please [In reply to]	Can't Post

Andrew, you're killing me! You always make me nervous to post anything here out of fear that it has already been discussed. Smile

It's funny, because nearly every time I've been tempted to post a question I've been sure to spend the extra time searching old posts first so I won't "get in trouble." And, yes, as a result you'll notice that my posts since I started hanging around these parts have been sparse thanks to your frequent reminders to search before asking. I usually do find my answers.

But with regards to the tripod, I just wanted to be absolutely sure on this one. On the Wedding forum, you once told me that most videogs on these boards are using Sony cams, and relatively few are using the XL2. So since it is true that these Canon XL2s really are so doggone front heavy, I just wanted to be very specific about recommended tripods for the XL2.

But thanks for your link. I think that gives me some good info to work off of.

I love your posts, by the way. I recently did a search of your posts alone just because they're always so packed with good info. Wink

Cheers!

Dave

AndrewMSV
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Apr 15, 2006, 3:30 PM

Post #5 of 6 (4525 views)
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Re: [dwhurst] Tripod Recommendations, Please [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Dave,

I don't mean to be harsh! Sorry... I get like that sometimes. It comes off harsher than it would verbally.

I use an XL1S and they're ergonomically very similar to the XL2. When I use my tripod with the batterypack and wireless mic on the back end, it actually become back-heavy, believe it or not.

I just have my cam shifted as far front as the quick release plate will let me shift it and it's really balanced. The 501 head is such a great head I have three of them.

Thanks for bearing with me, the unbearable!
Cheers!

Let us know what you decide.

Andrew
m o r n i n g__s t a r__v i d e o g r a p h y
sf chapter, vu california crew
I think we should turn that whole region into one shiny piece of radioactive glass. - CartoonChris

(This post was edited by AndrewMSV on May 17, 2006, 6:46 PM)

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Waldemar
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May 3, 2006, 12:44 AM

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Re: [dwhurst] Tripod Recommendations, Please [In reply to]	Can't Post

First, go to http://www.dvinfo.net. There is an entire section of the website devoted to the XL2.

Second, there are tons of good tripods on the market for the weight of the XL2. I own an XL1s, have used an XL2, and find them comparable in weight.

I use Bogen/manfrotto tripods...an old 3046...waay stable. Indeed, a Bogen 3001 with a 3063 or 501 head is more than stable enough for the XL series Canon Cameras, but the heavier duty you demand or the more accessories you add to the camera strongly suggest you find a more reliable tripod.
G5 1.8. Final Cut/QT Pro/iMovie/Still Life. GL1. XL1-s