Tripod Recommendations

[dpante]

Hi guys,

 

I'm in the market for a new tripod setup, with a budget of $200-$350, and was wondering what you all use/recommend?

 

I used to have a Velbon CX686, which was great with its fluid head (made for some really smooth pans), until I lost it on vacation a little while back.

 

I'm looking for something that can:

• do smooth pans and tilts
• carry the weight of my GH4 + lens, Zoom H5 + shotgun mic
• can extend to at least 5 feet

I've been looking at this Manfrotto MVH500 head, but don't know what legs to put it on— any recommendations on legs for this would be great too!

[SleepyWill]

What camera are you / will you be putting on it over the next 5 years? What will you need to do with it? Travel? Hike with it on your back?

 

Can you save a touch longer and spring for a sachtler ace? Honestly, the jump at that point in quality from similarly priced rivals through to the range you are asking about is really that significant!

 

If you really can't, how about the Manfrotto MDeVe 755XB?

[animan]

i recently used a Manfrotto 701rc2 of somebody else on a job with a GH4 and light lens and was very surprised/impressed, not much controls but it seemed to work really well with a light setup..