Libec tripod for HD DSLR setup?

[Headshotzx]

Hi there, I'm a student newbie to video who's looking for a tripod setup. I've been shooting stills for about 3 years now, and I understand what it means to have decent support.

I've been looking around, reading forums and all that, and I've come to the conclusion that my first video tripod will be between a manfrotto or a libec.

I already have a Manfrotto 190CX3 tripod meant for stills, and that has worked well for still / non-moving video (since I only have a ballhead now).

I tried the 501HDV head in the store mounted to one of their 190CX3's and the entire tripod flexed and twisted when I panned, which I'm sure I wouldn't want.

Right now, Libec has a few products, and I'd like to ask a few questions, but first, my gear!

Lightest: 5D2 / 60D + 50mm 1.4 + LCDVF (~1.5kg)
Standard: 5D2 + 24-70L + LCDVF + Rode Videomic + H1 + Rails system (~2.5kg)
Heaviest: Replace 24-70L with 70-200 2.8L IS + 1.4x (~3kg)

The most tele setup I'd ever have would probably be 280mm in 35mm equiv. I do not have monitors, cine lenses, heavy matteboxes and all that for now.

Would the Libec TH-650DV be too skimpy for my needs? Or would I benefit more from the TH-950DV?

I know quite a few suggest the LS-22DV, but for the price, I can save up another month's allowance and get the LS-38(2A). And that's what I'd also like to ask about. Would it be downright bad to have that setup for my relatively lightweight gear, since the counterbalance rating would be a lot higher and I might be fighting it with a lot of resistance and "bounceback".

Would it make sense if I wanted to "test the waters" and buy the basic TH-650DV, then if need be, upgrade to the LS-38(2A) or something similar in the future, with the understanding that I am a student?

Any suggestions on what I should get would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Reportage]

Libec is a very heavy investment both in cost and weight. You also need to get the video head as well.

I recommend instead renting it to try out first...might even give Sachtler a go as well.

There is a brand call fotomate or was it profotomate that has one for less then $200 and i have seen it used by quite a number of medium setups. Comes with video head as well if i remember correctly.

make sure whatever video head you get has very very smooth panning.

 

[Bamboopictures]

Libec TH650 is going for under $200 at G&G Sim Lim Tower. Dirt cheap for a video tripod. But not very smooth panning. Consider the Weifeng WF717AH.

 

[Headshotzx]

Yes, I want to get a decent "make do" setup for now, then up it to a LS-38 or something similar in the future. That is my current plan. Single leg stills tripods aren't gonna help with the twisting though.

 

[Headshotzx]

Anyone know, other than said "G&G", where I can find a video store selling the TH-650DV, 950DV and LS-22? I always travel to Funan so if there's anything around that area it'd be great.

 

[Reportage]

Anyone know, other than said "G&G", where I can find a video store selling the TH-650DV, 950DV and LS-22? I always travel to Funan so if there's anything around that area it'd be great.

have you tried expandore?

 

[alexa]

Edit: oops im sorry i realised i just dug post



Hello,

I have the DV950.
Personally i find the head is ok but the legs are abit flimsy. Need to add some weight or use one hand to hold when you pan.
Weight wise is light for a tripod. Carrying it around is no problem. Can sling it and go shopping also, but need to be careful when you go through doors
The price is quite a steal for what you are getting.
the tripod look like it will last but not very durable... if u get what i mean. it will last and be functional if not terribly abused but it will not look very pretty. mine after 1 day of use outlook drop from 10/10 to 8/10 already. but it is stil functioning well so far.

i suppose DV650 should be similar regarding the flimsy legs, lightweight n nt durable part. not sure about how the head compares with the dv950 though.


For DV650 profi-ent is selling, got 1 shop in SLS also selling but the price they quoted me for the 950 was like *turn around and walk out*. Letchmi at Little India also selling but its export goods, meaning no warranty.

So far I found Profi-ent quote me the best price for DV950. They dont have DV950 ready stock but they had some DV650 available.
Expandore also have ready stock of DV650.

just sharing my experience calling all the dealers so that hopefully u can get the best buy

 

[XsenseX]

Sachtler is pretty good ... But do note that libec & sachtler are basically overprice versions of manfrottos. There was an article somewhere stating how a sachtler cost 2-3 times more than a manfrotto 504 head but actually they just added better springs, counterbalance, springback, true fluid (which i dono what is true anymore) which raw price is <$50.

But too bad, the market for pro tripods are controlled by a few big players & some prices are obscene when you reach the 'pro' range.

 

[eel]

I've yet to encounter a lower end Manfrotto (all the 50* series whether HDV or normal) on which I can pan comfortably. they all have that stickiness at the start of the pan so that its seldom a smooth start - more like a jerk. I owned a 501 (which I sold), and used the HDV version - both of which have disappointed. The verdict is still out on the 504 as I've only had a chance to try it out a couple of times and I've been ok with them. I now own a 650DV which I think is better value than the 501s at they perform about the same but for less than half the price. The caveat is that I think I got a good copy.

I also own a Libec LS38. That's a decent basic tripod for the money with nicely ramped pans and tilts. The drawback is they don't balance cameras below 4kg. However, my favourite tripod currently is the E-image 7063H. For the price you pay for a 503HDV, you get easily 10x the performance. Silky smooth and properly balanced - I'd put it close to 95% of a Sachtler FSB series performance at 1/3 the price.

For TS, I'd say get that because of your minimum weight at 1.5kg, its hard to find tripod head that will cover that range. Sachtler has a relatively new model that's made for DSLR so you might want to check that out. Otherwise, just rig some metal plates to get your setup to at least 2 kg. The Vinten Blue is a decent performer and a definite step up from the Manfrottos although still not as smooth as my e-image.

 

[Headshotzx]

Just an update, since the thread, I got myself a 501HDV used from a seller here, and he included a spoilt Manfrotto 540 ART carbon fiber tripod because the legs couldn't lock at all. It'll go to Cine Equipment Pte Ltd soon after my exams to see how much the repair will be.

Indeed the 501HDV is difficult to do a figure of eight easily, no smooth diagonals and what not - just quite rough steps. And I don't think it's my ability.

 

[XsenseX]

Just a question ... Is 501 just a bigger brother of the 701? Or there are differences?

 

[blackmidnight]

Anyone know, other than said "G&G", where I can find a video store selling the TH-650DV, 950DV and LS-22? I always travel to Funan so if there's anything around that area it'd be great.

Profi Ent, Expandore and Hai Chew should have these tripods in stock

 

[ywh]

Some weird info about Sachtlers and Libecs being high end Manfrottos. Sachtlers are leagues ahead of Manfrotto and definitely NOT just a upgraded Manfrotto. The durability of the heads make it one of the top choices of ENG cameramen. Not to neglect the other 2 popular brands in Miller and Vinten.

My personal head is a Vinten Vision 6 which I use with either a fully loaded DSLR or broadcast ENG cameras. If I was just shooting with the 5D and max of 70-200 2.8, I will use the 701HDV which is way smoother than the 501HDV that I used and got frustated with.