Fluid Head Tripod Recs

[Shnedie]

I'm looking for a tripod in the sub $250 range that'll be reasonably good at shooting skiing with a telephoto. Don't tell me anything below $4k is trash like every other video forum, I have used Sachtler and stuff at work but I cannot afford.

Are there considerations to keep in mind when using a fluid head in the cold? Is there a specific type of legs you prefer to use on snow? (mid spreaders vs no spreaders) Is there anything to look for since I want to carry it on a backpack? I have a smaller mirrorless camera so I don't need something too beefy.

Do these make any sense?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1774976-REG/smallrig_3751b_ad_01_heavy_duty_tripod_with.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...163_ad_80_freeblazer_heavy_duty_aluminum.html

 

[camtashcroft]

I'm not feeling this is the spot for tripod recommendations mate

 

[skiP.E.I.]

I'm not feeling this is the spot for tripod recommendations mate

I've learned a lot about camera and filming gear on NS. Granted, that was mostly around 2009 when the forum was much more active, and there were many knowledgeable filmers eager to share ski- specific filming info.

As to your question OP, I've been using one of the cheaper Manfrotto Tripods for 11 years, mostly for photos or video lock-off shots. It's bumped around in my car, on boats and ATVs, gone on camping trips, stood around in salt water, been out in the rain, ice and snow and is going strong. Mine isn't a fluid head but I'm very happy with how it works and how it's held up. The Manfrotto 290, which does have the fluid head is in your budget and has the same durable legs as mine. For twice the money you could look at the 500 as well.

**This post was edited on Feb 21st 2024 at 11:24:14am

 

[skiP.E.I.]

I didn't see the links you posted before, but I'd recommend the Manfrotto legs over those. The stabilizers at the bottom of the legs on those smallrig ones can get in the way on uneven ground. The legs also look more bulky with the 5 stanchions. That said I'm sure those would work just fine too.

 

[eheath]

Don't tell me anything below $4k is trash like every other video forum, I have used Sachtler and stuff at work but I cannot afford.

Well, they're right, ha! Just kidding, but sorta. I wouldn't bother buying a video tripod for $250, mostly because you'll only want more. Cheap tripods are quite difficult to keep stable and in the end, the shots look bad.

Buying a cheap tripod basically does nothing for you, I would recommend saving more money if you're serious about filming skiing. When i got my first real tripod, it was night and day, I got a sachtler fsb4 and it was effortless to get clean pans vs my manfrotto 503.

If you're looking for something to just post up a still shot, there are tons of good photo tripods for under $100 that would be great for something like that.

but if you were to get the absolute minimum, this is probably the cheapest "fluid head" i would recommendhttps://bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1087198-REG/manfrotto_3_section_tripod_with.html

I added quotations because that isn't a real fluid head but these tripods in my experience aren't the worst. There is a reason you are being told anything under x$ is trash, because its true. But, something like the manfrotto 502 are a good starting point.

The sachtler ace is solid obvious its out of your price range but its the cheapest real fluid head you can gethttps://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/822102-REG/Sachtler_1001_Ace_Fluid_Head_with.html

The unlimited budget best setup is a sachtler/nicer manfrotto fluid head with carbon legs, which are usually twice the price of aluminum. The carbon legs are only 1-2lbs less but could be worth it if you're hauling them around, I always uses aluminum because my bag was already heavy so it didnt matter.

 

[eheath]

Are there considerations to keep in mind when using a fluid head in the cold? Is there a specific type of legs you prefer to use on snow? (mid spreaders vs no spreaders) Is there anything to look for since I want to carry it on a backpack? I have a smaller mirrorless camera so I don't need something too beefy.

When its cold, like around 0F, the fluid head will certainly be "stiffer" and require a little more force to get it moving. I would just pan and tilt around a bunch when it was cold and it would loosen up the head. Not a huge impact and in the end, nothing you can do about it, there is fluid in the head.

as i mentioned before, carbon legs are ideal but in the end, its only 1-2lbs difference. definitely no spreaders.

as long as the legs telescope in, you're good with a bag. Your legs will stick out either above or below the bag, but it usually doesnt get in the way.

Check out the full weight of your setup (camera + lens + mic and battery) and make sure the tripod you buy is rated for the weight. tripods have counter balances that usually dont operate the best at the high/low ends.

**This post was edited on Feb 21st 2024 at 2:22:49pm