Tripod and fluid head under $1,000.00

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Tripod and fluid head under $1,000.00

PCPRO

Joel,

Still stuck in the decision making process. I need two tripods and fluid heads.
Cameras are Panasonic AG-CX350.
Will be used for IMAG at 85-100ft corporate and music video filming.
Cameras weigh about 5 pounds. I think standard 72" height is ok. Will probably add a monitor down the road and some weighted plates so we can be in the upper 2/3 of the load rating on the tripod and head. At this point I just need you to tell me exactly what to buy. I’d like the ability to level the head. Sturdy legs and smooth fluid head that won’t jerk. Budget is max 1,000.00 per setup right now.

Thanks,

Phillip Cardon

joelwsmith

PCPRO

Hey again, Phillip!

If you can eek just a bit more budget for both setups, this would probably be my first pick: Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 Series Fluid Video Head with 645 Fast Twin Leg Aluminum Tripod & Mid-Level Spreader - (affiliate link)

If you need to keep it under $1,000 I would still recommend the Nitrotech 608 Fluid Head. But then get a slightly cheaper tripod like the Manfrotto 475B (unfortunately it appears to be back-ordered everywhere I've looked, though).

You can also get the Nitrotech 608 with Manfrotto TWIN Aluminum Tripod for just under $1,000. But just be aware the TWIN tripod is about 2" shorter than the 645 and it's not quite as nice build quality.

Hope this helps!

joelwsmith

PCPRO

Also, just a warning...

I'm seeing the incorrect price for the Nitrotech 608 fluid head on Amazon right now, at least for listings that come up for my location. The "Ships from Amazon.com and Sold by Amazon.com" product is priced more than double ($1092) what Manfrotto has the 608 MSRP set for ($510). So be aware of that if you're looking on Amazon.

PCPRO

joelwsmith

Thanks Joel,

Does that setup come with a ball so I can level the head or would I need to buy that separately? You rock. Gotta get these things order today LoL.

Phillip

joelwsmith

PCPRO

The first link I posted with the 645 Fast tripod should come with everything you need. The tripod has a 100mm bowl mount, but the kit includes a half ball adapter (bowl mount with flat base) and a 75mm to 100mm adapter.

PCPRO

Thank you for the advice I grabbed the first recommendation. They’ll be coming in on Wednesday and we'll put them to work.

Phillip