Video and photo stativ/tripod, thebest one

[MichalGajdos]

Hello there.

I would like to have a tripod worth paying that much. I'm hesitating about these two

1. Velbon vs-443d [url=http://www.velbon.biz/product/VS/index.html]http://www.velbon.biz/product/VS/index.html[/url]
  -i really like the idea of extra leg on the top of the tripod, could be used as a dolly or rail,if it's moving/sliding fluently (it looks so on the video) and also i find it handy.cca 150euros

2. Vanguard Alta pro 283CT [url=http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/detail-1-4-15-86.html]http://www.vanguardworld.com/index.php/en/pv/products/photo-video/detail-1-4-15-86.html[/url]
--it looks similar to the first one but it's cheaper,(amazon.de) but the arm/leg does not seem to be that fluent,only for stills.cca 130-260 euros

and I'm worried, not many reviews are there and I cant find out a straight answer by myself so i need your help.
To be honest i am really confused about buying tripods, that's why i am looking for help.

If you have any experience with these or you have good sugestion about others,please be so kind and let me know. Thanks a lot. ;)

[Andrew Reid]

Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 is better than both in my opinion, although I have not tried the Velbon, generally they tend to be a bit low end.

[Chris Mann]

For video, you need a proper video head - unless you don't plan to ever pan or tilt the camera while shooting.

And with tripods you definitely get what you pay for - cheap ones are not very stable, are harder to adjust, and don't last very long.

Leaving aside full-size professional video tripods, the best on the market is the Sachtler Ace, but that costs £500 (?€600).

If you can't afford a Sachtler, then check out Libec models, they are quite usable. if you must have a dual-purpose stills/video tripod, then I would buy a Manfrotto or Giottos base, and add a Manfrotto 701 fluid head for video, and your choice of ball head for stills - e.g. the Giottos MH 1301.

I have used a GH1 on a stills ball head, and it's OK for locked-down shots, but you can't move the camera smoothly at all while shooting.

Don't buy any video head cheaper than the Manfrotto 710, it will be a waste of money.

[RobD]

A cheaper alternative to Manfrotto is Benro.
I just bought a Benro A350F HD1 3way Pan/Tilt head.
Great tripod for the price. Check them out.
Rob 

[MichalGajdos]

thank you all for your advice. It really is helpful. But unfortunately i have a small budget maximum 150-200euros, can't afford anything more as far as i am a student. I have done some research and I found than mentioned velbon vs-443 very intresting, like it is something more than just a simple tripod. I going to city tomorrow and see if i can try it out at a shop. Sure the head has to be fluid i know and if not, change it.

Undoubtedly I let you know if it's worth it, guys really such thing for that price, there's something about it, I have to find :D won't let me rest.

thanks again.

[Andrew Reid]

Best way is to try the tripods out in the shop to get a feel for them. Some cheaper ones are surprisingly good but I'd try and invest at least another 50 euros if I were you. It will be a long lasting purchase if you get it right.