Video Tripod/Head Combo on the Cheap
When shooting video on a tripod, a video head that provides smooth panning and tilting is crucial. A true fluid head contains fluid cartridges. The cartridges are a system made with two parts that slide one on the other. Inside the system is a special fluid that controls the movement making it extremely soft and smooth in motion. The cartridge’s inner design is key in that if well designed, the fluid head allows maximum movement control yet minimizes weight and size. These also come at a pricier dollar amount. If you’re on a budget, here are two highly rated options. The Davis & Sanford isn’t a true video fluid head but the Ravelli is. It’s a true steal for the going price!
Davis & Sanford PROVISTA7518XB Provista Tripod with FM18 Head
Tech Specs
Best suited for DSLR and consumer level cameras
Double strut 3-section tripod and fluid head
75mm claw ball leveler w/ 3/8″-16″ stud prevents camera vibration for rock solid set ups
Double-strut top leg section for extra stability consists of two section 3/4″ diameter and one section 1-1/4″ diameter tubing
Self-aligning metal quick-flip leg locks offer fast set up
Mid level spreader is included for adding additional support
Rubber feet grab any surface
Non-glare black anodized finish gives this tripod a classic professional look
High-quality, padded carrying bag plus extra quick release head plate are included
Maximum Height: 64″
Maximum Load: 18 lbs.
Minimum Height: 28″
Weight: 10 lbs. 3 oz.
Davis & Sanford PROVISTA7518XB Provista Tripod with FM18 Head
Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head
Tech Specs
Geared Center Elevator With Hand Crank
3 Channel Quick Release Locking Leg Sections
New Horizontal Quick Release Latches. (allowing you to release all leg locks at once)
Padded Foam Grips On Two Of The Three Legs To Safely Grab And Move Your Tripod
Rubber Feet or Spiked Feet for grass/carpeting
Tilt: 180° 90° Upward or 90° Downward
Geared Elevator Shaft Extension: Up To 9.75″
Best Suited For Studio Use
Center Brace Column
Standard Screw Mount At The End Of The center Column
3/4″ Head Attachment Screw
Pro Dual Pan Handles (attaches to the head)
Integrated Bubble Level
1 Set Of Legs
1 Pro Dual Handled Video Head With Sliding Quick Release Plate
1 Quick Release Plate
1 Heavy Duty Carry Bag
Folded Length: 28″
Extended Length 58.25″
Maximum Operating Height: 59.75″
Minimum Operating Height: 26.25″
Diameter: 40″
Tripod Weight: 5.5LBS
Head Weight: 3.5LBS
Shipping Weight: 11LBS
Supports Up To 16LBS
Release plate Dimensions: 3.5″ x 2.25″
Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head
Davis & Sanford ProVista Airlift with FM18 Head Tripod, DSLR, fluid head, Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head, tripod, video, video tripod
Got the Davis & Sanford tripod during B&H’s thanksgiving special and for US$169 , the tripod, the head and the free dolly is a steal and the carrying bag is pretty sturdy too to our surprise. We bought it for our video out jobs and it’s worth every penny, a true workhorse.
I’ve used the Davis & Sanford tripod and it is AWFUL. As a matter of fact, the head broke. Thankfully they replaced it, but it’s not at all smooth while panning or tilting, it’s heavy as all hell, and just clunky to work with altogether….and we only use it as a stationary tripod in studio.
I’d say stay away from that if you had alternatives.
Come to think of it, I’ve owned the Ravelli as well. Another awful tripod. It constantly felt loose, lost the rubber feet on a few different shoots and generally felt cheap. The “fluid head” was not anything to write home about either. It’s another buyer beware situation.
I’d say save up your money and look at the Fancier tripod (manfrotto knock off) and fluid head. It’s more expensive, but it’s still what I would consider an “on a budget” option that won’t break or provide less than optimal performance.
the davis and sanford is the worst tripod I have ever used it will fall apart in months. I have had 2 of those because they are so cheap, but you are getting what you pay for with those.
Oliva: great site and lots of useful reviews. Would you recommend the Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head as a support system for the four foot jib that you also reviewed?
Thanks
Thanks, Rich! The Ravelli AVT Video Camera Tripod with Fluid Drag Head as a support system for the 4′ jib would be solid. Based on the reviews, for this price point, the kit has proved to stand up to the customer’s expectations. If you’re not planning to exceed a 27lb. payload, you should be just fine!
Hello Olivia, I was wondering how do these tripods match up to the Fancier 717. Because I have a t3i and my heaviest lens is the canon 24mm-70mm and I want to purchase a crane jib (8 feet) along with the konova k3 or vavaron slim slider (btw which slider do u prefer ?) and wanted to know which one was better at handling the weight along with smooth panning/titlting?
Thanx in advnc
Hi John, you should check to see how heavy the 8 foot crane is. The Fancier 717 can support up to around 27 lbs. it’s a very sturdy set of sticks. The weight of the jib will determine whether the Fancier will be sufficient for your setup. I personally would go with the Konova K3 over the Varavon Slim Slider.
Thanx for the reply
do you know the part number for the ravelli. im trying to order parts for the head but cant find them any were
Hi Brian, the Ravelli AVT is simply called the Ravelli AVT. What parts are you looking for, maybe I can help you find them. =)
i want the part that the qr plate attaches to. I’m trying to modify my shoulder mount so that my qr plate attaches to it.
Brian were you able to find this part? I’ve been looking around and I only know the piece you are referring to as being part of the head that is not separate from the tripod.
Hi Olivia, congratulations on your great videos!. I’m a Chilean musician who’s trying to start a new iPhone 4S based video project, and i’m looking for a cheap but decent Fluid Head/Tripod system. I was down on the 717AH Head and tripod but then i found out that it was kinda short (i’m 6’0″) so then i start searching and watch some very good reviews on the Tiffen Davis & Sanford ProVista 7518 Tripod and Head, 75 Video Tripod With FM-18 Fluid Head. (Head Supports up to 18 lbs., Tripods 25 lbs.)
.
My question is, are this kind of tripod/heads adequate for an iphone based project? should i worry about the little weight of the iphone?. BTW i got the GLIF system, the olloclip and the FOSTEX AR-4i audio unit, and i will also buy an LED light to mount on top of the Fostex AR-4i (hotshoe).
Greetings from Chile
Hi Felipe, the Davis & Sanford tripod and head you’re referring to will be just fine for iPhone videography. How are you connecting the iPhone to your QR plate? Have you seen the Shark Clip? Check Cinema and Photography out, they have some great tools for what you’ll be shooting with. The benefit of the tripod + head you’re looking at purchasing is this, in the event that you decide to get a better camera, they’ll both support a larger setup. You have room to grow.
Hi Olivia, after doing some more research and realizing that the D&S tripod was kinda heavy (i live in Chile, South America, a friend of mine who lives in boston is gonna bring it here) i decided to get the Manfrotto 701 head with the 747b tripod (i still don’t buy it but i’m about to..), its a little more expensive ($299) but i guess its also a better head/tripod.
and eventually the Konova Slider
(maybe in a couple months).
I’m gonna connect the iPhone 4S to the QR plate using this http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/AR-4i.shtml but i also got this http://www.studioneat.com/products/glifplus
Also, i’ll be using a couple lavalier mics with the Fostex AR-4i to get better sound from interviews as well as the Olloclip Lenses, and after reading/watcing a lot of videos (some of them by you of course) i plan to get the Konova Skater Dolly
And yes, i think i’ll eventually end up getting a better camera (7D or something like that). Thanks!!