Tripods Compared Part 2: I Was Wrong
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- čas přidán 31. 03. 2020
- 2 weeks ago I posted a tripod comparison between Manfrotto and Benro. After further use, it turns out that either I was wrong, or the tripod I received was defective. The saga continues...
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Equipment featured in this video:
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Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Tripod with MVH502AH Fluid Video Head: www.adorama.com/bgmvk502055.html
Benro A373F Tripod with S8PRO Video Head: www.adorama.com/bea373fbs8pr....
iKan E-Image EG06C2 GA752 Carbon Fiber Tripod with GH06 Fluid Head: www.adorama.com/iaeg06c2.html
iKan E-Image GA752T Aluminum Tripod with GH06 Video Head : www.adorama.com/iaeg06a2.html
Sachtler Ace XL Tripod with Aluminum Legs: www.adorama.com/scacexlmsal.html
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Other Equipment used in this video:
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Sony A7III: www.adorama.com/isoa7m3.html
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di III RXD: www.adorama.com/tm2875soe.html
Sony Vario-Tessar FE 16-35mm F4 OSS: www.adorama.com/iso16354e.html
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone: www.adorama.com/semke600.html
Feelworld F6 Plus: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
CLAR Illumi Max 120 High Power Bi-Color LED Light: www.adorama.com/clilmax120bl....
CLAR Illumi Max 300 High Power 5600K LED Light: www.adorama.com/clilmax300sl....
Aputure Amaran AL-F7 On-Camera LED Light: www.adorama.com/apalf7.html
Benro A373F Aluminum Tripod with S8PRO Head: www.adorama.com/bea373fbs8pr....
Benro Aero 4: www.adorama.com/bea2883fs4.html
Glow EZ Lock 38" Deep Parabolic Softbox: www.adorama.com/glsbez38.html
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Stuff I can’t get along without :
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Flashpoint 10' C-Stand w/ Arm & 2 Grip Heads: www.adorama.com/fplsc.html
Sandbags: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Innorel D-30 Ball Head: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Movo VXR10 Microphone: www.amazon.com/Movo-VXR10-Mic...
SmallRig Shoe Mount Ball Head: www.amazon.com/SMALLRIG-Camer...
SmallRig Camera Cage Sony A7III: www.adorama.com/sr2096.html
SmallRig Super Clamp: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
SmallRig 11" Friction arm: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
GVM Slider: www.amazon.com/Camera-Slider-...
Clar Luminous Pro 19” Ring Light: www.adorama.com/cllclrl19.html
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Visit my site: spaugh.net
Linked In: / matt-spaugh
Instagram: / matt_spaugh
Facebook: / matt.spaugh - Krátké a kreslené filmy
I was searching for Benro fluid heads after the 1st video, but glad I moved onto this one!
Benro used to make pretty decent stuff at a good price. It seems like the prices have gone up while the quality has gone down. It's sad really. Thanks for watching!
In another review that I watched the s8 pro was having the same issue. So I guess that's common to all s8 pro. Thanks for sharing. You saved my money
Yeah, they never responded to my final inquiries and would never confirm whether or not that amount of movement was. "within spec". I've pretty much written off Benro. Decent people working there for sure, but the product quality is not what it once was.
Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for watching!
We own four 502s and are about to purchase six more heads. So glad to see this. We are staying with the Manfrotto. We use 2lbs Sony AX700 cams so we remove the counterbalance spring and get smooooth pans and tilts.
Sounds like an excellent pairing. YOu might want to check out my 502AH hack video for easier use. Really helpful for right-handers like me: czcams.com/video/R4kmEuYxoRA/video.html
Fantastic, thanks Matt, very glad you recommended me to this video, it's really helped!
Don't miss part 3! czcams.com/video/wAZ0oGCQUoY/video.html
I guess it's pretty randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to stream new series online ?
@Zachary Gabriel lately I have been using flixzone. You can find it by googling :)
@Darwin Adriel Definitely, I've been using FlixZone for months myself :)
@Darwin Adriel Thank you, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there =) I appreciate it !
Better trilogy than the new Star Wars
I wish that was a compliment! They've set the bar so low, anyone can beat 'em.
Thanks for watching - have a good one.!
Man you are great so under rated
Thanks avoboy! There's a lot a great content out there - I'm hoping people will eventually find me.
For these prices, they both have pluses and minuses. For me, I love to track birds wildlife, and rockets when at the Cape. The 502 stiction issue from metal contact internally is just amplified way too much at 600 mm. Rockets are not smooth in the video, and dance around in the frame. The S6Pro, S8Pro are more like the higher end $3000 tripods and heads we have used at work. Very smooth especially for rockets when they are moving more diagonally which require a lot of quick tilt and pan at the same time. Air shows are also a great test for video heads, and my comparisons with the 502, S6, S8 and IKAN head were favoring the Benro as well. I don't mind that slight slippage because in live video it never matters. Most of what I film is always requiring camera movement. Given these max weight payloads are probably exaggerated, I suppose some of the issues are ok with both the 502, and the S6, S8. I used a Sachtler and had a similar issue. The Ace XL is decent, but pricey, and we get more out of the cheaper 502 honestly. At work the FSB4 which are way pricey also have occasional stiction, but not sure what causes it. Seems worse at higher settings when using bigger payloads like a 600mm.
The 502 is a wonder, but that intermittent stick is almost like using a ball head loosely when it comes to results. With the up and coming SLS launches I really want the best tele video I can get. Using at roughly 920mm with a 600mm Sony lens and 1.4 Teleconverter, I cannot have those rockets dancing around in the frame, and trying to fix those frame jumps in post which can take weeks, more crops, and so on.
That said for stills, I just go with a ball head since they are far more flexible and lightweight.
I've owned several 502AH heads (and borrowed many more). I've never experienced any stiction issues like you're mentioning. If it's binding, there is something broken. A properly functioning 502 - WITH A BALANCED LOAD - will not bind.
As for Benro, until they start making a quality product again (which I doubt will ever happen) I'll not spend money on their products.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. And, thanks for watching!
Hi so im new to video and Ill mainly be doing air shows with a 1dx MK II and 100-400 IS L lens, and I'm torn between the Manfrotto MVK 500 or a Benro S8, what one would you recommend please .
The 502 is dope. Can’t beat it for the price.
True dat. I'd say as a combo, the Manfrotto 055/502 is the more flexible setup, with the E-Image GH06 being a better video-specific rig. Thanks for watching!
Those kind of tripod head problems are super annoying. Small movement, big problem...no tripod head should do that. Glad you sent it back and didn't just live with it. I have a Sachlter 12 for my Sony FS7, but I bought the Manfrotto 502AH as a cheap head to live on my travel slider. Thought I could use it for both Sony FS7 and a DSLR. Had a similar problem as you with the counter weight on 502AH. It was way too much for a DSLR thus annoying to use, sent it back. I'm now looking at the Benro S8, thanks for the heads up. Your post may have saved me from another return!
I could never recommend the Benro. Did you watch part three of this series? I've been very happy with Ikan E-Image GH06. The adjustable counterweight system is a dream. I think it would easily accomodate the difference between your DSLR and the FS7. Thanks for watching!
@@MattSpaugh I'll take a look! Thank you, I appreciate the great info!
They are difficult to find listed but there is a flat base version of the GH06 >>> GH06F. From what I've seen, it's identical in appearance except of course the bottom quarter of the ball separates along with the threaded bolt and the long grip handle. The price is the same. Mostly I have seen it listed on UK retailer sites.
Yes, I've seen that listed in the US as well but it was pricey to me. They make a flat bottomed version of the GH03 that I always thought would be great as a slider head.
Thanks for watching - have a great day!
I was thinking all along, that people should also put videos on CZcams looking for answers :)
It's a journey sometimes.
And I initially thought this was an April Fools video. Guess not...
Hey Matt - I'm a bit late to the party. Im shopping for a new tripod head at the moment, so much fun...said no one EVER . I currently have the Sachtler Ace XL. Its...a lightweight head, nice movement but flexes quite a lot in the body. Everything nicely locked off but still flexes quite a bit. And the weight rating is a little on the "generous side" - 8kg if its a really flat brick, not a camera with any real height to it. Have only heard good things about the E-Image GH series, but none in our country. would love to hear more about the e-image - particularly the GH10 - if anyone has used one.
Jeff, the party never stops! I can't speak to the GH10 but my experience with the GH06 so far has been fantastic. Very solid, very smooth, very well built. None of the issues I had with the Benro.
@@MattSpaugh thanks for that Matt. I'm not sure the 06 would handle my rig - fairly well laden EVA 1, monitor, v mount, shoulder rug etc. The 08 has no pan/tilt resistance adjustment (how odd us that) which leaves the gh10....which most places now list as discontinued. What sort of weight are you using in the 06?
Very interesting, Matt, thank you. Did you experience the same problem with the Benro S4 head? I'm assuming not as you went on to purchase the S8. The reason I'm asking is that there are a couple of Aero 4's with the S4 head fitted for sale over here in the UK and I'm tempted to buy one. Not so sure anymore though.
I still use my Benro S4 but only because I already own it. I would not buy one new. There are better options out there. It's very light weight, and has a fixed drag. It works in a pinch but again, not something I'd recommend if you're shopping.
Thank you for making this video. I'm new to video production and have been looking for an entry-level fluid head that I can use between my existing tripod (Giottos aluminum legs) and a slider for interior videos. I have a Benro geared head that I use for my stills work, and love it compared to my Manfrotto 405 geared head (which is solid but MASSIVE) so I was partial to Benro but like the simplicity of the 502. I wish more people had commented because, on paper, the Benro looks more appealing but that wiggle you saw was offputting. I could buy both and return one I suppose but don't want to deal with restocking fees.
I agree. Everything about the Benro (on paper or online) makes you think it's going to be awesome but that was not my experience. Again, I have to repeat that there is every chance that I just got a bad head - but I really doubt it. The fact that in my discussions with Benro no one would confirm or deny that the excessive playI was getting was 'within spec' makes me think that it was. It's a shame - it's a fantastic design that appears to just be poorly executed.
@@MattSpaugh Obviously they must have seen your video already. If they didn't bother commenting so far that means that this is basically the reality of that head. I'm so happy that I've found your video as I was just about to order that tripod and head. Thanx Matt! Sub+ from me.
@@gerpir thanks! It's a real bummer, I have some older Benro equipment that performs really well but nothing I've used from them in the past 2-3 years has been worth it. I'm still loving the E-Image GH06 head combo. I'm looking at getting the GH03 for use one a small rig I'm putting together for a future video. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!
@@MattSpaugh that is unacceptable. The very least that a company should do is to directly, straight-forwardly address your issue! In your case, I must assume that they simply did not want to admit that their head was faulty due to the inherent design and performance of it. In other words, "No Matt it isn't your head, it's OUR head that's at fault. And furthermore we've passed this on to our engineers".
@@gerpir Me too. I saw this video AFTER watching the first one where under the comments I said, "Oh thanks Matt for helping me make up my mind to go with the Benro".
Interesting. I have 3 S8 heads and like them. I have a 502AH and hate it. My cam ops always complained about its performance as well.
In my experience, there is a difference between the earlier made S-series heads and the newer PRO models. Maybe mine was just made on a bad day but between the issues I had and Benro's unwillingness to help get to the source of the issue, I no longer use any Benro equipment.
To each their own - thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Rave on!
@@MattSpaugh I checked mine out today and they don't have the wiggle. They are just the S8's though. I had a meh experience with support when I had one tripod that has a twist lock (untwist too far and it breaks) instead of snap lock that I needed help with. Shipped it to them and they returned it. Felt like there was one single person who provides customer support and fixes things.
Hi Matt! First off, I love your videos and the style that you film them. Plus you get straight to the point. I was wondering if you have a suggestion for a good starter tripod with head that hasn't failed you. Something within the $150 to $200 range. Thanks in advance.
You don't mention if you're shooting primarily photos or video, but I still use my Benro Aero 4 with the S4 'fluid' head for both. I put fluid in quotes because technically it's a friction head. With the exception of that pin breaking (which was totally my fault, and also which Benro replaced for free - 8 years after I bought the tripod!) it's been a good performer.
I'm pretty sure my next tripod will be an E-Image. They're getting stellar reviews from some of my favorite CZcamsrs. I'm looking at the GA752T with GH06 head which is pricey but a good value for money if the reviews are accurate.
Look for reviews and/or info on the E-Image GA752T with GH03. It's $217 at Adorama which slightly breaks your bank but I may pick one up just to review it.
Speaking of breaking the bank: take my advice and don't cheap out on your tripod! They are a long-term investment in your work. You will never, ever, regret owning a solid tripod.
Lastly, even with all I've said about the Manfrotto 055/502ah combo - I still think it's a really, really good combo and a great value for the money.
I hope that helps. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Links of items I mentioned in my earlier reply:
E-Image with GH03 head: www.adorama.com/iaeg03a2.html
E-Image with GH06 head: www.adorama.com/iaeg06a2.html
Benro Aero 4 with S4 head: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1080216-REG/benro_a2883fs4_aero4_travel_angel_video.html
Manfrotto 055/502ah:
www.adorama.com/bg055xprob52.html
@@MattSpaugh Thank you so much for your response. I'm mainly a fashion photography but sometimes I shoot products here and there. I'd like to use it for bts shots that I can easily set-up and have running in the background so the Benro Aero 4 you suggested sounds like a good option for me. The customer service factor also means a lot to me too. Thanks again for the suggestions!
I could definitely see the movement you're talking about when you hit it locked down.
Is this the part two video You wanted me to see ?
Keith
Yep. That's the one. There's a Part 3 as well and a couple of other videos on my channel that talk about the Manfrotto 055/502 combo - which in my opinion is the best value out there.
I'm hoping to do a new video on the 504 head soon. Thanks for watching!
@@MattSpaugh
Please send me a link to the other one that you want me to see Thanks.
Keith
THANKS!!
My Pleasure! Check out the final installment if you haven't already.
Also, I'm working on a review now of two different leveling options for the the 055. It should be out in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for this series! Unfortunately I realized belatedly with chats from cameramen here in Manila that the Benro S series heads underperform compared to even lower-category Manfrotto heads, as the S8Pro is a couple of notches higher spec than the Manfrotto 502 on paper. In fact the Manfrotto MVH500AH, even lower spec than the 502, has much better fluid pan and tilt performance than the bigger Benro S6.
I’m told that the way to go with Benro is to stick with the BV series fluid heads, which only come in 75mm or 100mm bowl bases.
I had really high hopes for the Benro Pro series. Sadly, the performance is just not there.
I recently picked up a used 502AH and I'm in the process of making a rebuild and re-grease video on it.
If you haven't already, you might want to check out part 3. It covers the E-Image GH06 head which I still use and really like. It too only comes in a ball mount.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to share your thoughts. Have a good one!
@@MattSpaugh Yes I've seen part 3! Thanks for that as well. I'll wait for your next video. In the end, I think I may go the route of getting the iFootage Fastbowl TC9 tripod, which come with a unique quick-release 75mm half bowl and handle 12kgs, and get the 500 or 502, and eventually upgrade to a good 75mm ball head like the GH06.
iFootage also make a Komodo K5 fluid head that competes with the 502 (same price) but based on reviews, while the K5 has great features it has too much stiction compared to the trusty 502.
@@Ride_XP I'm very interested in the iFootage offerings. I've been looking at the updated K5-S fluid head. Maybe I need to pick one up for a review!
@@MattSpaugh Great idea! 😉
Hey I seen Brenda rice God! Nice shot!
Ha - yep, that was a fun day!
@@MattSpaugh Yes sir. She's amazing to work with!
Have you tried the Manfrotto 608 or 612 Nitrotechs?
Nope. I seriously considered them but in the end, the E-Image won out in terms of overall bang for buck. If you end up with either of the Manfrotto units, I'd love to hear your opinion on them. Thanks for watching!
I have heard about this problem on 2 or 3 videos - yet a recent one said he has had no problems??
Watch part 3 and you'll see what I ended up with. The quality of the Benro product is just not up to a reasonable standard IMHO.
Matt, since you are so diligent in your comments replies (i.e. engaged) let me take advantage of you please.
I'm primarily a bird photographer using two Canon 7D Mk2s with a Canon 100-400mm on one, and a Sigma 150-600mm on t'other. So far I have not bought a head or a tripod for these rigs. I've been hand-holding. But I know that I need to finally fish or cut bait on this tripod thing.
Lately I have also gotten into Macro photography on a modest scale (i.e. Sigma 105mm macro on my Canon 60D) and for that I really DO need a tripod. A tripod that will go down far enough to the ground for plants and such; but also a tripod that will accommodate my largest, heaviest telephoto the aforementioned Sigma 150-600 on the Canon 7D Mk2. Is there such an animal?
And of course I need a head to go with it and I really have been sold on fluid heads, esp. for my telephoto work. I am just beginning to try video but mostly shoot stills of birds, plants, etc.
OK. Now, would you please recommend to me a tripod and a fluid head for my needs? Price is not a primary object, although I do like to be conscientious about my expenditures. My Scots blood.
I would whole-heartedly recommend the 055 tripod. It's (relatively light) and very stable. One drawback - the center column is not going to allow you to go super-low to the ground. For a head, I'd look at Manfrotto's combo kits - check out ball head combos they offer. You really don't need a fluid head for the work you're doing, so my issues with the 502AH do not apply.
@@MattSpaugh Thanks so much Matt. It's rather unique for me to find a channel whose creator answers questions! Well, I'm seeing more and more nature photographers using a "video" fluid-type head for still work. So I'm pretty much focused on that. You sort of pushed me one way and then the other, before finally landing on the Manfrotto fluid head. So what do I put that on? Is there a Manfrotto tripod that works for the 500 series head; i.e. one that would give me the option of either standing up and doing birds OR could get me down far enough for Macro work on or near the ground?
disappointing, i haaaate my.company's manfrottos but not sure what to get.
Watch Part 3. The E-Image GH06 combo might be to your liking. Thanks for watching.
Wait until you try a VINTEN.
Don't see that happening anytime soon. I do rent Sachtlers from time to time - that's probably as high up the food chain as I'll ever get.
One that I really want to try is the Miller Solo-75. If for no other reason, because Philip Bloom uses them. I've found that I prefer single legs over tandem, but few single leg tripods use a bowl mount. I ran across one not too long ago used that I should've bought but cash was tight at the time.
Thanks for watching!
I got a vinten vision 10 for $500 7 years ago, absolutely unreal how nice it is. I also have sactler, as my "b" tripod. @@MattSpaugh
Why mess with 2nd best gear. Go for a Gitzo systematic legs with a head you fancy. ?
If you have the money and don't mind overpaying for the brand name, do it. Neither of those circumstances apply in my case. Thanks for watching!
I’m shopping in the same price range for heads. The Sachtler Ace and Ikan are my two top choices for video shooting.
I had a Vinten Vision setup at work and have rented Cartonis. I have yet to be satisfied, even in the $1,500 tier. Very frustrating.
There are minor practical concerns, like setup time, control location, and the feel of the knobs, but these are secondary compared to the quality of the shot. The viewer doesn’t care about how the tripod made you feel. But they will notice a bump at the start of your pan.
So yeah, the basic test is to start and stop a move. Is it sticky or smooth? But for advanced operation, try a diagonal move. I have yet to find a sub $2k tripod that can do a diagonal well.
Then I watched the following video. Check out how smooth this is even with a tight shot! (I think I’ll get the GH06.)
czcams.com/video/Km3bciSxeRg/video.html
The other frustration can be balancing. I tend to like light drag. The Manfrotto Nitrogen heads look amazing for balance, but they aren’t true fluid heads. I use a DSLR, so I expect to need a cage and weights to dial in the balance of the GH06 on counterbalance step 1. Oh well, I would only need to do this once or twice. If the moves are buttery, it will be worth it.
Regarding sliders, I can’t imagine getting a truly smooth slide+pan+tilt. It’s hard enough to get a smooth slide, manually. I recommend a good photo ball head (or cheap, locking video head) for sliders. Don’t worry about the lack of a flat bottom on the GH06.
Good luck! Let us know what you get and how you like it.
I checking daily for the Ikan (E-Image) GH06 to get back in stock. I just had to give back the 502AH head... I'm actually thinking about buying one - for the money, they're really good.
Matt Spaugh Photography The Ikan website shows it in stock. Might be worth a phone call to see if it’s true.
@@JonFairhurst I had convinced myself to get the carbon fiber version that has the GH06 head and that one is out of stock currently. I may give them a call today and see when they expect them. I've spoken with them before and they're always very helpful.
Matt Spaugh Photography - Got it. For me, I’ve got sticks and just need the head.