Ever used Libec LS-22 Tripod?

[CBC Media]

Anyone ever used Libec LS-22 Tripod? Just trying to get an idea of whats good and not so good. Does Bogen make good tripods?

[Run&Gun]

When I was in college, I did a freelance job for guy and the sticks were Libec(I don't know a model # and this was over 10 years ago). What a Fn piece of crap!!! You couldn't pan, tilt, or anything else with them. I would have been better off putting the camera on a sand bag on a table... the pans would have been smoother!

[CBC Media]

What about Bogen Tripods? I realize by some other posts they are not loved. But for the $500 range, are they good?

[Spacey]

Bogen, is the gold standard in still photography, and industrial/institutional use for video. They make okay heads, except for the 501; and their legs seem to be relatively useable. I havent seen a real station (not college / school / church) using Bogen for a few years, mostly it's Sachtler, Vinten, and Miller - popularity usually in that order. Many churches and schools have Bogen, as does our entire school district, along with almost every wedding videographer I've met.

Libec, I've only seen a few times. It was an XL1 with a CRT prompter, so I'm guessing relatively heavy. I didnt have my hands on it, but from the looks on the operator's face, it seemed that there wasnt much fluid resistance, and it stuck sometimes.

If you're going for ENG work tripod, pay a higher price now and the sticks should last you many years. Formats may come and go, but support stays forever.

FYI, Bogen, Sachtler, Vinten, and O'Connor - all belong to Vitec.

[CBC Media]

Thanks, that helps alot! Im looking at a Bogen with the 503 head. We are just looking for something with a smooth head for a cheap price...

[The Daywood]

You can always try the Bogen 701RC2 head with the 745B legs...This is a fluid head for around $350...We just ordered 12 sets for our students (they use the DVC-60 in an entry level class)...

http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=701RC2%2D3211WN&off=0&sort=prod

If you are looking at the Libec LS-22 Tripod and H-22 head, I think the Bogen is not only better, but it is about $100-$150 less than the Libec...
The Bogen uses a 50mm ball on the head to make leveling a snap, it just doesn't have the range that a 75mm has...

[CBC Media]

Why do they call it the mini fluid head? And how does it compare to the 503 head?

[LuccaBrazzi]

I've owned an LS-50. It was A GREAT TRIPOD. It had a levelling-ball, fluid head...took Sony plates...I used it w/my JVC DV-5000 and the combo was awesome.

If I recall correctly, the LS-22 did NOT have the fluid-head...and was waaay cheaper (build, price) than the LS-50.

[Deaf and Blind]

I used a lebec fluid head tripod (LS-60 which is still in use) it's a case of you get what you pay for really. Think of it as a cheap verson of a miller in some respects.
The clutches are not as strong as either a miller or Cartoni for example it's a tripd with a lighter touch so easily over-powered.
Don't over tighten the controls, work the head before use or if it's been laying down or flying (circular eleptical manner) to get all the fluids back where they should be.
The one I am talking about has a 100mm bowl, grey in colour, etc.
Keep the camera balanced, dont screw the locks in hard and it should last.
http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Libec_Tripods.htm

Manfrotto also do sticks at a reasonable price but again you get what you pay for.

BTW what weight is the camera? is it on the heavy end of the camcorder range? like say a digi Betacam 790? or the lighter end like say a Panasonic AJD-700? bY that I am also adding an Anton Bauer brick, lens, porta brace and one radio for additional weight.

The best thing is try to borrow it for a week if possible.

Cheers

D&B

[2000lux]

As with any kind of camera equipmnet, you generally get what you pay for. The fooolish man buys twice. Buy the right thing the first time and it will last you years if not decades. Go on e-bay and find a Sachtler.

[The Daywood]

Why do they call it the mini fluid head? And how does it compare to the 503 head?

It is a mini-fluid head because it only handles loads up to 9 pounds...Since you were looking at the LS-22, I assumed that you were looking for a tripod and head that would handle a similar load.

The only major difference between the 701RC2 and the 503 is really the weight capacity. The 503 will let you use up to 13.2 pounds. There are some other differences, but they don't affect the functionality.

It is important to match your head to your camera. If you have a camera too light for a fluid head, it will snap back to top position...on the other hand if the camera is too heavy, it will never be able to hold it in position, and the head will wear out quickly.

There is something to be said for the investment in a solid and outstanding set of sticks...I've always been a fan of Gitzo sticks (no spreaders), and they have a new head system out now with interchangable springs to allow for different size cameras...We just purchased some of these to go with our higher end cameras (JVC DV-5100). When it really comes down to it though, you have to decide what is best for you and your budget...While nice, light, and extremely functional, the Gitzo system is $1500-$1700...A Sachtler for a similar camera will run you from $600-$1000...The Bogen/Manfrotto will go around $350...

Will you have to replace the Bogen before the others? Probably, but again it comes down to what you want and need....eBay is a wonderful thing, but again you get what you pay for, and sometimes of questionable quality...

[Tippster]

Aren't Manfrotto, Bogen, and Cartoni sticks the same exact things, just Eropean vs. N. American?

[CBC Media]

Im putting a Panasonic DVX100B on the tripod. I think its around 5-6 pounds. So the mini head would be fine.
The problem im having is I bought a couple tripods that Ive had to send back because they are horrible(Sony, Bescor...) So im looking to make this next purchase a keeper!
I guess for the price and our application the Bogen looks pretty good...

[Canonman]

Aren't Manfrotto, Bogen, and Cartoni sticks the same exact things, just Eropean vs. N. American?

At one time, Bogen was the US version with its own part numbers. The equivalent items sold outside of the US were branded Manfrotto. I believe they have started to do away with the dual numbering system. They also own Gitzo and a few others.

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[Spacey]

Again, Vitec Company is,

Bogen/Manfrotto
Gitzo
Sachtler
Vinten
O'Connor
along with many others.

It's one big happy conglomerate. I just wish they had something at Vinten head quality, O'Connor legs, Sachtler durability, Gitzo weight, and all at a Bogen price.

For a DVX, the 701 sounds fine. What are you going with on legs?

[CBC Media]

legs... 745B... Thoughts?

[canuckcam]

Good head, great legs... hmmmmmm....

The LS-50 would be overkill for him. I have that for a JVC DV500. There's only two crude adjustments for counterweight, and I don't think the low setting would be low enough for a DVX-100.

If you've used better tripods, you'll hate the Libec. Mine has a hard plastic spreader that breaks (because it's hard plastic) and likes to lose little screws from a bit of banging around. Loc-tite the screws once you get it if you end up getting a Libec. Oh yeah, and my levelling bubble is a bit off. The bubble has to be slightly to the right of the circle to be actually level.

[Canonman]

The bubble has to be slightly to the right of the circle to be actually level.\

I had a tripod with a level that was off level. What I did was set up the sticks by using a torpedo level checking both x and y. When the torpedo showed level, i used a small rubber mallet to gently tap the spirit level back into position so that it agreed with the torpedo level. I then put a drop or two of superglue at the edge of the level to keep it there. Worked like a charm.

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