Approaching The Scene 229: Which Tripod is Right for You & How to Use It

[@brunopaquin5637]

This video blew my mind, I am new to this, equipped myself with decent Nikon gear, but bought a cheap tripod. Yeah, spend 10k on quipment, and then 100$ on a tripod. Using my 180-600mm I realized that I had nowhere near enough stability, so I jumped on google, found this video as the 2nd I watched, and wow, I really know nothing about tripods and heads, but you sure do! Your kits are impressive, maybe a bit over my budget for now, but you got me thinking of waiting a bit more and getting properly equipped. Anyways, thank you, great information in here.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks so much for that feedback! Enjoy!

[@wasatchpowder]

I watched your video 5 years ago on why you use fluid heads. I bought the tripod and fluid head you used and have been totally happy with the setup. I will never use a ball head again. Thanks Hudson.

[@shaycostigan2091]

I'm just getting into photography at 54, and I can't thank you enough for all your videos and all your time you invested into your videos been doing some research on tripod and your videos definitely helped so much 😊

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hit me up with any questions you have on tripods via email. That's a passion. :)

[@shaycostigan2091]

@Hudson Henry Photography I'm thinking about buying your complete custom build tall light signature fluid-head tripod or the Leofoto LS-365CEX + PG full camo pro outdoor carbon fiber tripod with fixed leveling and Gimbal head kit just wondering if you had a preference I'm sure you get good grip on the legs of your that our taped up but was curious if the camo tripod had the same effect on the grip?

[@chuckgmanleyphotos7197]

I’ll will say it took me a little while to determine the tripod question because one tends to follow the crowd which ultimately gets in your way of defining your needs. What’s in the way of ones seamless workflow is the question with considerations for how get around. I hike and move around following light, the tool I need cannot be fiddly or I’ll miss it. Weight is my other challenge, I’d rather have the 100-400 with me. I have the primary elements of your middle tripod which is a pleasure to use, in seconds the tripod is out, level, camera attached with my mind free for the experience.

[@rikutalvio]

I like your tripod "philosophy". I've actually built similar setups for my own use before finding your channel.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Hudson, You are so right there is no right tripod for all, I think I have four that I use. Each one has a job to do. Each one has it good points and some are more used the other. It does depend so much on what your needs are. Thank you for all the content and KZbin videos you have but out this 2022. Keep well, keep safe and remeber it is family time to enjoy.

[@echoauxgen]

A fluid head is great BUT for panos just put a pano rig on top. Why you really need a stepper under so you do not have to look at the degree settings especially when doing night or astro pano where you just need to go to the next click or two. But no big deal for there is a $125 model that comes in its own little bag. Great Share!!!

[@matthewguthrie7675]

I’m working on building my system with piece by piece of your recommended equipment for a tripod. I just got the fluid head, and I am absolutely amazed at how easy it makes shooting and composition. It’s a lifesaver.

[@dcsuiter]

Good morning. Just getting back into photography and love the videos. I recently purchased the Benro CLT-204 with the Manfrotto 500 fluid head. Also purchased the Kirk head adapter with multi purpose rail. Absolutely love the fluid head as it is easy to level and hold position well with my Z 6II and Z lenses.

[@scothowe539]

I finally invested in my first CF tripod a year ago. After a ton of research I narrowed it down to a Leofoto, a Robus, and an FLM. The CP30-L4 II from FLM was the best choice for me considering weight, height, quality, and cost. I’ve been using an Acratech GP with an Acratech leveling base on it until last week when I found a deal on a used 500AH. It was missing the plate, which isn’t cheap. Unfortunately I had to buy the Kirk bridge new. I don’t have a whole lot of experience using it yet but I think I’m really going to like it, especially with longer lenses. Thanks for all the tips. I’ve really enjoyed your content since I found your channel a couple years ago.

[@stephencurah1059]

Love the tripod Christmas lights lol. Based on one of your other videos i went with the manfrotto fluid head and leofoto tripod

[@DarrenLloydPDX]

7:50 HH looks ready to repel boarders!

[@landesnorm]

Hey HH--good info on the heads and balancing the gear for the best support. If you want to see how to handle a "pod" then spend some time watching a pro movie crew set up and shoot a commercial, movie scene, etc. They know how to handle gear efficiently and with confidence.

[@gregoryluna535]

I just got a Manfratto 546B/502A for photography from Adorama. Used but excellent condition. I would say it’s my first quality tripod. It was easy to set up and work. I did notice that I couldn’t position the Z 5 camera on the plate just anywhere because if it’s centered it conflicts with quick release knob. I think I need the nodal rail. I was wondering if they’re specific to tripod heads, e.g. the 502A. It’s a beast of a setup but so sturdy.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of that head at all, but it is solid. It's just oversized and very clunky. It's made for much bigger video rigs with focus pullers and montors. The 500 is much better suited to mirrorless full frame users. That said all the accessories you might need are laid out in the fluid head/tripod section of my links page: www.hudsonhenry.com/atsliinks

[@madone550]

EDIT: A couple days ago I asked "what about putting the 500AH on the ultralight? (LS-284). Well I just wanted to report back that the 500AH fits great. Its base is just as big as the Acratech Panoramic head (same small overhang on the leveling head) so you can definitely use it. I still think I will build the bigger LM-324CL for the 500AH, BUT if you really like the fluid head, it will for sure work on the ultralight as well.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's a rather poor fit. Very top heavy. Be sure and load up that stone bag if you use it that way. The Acratech pano head is perfect on it. That's why I spec them that way. The smaller systems are compromises for when weight really does matter. I was on a steep hillside in Cuba a week ago with mine to avoid shooting through a high fence and with one leg downhill it hit my 6 foot frame just below chest height. Thank goodness for rotating back screens and reading glasses. Trust me. The 324CL's 80" positional flexibility and stability is worth every ounce whenever you can afford to carry it.

[@madone550]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks for your details here. My test was really just to see if the head would screw on the base and not overhang obnoxiously. I definitely could see how it would be too heavy. My 324CL will be here tomorrow. Thanks again!

[@hans6304]

Hello there, how is your LS-284 going with the 500AH? I'm planning to get that exact setup with my 200-600 lens for birds in flight stills and videos, and adding the leveling base as well. Thank you for sharing.

[@madone550]

@hans6304 as Hudson mentioned it’s not ideal… but possible. I did test the fit and it matched the base diameter perfect , but I have not used it that way. I would not make it my primary, that’s for sure.

[@caryrules]

Tripods are such an underrated bit of kit. Once you get a good one, you'll never buy a clunker again! Give me a fluid head or give me death! That little travel tripod looks sweet! Nice vid, Hudson, as always.

[@georgehayesviolin]

Hey Hudson, really appreciate these videos. I have been using the acratech pano heads for quite a while now, and have recently decided to try a few of the leofoto video heads. I’m a Sony shooter and I’ve found that the BV-5 actually does a great job with lenses ranging from my tamron 17-28mm all the way up to my Sony 200-600mm. Have you considered using the BV-5 or even the BV-1 instead of the acratech heads on your lighter weight setups? They’re actually very similar in weight and bulk to the Acratech heads. My other question is whether the manfrotto head you use has fluid for the pan as well as the tilt?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Fluid all the way round yep. If you like what Leo has made, you'll like the Manfrotto custom build we do with Kirk even more and what's coming from a collaboration with Acratech will blow your mind. I'm not a big fan of the BV line. I have Leofoto notes on how to improve them, but they have yet to act on any.

[@randyhergenrether6914]

Hudson , I'm interested in your editing process, how you make a living as an extraordinary photographer. If a guy or girl can't figure out which tripod to use then he or she needs to go back to ATS 101. FYI- love your youtubes!

[@popiemac4579]

Hello Hudson. Which L-bracket do you use for the Z8? I don’t see it on your links (although I may have overlooked it). Thanks

[@notan...]

Very informative - thank you. What do you think about mounting the Acratech Pan and Tilt on the 255CEX legs?

[@hughmccomb8494]

Tried my new Nikon 200-500 on my tripod with manfratto X PRO 3Way Head with Nikon D850 shooting last night full moon but lost a lot of shots with creeping. At 83 would like your recommendations! Many thanks for these great videos.

[@hans6304]

Hi Hudson, thank you for the great explanations. Do you think that the 284 CEX could handle the 500ah fluid head with the upcoming 180-600? I do appreciate your insights. Cheers, Hans

[@davemorse8511]

G'day Hudson, top video as usual...a quick question? What is the idea behind the coloured tags on the top the large tripod legs .Cheers Dave.

[@ericclifton9847]

Hi-can you use the fluid head from the long legs setup on the intermediate legs?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It creates a pretty top-heavy mix match. Put a stone bag on and sure, but you're far better off with the bigger, more rigid legs with it.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I've got all the parts linked at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks if you'd like to build that that way, but it's not in my custom build catalog for good reason.

[@RayDDavid]

Great video. I already had the LM-324C for landscape photography. I needed a smaller/lighter tripod for street photography/urban landscapes. I saw a recent video where you talked about the LS-225CEX which I bought. I absolutely love it for when I need a lighter tripod. Have you given the Leofoto fluid heads a try? I use the BV-1 on the LS-225CEX and the BV-10 on the LM-324C. Like the Leofoto tripods, the fluid heads are very well made and have very smooth movement.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Sadly, unlike the tripods, the leofoto fluid heads are really not up to par compared with competitors. I'm working with them to improve what they're offering, but everything from the clamp they use to the mechanism needs improvement if you've tried offerings from other brands. Right now Kirk bridge adapted 500AH is hard to beat. It is just far more precise and easy to use, as well as significantly lighter.

[@rickb7378]

Just curious if you've ever tried any of Leofoto's heads. The VH-30R looks like a possible lower cost alternative to the Acratech pan & tilt head. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your wealth of information.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I wish I could say they were similar quality to the legs and leveling adapters, but Leofoto has a long way to go with the heads. I was particularly disappointed with that one. It's not in the same league as acratech's. If you tried them both you'd see why I spec the panorama head. It's very much worth the extra cost.

[@rickb7378]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you. I really appreciate your response. Be well!

[@jameswestii454]

So I want to purchase the Leofoto LM-324CL Tripod and the Leofoto LB-75 Leveling Base then the Acratech 1” Head Riser because I am currently using and need the room for the controls on my Benro GD3WH Geared Head because its base is 52mm. Do you recommend the LB-75 or LB-75S? I am shooting with a Canon 5DSr. Thank you for any advice.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You'll certainly want the 75s.

[@gosman949]

Hudson, does the Leofoto LB-75S leveling base fit my old Gitzo GT3540LS Series 3 Systematic tripod? I would imagine that it will pop right into the removable top plate?

[@thomastuorto9929]

You have a 75mm bowl? If so, (guessing the leveler is 75mm by the # you listed) If so, it should pop write in. I have a RRS with the RRS leveler with a 4” handle that drops below which works great unless I drop for a ground level photo. Have the stubby handle also which I find too short . The on top leveler is the best way to go. My next tripod will have one.

[@zigatretjak75]

Great vlog! Where can I get the rubber protection balls for the spikes, please?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

They come with them. www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods

[@kevind.1085]

Hi Hudson, I got a question for you! I recently viewed your Amazon video review of Leofoto's VH-10S tilt head and was wondering if you had to pick just one between Leofoto's VH10S vs MPG-01 - for wildlife - which one would you choose and why? (I currently just carry my D7500+200-500mm with a peak design strap and shoot handheld) Much appreciated!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey Kevin I'm sorry, you must have me confused with someone else. The only times I've ever mentioned the VH10s is the say how I really don't like it. I am no fan of Leo's heads at all. I love their tripod legs. I think the heads are very low quality. The support gear I use, build, sell and recommend is here. www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods my other gear recommendations are at: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@kevind.1085]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto well have a look at your video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4e9fXecppKge9E which is about a year ago, you reviewed their monopod and vh-10s and recommended them!