What exactly is a video tripod, and how does it differ from one that’s used primarily for shooting still pictures? Basically, it’s what’s on top that counts—namely the head that’s affixed atop the legs by means of a mounting screw. The most common and popular video head configuration is the pan/tilt head that’s controlled by one or two extending arms that allow you to easily move the attached camera horizontally (panning) and vertically (tilting) to follow the action.
However, if you expect to shoot smooth, professional looking video without the dreaded herky-jerky “home movie” effect, you must be able move the head very smoothly, evenly, and fairly slowly in either direction as the camera is recording the action. You can’t really do this effectively with the ordinary friction-locking 3-way pan/tilt heads found on many still photography tripods because they have no damping mechanism to even out the force that’s applied by your hands to the control arm(s).
Not surprisingly, achieving this natural-looking fluid motion consistently requires a fluid head, which provides an effective damping mechanism in the form of a viscous substance like grease or oil contained in a restricted reservoir or channel that’s integral with the head’s panning and/or tilting mechanisms. Without getting into the technical weeds, suffice it to say that there are two main types of fluid heads—fluid-effect heads, and true fluid heads.
- Fluid-effect heads are simpler, less expensive, and generally provide a fixed amount of damping to smooth out and slow down the panning and tilting action. Fluid-effect heads are more than satisfactory for general use and will yield noticeably better videos than you can get with the typical 3-way pan/tilt head found on a still photography tripod.
- True fluid heads are more complex in design and construction, more expensive, and provide a range of damping adjustments to suit specific shooting situations. For example, you can set them to provide less damping and more responsiveness when shooting fast moving action, or more damping when you’re using long telephoto lenses and want to pan more slowly. Virtually all professionals and many serious videographers opt for the enhanced performance and flexibility of a true fluid head and consider the extra cost well worth it.
Other features found on video tripods include extended platforms designed to accommodate and position a variety of video rigs for optimal balance, illuminated bubble levels, leg strut supports for added stability, a variety of ball heads that can be locked inn position for panning, and accessory dollies for moving the entire tripod to track the action. Crutch-style legs, once the hallmark of cinematography and video tripods, are still found on some pro-aimed units, but carbon fiber and aluminum legs with flip locks or twist collars now predominate.
If you’re among the countless pros and enthusiasts now jumping aboard the video bandwagon, or you have any intention of getting into video in the near future, by all means consider making your next tripod a video tripod with some kind of fluid head. Why? Virtually any video tripod can be pressed into service for shooting still pictures, but it doesn’t always work the other way around. And if you want to turn your present still tripod into a video tripod by adding a fluid head, please check out the wide variety of fluid head listed on the Adorama website. In the meantime here’s a roundup of 10 cool video tripods for your consideration.
Vanguard Alta+ 264AP Aluminum Alloy Tripod with PH-32 Panhead: This robust entry-level video tripod extends to a maximum height of 61 inches, offers a magnesium alloy canopy and head, 3-position leg-angle adjustments, a dual-locking safety mechanism, anti-shock ring, low-angle capability and 26mm legs with flip-lock adjusters. The lightweight PH-32 3-way fluid-effect pan head has 2 handles, 3 bubble levels, a load capacity of 11 pounds, and a QS-51 quick shoe.
Manfrotto MK290XTA3-2WUS Aluminum Tripod with 128RC Micro Fluid Head: A stable 3-section tripod with a special top casting to enhance rigidity, it extends to 57.5 inches, has tension-adjustable leg-lock levers, offers 4 leg-angle positions, a rapid center column, and leg warmers. Its lightweight 128RC Micro fluid-effect head delivers smooth fluid movements, has a pan bar and quick-release plate, pan and tilt locks, and can accommodate cameras up to 8.82 pounds.
Davis & Sanford ProVista 7518 with video head and dolly: Designed for videographers requiring an economical heavy-duty tripod for field and studio work this 3-section aluminum tripod extends to 64 inches, has crutch style double-strut leg tops, a mid-level spreader for enhanced rigidity and 75mm claw ball for stability plus mobility. Its FM-18 fluid-effect head can hold up to 18 pounds, provides smooth 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilting, has a 3 x 3-1.4-inch platform, and separate locking easy grip knobs for the pan/tilt mechanisms.
Benro A573 Video Tripod Kit with S7 Video Head: A complete video tripod system aimed at serious shooters it pairs a solid 2-stage, 3-section Dual Tandem aluminum tripod with a mid-level spreader multi-angle leg locks, and the robust F7 true fluid head with variable adjustments for pan and tilt drag. The tripod extends to a maximum height of 62.2 inches, has dual leg sections with twist-lever locks, and a 75mm bowl. The head has a 4-step counterbalance, an illuminated bubble level, a side-in Video QR6 plate, and provides a maximum load capacity of 15.4 pounds.
3Pod V2AH Aluminum Tripod with Fluid Head: This attractively priced unit has a load capacity of 11 pounds, extends to a tall 77 inches, features 3-section aluminum legs with locking knobs, an aluminum center brace for added stability, and non-slip rubber feet. The 2-way fluid-effect metal pan head attaches to the body with a half-bowl mounting system, is controlled by a fully adjustable handle, provides a 360-degree pan with dampening, counterbalance and drag functions, and has a built-in bubble level and a sliding quick-release plate.
Miller Air Alloy Tripod System: Crafted by a pioneer of the fluid head and one of the traditional makers of high quality professional movie tripods, this Australian-made unit features a true fluid head with an 11-pound load capacity, a full range of adjustments on the pan and tilt controls, 2 selectable counterbalance positions, and a camera plate that slides up to 60mm. The tripod itself is a 2-stage, 3-section unit with concentric leg locks that extends to 69.4 inches, has a load capacity of 44 pound, and accommodates a 75mm head ball.
Gitzo GT2531EX Series 2 Explorer tripod plus Gitzo G2380 Fluid Head: Gitzo typically sells tripods and video heads separately, and here’s an outstanding combo. The above-cited tripod has legs that can be set independently while the center column can be rotated to any position for maximum setup flexibility, provides a maximum extended height of 75 inches, and a maximum load capacity of up to 30 pounds. Other features: Anti Leg Rotation System, separate friction control system on the head movement, rapid, reversible column, reversible handles, fluid cartridge system for smooth movement, and exclusive balancing system. The G2380 Fluid Head supports up to 11 pounds, and has a sliding quick-release plate with adjustable friction settings for pan and tilt planes.
Davis & Sanford Magnum XG Grounder with FX-13 Fluid Pan & Tilt Head: This sturdy classic unit combines simplicity of design with a 3-way fluid pan/tilt head and an on/off-head counterbalance control to maximize shooting flexibility. Other features: Quick-Lift 2-section center post, 4-position independent leg-angle adjustments, 3 section snap-lock legs, and a bottom center post hook. The FX-13 fluid-effect head provides separate quick-release plates, a 1.75-inch square plate for stills, and a larger 3.25-inch square plate for video applications.
Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod System: This impressive combo has an 8.8-pound load capacity, and comes with and TC clamp LANC Remote Control for Canon/Sony cameras. The tripod features aluminum telescopic twin tube in 2 stages and 3 twin elliptic section, a 75mm ball base, and a mid-level spreader for added stability. Its maximum working height is 61.8 inches. The drag on the true fluid head is continuously adjustable from zero to maximum level, and the tilt can be adjusted over a – 80 degree to + 90 degree range.
Benro C2573FS6 Video Head and CF Flip Lock Legs: This pro caliber kit has a load capacity of 13.2 pounds and uses a combination of carbon fiber legs and precision machined aluminum and magnesium components. The legs can be independently locked at 3 different angles, and a wing-nut center locking column facilitates rapid adjustments on the fly. Other features: Closed cell Foam Grip, and a maximum extended height of 68.5 inches. The S6 true fluid head provides tension adjustment on the locking 360-dgreee pan movement, 3 adjustable counterbalance settings, a built-in illuminated bubble level, variable drag control on the tilt, a 501PL Compatible QE6 Plate, and an interchangeable pan bar handle.
