Episode 012: Finding an Affordable Tripod for DSLR Video Work

February 22, 2011

in Gear,Podcast Episodes,Reviews

UPDATED: 2-25-11:
There is another version of the Davis tripod with another leg style for $170 at B&H

A Good support system is one of the more important things you can invest in. It can also be one of the more expensive ones. B&H gave me a hand in searching for affordable tripods for DSLR video work.

Pearstone VT-2100

  • Decent for only $60.
  • Very light.
  • Smooth enough for a body and lens style setup.
  • Can handle a fare amount of weight if need be.
  • Great tripod for starting off or if you need a small travel tripod.

Bescor TH-770

  • Much steadier than the Pearstone.
  • Fixed Counter Balance.
  • Soft Case.
  • 15 lbs Capacity.
  • Q.R. Plate blocks T2i battery.

Matthews M25

  • Similar to Bescor.
  • Supports 15 lbs.
  • Camera plate with long travel (but has retarded quick release system).
  • Fixed Counter Balance.
  • Comes With Case.

Davis & Sanford Provista 7518

  • Supports 18 lbs (8.2kg).
  • 75mm Claw Ball.
  • Amazing Bowl Locking Handle.
  • Telescoping Legs (I prefer over stacking style).
  • Comes With 2 Handles and a Bag.

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QuickTime File: DSLR Video Shooter Episode #012.

Related content:

  1. Davis & Sanford Tripod Discount
  2. Episode 47: Vello DSLR Battery Grips
  3. A Tale of Two Tripods
  4. Episode 45: Pearstone LP-E6 Battery Charger Review
  5. Episode 39: Building a Flexible Top Handle Rig

  • http://twitter.com/AmilaC_LSM Amila C Kumarasinghe

    Why dont you list Libec TH 650DV fluidheaded tripod? I’m also using that for my HDSLR works and Canon XHA1s . .

    working pretty amazing . .

    this is the link : http://www.libecsales.com/products/dv/th-650dv.html

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    More expensive than the Davis and holds less than half what the Davis can easily handle? Hmm…

  • http://www.learningdslrvideo.com Dugdale

    Great stuff, it was a long one but a good one! Very helpful since I still need one.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    It was waaayyy longer LOL. Had to edit it down to about 6 minutes per tripod.

  • Jacque dee

    Just wondering if you plan to do a video like this or have any similar input regarding monopods?

  • http://www.kevinislaughter.com/ Kevin I. Slaughter

    Needed a new tripod, couldn’t decide, been looking at various blog posts/reading reviews, saw this video, pulled the trigger on the D&S Provista using your link. Thanks for the help.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Glad to be of service Kevin!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Thats a good idea. Although personally I just like using a smaller tripod all the legs closed but one.

  • Robert Campbell

    I’ve had that tripod and head for a couple of years now, and it completely rocks!

    One of the great steals of the low-budget world.

  • http://twitter.com/DCReels DC Reels

    Nice roundup, Caleb. I got the Bescor thru B&H (I think you may have even mentioned one of my review comments) that the release plate is very tight. That is true out of the box but after continued use it loosens up and handles quite well for the money. If you get around to reviewing your fancy RR shoulder rig I’d like to see that. Keep up the good work.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Good to know.
    Yeah I am planning on doing an ep on the RRM rig as I have had it for a year.

  • RossG

    Hi Caleb,

    Thanks for the Great guides!

    I’m having trouble finding the Davis & Sanford in the UK – can you help me out or point in the direction of a similar tripod available in the UK? Thanks for the good work :-)

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike
  • http://www.marketsaw.com/ jimdorey

    Ravelli has a great product here for under $90!
    http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-APGL3-Professional-Camera-Release/dp/B002IFPY2O/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1299819820&sr=1-6

    Check out max operating height and the all metal construction of… everything! Weighty legs too.

  • Alex

    Camera Opterator!!! )))

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Paul-Lewis/1698139226 Paul Lewis

    I have the Pearstone… nice but the neck is too flimsy, but a great buy at 60 bucks. Only tripod at that price range that you can get good tilt/pan action. I’ve used Davis and Sanford, I have a tripod that is like both the Bescor and Matthews, and I don’t really like it. I’m a big fan of the manfrotto heads, especially the 501HDV. The others seem to only work well with heavy rigs, and I usually don’t have more than the camera and maybe an audio receiver on my tripod. Manfrotto has always given me the same resistance regardless of camera weight, the others seem to either resist too much or too little depending on weight.

  • Ted H.

    Great review.  I’ve been using two D + S 7518 tripods shooting weddings for over 3 years now and they both continue to work great!  I’ve upgraded a little with them as time has gone by too. I’ve replaced the D+S heads with a 701 hdv head and a 501 HDV head so that I can mount the 501 plate to my cameras and switch back and forth between all my gear without having to switch plates.  The manfrotto 75mm half bowl fits right onto the D+S 7518 sticks. Also my 3rd shooter has one and he added the 501 plate adapter to it (Actually its the “Calumet Quick-release Video Head Adapter” that accepts 501 plates) which you can buy for $32.99 and do the same thing if you want to use the D+S head.  I’ve used the Manfrotto 525MVB sticks quite a bit and I actually still prefer the D+S 7518 sticks for live events because they’re quicker to fold up with the mid level spreader and move and adjust height quickly with. 

  • Niceshooting Blogspot

    Can you remove the head from the Pearstone to use on some other legs?

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yes. But you would have to have a head that uses 1/4″ threads.

  • http://www.cmhproperties.com Charles Mackenzie-Hill

     Good Review. Sorry, whats a claw ball . is this another word for self self-leveling
    Thanks

  • Will Mahoney

    Dude, the “R” word is not cool to use.  I can’t read the rest of this review (or watch the video.)  I’ve liked your other stuff, but this one kinda ruins everything…

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Sorry to hear that!

  • Matt

    Yeah, I think the ‘pc’ thing to say is the quick release system is ‘cognitively delayed’… ; )

  • http://www.theblisscipline.com/ Hani Khaursar

    So, here goes. I wanted to buy this tripod:
    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/243272-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTA7518B_Provista_7518_Tripod_w_FM18.html

    THEN! I ordered this instead:
    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598810-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTAGR18_Davis_Sanford_PROVISTAGR18.html

    Then, when it arrived, turns out I had ordered this:
    http://www.amazon.com/Davis-Sanford-ATPG18-Terrain-Tripod/dp/B00295RB10/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312797020&sr=8-1

    All the while when I just wanted the tripod that you reviewed! Anyway, this seems like a really good tripod too, but have you used it before? Any opinions?

    Also, what is the “R” word? 

    Cheers! :D

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Oh no! If I was in your shoes I would try to return and get the other one. I know its a pain in the butt, but I think in the long run you will be happier. I have the one you tried to get (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598810-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTAGR18_Davis_Sanford_PROVISTAGR18.html/BI/6566/KBID/7173)

    And I LOVE mine. You can get down to 8 inches from the ground with it.

    As for the “R” word, I think he is referring to when I said retarded. Of course I in no way am referring to people with disabilities. But apparently I offended someone.

  • Blackandredpeas

    Hey Caleb,
    I was curious if the D&S quick release could be replaced with a Manfrotto one? Specifically this one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/241139-REG/Manfrotto_577_577_Rapid_Connect_Adapter.html

    Thanks!

  • http://www.theblisscipline.com/ Hani Khaursar

    LOL! Caleb, I had JUST thrown out the box the tripod came in and then read your comment, dashed downstairs and grabbed it again! I’m going to try and find Provistagr18 in Europe cause Amazon only ships in 1-2 months (!!!)

    Thanks dood! :)

  • http://www.3tripod.com/ tripod

    Great video.Thank you very much.

  • Nigel

    Hey Caleb, thanks for the overview!!  Is there any way to get the ball off the bottom of the FM18 head so it could be mounted on a slider etc.?  I know there’s a flat 3/8 version that you can buy without legs, but I wonder if the ball version could be later modified in this way.  Many heads can be, but a few can’t, like the Manfrotto 504HD.  Thanks!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yes I believe you can. It is a 3/8t thread.

  • http://www.3tripod.com/ tripod

     Great review thank you for sharing.

  • Jared

    Wondering what counterweight you’re using on the shoulder rig, and the length of your support rods. Thanks!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    18-24″ and I used some astronomy weights I found.

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