With the Slik 700 DX Pro legs, and it’s fixed center column, the only way to get the head’s bubble to level off is by extending or shortening the height of the legs, right? Not a big deal, but wanted to check if there’s a right way to do the leveling without having to change the height that we lock it to. One question – I’ve used another pro set-up (Manfrotto legs + head-503, I think) at work, and really liked that I could set-up the height first, get the legs locked, and then quickly use the leveling center-column to get the head’s bubble to get smack in the middle. Your video was super-helpful, especially with the set-up of the plate, it would’ve taken me a long time to figure out that I needed to slide out the bigger screw after popping out the rubber gasket – extremely helpful tip! I love the feel, weight and overall set-up. Hey Sam – first up, great video, and fantastic tripod and head recommendation! I just got both and set them up. The Manfrotto 501HDV head with the Slik Pro 700DX tripod legs handled the weight of the camera, mic, and big lens wonderfully. The camera was a loner, so there was no way I was going to stick it on a cheap $14 tripod. In the video I use a Nikon DLSR with a big ole’ honking lens on it. It’s called The Great On-Camera Mic Shootout 2010.
One of the reasons I needed a quality tripod is that I’ve been putting together a video about using on-camera external microphones with video-enabled DSLR cameras. The PRO 700 DX center column is actually two threaded pieces that unscrew to convert the top piece to a short column. This is the kind of purchase that gets you these perks. super titanium alloy legs make the PRO 700 DX tripod rock steady yet lighter than it looks. Shooting instantly becomes easier and more enjoyable. That’s the thing about buying good equipment. I’ve already done two shoots with it and my quality of life has vastly improved. Thanks David! I totally love this set up! This gear is really solid. I was simply lucky enough to pick the brains of some experienced people who pointed me in the right direction. This isn’t a blog post by someone who has tried every tripod and head under the sun, and slowly come to the realization that this is the best combo in the world for under $300. This system was recommended to me by David Flores, a New York based photographer and film maker.
I go over some tips on how to set this stuff up and use it: In the following video I bust open my new Manfrotto 501HDV head and my new Slik Pro 700DX tripod legs. I finally did it! I upgraded to a real tripod and head! Last week I accidentally broke my crappy old $14 tripod.