Re: Tripod for HDX900

After you hang a lens, battery and perhaps a wireless receiver, mattebox and monitor on that camera, it could weigh close to 30 pounds or more.

There are no safe "lightweight" solutions. If you go with too small of a capacity head, you risk overloading the head or a leg collapse that could ruin your entire day. Trust me, I know about failures.

I'm a big fan of sachtler heads and tripods. I have the same camera and would suggest the video 18 head at the very least. Heads (and especially tripods) lose some load capacity as they age and wear, so you're always better off buying more capacity than you think you need.

Some guys I know use lighter Gitzo legs, but I feel safer with the HD legs from Sachtler.

Bottom line: this is one piece of gear where you get what you pay for.

J Cummings
Cameralogic/Chicago
cameralogic.tv
HDX-900/HDW-730S/DXC-D50