I use a video fluid head for everything from Astro to super telephoto wildlife stills only. I use a leveling base as well. It really makes polar alignment easy with my move shoot move.
I bought the Sirui AT 125 that camera with the video head I have used my 150- 450 wildlife lens I also bought the SL200 center column extension it screws on to the center column and extended additional 2ft 6" for $ 20.00 and it is carbon fiber with the 22 pound capacity. I needed the additional height for my gimble to work properly on the tripod
Thanks for this. I am thinking of buying a Sirui VA-5 video head, was looking for a review of it and this is the first video I came across that actually includes test footage with panning and tilting. I am impressed with the smoothness of the two motions, which is what I am looking for. Did you slow down the video in the moose clip at any time?
It slowed down. Please don't assess video head smoothness by slow-mo footage. You will need proper normal speed footage to see if the video head is any smooth. I can say that this Sirui VA5 is cheap and the level of the smoothness you get is up to the price - low. It's definitely not real video head to shoot pans and tilts.
The plate it comes with is really nice. It's an arca Swiss style but it won't work if your plate has those 2 small screws on the bottom... needs to be smooth on bottom
I really appreciate your review of the tripod, which I am about to purchase. However, I tried the VA-5X Fluid Video Head (with a different Sirui tripod that is came with, the Sirui L-324F Landscape Carbon Fiber Tripod - a little big and bulky for me) and sent it back. The tilt is fluid but the pan is just ordinary, with no dampening, merely adjustable friction. I needed something for very slow panning, and this is NOT a true fluid head!
I use a video fluid head for everything from Astro to super telephoto wildlife stills only. I use a leveling base as well. It really makes polar alignment easy with my move shoot move.
I think I'm still on the geared head wagon for the msm.... but this fluid head could work really well too. Thanks for the comment
I bought the Sirui AT 125 that camera with the video head I have used my 150- 450 wildlife lens I also bought the SL200 center column extension it screws on to the center column and extended additional 2ft 6" for $ 20.00 and it is carbon fiber with the 22 pound capacity. I needed the additional height for my gimble to work properly on the tripod
They make some innovative tripods. I think they even make one where one leg detaches so you can turn it into a mono pod.
They do... I'm getting a dedicated monopod from them for wedding videos this year
Thanks for this. I am thinking of buying a Sirui VA-5 video head, was looking for a review of it and this is the first video I came across that actually includes test footage with panning and tilting. I am impressed with the smoothness of the two motions, which is what I am looking for. Did you slow down the video in the moose clip at any time?
I think I shot the moose in 4k 60p and slowed some of it down to 24p
It slowed down. Please don't assess video head smoothness by slow-mo footage. You will need proper normal speed footage to see if the video head is any smooth. I can say that this Sirui VA5 is cheap and the level of the smoothness you get is up to the price - low. It's definitely not real video head to shoot pans and tilts.
What types of quick release plates are compatible? Is the PD plate compatible?
The plate it comes with is really nice. It's an arca Swiss style but it won't work if your plate has those 2 small screws on the bottom... needs to be smooth on bottom
What happened to the Mac 90 telescope video you promised?
Clouds for one moon cycle then a eclipse that stole the show. That should be happening this next full moon
I really appreciate your review of the tripod, which I am about to purchase.
However, I tried the VA-5X Fluid Video Head (with a different Sirui tripod that is came with, the Sirui L-324F Landscape Carbon Fiber Tripod - a little big and bulky for me) and sent it back. The tilt is fluid but the pan is just ordinary, with no dampening, merely adjustable friction. I needed something for very slow panning, and this is NOT a true fluid head!
Good point
Awesome moose movie