At Creative Technology, we stock, essentially, three types of tripods. These are delineated by the intended payload. You can think of these as light, mid and heavy-weight tripods.
Lightweight Tripods
Beginning with the lightweight tripods, we have models such as the Cartoni Focus 12. This tripod would be adept at handling small PTZ cameras, small cinecameras like the Panasonic BGH1, a camcorder such as the PX380 and other payloads up to 12kg. Other lightweight tripods in stock at CT include; Sachtler Video 18, Manfrotto 503 & 504 and Libec T98.
There is some crossover with these tripods and midweight tripods, in that some of these would be capable of handling larger payloads than aforementioned. Most of these tripods would be capable of handling a broadcast camera and a small ENG lens. When choosing a tripod, it is important to be aware of the weight of your payload. For some of these tripods, the key is in the name, so Focus 12 has a 12kg capacity, Video 18 has an 18kg capacity.
Midweight Tripods
The midweight tripods available at CT are the Cartoni Focus 22, Sachtler video 20 and the Vinten 250. Of these three the Vinten and Cartoni are the most popular. These are the tripods I would recommend using when you are unsure of your payload. We also have a large stock of both models, so there should be a tripod available to suit your needs. These tripods are similar in capability, so if one is not available, the other would be a worthy alternative.
Heavyweight Tripods
The two heavy tripods available at CT are the Vinten 750 and the Cartoni Magnum. These are primarily to be used with box lenses, as they are the only type of tripod capable of carrying those lenses. However, we do have dummy plates that will allow for a camera plate to be mounted, facilitating other setups. Despite this, please only book these tripods if you have a box lens on your job.
Hopefully this is a useful guide to the tripod stock at CT. In order to ascertain the tripod you need, just approximate your payload weight and then select an appropriate tripod. If you are unsure, a Vinten 250 or Cartoni Focus 22 are reliable choices capable of most camera setups. If you are using a box lens, please select either a Vinten 750 or Cartoni Magnum.
If you are confused at any point, please contact the camera department and we will advise.
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