Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray)

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

The tripod head is very bad. There is no adjustment of vertical and horizontal friction.

The vertical friction is too strong and horizontal friction is too low, it is difficult to move diagonally,

The head attachment is not well fix and therefore move when you start a movement. There is no way to fix this problem.

The bubble is not level, It is useless.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I bought the Sunpak VideoPro M2 tripod to use with my Sony HDV camera. I was a little nervous not being able to see or try one before buying, but am very happy I got it.

From the start is looks exactly like a scaled down professional ENG tripod, and it performs like it. The ball leveler is great, it cuts your set up time down significantly.

For me I would not want it to be any shorter, I think that tripods need to go almost to your height, and at 6ft 1" the 59 inch height of the M2, and then add the camera height on top is about right. I wouldn't want to interview anybody with a lower height model.

The head is real nice to use, is has no friction adjust, but the way I use it, I don't need one. The movements are smooth and about right. It has the return to center spring in it for leveling the tilt. I did not like this in a pro model, but found this to work brilliantly in this tripod. Due to the light nature of the HDV cameras, if you try and unlock the tilt lock it will translate to the recording a lot. As long as your base plate is balanced, and I used the forward screw hole to do so, it sits nicely, and means that you can move a static shot to tilt without the signature unlock wobble.

The base plate is the type that clicks in and out quickly, making it easy to get on and off, and is very secure when on.

It is nice and light, which makes it easy to carry, comes with a nice case, so you have everything you need.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

Used to support a heavy camera boom arm during wedding video shoots. The head is very fluid and smooth. Leg locking mechanisms are more reliable than other systems by Sunpak. Free bag zipper did break during first use.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I am a DSLR user and have recently purchased two of these tripods and am very pleased. I mostly film weddings and these tripods meet all of my needs and even wants in my filming, they allow my videos to look smooth/professional and not amateur. These tripods are heavy duty and I love how you can adjust and align them with the leveler your video comes out straight and not lopsided. I had no problems and would most definitely recommend anyone to buy them.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

Nice and sturdy but not super high-end stuff, just what I was aiming for.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

Needed a smoother and durable tripod for wedding videography and couldn't afford any of the major brands. But discovering this one that had all the features I loved like, the ball head for easier leveling and the fluid head for smoother panning/tilting; I thought for the price how could I go wrong. After using it I feel very happy with purchase and I will be using it quite extensively.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

we looked around for a reasonably priced tripod to handle a small camcorder. Problem with most low-end tripods is they have wobbly heads. This product has a decent fluid-like head. Legs have spikes with rubber footsies that retract. Nice feature- at least the rubber covers cannot come off.
Added bonus: canvas carrying bag.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I use this with my mid-grade camera and the pans are very smooth and exactly what you need for a smooth pan. When you are finished lock it down and get super steady shots. Might want a weight bag to keep it steady in high winds, which is when I normally am out shooting.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

This tripod exceeded my expectations. It is easy to carry around to many locations and the set up is very fast.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

Cannot beat this price wise, good weight and nice fluid head with ball leveller, best video tripod I've used in this price range. Only bummer is that it uses its own custom designed plate, you can't use say a manfrotto or giottos tripod plate on the head...

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I'm a digital media student and bought this tripod to use to create my work and use once I graduate. So far I have been pleased with it. It has good panning motion and is compact and light weight. The down side to that of course is that it isn't as sturdy. But again, for what you pay - it's a good deal and will get the job done well.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

After buying more expensive tripods for my video camera, I ordered this one. It is less expensive, lighter and has a better fluid head than the more expensive unit I purchased. This is now my default tripod.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I am a professional producer and cameraman, and have been for over 30 years. Now for a new project, I will be shooting with the JVC GY HD200ub camera in places that have never been filmed before. This requires traveling light and with equipment that can be used efficiently and effectivly. This tripod , though it appears to be constucted of mostly plastics and or composits, seems quite strong and up to the task. The head is smooth and well designed with controls where they should be. The fact that it has a leaveling ball is a great asset for use in the field, i.e/ quick leaveling, and it's ease of removal making it easier to pack and ship. The pod and head when seperated will fit in the bottom of most duffel bags and save the cost of shipping a seperate case. Having shot off of and rented everything from twenty dollar sticks to ten thousand dollar set-ups. I believe this one will serve it's perpose very well, if it fails I will review it again with details.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I purchased this to be used with a Panasonic AGDVC30- a larger sized camcorder. The quick release plate cannot be tightened completely as it bumps into the camera's body. The handle's rod is designed so that it can never be fully tightened to remove twist and slack- lousy feel for panning. Some of the leg locks actually require a vice grip to unlock after a few months. Great price, solid base, but so many details are poorly executed.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I am both a video and a still photographer. This tripod works great for both applications. The tripod is steady and easy to open and close when moving from shot to shot.

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

I bought this 'cos I left my other 'pod in Australia - DUH!... I use a PD-150p and have to say it is the best tripod I have ever used under $30,000.00 yes $30k (Sachler/Miller et al) but of course this is for the small DV style camera - EXCELLENT value and thanks to B&H guys who advised me so well. You won't regret this .

Expertise: Semi-pro video cam guy

Problems Encountered: My wife wants one.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Many - often costing much more

Items I Recommend: A high end video camera

Comments about Sunpak VideoPro M2 Tripod with Fluid Head (Gray):

Bought this trying to find an alternative and lightweight option for our gear, and regret it. While it looks nice, it failed to deliver when I was on location for a simple one- location videotaping of a motivational speaker.The price and weight is great, but the so-called fluid head is not good. It grinds on simple, slow pans and sticks on tilt movement. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone working with Prosumer cameras (DVX100, HVX200, Z1u's, etc). May be great for amateur stuff with it's ease of use- as long as it doesn't involve pans or tilts.

Problems Encountered: Grinding pans, sticky tilts.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: I'm returning it, so NOTHING.

Items I Recommend: Lighter fluid and a match.