Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Simply put this tripod system is the best bang for your buck period.

For the price the most comparable and popular system is probably the Manfrotto 501 or 503 head systems. As an owner of both of those and now this Libec without questions I would recommend the Libec. Why?

The Libec fluid head is smooth as butter and comparable to heads that are two and three times the price. Although 501/503 are fluid heads I find the start stop motion to have a slight hesitation and therefore giving a slight jerk motion quite often. Especially when mounting a smaller camera like the new DSLR's (I Have a 7d Rig)

The Legs are very strong, the locking mechanisms are absolutely solid and the leveling system is great.

The only thing to consider is if you do a lot of heavy traveling, you are going to want a better / more rugged case than the bag provided. Although it allows for easy transport it doesn't provide much for protection and I DEFINITELY wouldn't want to check it with an airline without added protection.

The spreaders can sometimes be a challenge but aren't all spreaders a pain in the neck?

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Libec beats others in this price range hands down. Fluid, rugged,
would buy Libec again

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

I've been using this tripod for around 2 years now and I couldn't be more happy with it. Smooth pan and tilt. Ive used a lot of different heads and this one competes with heads 4 times the cost. If you are considering other heads in this price range like a manfrotto 501 or 503 don't bother buying them the libec smokes them by a long shot.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Very easy to assemble and use.
Has a ball level to make sure that you are level.
Extremely strong.
Can hold a camcorder probably over 20lbs, Mine is around 10 lbs.
It is heavy and I can not see carrying it on a back pack.
Does have a case, but not easy to put over your shoulder.
The smoothest tripod I have ever used.
Works extremely well during sporting events like soccer and football.
Worth the extra money if you want good quality video tripod.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

I use this tripod with an XH-A1s camera, and occasionally also with a teleprompter, for interviews and documentary work. I was unable to afford a Miller, and saw this tripod recommended so often that I took the risk and ordered one.

It is beautifully balanced, smooth during pans and tilts, with very little discernible bounce back. The only draw back is it's lack of adjustable spring or tension, however, it seems to handle itself fine, apart from when using a camera that is too small/light.

The padded bag it comes with is simple and reasonable, certainly good protection, but don't expect a tripod case as much as a padded sleeve.

It is not quite as tall as some other similar format tripods (though sufficient for many applications), and is not small or light when folded up. Further, the bubble leveler, while usable, is not so easy to see. However, this Libec tripod is sturdy, and the mid level spreader and 75mm bowl allow for a quick and stable set-up on a variety of surfaces. It also has a neat spike/foot setup.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

The H38 head on this combo is an outstanding value and works wonderful. As smooth as heads that cost much more. Sadly I can't say the same for the legs. Two of the legs came unglued after about a years worth of constant raising and lowering.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

After have a Bogen/ Manfrotto 503 head for a year. I was told by a friend to check this out.

What back drift? it doesn't exist on this tripod. Not like the Bogen 503 or 501 heads.

Good payload, I use it with a 35mm adapter and a Sony EX1 without any problems. Still pretty smooth while panning.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

My office owns a few Sachtler & Manfrotto tripods at close to twice the cost and I gotta say this is a deal. Well made, not too heavy, smooth head. Comes with a weird elastic band built in to one of the legs that i had to remove cause it was annoying. The only drawback is initially I kept pinching my fingers when closing up the legs.....

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

I needed a semi pro tripod to support my slider and camera. This tripod did not disappoint. It's got great stability -no twist at all, and the ball head is easy to level.

The only con is no variable pan dra, but it's butter smooth as is.

I've noticed that when this is on one's shoulder, they do look quite "professional."

Overall a fantastic product at a great price.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

I use this tripod primarily for cameras 10-15 lbs. It performs very close to other more expensive professional tripods. The fluid head works well even with a fixed drag. It's a little heavy but it contributes to the stability of the setup. The little knob that controls/locks the spreader is little concern. Might break if forced to spread without turning it to unlock.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Solid as a rock with a silky smooth head at an excellent price, you will love this tripod.

NOTE: There are no drag controls for pan and tilt (no whip pans)

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Best bang for the buck. Nice smooth pans, and all around good friction for what I need. Would be nice with adjustable friction, but it's cheap. Much smoother than the 501s and 503s.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Very nice for a starter system. No problems so far. Adjusts easy and stays locked in without over tightening

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

This is a pretty decent tripod. I have used some really high end ones before and for the price, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it was considering there is no adjustable drag. It's easy to set up and tear down and is light weight. As an added bonus, the "Engrish" instructions will provide 10 minutes of mild to moderate amusement ("Do not dismantle or remold which cause breakdown of this equipment or harmful to users.")

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

Great product for a good price. Even though it's a heavy tripod the footing on it isn't all that great. It does pan and tilt just fine on the Canon XL2's telephoto settings, but be careful that you don't bump it, but in windy conditions it won't move at all, I'd recommend this product to professional or even consumer if you want a decent quality tripod.

Comments about Libec LS-38M(2A) Professional 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod System:

This tripod and fluid head is used daily in documentaries and indie films. I am very pleased with it because it has a very smooth drag and locks into place without any troubles.

The unit is lightweight yet strong enough to hold my HD camera with the Mini 35 adapter kit with no trouble at all. The locking mechanisms work great and it even has a sliding plate that can easily be removed from the tripod when needed. For the price of the unit, I felt it was a great buy.