Reddit reviews Ravelli Video Tripod (67 inch Professional)

Amazon has a somewhat sturdy basic tripod as a part of its AmazonBasics brand, but it falls in and out of availability. It has a stated 15 lbs limit, but I wouldn't go higher than 12.

 

It's a clone of this Ravelli tripod, which is a bit more expensive. There's currently one of these under the Used & New section for about $60 though, so you might jump on that one.

When I was in high school and wanted to make movies, I made friends with the kids in drama - they couldn't wait to get in front of a camera.

As far as sound goes, unless you're going to put your mic on a boom and get it close to your talent, I recommend against a shotgun.

Instead, you might want to plug a couple of [$21.95 lavs directly into your/your friends' phones] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N0EPZU8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00N0EPZU8&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) [Referral Link] and record to the free [Rode Rec LE for iOS] (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/r-de-rec-le/id590021166?mt=8), [Smart Voice Recorder for Android] (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andrwq.recorder&hl=en) or [Skyro Voice Recorder for Android] (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.triveous.recorder&hl=en) apps - then sync your sound in post.

Here is how a lav/phone combo works (example is for the Rode SmartLav, but it makes the point for the entire lav/phone category):

http://youtu.be/P2RIFZOGMZo

This will give you high quality sound for not a lot of money.

With the rest of your budget, I'd get an [$80 Ravelli AVTP tripod with a fluid head and quick release] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00139XOCI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00139XOCI&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), and a [$39 Ravelli dolly] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YB862E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YB862E&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) [Referral Links]. If you put it on a smooth surface (like a large piece of acrylic), you can get slider/dolly moves without spending a bunch of money.

Have fun and good luck!

Hi sotodefunk - I have the [$120 Ravelli AVTP Professional] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00139W0XM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00139W0XM&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) (different from the [$99 Ravelli AVT Professional] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00139XOCI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00139XOCI&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20)) and it gives me very smooth pans and tilts.

Here's a pan I did with it as part of a lens test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vq_3rFzMT8

This tripod is a very good value for your money.

Hope this is helpful!

Bill

The tripod seems to be this ravelli. That head is worth the price alone. I have this and love it. Very very smooth pan

I bought a set of Orion 20x80's. Surprisingly decent for the size/price. I mount them on this tripod. Definitely stable enough for them.

I also bought the Celestron 15x70's. While the quality was better than I expected given their price, the included plastic mount is beyond useless. I think I must have gotten a decent pair; I've read that some people get crummy ones, and others are okay. So I'd recommend the Orion binoculars over the Celestron (better quality control, better coatings on the glass, etc).

Get a t2i on eBay or amazon for cheap. I see good condition bodies go for under 300 all the time. Get an 18-55 lens with it too if you think you'd like one. After all, they're cheap as dirt and have IS.

Get a vintage Nikon 50mm f1.8 and get an adapter. I own 2 Nikon 50mm f1.8s and the Canon 50mm f1.8, and I prefer my Nikons. The glass is better. But if you want to buy only modern lenses, the Canon 50mm is not bad by any means. I love both.

Don't forget a tripod. This one seems to be pretty good for the price for DSLRs. Stabilization, lighting, and audio are the three main overlooked things that will make you seem unprofessional.

For audio, look into getting a used Rode Videomic. They can run you anywhere from 50 to 100. It all depends on whether you're willing to wait or not. Another option, depending on your uses, would be a Zoom h1. Just find out what would be best for you.

An LCD Viewfinder is super handy, especially if you plan on doing handheld shots and don't wear glasses. But if you do wear glasses, I'd still highly recommend one. I use this one. They'll run you around 50$, but you can also get generic ones for, like, 15$ and up.

These are just recommendations. Do some research, find a kit that works for you, and good luck.

Yes, the [pro stuff is ridiculous] (http://www.adorama.com/MT395043.html?KBID=66297), but even this prosumer/hobbyist stuff isn't cheap.

You can save a little money if you buy a less expensive [$75 Ravelli tripod with the smooth fluid drag head - but without the 75mm ball and crutch-style legs] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00139XOCI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00139XOCI&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20), a [refurb'd Glide Gear track for $168] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=281429904039&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg), and a set of [$86.87 third party track wheels] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=301363831256&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg) that you can use to retrofit a [$36.69 Ravelli dolly] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YB862E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YB862E&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

Hope this is helpful!

I just bought this one as a b-cam tripod that I'll be using this weekend. https://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-Professional-67-inch-Camera-Tripod/dp/B00139XOCI

Seems like a good one especially for the price.

Some not terribly high quality things I found on Amazon. They helped get me started and I used them as a second pair to my Manfroto set.

I'm using a t3i as well. All depends on your needs my friend. You don't mention a tripod- I got this one and I love it- fluid head, very solid. Also got the wheel base attachment which is great on a smooth indoor surface.

I managed to make a glider on the cheap that does a great job. However it took me far too long. Lesson learned. While it was fun, I wouldn't do it again. I could have taken the 8 hours and worked and made more than enough money to buy my own.

You also might want to consider a 7inch field monitor. Makes a world of difference to me.

If she hasn't started shooting videos yet, I would suggest getting a good video tripod before you grab a camera. There's a lot you can do with an iPhone 6 or a similar caliber smartphone camera, but framing the shot and being able to get nice smooth video pans makes a big difference.

This is the tripod I'd suggest: Ravelli AVT

For a smartphone mount for that - you can actually buy a $5-7 "selfie stick", ditch the stick, and use the adjustable mount from it to attach the phone to the tripod.

If you're going for a camcorder, the Canon R600/R700 is really nice, plus has the added feature of having a 3.5mm mic in port.

This guy has a cool video on his more ambitious setup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMuhWBgKnGQ

Also, if you run into the issue of not having enough light, first: make sure you match the lighting color, but you can buy regular household LED bulbs + a pair of clamp lights.

Is this the one?
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-67-Inch-Video-Camera-Tripod/dp/B00CEH7VG

It seems they haven't had it in stock for quite a while, it may even be discontinued, though a number of reviewers say it was always a rebrand of the Ravelli AVT 67".

https://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-AVT-Professional-67-inch-Camera/dp/B00139XOCI

Someone recommended this and it comes with a nice head too: https://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-Professional-67-inch-Camera-Tripod/dp/B00139XOCI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app
Thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-AVT-Professional-67-inch-Camera/dp/B00139XOCI/ref=sr_1_17?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1493119468&sr=1-17&keywords=video+tripod

http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-AVT-Professional-67-inch-Camera/dp/B00139XOCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412049345&sr=8-1&keywords=fluid+head+tripod

http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-AVT-Professional-67-inch-Camera/dp/B00139XOCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412049345&sr=8-1&keywords=fluid+head+tripod

http://www.amazon.com/StudioFX-Camera-Slider-Dolly-Stabilizer/dp/B00BOGNUQK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412049395&sr=8-2&keywords=slider

http://www.amazon.com/Kraft-948248-KRAFTtech-Adjustable-60-in/dp/B000Y9CNQG/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1412049427&sr=1-3&keywords=tripod

http://www.amazon.com/Kraft-948248-KRAFTtech-Adjustable-60-in/dp/B000Y9CNQG/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1412049427&sr=1-3&keywords=tripod

http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-RIG-Follow-Focus-Counterweight/dp/B005UF3G2Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1412049533&sr=1-1&keywords=shoulder+rig

Heres your full set up, pick your poison mate