On 22 Nov 2001 00:12:19 GMT, notoriusbm@aol.com (NotoriusBM) wrote:

>I'd like to get a semi-pro tripod, real sturdy etc. All i have is this cheap
>samsonite one that came free and its flimsy. What do you guys think of this
>one:
>
>http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1299136183

Video tripods under about $300 are nearly useless except for
fixed positions (no pan/tilt); around $250-300 or so are the
Mathiews-Libec and Bogen 3221 with 3063 head, barely
adequate, but useable. The good ones (with smooth, "liquid"
movements) are about $1500 and UP, WAY UP... (sometimes a
good used O'Conner, Sachtler, Cartoni, etc. can be had
for $500+).