Just wanted to post that I received the Velbon PH-368 tripod head and it's amazing. The movement is really smooth, even at max zoom. I also have the Sunpak 7575 tripod, which is the same as the 7500 Pro, and the head that comes with doesn't even compare to the Velbon, and like others said, I don't even think it could be considered "fluid", while the Velbon definitely is.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...oughType=search

I'll post some videos on Vimeo to show the movement as soon as I get a chance, and I'll post the links here.

Hey Sebaz, thanks for the information. I just got my Sunpak tripod yesterday and haven't had a chance to play with it much yet. I got the 7500MP ( with the monopod) from BestBuy.
Looking forward to seeing some of your test footage.

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Robert Peterson
KUUMBA Technologies

Pretty much everyone who tried the Velbon likes it. It may not last as long as metal frame tripods but it sure is smooth when it's new. I haven't heard anyone say they have gone bad though. It's well made with high quality plastic so it should be durable too.

BTW the Sunpaks are "fluid effect" and not true fluid heads. I don't think anyone really knows what "fluid effect" actually means except we know it means "not as smooth as a real fluid head". But the Sunpak heads are great for stills because they have the 3rd axis and they can be made to be very stable.

AFAIK, Velbon is not a real fluid head either.

Well, I don't know much about Tripods, but this one seems very fluid to me. Of course I assume much more expensive heads are probably better, but for around $40 this one is really amazing. The movement is really fluid, and the two wheels to adjust the resistance are excellent for that purpose. I can adjust the tilt one just enough so my HF100 won't tilt back on its own. And also the handle can be rotated, which can be useful sometimes.

I suppose if after some time it loses fluidness (sorry if I just made up a word) I can take it apart and put some more grease inside to keep it smooth. I took apart the one that came with the Sunpak and it had some grease, so I suppose this one must have too.

Here's my first video with the Velbon head. It's kind of boring, and not as smooth as I would like, but you can get an idea:

http://www.vimeo.com/999308

I don't know where you got that information jockey because every source I've seen has said it was a true fluid head. Care to enlighten us as to your source so we can check the facts ourselves? If heads are not "true" fluid heads they are advertised as "fluid effect" heads. The Velbon is advertised as a fluid head. Not a "fluid effect" head.

Here's one place that describes the Velbon Videomate 607, which has the PH-368 head on it, as being a true fluid head. I've seen lots of others. I've never seen anyone claim that it wasn't a fluid head and offer proof to that effect.