Hides: Tabletop tripod or..? (1 Viewer)

[kittykat23uk]

Hi all,

Ian is getting a DSLR and has a sigma 170-500 lens to go with. We are probably going to start off with photographing birds at some Norfolk reserves from the hides. What would you all recommend as a suitable stable platform, bearing in mind he doesn't yet have a tripod? Was basically wondering what the benefits/drawbacks of, e.g., table top/gorilla pods are?

We are also off to Mull in June so will be looking at getting a proper tripod and head - probably second hand carbon fibre as doubt we can afford new, and have been looking at the recommedations on this site. So if anyone has one they are looking to sell or could point us in the right direction to find one in the Norfolk area, that would suit our needs please PM me.

Cheers

Jo

 

[Watts]

Hi all,

Ian is getting a DSLR and has a sigma 170-500 lens to go with. We are probably going to start off with photographing birds at some Norfolk reserves from the hides. What would you all recommend as a suitable stable platform, bearing in mind he doesn't yet have a tripod? Was basically wondering what the benefits/drawbacks of, e.g., table top/gorilla pods are?

If you're working from a hide I should try a bean bag. I doubt that a table tripod or gorilla pod would support that kit.

Bill

 

[kittykat23uk]

Sounds like a good cheap option! Thanks.

 

[Duke Leto]

I find resting the lens on the window ledge even on a bag a tad low, a monopod is a good bet, you can sit at a seat and have the pod between your legs and this is an easier option to pan with.

 

[postcardcv]

If you're working from a hide I should try a bean bag. I doubt that a table tripod or gorilla pod would support that kit.

Bill

I totally agree, a small tripod will not be stable enough, a beanbag is the ideal solution. A beanbag on the window of the hide will give excellent support, they are also very handy for doing photography from the car.

 

[paul goode]

Another beanbag vote :t:

 

[Neil]

For hides a monopod is the way to go. The windows are often at different heights and the monopod is easily adjusted. Bending down to the beanbag on a low window can be " a pain in the neck'. As a matter of hide etiquette it's not a good idea to stick lenses out the window as some birds take offence, as might other photographers. Neil.

 

[IanF]

I dare say it does depend on the design of the hide but it's another vote for bean bag from me. I can't say I've been in any where a bean bag wasn't ideal. A 'hide clamp' is another alternative as most hides have a window shelf to mount it on.

 

[Ragna]

Another vote for the bean bag

 

[Jaff]

Should get a poll going! (not helping I know)

 

[I4ani]

Hi,
Bean bag and/or mono pod, the little mini tripods won't be much use with the weight of a 170-500mm lens.
Also you may find a "full" size tripod very awkward in a hide because of the spread of the legs.
regards I4ani