Tripod & head for Canon 500 f4 lIS (1 Viewer)

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I have managed to confuse myself with numbers and names. What should I be looking at as the most sturdy set up?

I would say that I normally carry my kit on my back so a quick release or easy set up system may be preferred.

Although I had thought maybe quick release and one of the cheap Indian heads if I need to set up for a while?

EDIT just noticed this too http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=121426

 

[tracker]

Its rare I use my tripod, but on the odd occasion, i use a Manfrotto 393 long bracket : http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=31488 Its a good starting point but there is better, so Ive been told . Ive just not ventured there yet! lol

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Its rare I use my tripod, but on the odd occasion, i use a Manfrotto 393 long bracket : http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=31488 Its a good starting point but there is better, so Ive been told . Ive just not ventured there yet! lol

Thanks Tom. Out of curiosity how do you support your set up?

 

[tracker]

Marcus, the tripod I use with the 393 head is the Manfrotto 190 tripod (black and green) So far, 99% of my photography with the 500mm f/4 is handheld. I know i should use a tripod, but bad habits die hard! The recent purchase of a dome hide may help me put that right! lol

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Cheers Tom. It's scary to think the results you may get given what you accomplish at the moment!

 

[postcardcv]

The Manfrotto 190 is only rated to hold 5kg, a 500mm with camera will be pushing this (over if you've got a 1D) personally I'd not risk the lens on these legs. The 055 is rated to 7kg and to my mind even these legs are a bit lightweight for the 500 f4. I'd recommend getting a tripod that's rated to at least 10kg for this lens, the Gitzo's are great though I cannot recommend a specific model as the one I use (1349) is no longer made. As for heads any of the known gimbals would be fine (Wimberley, Kirk, Jobu) though I'd avoid the knock offs on ebay, I have heard of them failing. A cheaper head option would be the 393 that Tom mentioned (I know others on here use this head with the 500 f4) or the 501 video head. Personally I don't like the 393, I tested it against the 501 and it was not as stable.

 

[tracker]

The Manfrotto 190 is only rated to hold 5kg, a 500mm with camera will be pushing this (over if you've got a 1D) personally I'd not risk the lens on these legs.

Pete, I wasnt recommending the legs, just the head. I was just replying to his question about how I support this kit, what im using at the moment (when I do actually use it)

ps... Marcus, I also use a beanbag and/or a hide window

 

[postcardcv]

Pete, I wasnt recommending the legs, just the head. I was just replying to his question about how I support this kit, what im using at the moment (when I do actually use it)

ps... Marcus, I aslo use a beanbag and/or a hide window

I know you weren't recommending them, but I was about to post anyway so thought I'd comment... I agree that a beanbag is very useful with a long lens.

 

[tracker]

By the way Pete, your right about the Manfrotto 190; it really isnt steady enough! :S

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Thanks guys - I do have a bean bag from WWS already - very handy. It sound slike this cobra advertised maybe an option and at under £300 a good price (anyone wanna PM me otherwise?) I also have an option on a sidekick at £150.

Jeez then I gotta get some legs!

Oh yeah and take some pictures!

 

[mike nesbitt]

Marcus,
As a tripod you won't get much better than the Gitzo 3540LS, It really is a rock solid piece of kit and well worth the extortionate price. I used to have a Manfrotto/Bogen 393 [only £99] attached to it.
For the price good value. problem was over a period of time it invariably worked loose and you then realised a crap shot was caused by the head slapping around. I now use the Wimberley 11 and realise I should have gone that route to start with.
There is no change out of a grand for that combo but you've got the best lens so give it the best support you can. Just my opinion. [try not to buy cheap, you invariably buy twice]
Mike.

 

[Den]

Hi Marcus
If you're going to spend £4500 on a new lens, do get a first class support. I use a Wimberley11/Gitzo 5540LS with a 600mmand its a joy. You're welcome to have a go if you are nearby. To try a gimbel head with no play and QR is a revelation.
With a 500, many pros use the Gitzo 3540XLS and Sidekick. Lighter and cheaper but with enough guts for a 500. To be frank, anything less is a waste of time.
Good hunting and I hope you get what you want.
I used to use a Manfrotto 055 pro with video head, moved on to a Gitzo 1348 and Arca Swiss balll and arrived at the 5540./Wimberley. Lesson learnt the hard way.
Good luck. Look at Moose Peterson, Rouse and Arthur Morris to see what they use!!!!!

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

does the 5540 have another name - I can't find it Den

 

[paul goode]

I'm another Gitzo 3540ls user with the 393 head. If the cash is available though I would go for the Wimberley head. My 393 is carried over from my lighter Sigma 500mm and too me feels fine but then I've never tried a proper Wimberley. (and won't until I can afford one )
Certainly legs wise the 3 series are plenty strong enough for a 500mm, a 600mm would need the 5 series.

Edit Looks as if Gitzo have updated the range the 3540ls is now the 3541ls etc, all on the Bob Rigby website http://www.bobrigby.com/products.html

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Is the Wimberely quick release?

 

[Watts]

does the 5540 have another name - I can't find it Den

Now upgraded GT5541-LS . Check out Bob Rigby Photographic http://www.bobrigby.com/products.html

I have no connection with them other than being a satisfied customer.

Bill

 

[Den]

Sorry Marcus, they've renamed it the GT5541-LS. Here's a link to the best Gitzo dealer.
http://www.bobrigby.com/products.html
It's worth a trip to Macclesfield to see them and the Wimberley but close your eyes if you don't want to be seduced by other kit. I nearly fell in love with an Epson printer last time. Only £3500 and prints to 24"X30" - stunning. They always have a stand at the birdfair. I bought an ex-demo tripod and saved shedloads.
If you are using the lighter lens than mine, the GT3541-LS should be stable enough.
Here's a link to Andy Rouse's review of the GT3540LS (same one- different number) that he uses with his Canon 500
http://forum.warehouseexpress.com/message.asp?FTopicID=768
If you want Wimberley stuff then Rigby are the main importers and have bits like plates and flash brackets.
Hope that helps.

 

[Den]

Yes Marcus, the Wimberley has a built in QR. I replaced the foot on my lens with the Wimberley one and it just slots into the head and is adjustable fore and aft. 5 secs to take off.
You drop the lens onto the plate and tighten the screw- sorted.

 

[Highcountry]

I have a Gitzo 1325 with a Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead and use a Wimberley Sidekick when using my 500mm f4. It works greats and allows for just one tripod and head. Not recommended for the 600mm but does yeoman duty with smaller lenses.

I prefer three section tripods for maximum rigidity. I imagine that the Gitzo 3530 would be perfect for the 500mm. The 5540 weighs almost twice as much as the 35 series and would be great for a 600mm but is overkill for a 500mm. If you are going to use the tripod for smaller lenses, a ballhead and Sidekick is much more versatile.

Cheers

 

[NickRno77]

Marcus, Don't know much about tripods and heads etc as I always shoot with a monopod but I saw this Sexy looking bit of kit on POTN:-

Jobu Designs - Black Widow Gimbal

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=570910

Review Here http://www.tomwebsterphoto.com/Essays/Jobu/jobu.htm

Cheers