Actually cutting way back on long lens accessories this time. The past 4 long lenses have always received a lens coat, replacement foot, gimbal head, some sort of lens cap, and a different strap. Can't really say I liked any of the lens coats I have purchased over the years. I don't like the feel of the fabric on the lens (on the hood it works fine). I'm currently trying to find another option for covering the lens past the focus to the end of the hood. I'll probably buy some kind of oversized neoprene hoodie that I could toss on and off quickly
I also personally like the small foot, lens boot, and wide strap Canon provides with the lens. With a small lens plate (p30) it balances every combo and can be removed in 20 seconds when I'm not using a tripod.
Here's some stuff I've found fun and/or useful with my 1,000mm, 800mm, and 600mm (equiv) lenses:
Newer APS-C or µ4/3 sensor camera. (If 250mm on my µ4/3 is what a fullframmer sees through a 500mm lens that's just not long enough for me. And 800mm lenses cost the mega-bucks.)
Equatorial Tracking Mount. $1,100 (MSRP) but you can sometimes find them used on line for around $250 or $300. They're good for hundreds of thousands of hours if cared for and used properly so no need to worry about used ones I think.
A modified ski-pole basket so I can use the loaded monopod in the sand, wetland marshes, or snow.
That's a good price, if the pod works well enough (have you tried it with EOS 1D camera or equivalent weight +old 400 f/2.8 lens, day in, day out ? ), however, not significantly lower than my $65 Manfrotto 681B from B&H.
I dunno about "day in and day out" but I use it often with long fast lenses. I believe the listed max load rating of 12kg. If I crank down on all three of the twist leg-locks I can put about 120 to 150 pounds on it before it slowly slips downward. So planting and lifting 12kg all day long should't be a problem. I dunno how much my MF 300/2.8L and my Sigma 500/4.5 APO plus the GH2 plus the gimbal head weigh exactly but those are what I use on it mostly. I have a tendency to lean on the rig which probably applies another 2 to 4kg to whatever that is too.
Bifurcator wrote:
I dunno about "day in and day out" but I use it often with long fast lenses. I believe the listed max load rating of 12kg. If I crank down on all three of the twist leg-locks I can put about 120 to 150 pounds on it before it slowly slips downward. So planting and lifting 12kg all day long should't be a problem. I dunno how much my MF 300/2.8L and my Tokina 500/5.6 plus the GH2 plus the gimbal head weigh exactly but those are what I use on it mostly. I have a tendency to lean on the rig which probably applies another 2 to 4kg to whatever that is too.
We all lean on our pods, especially us older folks.
However, with very heavy setups which cost a pretty penny (in the case of 1DX + 800L the cost is close to $20,000), it is good to think very conservatively when it comes to the pod selection.
I just got a RRS long lens support but I've barely used it yet. Supposed to make the outfit more rigid by supporting the front of the lens and taking some of the weight off the lens foot. Perhaps more relevant for Nikon lenses than Canons, and for zoom lenses rather than primes. I'll be using it on my Wimberley Head II.
Alan321 wrote:
I just got a RRS long lens support but I've barely used it yet. Supposed to make the outfit more rigid by supporting the front of the lens and taking some of the weight off the lens foot. Perhaps more relevant for Nikon lenses than Canons, and for zoom lenses rather than primes. I'll be using it on my Wimberley Head II.
I've seen it, but never used it. I think you are well equipped to assess its effectiveness.
These days the only lens I use on my pods is 800mm, and that is more for load bearing purposes than for motion blur mitigation.
Love the Lenscoat Hoodie for the 500f4. Protects from twigs, etc., fits in a pocket. size xxl.
I prefer to hand hold, but discovered that there is less torture carrying the load with a monopod.
The great thing about the monopod is when you stop to rest or search, the weight is completely off of you. Thats a big plus for less fatigue and strain on your shoulders.
Plus that, I discovered that if you carry it with one hand on the monopod pad, and one by the lens foot, you have equalized the weight with about 5lbs. on each side of you, also making the hike easier.
My new 500 is 1.6 lbs. lighter than the past 500. Love it!
Yes, it does make a difference in performance and fatigue! Trouble is, my new Gitzo 3542LS adds a 1.5lb. to my old tripod weight,so that was alot of money to equal out the same!!! So back to the monopod most the time.
The Induro 8X monopod is supreme. Supports 39lbs. Rock solid. Very fast to use, very sturdy. Nice large grips. 1.2lbs. $130, can't beat that!
Having spine/neck problems, I really have thought this out over the years.
I wear a hip pack with room for a few teleconverters and flash, water and phone. Keeps all the weight off the neck and shoulders.
Wrist problem? I wear a wrist brace made by Futuro that literally has saved me from losing my ability of long heavy lenses. It not only supports the wrist, but for hand holding it gives me more solid a platform for shooting.
I agree with martines34, much quicker to follow BIFs off the tripod or monopod.
I use a acratec ballhead on the induro monopod. Love it. I have the new low profile Induro2 Ballhead on the Gitzo. Love that also! They both are very fluid, sturdy.
I finally have the right gear!
Thank you, Linda, since I am well past my prime, I appreciate a number of great suggestions and ideas in your post on easing the burden of heavy gears.
Harry.C wrote:
What's the advantage of replacing the lens foot? I like the foot on my 600 mk i.
You can attach the replacement foot into the clamp on your ballhed or gimbal head. You must first buy a lens plate and attach that on your original foot. And the replement feets come in many different shapes, weight & sizes. I like the low profile ones.
), however, not significantly lower than my
but I use it often with long fast lenses. I believe the listed max load rating of 12kg. If I crank down on all three of the twist leg-locks I can put about 120 to 150 pounds on it before it slowly slips downward. So planting and lifting 12kg all day long should't be a problem. I dunno how much my MF 300/2.8L and my Sigma 500/4.5 APO plus the GH2 plus the gimbal head weigh exactly but those are what I use on it mostly. I have a tendency to lean on the rig which probably applies another 2 to 4kg to whatever that is too.
So back to the monopod most the time. 