Holding a 400 f/2.8

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Milkman
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p.1 #1 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

OK, now that I've got this huge thing, how do I hold it on my tripod?

I would rather not get another head, I already have an Arca BH-1. I am certain that I need at least a RRS plate on it collar. I saw that Wimberley makes a sidekick for the Arca, are these the way to go?

John, what do you hold your 400 up with? This thing is heavy!

Chris

Edited on Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM

Sep 08, 2005 at 08:33 PM

Memo Lopez
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p.1 #2 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

I guess it's time to hit the Gym!!!

But the sidekick sounds like a good option if you dont want to spend money on a dedicated head for the big gun.

Memo

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Edited on Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM

Sep 08, 2005 at 08:46 PM

jmcfadden
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p.1 #3 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

i use it on a set of Bogen 345 legs and a BH-1 . I will be adding a sidekick to the rig shortly

J

Edited on Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM

Sep 08, 2005 at 11:12 PM

caryb
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p.1 #4 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

It's really not hand-holdable. The only solution is to box it up and ship it to me. I'm not opposed to getting another head.

Edited on Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM

Sep 09, 2005 at 02:23 AM

Milkman
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p.1 #5 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

I didn't think it was ever going to be hand holdable, but golly this thing isn't even close. I've handled the 300 f/2.8, but gosh this is HUGE. Biggest problem was I needed a plate for the lens, because just attaching the D2X to the BH-1 doesn't give much relief and makes the hole outfit unstable. I just plain needed a better set-up! Thanks for all the help. I've now ordered myself a plate and then we will go from there.

Chris

Edited on Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM

Sep 09, 2005 at 12:11 PM

caryb
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p.1 #6 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

Not sure why I made the hand-holdable remark when you asked about a tripod. New baby = no sleep. Well, sad to hear you're keeping the lens instead of sending it to me, but glad you got the plate ordered.

It's a beauty of a lens. Wish I could talk the wife into one.

Edited on Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM

Sep 09, 2005 at 12:25 PM

Ryder
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p.1 #7 · Holding a 400 f/2.8

Milkman wrote:
OK, now that I've got this huge thing, how do I hold it on my tripod?

I would rather not get another head, I already have an Arca BH-1. I am certain that I need at least a RRS plate on it collar. I saw that Wimberley makes a sidekick for the Arca, are these the way to go?

John, what do you hold your 400 up with? This thing is heavy!

Chris

Hi:
That's a mighty fine lens.

Whatever your choice I'd give it some real thought and, if at all possible, try out a few heads before buying. Your success with a lens that big (the AF-S II "light" version is almost 10lbs isn't it) will very much depend on your expectations (how you use it) and your pod/head.

I'm not the one to give final answers as I'm just working through this myself with smaller lenses. Well....smaller than yours..the Sigma 500mm f4.5 and the 300mm Nikon AF-S II.

Don't penny pinch on the head with a lens like that.

I wound up with the JOBU "light" model for my lenses. At 2.65 lbs it's fairly easy to carry around.

http://www.jobu-design.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/28

Cheers,
Craig Ryder

Sep 09, 2005 at 02:03 PM


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