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Archive 2008 · Before I click "Buy Now" is this a decent setup?

Chrono1081
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p.1 #1 · Before I click "Buy Now" is this a decent setup?

I have a 5D Mark II (when it comes, I use a 5D in the mean time), battery grip, I generally use the 16-35, 24-70, 180mm Macro, 70-200 2.8L IS, and 85mm 1.2. I am in desperate need of a new tripod that I will be carrying all through the countryside on my back. My current tripod setup weighs *gasp* 12 pounds but is falling apart. I selected the following for replacement:

-Gitzo GT2541 Mountaineer 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
-RSS BH-40 LR II: Mid-sized ballhead w/ LR II (Not sure what the LR II means but it looks like it adds a spirit level)
-5D II w/Grip L Plate

My question is does anyone own this setup? This looks fine for the camera and lenses I am using but I'm really unsure of the ballhead if I should up it to the BH-55. I do apologize because I know stuff like this gets asked all the time and unfortunately I have no camera store to visit to try these things out : / Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated because I want to get it right this time. (My last tripod setup is such a mess I don't even like to use it).

Nov 25, 2008 at 01:54 AM

mpmendenhall
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p.1 #2 · Before I click "Buy Now" is this a decent setup?

The RRS BH-40 will be fine for your setup; you probably don't need the BH55 (or a heavier-duty tripod) unless you will be adding 400mm+ lens to your setup soon. The "LR II" is the lever release clamp (with spirit level), as opposed to a screw-knob release. I use a BH-40 with LR-II clamp for my 5D+grip on a lighter tripod (GT1530), and have no problems using my longest lens (200/2.8L). With a teleconverter (at 280/400mm), I have to be somewhat careful with mirror lockup and remote shutter release, but I'm probably more limited by my tripod legs than the ballhead.

Nov 25, 2008 at 02:11 AM

John Patrick
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p.1 #3 · Before I click "Buy Now" is this a decent setup?

The Markins M-10 is lighter than the BH-40, and comparable in size and handling. That may be another option for you.

John

Nov 25, 2008 at 03:36 AM

gruenbaum
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p.1 #4 · Before I click "Buy Now" is this a decent setup?

Maybe this thread could be helpful for you: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/706668 BH-55 vs. BH-40

Nov 25, 2008 at 06:20 PM

nystrpr
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p.1 #5 · Before I click "Buy Now" is this a decent setup?

Just so that you are aware, the base of the RRS BH-55 is bigger than the plate of the GT2541 and it does overhang. While it does work, it is a pretty big ballhead for the GT2541.

I have the BH-55 which I use with my GT5541LS and recently purchased a G2541 for easier carrying on hikes and travel. After reading many, many threads, I went with the Markins M10 for the GT2541. So far, so good.

Nov 26, 2008 at 02:51 AM


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