Howdy folks...
A quick search didn't turn up much, so I am once again looking to the amazing combined wisdom of the FM community.
It looks like I just pulled the trigger on a Canon EF 500mm f/4.5L. I currently have a Manfrotto 055MF3 tripod and 468 ballhead, (The old huge version) modified with a RRS lever clamp. I am wondering if the Wimberley Sidekick would be suitable for my new big dog with a 1D series cam. From what I know the 500/4.5 is one of the smaller of Canon's super teles, (in size and weight) so would the Sidekick would be up to the task? The biggest lens I have had up until now (again, in size and weight) is the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, so this is new territory for me!
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Helimat
Nov 24, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
I really like my Sidekick + BH-55 + 500 f/4 combo (I shoot birds and other critters and the occasional landscape with it and my 5D and 1D2n). I shoot everything from macros to still lifes to landscapes to critters while out and about and it's nice being able to yank the Sidekick off my BH-55 ballhead and use the ballhead as it was intended with shorter lenses. The Sidekick + beefy BH-55 (I don't have any experience with your head) is a versatile, "affordable" and rock solid combo for all around shooting. If I was just gonna shoot the 500 exclusively then maybe I'd consider the added expense (but ultimate user friendliness) of the purpose built full on Wimberly but cost-wise and for versatility, the Sidekick rocks. It'd certainly handle your 500 f/4.5, weight and balance wise.
I used the 500/4 IS with the Sidekick for almost 3 years, really liked it alot, but after upgrading my tripod, and then buying the big 400 f2.8 I eventually moved up to the full Wimberley v2 head. The Sidekick is good but the v2 is better and while I never had a problem with the side mounting before at least with the v2 head gravity is on my side, especially as I often walk around the legs collapsed and the lens resting on my shoulder.
Thanks guys. Again the FM gang comes through for me!
I had read on the Wimberley website that the 500mm f/4.5 was 'compatible' with the Sidekick, but I needed to hear it from those who have had real life experience with the combo, rather than just ordering it and hoping that 'compatible' didn't include any hidden issues.
For me, compactness is huge, as I will be traveling quite a bit with the rig, and being able to go back to the ballhead quickly would also be a plus for me. I don't foresee a larger lens coming into the mix anytime soon, (Well the CFO certainly doesn't! ) so if it will handle my 500 nicely, I think that the Sidekick is indeed the answer for me at this time.
I think I will drop a line in the B&S to see if anyone has an extra they are willing to part first with before ordering a new one...
Thanks again, you were all really quite helpful.
Helimat
PS; Lars, I remember reading elsewhere here that you had the Pelican 1510 and 1610. How nicely do you figure a 500 would fit in either of these two cases?
Nov 25, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
helimat wrote:
Thanks guys. Again the FM gang comes through for me!
I had read on the Wimberley website that the 500mm f/4.5 was 'compatible' with the Sidekick, but I needed to hear it from those who have had real life experience with the combo, rather than just ordering it and hoping that 'compatible' didn't include any hidden issues.
For me, compactness is huge, as I will be traveling quite a bit with the rig, and being able to go back to the ballhead quickly would also be a plus for me. I don't foresee a larger lens coming into the mix anytime soon, (Well the CFO certainly doesn't! ) so if it will handle my 500 nicely, I think that the Sidekick is indeed the answer for me at this time.
I think I will drop a line in the B&S to see if anyone has an extra they are willing to part first with before ordering a new one...
Thanks again, you were all really quite helpful.
Helimat
PS; Lars, I remember reading elsewhere here that you had the Pelican 1510 and 1610. How nicely do you figure a 500 would fit in either of these two cases? ...Show more →
The 1610 should be very good. I'm not sure about the 1510. Maybe with a very tight fit. I have the 500/4 lens and (IMO) the 1514/1510 case is to small for that. I really have to force down the lid with that lens
Just a quick update, I now have a Sidekick coming. I posted a WTB ad on the B&S, and managed to track one down in under two hours. What a great resource this forum is!
I currently have a Manfrotto 055MF3 tripod and 468 ballhead, (The old huge version) modified with a RRS lever clamp. I am wondering if the Wimberley Sidekick would be suitable for my new big dog with a 1D series cam. From what I know the 500/4.5 is one of the smaller of Canon's super teles, (in size and weight) so would the Sidekick would be up to the task? The biggest lens I have had up until now (again, in size and weight) is the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, so this is new territory for me!
) so if it will handle my 500 nicely, I think that the Sidekick is indeed the answer for me at this time. 
