I have a Nikon 600 F4 and a D300 mounted on a MANFROTTO 055XPROB TRIPOD HORIZONTALTripod with a Jobu gimbal head. I find that to have the legs extended so that I can be in a standing position that the lens is a little wobbly. I was told by two dealers that this tripod would be adequate, however I have my doubts as the total wieght of equipment now almost equals the capacity of the tripod. What would you recommend as an alternative and solution. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks
I'm in a similar spot. I also have the 055XPROB and recently acquired (unexpectedly if you can believe that) a 400mm f/2.8. I've done some research, and I'm planning on getting a Gitzo GT3541. It's rated for a 300mm to 400mm lens, can support 40 lbs, and is still the same weight as the 055. According to the Gitzo website, you would need a 5 series tripod which is rated for 400mm and longer. There may be less expensive alternatives, but I think you would need something with a similar rating.
I'm new to having a long lens, so I would also like to see other opinions. However, I am sure of a few things - 1) my 055 is not nearly sturdy enough, 2) To get a study enough tripod that is light enough to hike with, carbon fiber is the way to go, and 3) Owning a super-telephoto is expensive!!
Both of you are going to get a whole bunch of answers recommending a specific make/model, etc.
That's not the answer you need. Go to a camera store and/or a telescope store (if you have one in your area). Actually look at what's available and try them out. Then:
1. For backpacking and hiking, get the absolute heaviest carbon fiber or basalt composite unit that you think you will carry. It won't be heavy enough or stable enough for your big lenses, but it will be far, far better than focusining on something "light and portable."
2. Realize that most of your big lens work will be within a few yards or so of your transportation. Buy the biggest, heaviest tripod you can find AND throw a sandbag in the trunk for extra weight and stability. I actually use my old wooden tripod from my survey days (circa 1974). It weighs nearly 15 pounds but is stable as the proverbial rock and I never worry about the wind flipping it and my camera gear.
Owning the big tele certainly is expensive. I hadn't planned on all the upgrades gimbal head and tripod, such is life, march on. I'm not too concerned about hiking with this lens so I was looking at a Manfrotto 161 Black Super pro Tripod rated at 44lbs. I figure that this should give me lots of over kill just to be sure.
Super stable, easy to use, just can't go wrong. This setup will set you back a few bucks, but why have the 600mm if you can't get the best shots from it?
Super stable, easy to use, just can't go wrong. This setup will set you back a few bucks, but why have the 600mm if you can't get the best shots from it?
My exact same setup for my 500mm. The light weight tripod I use is a Gitzo GT3531ls with a Bh55 head. Of course, light weight is a relative term. But everything is very stable.
With either the 400/2.8 or 600/4 I highly recommend the Wimberly or Mongoose 3.6, the RRS BH55 is a great ballhead but the weight of these two is certainly balanced better with a gimbal.
The RRS TV-33 is my favorite tripod but the Gt 3531 re excellent as well. If you are new to these telephotos you also must be aware of proper long lends technique. Then practice, practice.
At high enough shutter speeds, or with VR, I don't know that it matters all that much, but Moose Peterson is awesome and I'm not.
I forget what the rule of thumb for actual weight to maximum weight on a tripod for good stability is, but the Gitzo GT5531S specs say it'll handle up to 55 lbs, and I'd guess that a 600mm plus body plus gimbal or ball head probably tops out at around 20.
I have the 400 2.8 vr also. Iam in the same boat like you are. I got rrs bh -55 and i will pair it with gitzo 5 series. The new 2012 systematc series can support up to 80 lbs.
If you just can't go the cost of a GT55xx (or similar), then I'd recommend the "Gitzo GT4330LS Series 4 Aluminum Tripod" at about 1/2 the price. It will handle your 600mm just fine and fully extended it's solid. I got one when I had a 600 and use it with a gimbal. I have a 500mm now and it actually feels like overkill but I never worry about my body and lens on this setup.
The GT35xx series work ok with a good head like the RRS bh55 but not with the legs fully extended, but rather laying or sitting so you're only using the upper two sections. Honestly I never liked this with the 600 as it was just too much to move around up there on a ball head, the 500 works well with this solution when I'm hiking in and don't want to pack the 4330.
Super stable, easy to use, just can't go wrong. This setup will set you back a few bucks, but why have the 600mm if you can't get the best shots from it?
This is what I also use for the 600VR. I have the 3541 with the Bh-55 and it didn't cut it. You don't want a ballhead.
For my 600mm....gitzo 55xx with Wimberly Gimbal, RRS Long Lens Support and a 25 lb. sandbag hanging from the pod. Not for hiking, obviously but boy is it stable!
I use the Feisol 3372 and a Jobu Black Widow Light Weight II (side mount) and I love the combo. I use it with the 600VR/D3s and the weight of the tripod/head is slightly over 5 lbs.
I suppose everyone sees things differently, but I want to be as portable as I can. The time I spend with the legs fully extended is a tiny fraction of its use. I spend much more time sitting in a blind. When hiking where I tend to shoot when standing, the monopod gets the call.
Think of how you will use the equipment. If you don't plan on traveling far from the car, some heavy clunker will do fine. If you are half a mile or more, and shooting from a hide, the lighter the better and I personally wouldn't consider anything other than carbon fiber.
I highly recommend the BH-55 head from RRS... I use it with a Wimberley Sidekick for my 400VR. It is my main and favorite ballhead, bar none. Now considering getting the Long Lens Support.
I currently have a 3-series Gitzo, but if you can swing it (which I couldn't at the time), get a 5-series, or try the RRS TV-33... looks very promising.
