Randolph K wrote:
For those of you using a tripod with the 600 GM, Which tripod setup are you all using?
When I use a tripod I use a GKJr Katana Pro gimbal from ProMediaGear, and a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod I bought 10 years ago. I do not know the model number but I am sure they don't make that model anymore. Something similar to the Gitzo GT2543L.
Randolph K wrote:
For those of you using a tripod with the 600 GM, Which tripod setup are you all using?
I use an older version of this Gitzo tripod: https://amzn.to/2PMy0mW
Well worth the price. I’ve been using it since 2013 and had no issues. Currently, there are other brands with similar quality tripods. The only thing I would suggest for 600mm is a tripod without a center column. Just get a taller tripod. Center column introduces unwanted “camera shake” and will prohibit shooting from extreme low angles.
Another Lapland Bunting dropped in on passage, this one showing partial summer plumage and a very rare sighting in this part of the world. Shot handheld with a1+600GM+2x (1/1000, f9, ISO 2500, +0.7).
Nikon1960 wrote:
Just curious, what were your settings? I have yet to figure out the A7R IV + 2x. Lovely image quality!
Thanks. I've found that I need good direct light to pull off sharp images with the 2x no matter what settings I am using. If side light is the only light source the IQ suffers some and I try to avoid it. I avoid backlit almost completely if I am using the 2x.
Randolph K wrote:
For those of you using a tripod with the 600 GM, Which tripod setup are you all using?
When on a tripod I shoot with the IFootage TC7 with Acratech GP ballhead or Lensmaster RH-2 depending on the situation. But for the last year I am shooting mostly on a Leofoto monopod with the 3 way foot.
Randolph K wrote:
For those of you using a tripod with the 600 GM, Which tripod setup are you all using?
I use the FLM CP30-L4 II tripod with either the Jobu Jr Gimbal or the Flex shooter Pro ball head. Both are good and it depends what I am shooting. This is the lightest combination I found that I can live with for the 600/4 & A1 class bodies.
arbitrage wrote:
I have a RRS 34L and a Jobu HD-4 Gimbal head.
The 34L V2 is at the top of my list for it's mix of height, weight, folded length and capacity for a mix of wildlife and landscape (photo / video). Also considering the Gitzo GT3543XLS and GT5543XLS.
I haven't yet researched the Jobu HD-4. Any particular reason why you went with that over Gimbals such as the MH-200 and the Katana's?
Randolph K wrote:
The 34L V2 is at the top of my list for it's mix of height, weight, folded length and capacity for a mix of wildlife and landscape (photo / video). Also considering the Gitzo GT3543XLS and GT5543XLS.
I haven't yet researched the Jobu HD-4. Any particular reason why you went with that over Gimbals such as the MH-200 and the Katana's?
Thanks
I bought the Jobu before the Katana's were known to me. I liked the weight of the HD-4. I'd actually go down to a Jobu Jr. 3 if I bought again for even lighter weight. A friend used even the 600 f/4 IS II on the Jr. 3. With the 600III and Sony 600GM the Jr. 3 should be fine if you are shooting loose.
Nikon1960 wrote:
Just curious, what were your settings? I have yet to figure out the A7R IV + 2x. Lovely image quality!
The other thing to consider that a lot of people overlook is the atmospheric haze or mirage effect from the heat. It seems to be amplified many times over and was the cause of some of my early poor IQ with this lens and TC combo. Some of that is unavoidable but it has changed the way I shoot and specifically when I shoot.
Like a lot of us, I spend a lot of time focusing on individual feather detail and composition usually on only one bird. As a change up I spent some time on group shots over the weekend. We have so many birds right now at the local NWR and the combination of the 600mm + A7R4 + 2xTC can bring that out in good light and make for some interesting images
