Hints about using a clamped long telephoto lens with gimbal head tripod: I specialize in photographing very fast radio-controlled model airplanes with my Sony alpha 6500 camera. I...

desert-view

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-controlled model airplanes with my Sony alpha 6500 camera. I recently purchased the Sony FE 70-300 (G) lens for that purpose. Surprising, but Sony doesn't make a clamp for their lens, but I was able to find the attached pictured Chinese clamp designed for the Sony lens and an adaptable gimbal on Ebay. Considering several factors about the lens/camera/photographer combination my question is would there be a benefit with it or should I go it hand held?

Factor 1. The combined optical stabilization of lens/camera combo is extraordinarily(amazingly) good.
Factor 2. The lens is heavy and the combo can be difficult to manipulate
Factor 3. The quality of the pictured clamp and gimbal is unknown.
Factor 4. I have a lot of successful experience chasing these models, but with lighter gear.
Factor 5. The pictured items are not expensive (both less than $100).
Factor 6. Sometimes I will be using Sony's Digital Crop equivalent to 900mm.(300X1.5X2)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

desert-view wrote:

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-cont... (show quote)

I can see where you would want a tripod ring, but I’m sure that if Sony thought the lens was too heavy for the camera they would have designed it with one. What are your handheld results?
Cannot comment on that ring and gimbal, except that they don’t look like much. You might want to contact Carter at cameracottage.com or PM him here (MT Shooter). Good luck!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

desert-view wrote:

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-cont... (show quote)

Stabilization is not going to help you. A gimbal will get in your way. If you are using CIZ to get your shots, you are using the wrong lens - an optically longer lens is what you need. Luckily you have one of the fastest, best tracking AF systems in a camera in your A6500.

Hand held is going to require some practice at perfecting your panning technique, but it will be worth the effort. High shutter speeds rather than stabilization is what you need. At shutter speeds of 1/1000 or shorter, optical stabilization doesn't help at all anyway.

I shoot fast cars, motorcycles, birds in flight, dogs in motion playing with balls and frisbees - and good panning technique will give you the best results.

Just a few things to think about.

Bill_de Loc: US

desert-view wrote:

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-cont... (show quote)

I bought a tripod foot similar to the one shown for a Sigma 100-400. I haven't used it much because I mostly hand hold the lens.

Unlike the OEM rings that come on many longer lenses, this does not allow the lens to rotate. Using it on a Gimbal precludes using it for verticals. When I do use it on a tripod it is with a ball head.

--

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

If you want to use it with a gimbal you can use a bracket plate or L bracket for your body. Frankly I don’t think that a gimbal setup will help you with shooting this subject matter. Better to probably just go handheld and work on your panning technique. I also agree that a longer lens might be helpful but also more expensive.

The Digital Picture website has a review of the Really Right Stuff P2 gimbal which nicely demonstrates the many ways a gimbal can hold different camera and lens combinations.

desert-view wrote:

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-cont... (show quote)

Canisdirus

If a lens is produced without a tripod collar ... it is because it is ... unneeded.

Haydon

Canisdirus wrote:

If a lens is produced without a tripod collar ... it is because it is ... unneeded.

Agreed, this lens is best just handheld. No need for a gimbal. A much longer focal length would be a much different story depending on use.

Canisdirus

Haydon wrote:

Agreed, this lens is best just handheld. No need for a gimbal. A much longer focal length would be a much different story depending on use.

I go by weight. I have a Tokina 300mm 2.8 prime ... not exactly a super long lens.
But...it weighs over 8lbs. (tanky lens and razor sharp).
Even so, I have only used my gimbal twice.
Only when I am going somewhere for a long days shoot.
But yes... I would say any long lens that is either heavy as heck, or a 400mm(f2.8) prime and up is gimbal territory.

Haydon

Canisdirus wrote:

I go by weight. I have a Tokina 300mm 2.8 prime ... not exactly a super long lens.
But...it weighs over 8lbs. (tanky lens and razor sharp).
Even so, I have only used my gimbal twice.
Only when I am going somewhere for a long days shoot.
But yes... I would say any long lens that is either heavy as heck, or a 400mm(f2.8) prime and up is gimbal territory.

I understand, I'm using an 8lb. Canon 500 F4 using a Wimberley WH-200 gimbal. Most of us don't own these heavyweights. I should have clarified with more detail.

Haydon

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Wow that is a heavy 300 f/2.8... the Canon only weighs 5.5 lbs.
You can put a 2x Extender on it and have a 600 f/5.6 at about 6 lbs

Canisdirus wrote:

I go by weight. I have a Tokina 300mm 2.8 prime ... not exactly a super long lens.
But...it weighs over 8lbs. (tanky lens and razor sharp).
Even so, I have only used my gimbal twice.
Only when I am going somewhere for a long days shoot.
But yes... I would say any long lens that is either heavy as heck, or a 400mm(f2.8) prime and up is gimbal territory.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Canisdirus wrote:

If a lens is produced without a tripod collar ... it is because it is ... unneeded.

No, it is because of $$$ - too CHEAP to provide OR - the collar got in the way of an "important" design factor which is more prevalent with today's stabilized AF lenses . ALL lenses 200mm and longer SHOULD have provision for a collar ! - and ALL macro lenses too BTW.
.

Haydon

imagemeister wrote:

ALL lenses 200mm and longer SHOULD have provision for a collar!.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

desert-view wrote:

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-cont... (show quote)

For the scenario you describe hand held is your best option - you are having a GAS attack !
.

desert-view

Examples of model plane photos are on my website(SMUGMUG).

https://desert-view.smugmug.com/Hemet-Modelmasters-Jet-rally-June-8-2019/

The flying planes were taken with the Sony Alpha 6500, Sony kit 55-210 lens plus Olympus 1.7X extender.
Stationary planes, same camera with Zeiss 16-70 lens.

All RAW with Photoshop elements 18 processing, a few with "INPIXIO" dabbling.