Check out Landscape Photography section of our forum.
Recommendations for a Tripod
Mar 6, 2015 09:42:26 #
MW wrote:
If I recall from my last look, Oben also makes head and legs rated for heavier loads. On the B&H website you can use the filter feature to select features an ratings. As for what is the minimum rating for a 400mm I'll defer those withore applicable experience.
37mm top tube - any tripod with that spec or thicker will give you great stability.
I had a Sigma 50-500 on a D70 - figured I could get away with a Gitzo Series 3 - paid almost $600 for one back in 2008. I was not happy with the results. Sold it a month after I bought it. it had a 32 mm top tube and Gitzo said they recommended it for up to 300mm on a full frame camera. They were right on the money.
I bought the Feisol 3472 because, at the time, it was the cheapest tripod with a 37mm top tube - which after the Gitzo fiasco, I discovered by doing my homework. So I sent a $550 payment to Feisol in Hong Kong, and a week later I got it. I now use it with a 600mm F4, and occasionally with a 1.4x TC - no issues, totally happy with the performance.
Oben, Sirui, Induro, and others make tripods up to the task, for less money than RRS and Gitzo - and are certainly worth a look.
Mar 6, 2015 10:33:47 #
mvg95101 wrote:
Hello all - br br In September of last year, I p... (show quote)
Since you are using a Canon 100-400 - which is actually one of the smallest/lightest lenses in it's class - and not a 600mm f4, you do not require the latest, greatest, most expensive tripod - especially if you will not be shooting static subjects at longer shutter speeds ( shorter than 1/125). If you will be doing birds, the tripod will have to go high. To go high, (quickly) it will need a center column - preferably crossbraced to the legs. Larger 3 section legs are to be preferred over 4 section legs. I like the Manfro 475b or similar.
I would also recommend you use a monopod over a tripod with that lens. You will need a tilt head of some kind. If you want to follow action, I recommend a video fluid head.
Mar 6, 2015 11:16:33 #
Dngallagher wrote:
I snapped up a Vanguard ABEO 363 AB from B&H. Very sturdy, supports 35 lbs, very tall, heavy duty aluminum with a BBH-300 ball head. Was on sale for $215.00 - but discontinued and probably sold out by now.
Center column was 36mm in diameter so it was rock solid.
Center column was 36mm in diameter so it was rock solid.
I too purchased one a couple of weeks ago. But I checked B&H I didn't see it listed
Check out Infrared Photography section of our forum.
Mar 6, 2015 11:33:41 #
NJFrank wrote:
I too purchased one a couple of weeks ago. But I checked B&H I didn't see it listed
I'ts aluminum and fairly lightweight - not very stable with longer lenses (>300mm)
Mar 6, 2015 11:36:50 #
mvg95101 wrote:
Hello all - br br In September of last year, I p... (show quote)
Your post indicates the "camera" is wobbly. If you are shooting with a lens the size of your 100-400mm, the lens should be attached to the tripod.
Mar 6, 2015 12:02:36 #
imagemeister wrote:
, you do not require the latest, greatest, most expensive tripod - especially if you will not be shooting static subjects at longer shutter speeds ( shorter than 1/125). .
Sorry, meant to say (LONGER than 1/125) shutter speeds.
Also regarding tripods, best if they go at least 58-60 inches to the mounting platform without centerpost extension.
Mar 6, 2015 13:08:23 #
I bought the Feisol CT-3471. About a pound and a half heavier than the 3472 but about $135 less. Still has the 37mm top leg, and it doesn't need a center column.
Gene51 wrote:
37mm top tube - any tripod with that spec or thick... (show quote)
Check out Travel Photography - Tips and More section of our forum.
Mar 6, 2015 14:36:33 #
bjprovo wrote:
I bought the Feisol CT-3471. About a pound and a half heavier than the 3472 but about $135 less. Still has the 37mm top leg, and it doesn't need a center column.
The performance is similar - the top plate on the 3472 is milled high strength aluminum, and the leg material is a thinner stronger carbon fiber (that accounts for the difference in weight) - and the price is definitely right. I don't know of another mfgr that offers this kind of value in a tripod. I don't hesitate using either with a 500 or 600mm lens. (the Tammy or the Nikon 600F4)
Have you seen their long lens support? their gimbal is a departure from the cantilever design based on the Wimberley, and just looks awesomely stable - and it supports both the lens and camera on a rail, which removes a significant amount of vibration - just curious to know if anyone is using one - I may take the plunge when I have an extra $500 lying around that I don't need. :)
Mar 6, 2015 15:52:07 #
Just went and looked at it online. Seems like a forward thinking idea. However, I really do enjoy my wife's company so I have to pick and choose those moments. And much like you I don't seem to have extra money lying around very often.
Gene51 wrote:
The performance is similar - the top plate on the ... (show quote)
Mar 6, 2015 16:36:17 #
bjprovo wrote:
Just went and looked at it online. Seems like a forward thinking idea. However, I really do enjoy my wife's company so I have to pick and choose those moments. And much like you I don't seem to have extra money lying around very often.
I don't think most of us do have extra cash lying around to burn. But a getting new tripod is much easier to justify to your other half than having her find out you have an extra wife lying around....!
More seriously, on the tripod front, I have found Gene's advice to be the most informative and accurate. Especially because it talks about the best long term investment rather than being wasteful with incremental expenditure.
Having acquired a used but excellent condition Series 5 Gitzo GT5541LS for a similar price to a new Feisol 3472 -which may be superior - I have experienced the results of Gene's advice.
Research is good, and there are times that paying for appropriate quality up front is a much better investment.
Mar 6, 2015 18:01:53 #
studavis wrote:
I have found that, taking the camera and equipment to the store, and try the tripod out. You see and fee the setting up the height and stability and your confort zone.
Excellent idea!
Check out Photo Critique Section section of our forum.
Mar 6, 2015 20:13:12 #
Peterff wrote:
I don't think most of us do have extra cash lying ... (show quote)
That Gitzo was the one I would have ended up buying, used, had I not stumbled across the Feisol - the 5541LS is a great tripod, even if it is a little heavier, it does have 40mm top tube making it the strongest most stable legs that you can still carry - I think it was a hair over 5 lbs. The only one's I think are as stable are the RRS Series 4, the Induro CT505 and the Manfrotto 057 - all of which are great tripods and almost never mentioned on UHH as candidates for long lens support. Could it be that people are just content with getting 50% or more of their images with camera movement blur?
Mar 6, 2015 20:22:38 #
I have the Induro AT313 with a Vanguard BBH-300 head. It is rock steady with my Canon 7d mkii and Tamron 150-600. I love it
Mar 10, 2015 00:02:45 #
Mar 10, 2015 00:13:57 #
Thankyou all for your great recommendations. I appreciate all the positive feedback and will take it all into account when looking for a new one. UHH rocks!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Check out Panorama section of our forum.