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Tripod for Nikon 70-200mm F2.8?
Feb 28, 2013 13:30:37   #
HighRock
 
Hi, I'm a newcomer to this site. I just purchased a 70-200mm F2.8 Nikon lens (because of the rebate). I will be attaching my Nikon D7000 camera to this lens making a total weight of about 5.1 lbs. My concern is what tripod and head I should use for this combination since I like to do a a lot of landscape photography. Right now I am considering a Manfrotto 055cxPro3 tripod and either a Manfrotto 808RCR 3-way head or the 496RC2 Ball head. Will the foot on the 70-200mm Nikon lens fit on those heads o.k. or will I need to buy adapters to assure good stability?
I would appreciate any comments, suggestions, or advice. Thank you.

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Feb 28, 2013 14:19:35   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
The Manfrotto heads are both of the quick release variety and will come with one plate to mount to the lens or the camera. You can buy extra plates to mount to other lenses or cameras also.
Your 055 legs will work quite well, and I suggest the ball head for greater versatility and speed in adjusting for your shot.

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Feb 28, 2013 15:06:37   #
Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
 
I use the Manfrotto you are looking at and like it a lot. Recently added a gimble head. I don't think I will ever go back to my ball head. Gimble heads in my opinion are like a good tripod in that if you buy a good tripod you should never have to buy a better one. My experience so far is that the gimble is so flexible, so capable that if you buy one you will never have to buy another head.

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Feb 28, 2013 15:32:09   #
HighRock
 
Thank you MT Shooter. I feel good about the Manfrotto equipment. Good input.

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Feb 28, 2013 15:34:13   #
HighRock
 
Db7423. Thanks for the comment on the gimble head. I had not thought of that but will take a look.

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Mar 1, 2013 04:50:51   #
craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK
 
HighRock wrote:
Db7423. Thanks for the comment on the gimble head. I had not thought of that but will take a look.


Hi from the UK - if you look at gimbals be sure to take a good look at the RH-2 on this site - http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/index.htm - I have one, have met the guy who makes them and can strongly recommend his product - be sure to watch the video - don't know where you are located but this guy is well accustomed to sending product to the USA.

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Mar 1, 2013 06:10:10   #
durango Loc: Marietta, Ohio
 
Db7423 wrote:
I use the Manfrotto you are looking at and like it a lot. Recently added a gimble head. I don't think I will ever go back to my ball head. Gimble heads in my opinion are like a good tripod in that if you buy a good tripod you should never have to buy a better one. My experience so far is that the gimble is so flexible, so capable that if you buy one you will never have to buy another head.


Db7423, What Gimble head do you have? Thanks, durango

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Mar 1, 2013 07:27:59   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
If you are looking at a Gimbal head for your camera/lens comb0 look at Jobu JR http://www.jobu-design.com/catalog/item/2588354/9564432.htm and the wide angle adapter http://www.jobu-design.com/catalog/item/2593851/5124831.htm

Canadian made, excellent service. I use this combo all the time

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Mar 1, 2013 08:58:39   #
Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL
 
Here is a gimbal head from Adorama that is on sale that will handle the lens:
http://www.adorama.com/FPGH2.html

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Mar 1, 2013 09:09:27   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
Jerry Green wrote:
Here is a gimbal head from Adorama that is on sale that will handle the lens:
http://www.adorama.com/FPGH2.html


I actually have one of those Flashpoint sidemount gimbals that was just shipped to me yesterday for an evaluation of it. I will be posting that on this site as well. The review will be coming after I get my double camera strap review completed.

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Mar 1, 2013 09:12:21   #
Georgia Peddler Loc: Brunswick, GA
 
Please do not trust your expensive camera/lens combo to a tripod that is not rock solid and sturdy in all positions and locations. Lots of folks get suckered into the $$$ tripod scenario and end up with a capsized camera/lens that is truly $ickening. Listen to the pros on this forum and heed their words of wisdom when searching for a worth tripod.

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Mar 2, 2013 10:01:52   #
sus Loc: Ripon,Ca
 
I have manfrotto 290 legs and vanguard ballhead abg-250 which are adequate. Then I got a an f4 70-200 lens and the ballhead drooped and nearly toppled the tripod. I was shooting Horetail Falls and there were hundreds of photogs there. My group looked around to survey other people's equipment Really Right Stuff and Gitzo were most prominent. These are pricey but losing my lens and camera would be worse. RRS BH-55 ballhead with "L" brackets arrived yesterday. Bracket goes on camera and clamps on head in either landscape or portrait mode in 2 seconds. When I set my camera in any orientation it stays rock solid. No more fiddling, balancing, worrying. I'm happy, safe and temporarily broke

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Mar 2, 2013 10:09:32   #
Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago
 
You can't go wrong with the Manfrotto Legs. I use the proB's. You might consider the 498RC4 or RC2 Ball Head. It is a little bigger and sturdier than the 496. The RC4 is a bit larger QR plate with an extra level on it. With a bigger lens on it you will appreciate the extra size and control it offers.

Manfrotto had a rebate going on them. Check out their Web-Site or on B&H.

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