Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

I have always liked zoom lenses. I see the ability to change focal lengths as a wonderful plus. Someone suggested that I try the 200-400mm f4. I thought about it and decided to give it a try … it’s scheduled to arrive TODAY!!!!! It’ll get me to where I want to go and still offer me the variable focal length that I’ve always liked.
A word here about Nikon teleconverters. They are not compatible with most Nikkor lenses, that is, you will lose AF. You may not even be able to attach them to your lens if the lens has glass hanging out the rear. The few Nikkor lenses that will work well are all f2.8. For anyone contemplating buying a Nikkor lens and teleconverter combination, I suggest you check a teleconverter chart before you buy.
I am now in the market for a good tripod. My 40 year old Tiltall just isn’t up to the job. Funny, it used to be considered a light tripod … NOT ANYMORE!
I have been thinking about a monopod and would like to get some opinions from those who have read this far. Its main use would be to assist in taking bird pictures. I won’t say money is no object but I will spend what I must to keep up the quality of what I already own.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi Howard. Get the best tripod you can aford. If you have a real camera store around, go look and touch. And make sure you get one for how tall you are. Bending over is a pain in the back.:) There are to many great ones out there now. And for birding look into a Gimbal head. Better for panning. Or go to the gym and workout and do them hand held.:):):)
Erv

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

Canon would seem to have a few more lenses that will work with their teleconverters. The rule of thumb seems to be that they work less well with zooms than with primes and the better the quality of the main lens the less image degradation there is.

As to using a monopod. I am personally not sold on them for general use. I do own one and will use it when the situation requires some sort of support and a tripod is not a good option. They are almost impossible to use for overhead BIFs, but you could also say that for tripods, too. I might use them for sedentary birds or BIFs flying in low level flight such as just above the water.

Don't scrimp on the tripod! get one that will handle 2x the weight of your camera/lens combination. A gimbal head probably is not a necessity with the Nikon 200-400 f/4, it would be a help. Should you decide to get a gimbal you probably don't need to go with a top of the line whimberly. It would be overkill for that lens. Contact MT Shooter here on the hog and he will suggest less expensive heads. If you don't get a gimbal then get a heavy duty ball or pan/tilt head.

As to your Tiltall tripod: I own one of the original Marchionne Bros tripods. It was and still is a great tripod. Many professionals used them. They are still being made today using the same basic design! History, maintenance info and parts are still available through Gary Register's web site at: http://tiltallsupport.blogspot.com/