How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie if you are walking a mile or more. Type of case one would recommend ie if taking a few camera bodies . Lugging it on the tripod is out of the question as you are looking for a tragedy to happen. I have been experimenting using the lens on my vanguard bh200 ball head,but it does not seem like I can maneuver the lens quick enough to catch a bird in flight or just taking off. Would a gimbral head be the answer and could one recommend a gimbral that does the job(for 5lbs.) but will not break the bank. Thanks!!
Shellback
Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas
My option would be a backpack
I use a Black Rapid strap attached to the foot of the lens. It's not that hard to carry. I also DO carry a tripod. Get a carbon fiber Gitzo tripod with a gimbal head. They are light. Put padding on the legs so that when it's on your shoulder it is comfortable to carry. Listen, my 500mm lens with camera etc. weighs 13.8 lbs and the tripod is about 5.1 pounds and the head is about 2 lbs. That's about 20 pounds. Many people hike or backpack with 40-50 pound packs. It's no big deal. Really!
One option is to get a collapsible wagon. I do use one once in a while when I know the site well and the trail well.
Which brand backpack and model # to take two camera bodies with 55-250mm lens, and with 18-135mm lens plus the large tamron lens? Thanks!
I have the Sigma 150-600 S and the only way other than slinging the tripod with camera and lens over my shoulder is a backpack.
Jeep daddy sounds like some great advice. 20lbs wow you must be in great shape.The idea of securing a strap to the foot of the lens sounds like a great idea as I do have an optech dual strap and single strap. .Do you lug the camera with lens on your tripod too sometimes? can you send me an image of the blackstrap secured to the foot of the lens, Thanks and have a good one!!
redfordl wrote:
How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie if you are walking a mile or more. Type of case one would recommend ie if taking a few camera bodies . Lugging it on the tripod is out of the question as you are looking for a tragedy to happen. I have been experimenting using the lens on my vanguard bh200 ball head,but it does not seem like I can maneuver the lens quick enough to catch a bird in flight or just taking off. Would a gimbral head be the answer and could one recommend a gimbral that does the job(for 5lbs.) but will not break the bank. Thanks!!
How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie i... (
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Use an APE case or similar on a wide web belt and tie it to a shoulder harness. Leave the hood on in the taking position - get a smaller metal hood instead of the large plastic OEM hood. Leave the hood on 24/7 and cap it with a "hoodie" when not in use. -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/322051832915?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI use a video fluid pan tilt head on my tripods and monopods now. -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/192020961090?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI do not like tripods or gimbals ......my bodypod really works best if you need mobility and range of motion .......
redfordl wrote:
How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie if you are walking a mile or more. Type of case one would recommend ie if taking a few camera bodies . Lugging it on the tripod is out of the question as you are looking for a tragedy to happen. I have been experimenting using the lens on my vanguard bh200 ball head,but it does not seem like I can maneuver the lens quick enough to catch a bird in flight or just taking off. Would a gimbral head be the answer and could one recommend a gimbral that does the job(for 5lbs.) but will not break the bank. Thanks!!
How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie i... (
show quote)
Backpack (Canon with good padding and configuration options) has worked fine with my Tam 150-600.
Shellback
Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas
ppage
Loc: Pittsburg, (San Francisco area)
Manfrotto 393 is a well regarded gimble head. Try looking at that
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCMfaazzvgAMovo also makes some lower end well reviewed gimble heads too.
Wildlife photography with big lenses is not for the faint of heart. These guys are hard core. It helps to be younger and in shape. They carry the whole rig on their shoulders, across streams, rocks, into forests. With the appropriate camera like a 7D II or a D500 and one of the fine wildlife lenses, the images are worth it all to them.
There are a lot of Wimberly devotees out there that say buy the Wimberly or throw your money away but there are some decent alternatives.
There is a Lowe Pro 350 for sale right now on this site, in the items for sale. Good price, brand new.
redfordl wrote:
How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie if you are walking a mile or more. Type of case one would recommend ie if taking a few camera bodies . Lugging it on the tripod is out of the question as you are looking for a tragedy to happen. I have been experimenting using the lens on my vanguard bh200 ball head,but it does not seem like I can maneuver the lens quick enough to catch a bird in flight or just taking off. Would a gimbral head be the answer and could one recommend a gimbral that does the job(for 5lbs.) but will not break the bank. Thanks!!
How does one lug this large lens in the field,ie i... (
show quote)
Multiple bodies, so must also be multiple lenses and maybe even multiple tripods.
A. decide what you are doing and only take that lens, body and tripod
B. use some type of ATV if allowed and available
C. work out and use a well padded backpack large enough to carry the stuff
D. hire a few local high school or college football players as porters, you can pay them partly in junk food and teache them photography
And yes, a gimbal head is a better choice for BIF and other moving subjects that also change altitude, direction etc. It is what they were designed for.
ProTactic 450 Lowepro
Will hold the unmounted Tammy, 1-2 bodies and a few extra lenses. You can attach a small-med tripod on the side.
This will still be heavy but I lugged it up the Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala.
If you are going long distances in variable terrain ...I would recommend a good backpack. I have a double black rapid strap and other stuff for more deterministic adventures. .... really depends on where you are going and how "deep".
You will find that if you want to be a good bird photographer, especially those in flight, it will take practice and more practice every day. The longer lens you use willl also make it more difficult. No one will can tell you what and how to do it. You have to learn by trial and error and take numerous shots. It is not easy and very few make it.
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