Tripod and head rig: Hi, I have been thinking about getting a lighter tripod and head for wildlife work. My Manfrotto 055 proB is just too heavy for lugging about these days as I get...

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Tripod and head rig

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Jul 9, 2012 03:29:20 #

Grumpy Loc: Hampshire, UK

Hi,
I have been thinking about getting a lighter tripod and head for wildlife work. My Manfrotto 055 proB is just too heavy for lugging about these days as I get older. I have worked out that the tripod needs at least a capacity of 8kg for camera , telephoto and ball head. Almost all forums seem to list exotic equipment available in the UK only websites but I prefer to get my greasy little mitts on stuff, not always possible with the demise of local shops. I do not want to skimp here as I have learnt that to buy cheap is generally a false economy. Has anyone any suggestions for a sturdy, carbon fibre tripod,head combination that can be attached to a back pack and will take a semi-pro DSLR and say up to 500mm telephoto. I also wish to try before I buy, is this a forlorn hope these days?

Jul 9, 2012 03:40:42 #

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Grumpy wrote:

Hi, br I have been thinking about getting a lighte... (show quote)

Not forlorn, just expensive.

Jul 9, 2012 04:18:02 #

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

For wildlife and lightness, why don't you consider a mono-pod, for sport and wildlife I find it versatile and certainly lighter than a tripod.

Jul 9, 2012 06:10:46 #

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Yes a mono pod should work great. I often use mine (folded up) as a counter balance and also lowers the CG..center of gravity...for a pretty stable platform. You just have to get used to doing everything with your right hand. I'd like to put a ball head on one...see how that would work...or help.

Jul 9, 2012 06:28:09 #

ephraim Imperio

tainkc wrote:

quote=Grumpy Hi, br I have been thinking about ge... (show quote)

TainKC is right! A good monopod, with matching L-plates and monopod head is expensive that will support a 500mm tele lens. What is your budget, Grumpy???

Jul 9, 2012 09:06:44 #

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Grumpy wrote:

Hi, br I have been thinking about getting a lighte... (show quote)

Can't tell you what tripod to get but for weight and strength I don't think you can beat an Acratech ball head - weighs less than a pound and will hold 25 lbs . cool design and $275 with full 10 yr warrenty

Jul 9, 2012 12:55:41 #

Grumpy Loc: Hampshire, UK

Well I was thinking in terms of £400, or roughly $620 for you chaps over the pond. A monopod wasn't something I had considered, as I have never had any experience using one before.
It is a possibility and would certainly keep the weight down but I have this horrible image in my head, of a large, expensive lens taking a nose dive into unforgiving terra firma.

Jul 10, 2012 07:00:03 #

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

LOOK at the traveler series from the Dutch company REDGED I just bought the TSC-428 carbon fiber tripod, very light asnd compact I use a Jobu Jr Gimbel head on it and it holds my 500 mm lens with a tc and a Nikon D800 without any problems and it was US $339

Jul 10, 2012 07:24:02 #

brianjdavies Loc: Gloucester

I've heard good things about the Really Right Stuff ball heads, though I don't have one myself (as yet). As you would expect, they are expensive, and need additional expensive quick-release plates to attach to the camera. Oh, and they're only available from the USA.

At the moment, I use a Manfrotto 322RC2 pistol-grip ball head on my tripod, and that holds a Nikon D3 with a macro lens pretty steady, but I don't know how it would fare with a 500mm lens. I also use a monopod, with a relatively cheap Manfrotto ball head, and that's pretty versatile, though all you really need with a monopod is a tilting head. The 'pod itself can take care of all the other movements.

Jul 10, 2012 09:15:09 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Take a look here.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/2812431567/five-of-the-best-tripods-for-under-450

Jul 10, 2012 09:23:28 #

ephraim Imperio

brianjdavies wrote:

I've heard good things about the Really Right Stuf... (show quote)

Correct, sir. Exactly my sentiment. The RRS engineering is superb. They only use solid aircraft aluminum or stainless steel for maximum durability and minimum weight and will ship worldwide. Just an idea of what you are going to need from the ground up:

http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=44

Jul 10, 2012 09:51:09 #

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

ephraim Imperio wrote:

quote=brianjdavies I've heard good things about t... (show quote)

Acratech ball heads - as good as RRS - cheaper

Jul 10, 2012 11:44:00 #

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

These are what I see mostly out in the field. The Induro has the center columb which makes it nice but way taller than I need but the price is way better than Gitzo. I have the Gitzo and it weighs in 1 pound lighter - every bit of weight saved makes lugging it around easier. Also, the Whimberly gimbal heads, or Induro and Benro copies are most used. You get what you pay for.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655340-REG/Induro_485_002_GHB2_Gimbal_Head.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655210-REG/Induro_471_314_Carbon_8X_CT314_Tripod.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846215-REG/Gitzo_GT4542LS_GT4542LS_6x_4_SECTION_SYSTEMATIC.html

Jul 10, 2012 11:58:44 #

Tigermacjack Loc: North East Illinois

Take a look at a Feisol tripod. Such as the3371or3471 and a Kirk Bh-1 ball head. Should hold the weight of your long lens. Not cheap but they our great produts. I use both and have been very happy with them. Also both have web sites and you can order from them direct.

Jul 10, 2012 12:08:08 #

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

jeep_daddy wrote:

These are what I see mostly out in the field. The... (show quote)

these are all nice looking heads - not well suited for what i do but for the OP maybe - all listed are twice the price of the Acratech Ultimate Ball head. I used an NPC head for over 20 yrs - held everything from the Nikon F4 to the Wiesner 4x5 just fine. Cost me 275 back then. The Acratech cost me 275 this year and holds up to 25 lbs. Your choice

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