Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

This is one heavy lens, and I’m still practicing hand-holding it. When I do, I extend my left hand toward the front of the lens and try to brace my elbow, even if only against my body. Is there a better technique?
But my main question for those who use this lens for BIF is are you hand-holding at all? If not, are you using a tripod or monopod? A gimbal is above my pay grade for the foreseeable future, but I have a decent ball head. Suggestions?

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

I know your dilemma exactly. I use a monopod with a gimbal head. I found that a ball head takes way too much of your concentration just keeping your heavy rig from flopping over. You can get an inexpensive gimbal on Amazon for under $100. I know there are people out there that poo poo these "cheap" gimbals but I have had mine for over three years now and am more than satisfied with it. It is a honey for he money. The monopod takes the weight off your arms and the gimbal is a joy to use. A tripod is also good when you are completely stationary but the monopod is easier to carry around. I invert the rig with the monopod sticking straight up in the air and in this position the gimbal head has a place for your hand. It is just like carrying a briefcase.
Also, I use a red dot sight for BIF. With this rig I seldom miss a shot and I get way more shots of birds coming at me that going away from me.
Try it, you'll like it!

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

This is well worth knowing! Thank you so much for the information. Yes, I thought you had to spend $400 or more to get a decent gimbal. I will search Amazon right away!

Ben

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

You're welcome. Let me know how you make out. Maybe we can share a few BIF photos after you get your gear set up.

Gerry

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Sounds good to me!

Einreb92 Loc: Philadelphia

Geegee, can you share which red dot sight you have? Have you given up on the body pod?

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

The red dot sight that I have is similar to the one on the website below. However you will have to get a rail for the sight to clamp onto and drill and tap a 1/4-20 thread into it. Then you will have to get a shoe which will fit into the camera's hotshoe and install it into the tapped hole in the rail. I got mine about three years ago and it came with all of the above but I can't seem to find it on the internet anymore. If you find (or make) one let me know and I will show you how to set it up more accurately as the shoe is quite sloppy in the camera's hotshoe.

Yes I still use my bodypod. I use it whenever a monopod it impractical or whenever I am going out exclusively to shoot Birds.


https://www.amazon.ca/RioRand-Tactical-Reticle-Reflex-Weaver-Picatinny/dp/B01A8CY0WI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529424691&sr=8-3&keywords=Red+dot+sight

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Is this the one you like: https://www.amazon.com/Movo-GH700-Professional-Arca-Swiss-Quick-Release/dp/B00GK4IYP8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1529437417&sr=8-3&keywords=gimbal+head

Ben

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

Yes that one is similar to the one I have. They all perform about the same. I think mine is the one listed below. Once you have it you should watch Steve Perry's video on how to set it up for proper balance. If you install your lens with the vertical arm on the left you may (depending on the lens) find that the lens controls are hard to reach. In that case keep the vertical arm on the right side. Either works and you can get used to using it one way. Also, you should get a 6 in. long Arca Swiss plate and permanently install it on the foot of your lens so you can position the lens for proper balance. Taking portrait orientation pictures is a snap, just loosen the tripod foot of you lens just enough to easily rotate the camera/lens combo and leave it that way for your shooting session.

/www.amazon.com/dp/B00IGOSBOE/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00IGOSBOE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1713835751726239774&pf_rd_r=8MDW04YM60HQKC4F2ZW3&pd_rd_wg=lHBEU&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=09iPU&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=0c292ab0-749a-11e8-a734-b35beb8c1a74

GQ Loc: Windsor, Ontario Canada.

I purchased the one below from Amazon & found it worked so well that I purchased a second one for my other tripod. Originally purchased Neewers light duty (8 lbs I beleive) which was kind of loose on horizontal movement. I then took a chance on the heavier (30 lbs) gimbal due to great reviews when the heavier Neewer was released. I now use the lighter (8 lb) on a monopod as the horizonal is not needed for monopod, which is where the play was. Just make sure you get the 30 lb newer design unit, which will work for tripod or monopod.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I57SS5S/ref=od_aui_detailpages01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Thank you!