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Suitable tripod for Airshow Photography using a Sigma 150-600mm
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Jun 20, 2022 21:36:47   #
davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel
 
Harry P wrote:
Hi,

I have not posted on here for a few years! During the Covid lockdown I purchased a Sigma 150-600mm telephoto lens for my Nikon D5100 with money I saved up a long time for. Obviously because I bought it during the lockdown and that air shows across the planet were cancelled, I haven't used it for air shows yet, but I finally will be at RIAT 2022

I am quite a slim man, I'm 23 and don't have that much muscle haha! And I think I may have a bit of an issue with holding it still enough for when I am shooting prop/rotor aircraft where I'm using a slower shutter compared to photographing jet's. I'm curious if any experienced air show enthusiasts have any recommendations for good tripods to use as it is a bit of a heavy lens! The zoom on this lens is a little awkward turning your hand quite a bit from 150 to 600mm but I think at RIAT 2022 I wont need to go below 300mm which should be helpful!

One tall tripod that I have had my eyes on recently is a K&F Concept K234A7+BH-28L (pretty sure that's the model number for it!) its quite tall which is nice as I have another tripod from the same brand that I like to use for Nature, but its not at my height and I have to lean down to look into my Nikons viewfinder which isn't exactly comfortable. This tripod has a ball joint on the top for moving the camera around to different viewpoints! the only issue I can see is that it is made with aluminium and I have heard you should really use a tripod that's made from carbon fibre.

Would any experienced air show enthusiasts on here recommend this particular tripod or is there a different tripod that I should look at? I look forward to peoples opinions!

Many thanks

Harry
Hi, br br I have not posted on here for a few ye... (show quote)


If you are in a crowd tripods will be a no-no. Mono-pods are far more versatile, can be used easily with less expensive heads, and won't cause others to trip. Carbon fiber is preferred over aluminum but the difference is minimal. Save your tripod for remote field work where you set up once or twice, and remain stationary.

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Jun 21, 2022 04:59:39   #
Wallen Loc: Middle Earth
 
imagemeister wrote:
A video fluid head - either on a monopod or tripod is what I would be using. The LAST thing I would use with a LARGE lens is a ball head on a monopod.
.


To each his own. When one can handheld or use walking sticks to take acceptable photos, a good monopod with a ball head is a luxury.

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Jun 21, 2022 10:37:10   #
Dik
 
I haven't tried an airshow yet, but I think my BIF rig might work where tripods are permitted.


(Download)

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Jun 21, 2022 13:19:10   #
nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah
 
robertjerl wrote:
You are concerned with the tripod but what about the head.

I recommend a gimbal head—much faster and more unrestrained movement in all dimensions. I use one for birds and sometimes planes.


I was going to make the same comment inre a gimbal head. Much quicker action.

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Jun 21, 2022 16:43:46   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
My Gitzo goes high enough for me and I’m 6’2”. I have a Really Right Stuff monopod head on it often and it easily supports my 1Dx2 and a large lens. I got it on eBay in like new condition for $275. If you want to watch and shop there are good deals out there.

imagemeister wrote:
I agree about a monopod - but I know of no monopod that goes high enough .....

But, you could extend the height of a monopod or tripod with one of these - https://www.ebay.com/itm/313324245729?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372
..


(Download)

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Jun 22, 2022 02:01:10   #
riderz49
 
photoman43 wrote:
If you use a tripod, make sure it is a series 3 or 4. A gimbal head might be needed too.


I’m surprised no one has yet mentioned a Wimberley Sidekick with a good ball head.

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Jun 22, 2022 14:24:49   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
riderz49 wrote:
I’m surprised no one has yet mentioned a Wimberley Sidekick with a good ball head.


I've used both for 20+ years.... Sidekick with Kirk BH-1 ballhead... on a tripod.

But that wouldn't be my choice for an airshow. For that I'd use...

A monopod with a monopod head.... or perhaps a gimbal head. (Wimberley MH-100?)

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Jun 22, 2022 15:38:37   #
joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA
 
Dik wrote:
I haven't tried an airshow yet, but I think my BIF rig might work where tripods are permitted.


That's impressive 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

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Jun 23, 2022 13:12:55   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
Wallen wrote:
To each his own. When one can handheld or use walking sticks to take acceptable photos, a good monopod with a ball head is a luxury.


While I often disagree with Imagemeister on his RX10MIV as the solution for every camera question on here he is spot on about a ball head on a monopod. A monopod with the Wimberly monogimbal is absolutely the way to go.

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Jun 23, 2022 13:26:14   #
imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida
 
SuperflyTNT wrote:
While I often disagree with Imagemeister on his RX10MIV as the solution for every camera question on here he is spot on about a ball head on a monopod. A monopod with the Wimberly monogimbal is absolutely the way to go.


Thanks , .....and I will take this opportunity to say if the OP had a RX10m4 we would not be talking about monopods or tripods ! ....

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Jun 23, 2022 14:36:24   #
topcat Loc: Alameda, CA
 
I don't think that a tripod would give you the maneuverability that you need for an airshow. If you can't hold the lens, a monopod would be ideal.
It would give you support and allow you to move around.
Don't forget, there will be a lot of people there, and setting up a tripod, let alone moving it, would not be ideal.

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Jun 24, 2022 00:42:43   #
SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA
 
imagemeister wrote:
Thanks , .....and I will take this opportunity to say if the OP had a RX10m4 we would not be talking about monopods or tripods ! ....


In this case I agree that the RX10MIV would be a decent option, although I’d probably shoot my OM-1 with the 100-400 on it, (200-800 equivalent).

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Jun 24, 2022 01:11:04   #
Wallen Loc: Middle Earth
 
SuperflyTNT wrote:
While I often disagree with Imagemeister on his RX10MIV as the solution for every camera question on here he is spot on about a ball head on a monopod. A monopod with the Wimberly monogimbal is absolutely the way to go.


Maybe there are better things but ball and stick works. It is just a matter of preference or what we had been exposed to.
In my case, I did not have experience with the Wimberly. I looked it up and it seems that it might do better than my favored and tested set-up. It mimics how i use a walking stick as a monopod.

I have no reason to change as what i have does what I want & need.
But should i have a GAS attack, I might try that one.

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Jun 24, 2022 01:43:03   #
Wallen Loc: Middle Earth
 
Fotoserj wrote:
Mono pod with tilt head, allow for up and down, ball head are likely to move side way


Yes and that is the beauty of the setup. It is very flexible (and cheaper?).
The secret to using a stick and ball is to mount the support as far front as possible and make the setup rear heavy.
Grab the stick as high up as possible (or the zoom of the lens if needed) and use the camera as if shooting a rifle on a hasty rest.
It is meant only to stabilize and partially support the weight of the gear, becoming the third leg of a tripod, the feet being the other two.

But of course, that is just my way and personal experience. Others may find that unsuitable or have tried and found other systems more appropriate.

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