Nikon_DonB wrote:
I just ordered the Sigma 150-500mm DG OS HTM lens for my Nikon D600. Merry Christmas to me. There is no way I'd trust my current lightweight tripod to hold that combination.
Any suggestions that won't break the bank, Hoggers?
I like Nikonians legs, I have the 3246 version which are just a little heavier than his and black in color so as not to reflect sunlight (3040, 3046 and 3246 are all almost the same legs and they only use 3 knobs for full extemsion instead of 6 knobs). But I hate the 3047 head with long glass, its just too slow and inaccurate with a lens like the Bigma. A good ball head is the ticket for most work, and I recommend the Bogen 3038 or the Bogen 3055, (I use them both). If you like the Gimbal style head, the Bigma is light enough to use a less expensive option than the Wimberly, I have used the Beike (Wimberly copy) and the Desmond Gimbal with the Bigma and actually like the Desmond, which I converted to take my Bogen hexagonal quick release plates using an RC0 adapter plate.
These legs are a bit heavy, but very stable. If you are looking for something a bit lighter, I would suggest the Bogen 3021 (or 3221 in black) which is a 3 section set of legs with no middle brace so you can use them in a wide variety of positions and even lower to 10" off the gound, or reverse the center post and set your camera right at ground level.