Ruthiel Loc: Las Vegas

I need some expert advice. I recently added a Sigma 150-600 lens to my gear and would like a tripod and head that will bear the weight. Something light weight but sturdy for wildlife photography. Also something that won’t break the bank. Please and thank you

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider a Suiri Carbon fiber. I use this for traveling.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1378861-REG/sirui_a1205y_a1205_carbon_fiber_tripod.html


The A1205 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Y-11 Ball Head from Sirui is a 5-section tripod that weighs 2.2 lb. The 8x carbon fiber legs fold a full 180° in reverse to make it a compact 14.6". With the center column fully extended, the tripod can reach a maximum working height of 55.1". Additionally, with a load capacity of 22 lb, this tripod is suitable for a pro DSLR with a large telephoto lens.

The hook at the bottom of the center column enables you to hang a small sandbag or camera bag to stabilize the tripod. Plus, variable leg-angles allow the tripod to have a minimum height of 10.2", and the center column is also reversible to let you get even closer to the ground. Sometimes a tripod is not allowed in certain areas because space is limited. That is when a useful feature comes into play–the tripod's leg detaches and converts into a monopod. You can increase the height of this monopod by attaching the center column to it.

The included Y-11 Ball Head is Arca-type compatible and comes equipped with a quick release plate. It also has a knob-style lock for the clamp, and two separate knobs control the movement of the ball and 360° panning base. In addition, with the ball head's single-cut notch, the camera can be placed in a 90° angle.

The 2.2 lb tripod has a maximum height of 55.1", a minimum height of 10.2", and a load capacity of 22 lb
The 8x carbon fiber legs have 5-sections and the legs fold in reverse to a compact 14.6"
Weight and stability can be increased on the support by adding a small sand bag or camera bag to the hook located at the bottom of the center column
The tripod's detachable leg converts into a monopod and the height is increase when the leg is attached to the center column
The Y-11 Ball Head has separate knobs for the pan and tilt, and a single cut notch for a 90° angle position of the camera
In the Box
Sirui A1205 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Y-11 Ball Head
Drawstring Case
Tools
Spring Hook
Wrist Strap
Reversible 1/4"-20 / 3/8"-16 Mounting Stud
Quick Release Plate
Limited 6-Year Warranty

If Santa Was good to you, this Gitzo breaks the bank. Same load capacity but has more features.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175126-REG/gitzo_gk1542_82qd_mountaineer_series_1.html

Ruthiel Loc: Las Vegas

Thank you !

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Steve Perry recently did a YouTube video using a Waverly ball head to hold a long lens on a Monopod as a Mono Gimbal Head:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgj8bMviZOw&t=467s
https://www.tripodhead.com/products/monopodhead-main.cfm

The Acratech Nomad Ball head would do the same on any tripod for your150-600:

https://www.acratech.net/nomad-ball-head-by-acratech-strong-light-and-versatile/

But, you've got a $3000 camera and a $1700 lens. Don't short change the tripod and go with something cheap.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

You’ve already got a big investment on your hands and are not talking lightweight equipment. Get a nice set of legs and head or wait to buy if need be. Otherwise you’re handicapping the investment you’ve already made.

If you’re driving a Carrera S you wouldn’t buy tires at Kmart I wouldn’t think.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

There is a very sturdy Gitzo on sale now and maybe only through 12/31. It is beefy enough for your camera and lens. I don't know what is in your bank but you will want a sturdy tripod. This one is tall and not for travel but is tall enough to do astro shots through the viewfinder. With a gimbal head you won't need its full height.

It also comes with leg wraps until 12/31. It is $740 and $999 normally.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1328241-REG/gitzo_gt4543lsus_systematic_tripod_ser_4_4s.html/reviews

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

For the tripod, I like the Benro line of tripods. For a head, I love the following.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

CO

I've used the Wimberley WH-200. It's outstanding. I like that it has finely adjustable dampening on both the pan and tilt axis.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Any tripod manufactured today can "bear the weight" of your lens and camera - even if you got the Sigma Sport. If you want to ensure stability, you'll need to spend some $$ for a carbon fiber tripod and head - my guess is that you may be looking at around $800 or so. You don't need to buy an RRS, or Gitzo Series 5, but you should be looking to come as close to those as possible - with a top leg tube diameter of 37mm or greater. The Series 5 has a top tube of 41mm.

The lightest, strongest tripod I've come across is the Feisol CT-3742, which weighs in at 4 lbs and does a decent job at keeping a 600mm lens still. It costs $600. You can get a LeoFoto LN404C, which has a top tube of 40mm, but it weighs 7.5 lbs. It costs $650.

If you end up opting for a less costly tripod, keep in mind that you may end up getting an adequate one eventually, and you just added the cost of the cheaper one to what you pay for the correct tripod. Induro, Benro, and a few others have ok, tripods, but they are heavier and generally less rigid.

Load capacity should be the least of your concerns if you are looking at the right tripods.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8HVPrPzpR4&t=2s

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

After you’ve settled on a tripod, but aren’t fond of a gimbal head, I can confidently suggest an Acratech GV series ball head. They’re a little pricy but my GV2 never leaves my Sirui.

CO

That's a good video. I knew about resting the hand on top of the lens from a class I took at a photography expo. I didn't know about the importance of having an eyecup on the camera. He says that since the forehead and cheek will be pushing against the eyecup, it will help to steady the lens. I have the Nikon DK-19 eyecup for my D500. Will use his technique next time I'm out.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Agreed on Acratech products. Solid, stable and accurate with fine adjustment. And USA made.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

You do NOT want a "travel" tripod for a 150-600 !!

Because the lens is relatively heavy, you will want to save some weight in the tripod - especially if you are trekking any distance - which makes carbon fiber most attractive - but doubles the cost.

Fewer leg sections are better for stability (I like 2 or 3 at most). The more leg sections require a larger top tube diameter to maintain a useable sized bottom leg section. A minimum 32mm top tube would be OK for a 3 section leg, 36mm for a 4 section. 60 inches max height would be a minimum for my recommendation - and I do like to have a centerpost - just in case I want to go higher - FAST or on uneven ground - understanding that it will affect stability some what.

I do like using a video/fluid head over a conventional ball head or gimbal and I do prefer using a monopod/bodypod over a tripod for most scenarios.

I also recommend using a lens stabilizer bracket with the 150/200-500/600 zooms because of their compromised tripod collars.
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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

This is the purpose of my facial stabilizer ! - and, it is soo simple !
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wapiti Loc: round rock, texas