Tripod/head decision: I’m debating between a Gitzo GT 4543 Systematic Series 4 or an RRS TVC-34L Versa Series 3 with a FlexShooter Pro head; or a Fotopro E9 Eagle Series Tripod Kit for...

mrtkarlin Loc: Ashland, Oregon

I’m debating between a Gitzo GT 4543 Systematic Series 4 or an RRS TVC-34L Versa Series 3 with a FlexShooter Pro head; or a Fotopro E9 Eagle Series Tripod Kit for use with a D850 and a 500mm F4E. Birds in flight are an important consideration. Any and all observations, thoughts, or alternative suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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

mrtkarlin wrote:

I’m debating between a Gitzo GT 4543 Systematic Series 4 or an RRS TVC-34L Versa Series 3 with a FlexShooter Pro head; or a Fotopro E9 Eagle Series Tripod Kit for use with a D850 and a 500mm F4E. Birds in flight are an important consideration. Any and all observations, thoughts, or alternative suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

For birds in flight, there is only one decision that makes sense. A Wimberley style head. Personally, I shoot with both the Sony 200-600 and 600 f4, I much prefer HAND holding as the only way to go for birds in flight.

electricmonster Loc: Naperville, IL

Have you considered a gimbal mount?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When spending a day shooting flying birds, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and an old jacket.

Canisdirus

Just buy a good fluid had instead.
It will do everything a ball head will do...it will do everything a gimbal will do.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Canisdirus wrote:

Just buy a good fluid had instead.
It will do everything a ball head will do...it will do everything a gimbal will do.

With that said, I own the RRSM2 version of what you list & find it to be an excellent trpod, & should be for the cost. I went to B&H just before the covid shut down & checked all the tripods out in person. The sales person there took the legs apart for me etc. Anyway the precision on the RRS was way above the Gitzo IMHO. For a head that will do almost everything you need, I went with a Manfrotto MVH 500AH fluid head and swapped out the top piece with a bridge quick release adapter made by Kirk. Not quite as good as the Wimberly Gimbal but , no complaints here. Note: I purchased the RRS Leveling Base for the tripod also. For landscapes & panos it saves a ton of time when setting the camera level. Picture adjusting the legs to get your camera level , then moving even just a few feet on un-even terrain & having to adjust the legs again.

I believe the FOTOPRO tripods get great reviews but have never seen or used one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei8XYK5Cz-k Go to 12:18 for shot of the fluid headset up.

dugeeeeeee

I have a gitzo with a ball head and use the wimberly side kick which attaches to the ball head. I also have a manfroto video monopod with a fluid head. Both are small setups and easy to carry

Canisdirus

tcthome wrote:

img src="https://static.uglyhedgehog.com/images/s... (show quote)

I also use the Manfrotto 500AH with the Kirk top plate... a very nice setup.
I use the Lefoto LM-324CL tripod. The tripod extends to 84 inches...with no center column! I also use the Lefoto leveling base which means no leg adjustments once setup. I typically shoot at eye level and can use it without extending the bottom legs...adding to the already very stable setup. But if I need the extra height...it's there.

scubadoc Loc: Sarasota, FL

billnikon wrote:

For birds in flight, there is only one decision that makes sense. A Wimberley style head. Personally, I shoot with both the Sony 200-600 and 600 f4, I much prefer HAND holding as the only way to go for birds in flight.

I don’t understand how folks can capture BIF images using any stabilization device, unless the birds are not in flight. I was kayaking in the Key West mangroves a few weeks ago, and there were many great blue herons posing and flying. No way to chase a flying Great Blue with either a tripod or monopod, regardless of the head mounted. Image taken with an OMD E-M1X, Zuiko Pro 12-100 zoom, F12 1/1000, base ISO.

(Download)

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

My personal choice would be the RRS. Simply put, there are non better than RRS. When spending BIG $$$ on a tripod, you want one that will last forever. A Gimbal head would also be my recommendation, bot not a mono-gimbal head on a tripod. I use an original Wimberly on a Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripod (purchased before RRS made tripods). Best of luck!

electricmonster Loc: Naperville, IL

Check out Promedia Gear equipment. I swear by their stuff. It is an investment however. Also USA made.

jayluber Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I just picked up the Leofoto VH-30R and love it. Once you level your tripod you can move camera in any direction. It's smooth as silk and with the tension control it will support all my camera equipment. Great for landscape. It rotates in horizontal on two axis and can easily get to any position with the camera level. It takes care of the leveling issue. Great for pano's - but I know you want it for BIF. It's labeled as their BIF head. Got mine for $190.

jno

If you can't handhold your BIF rig you MUST use a gimbal head!!

jno

Not true!!

electricmonster Loc: Naperville, IL

I agree!