Best tripod for long lens: I am in the market for a new tripod and ball head. My camera is Canon 7D and the lens is a Sigma 150-500. Total weight is about 7 lbs. My budget is in the...

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Best tripod for long lens

Oct 9, 2013 19:28:29 #

islandboy4147 Loc: Savannah, GA

I am in the market for a new tripod and ball head. My camera is Canon 7D and the lens is a Sigma 150-500. Total weight is about 7 lbs. My budget is in the $300.00 range. Anyone having experience with a tripod supporting a long lens & camera of these specs would be appreciated. My current setup is not as rock-solid as I need, although for the $75 I spent on the Dolica Proline, it is a pretty good tripod for lesser weights and focal lengths. My subjects are wildlife, primarily birds. Thanks for any input.

Oct 9, 2013 19:39:53 #

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

islandboy,
Contact MT Shooter, member of this forum. He has a photo shop in Montana and sells used gear. I bought a Bogen tripod and head from him rated at 15 pounds for $200.00. I was very satisfied with my purchase. What I got was exactly what Carter (MT Shooter) said it was.
Don

Oct 9, 2013 20:07:30 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you do wildlife and birds, I highly recommend a well articulated monopod over a tripod for SPEED of usage. Here - http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-118862-1.html - is where I show what I use ....Cost ? about $300....

Oct 10, 2013 07:46:51 #

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

islandboy4147 wrote:

I am in the market for a new tripod and ball head.... (show quote)

Take a look at this offering from Costco. Over the years, I have found that if Costco has it, you can't beat the price. I purchased one of these tripods and I love it.
http://www.costco.com/.product.100049613.html?cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|PopularProductsInCategory

Oct 10, 2013 09:10:03 #

schuchmn

When looking at tripods, a very important and often overlooked spec is the maximum height of the tripod without extending the center column. Some tripod makers don't even give you that information.

The tripod should be tall enough for you to use without bending over or extending the column. Bending over is hell on the low back and a long extended center column reduces steadiness. If you're interested in a tripod and the manufacturer doesn't provide that spec, make sure you test it out before you buy it.

As far as tripod vs monopod, it depends. I have and use both, but in different circumstances. If you're following fast action and need to me able to relocate quickly, a monopod is the way to go. For more static subjects, a tripod is a lot more solid.

Oct 10, 2013 09:36:10 #

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

There is another alternative for action shooting. A shoulder stock. the rig is like a rifle, braced against the shoulder. For rapidly moving subjects like BIF that move vertically as well as horizontally a shoulder stock might work better than either a tripod or monopod.

Oct 10, 2013 14:41:55 #

islandboy4147 Loc: Savannah, GA

Thanks to everyone for all the tripod information & where to buy. I like to have options and there were several types of support ideas offered. All to be helpful in making my decision.

Oct 10, 2013 16:10:43 #

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

islandboy4147 wrote:

I am in the market for a new tripod and ball head.... (show quote)

You may like to look at a gimbal head for your big Sigma lens. This head, made in the UK but purchased now by a good few UHH members in the States (if that's where you are), will cope easily with the size and weight of your camera and lens.

Be sure to look at the video. You need to be looking at the Lensmaster RH-2.

http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/index.htm

Oct 10, 2013 16:14:57 #

Dave Johnson Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Benro makes a good product.

Oct 10, 2013 17:50:31 #

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist.jsp&sku=548362&A=cart&is=REG&q=1&Q=add

And

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=404536&is=REG&A=details&Q=

Dont take chances with gravity.

Oct 10, 2013 18:23:59 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Musket wrote:

Those are Funny ! - more than the cost of the Sigma lens ! ........

Oct 19, 2013 14:46:51 #

Mercer Loc: Houston, TX, USA

islandboy4147 wrote:

I am in the market for a new tripod and ball head.... (show quote)

I don't think you can beat a Star D professional. I think it was invented in the 30's by a pair of Italian brothers, then purchased by Leica and sold under their brand. Subsequently, Star D, Davidson and others have produced it over the years. The tripod is rock solid. I have used one for more than 40 years for everything from little Leica D's, through high-power scopes, to full house Bolex setups, with never a jiggle. This model's legs are around 1.5 inches diameter, and it extends, including center post, to 6 feet. It has all the swings and tilts via massive controls that do not creep. You can find a new one at Adorama, B&H, etc., and Amazon. They retail for around $115, and are on sites like EBay and Craigslist for as little as $40. It it's all aluminum, and tips my bathroom scale at 5 pounds plus a little. Yep, it's heavy, like you need for real stability. :thumbup:

Oct 19, 2013 15:12:25 #

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Bill, I you have to buy new, that's a tall order.
If you Have some time and can buy used, I would look for used on Craig's List. For example, I use an old alloy Vivitar for my 600.
I bought it used 40 years ago for $50. spend the rest on a cheap gimbal, a better ball, or use the pan head they come with.
If you're interest I'll get you the model #. But many good oldies like it out there.
Good luck. SS

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