Advice please

Maggie52

Maggie52

Messages
1,070
Name
Margaret
Edit My Images
Yes
I am looking for advice as to what set up would serve me best. I have the Sigma 150-500mm and wish to make the best use of it. I find it heavy to hand hold and keep it steady. I have looked at gimbal heads to fit on my Manfrotto 190 tripod but this of course will be heavy to carry about and also be cumbersome. I have a monopod but it's a cheap Jessops one but guessing a monopod would be easier and quicker than a tripod. Looking at shooting wildlife etc. do you think a better monopod with perhaps a quick release plate would be the best option?

I should perhaps add that I have a neck problem so need to find the lightest and easiest option. I have bought myself a fishing trolley to lug gear around when needed.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Tigger.ufo said:
I bought one of these

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00009XV3M/?tag=hydra0b-21&hvadid=9557926869&ref=asc_df_B00009XV3M

which I use with a tripod (much cheaper and lighter than a gimbal)

I also use a Giottos monopod which was £25 (no QR though) very easy to walk around with.

I am a big fan of the Blackrapid womens strap which takes all the weight off my neck, when carrying heavy lenses on my camera.


Heather
Click to expand...

Hi Heather

Thanks for the info. I too have the women's Black Rapid strap which funnily enough I used today to test the use of the monopod I have which has a QR plate. Felt quite comfortable really think I just need a bit of practice. Like the look of QR plate which as you say is far cheaper than a gimbal.

Many thanks

Maggie
 
Maggie52 said:
Like the look of QR plate which as you say is far cheaper than a gimbal.
Click to expand...

Maybe there's a translation issue... How is a QR plate any kind of substitute for a gimbal head? (or any tripod head for that matter).

You can turn a ballhead on it's side and use it as a makeshift Gimbal head if you have one. I wouldn't recommend it for extensive use with heavy lenses unless specifically designed for that use (i.e. Acratech). And it's still not a great substitute for a real gimbal head (and neither are the side mount gimbal heads IMO).

I think your monopod is your best answer, but it really depends on the subject. IMO, monopods are not good for long panning shots.
 
I use a Giotto monopod with the Manfrotto 393 long lens bracket. It might not be the prettiest to look at, but it does the job well & isn't too expensive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top