Any advice when using big lens?

[andycallaghan]

Hey all,

I've just taken delivery of a 150-500mm Sigma lens, and in my eyes, it's mahooooosive!

It feels really heavy, which I guess is a good sign?

Anyway, is there any advice for things to do / not to do when using a big heavy lens?

How am I supposed to use the tripod collar?

Ta.

Andy

 

[bl0at3r]

Monopod or beanbag

 

[andycallaghan]

Monopod or beanbag

Got a bean bag. ;-) Woo hoo!

What's the advantage of a monopod over a tripod?
I have a tripod, think it will hold the weight!

 

[bl0at3r]

Got a bean bag. ;-) Woo hoo!

What's the advantage of a monopod over a tripod?
I have a tripod, think it will hold the weight!

Monopod will allow you to take advantage of a sturdy platform whilst being far more portable and flexible than a tripod. But if you are happy with a tripod stick with that.

 

[Trig's]

...How am I supposed to use the tripod collar?

You screw it onto the tripod mount or to the quick release plate....

Or have I totally misunderstood your post :shrug:

 

[artyman]

I thought mine was heavy when I first had it, but you get used to it, a two hour wander round the nature reserve isn't a problem. It has an awesome OS system as well. It will take time to get the best from it if this is the first super telephoto you've had. Keep your shutter speeds up and you should be OK. I have a monopod which is great to support the weight if you have to hang around for some bird action rather than support it yourself for long periods. Look forward to seeing some of your shots.

 

[Graham00]

I leave the tripod collar on mine, just make sure you support it's weight off of the lens mount to the camera really when handling, it can hang off the mount pointing downwards with the lock on.

 

[andycallaghan]

You screw it onto the tripod mount or to the quick release plate....

Or have I totally misunderstood your post :shrug:

No you read it right. Haha. Not really looked at the fixing.

 

[desantnik]

Yes, never handle the setup by just the camera body or you will break it!!

Use a monopod or tripod for support - monopod for fast action subjects and because its lighter and easier to carry than a tripod and a tripod for static ish subjects. Consider a gimble type mount for the tripod (and associated replacement longer foot etc), but they are expensive and adds more weight to carry

Make sure that your monopod or tripod is rated to carry the weight of your setup - a lot of cheapy entry level pods are not strong enough and will bend or break!

Oh and get a gym membership to build up your strength