Big lens accessories

[woollyback]

Hiya folks,

Pretty much decided on 500 f4 or 300 2.8 &TC's depending on how test goes.

Question is what else do I need to budget for - thoughts are

Tripod head - currently manfrotto 488 ball (wgt limit 8Kg) so should be OK but could be a bit floppy?

Lenscoat?

Insurance?

Any key bits of equipment to compliment these big lenses?

Cheers for any info

Ron

 

[hollis_f]

You definitely want something better on top of your tripod, especially if you get the 500f4. Ball heads are really difficult to use with a big lens and I'll be really surprised if the droop is just too much to live with. A gimbal head is ideal and I always use my Jobu when I borrow a 500. WIth my 300 f2.8 I tend to use it handheld most of the time.

Love my Lenscoat and wouldn't be without it. One thing I really like is that it stops me accidentaly changing settings like AF/MF.

 

[Hairyduck]

gimbal defo, then replacement foot for lens with built in arca swiss mount (don't know if you can do this with canons tho) lenscoat, large bag to carry it all around in, more sturdy tripod legs, the list goes on...

 

[Roy C]

I use the Jobu BW HD MII with my 300/2.8 (especially when using with a 2x tc) and it is great for this lens. I think if I was using the 500/4 I would probably go for the Jobu BWG-Pro.