Help please Tripod and head required dont know where to start!

[Rovers_Andy]

Ok, at the moment i use a Manfrotto 680B monopod for all sports, this works ok but isnt great for long periods (1DMKIII and 400 f/2.8). I have a Manfrotto 055XB tripod and this simply cant handle the weight and the legs aren't sturdy enough. Does anyone know of a good tripod and head combo that would be sturdy enough for me to be able to leave my kit setup without fear of it falling over, I want to be able to pan with this setup and Budget isn't to much of an issue.

Apologies if this question has been asked before.


Many Thanks

Andy

 

[markta]

A Gitzo GT3541 LS or XLS, not sure about a head, if you plan to pan with it.

I'd recommend a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead, which can be fixed, with a separate control knob for horizontal rotation

 

[HoppyUK]

That's a heck of a lens, so I think you'll be needing a gimbal head like this Wimberley:
http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1012216

Wimberley is the top dog, but there are others using similar principles, and there are also Chinese copies which are a fraction of the price and reported to be very good. I've only used one at show demos but they are flippin wonderful. That's what I'd be getting with your lens, for sure, and TBH a pirate Side-Kick is quite high on my wants list for a 100-400L.

And a strong tripod, probably Gitzo.

 

[Rovers_Andy]

Thanks guys, Im pretty certain i'll go for a Gitzo3541LS and the RRS ballhead. im going to hold off on the wimberley for the moment.

One other point, are you able to change the ballhead for a wimberley easily or would you need two tripods

 

[HoppyUK]

Thanks guys, Im pretty certain i'll go for a Gitzo3541LS and the RRS ballhead. im going to hold off on the wimberley for the moment.

One other point, are you able to change the ballhead for a wimberley easily or would you need two tripods

Yes, just loosen the securing bolts and screw it off. All tripods use universal Whitworth screw fitting.

Have you tried a gimbal head? Have a look here - full blown Wimberley copy, made in India £127, or a Side Kick for half that. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tripod-/-Gimb...0?IMSfp=TL090610146003r18900#ebayphotohosting

 

[Rovers_Andy]

Have you tried a gimbal head? Have a look here - full blown Wimberley copy, made in India £127, or a Side Kick for half that. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tripod-/-Gimb...0?IMSfp=TL090610146003r18900#ebayphotohosting

Not yet but that looks like a good option, i want to start doing more wildlife photography and maybe some airshows, so i think with the gitzo a gimbal head and the 2x ex to go with the 1.4 i should be all set , Only prob with the 400 is the diameter is bigger than the hide windows :-(