Long Lens head

[CT]

I did use a ball head for ages btw before I got a gimbal and it is do-able provided you have the ball fairly loose, but it does mean keeping a firm hold of the camera and lens all the time, or tightening up if you want to let go. It's all too easy to have a blonde moment though and let go without tightening up.

 

[buckas]

My birding to date hasn't been quite like that. Long periods of boredom and inactivity, followed by more boredom and inactivity, lack of sarnies, and a lonely trip home

Next year, if I can bag a kingfisher and a puffin (possibly not in the same location) with one of StewartR's long toms, I'll be well happy. Actually, I'm thinking that probably my 100-400L will be the better puffin trap.

On the gimbal front, it's looking like a Benro Sidekick will be all I can justify for now. And a 7D

200mm for puffins round 'ere http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=137871

but yeh, now i've got the 400 i'm sure it would be better for the BIFs - which will be used on next years trip, along with the new 7D hopefully

there's only £60 odd difference between the GH-1 and the GH-2, go for the gh-2 fella you only buy one once also if you go bigger in future (rent or buy) you won't have to worry about side attaching it .....then possibly upgrading to the gh-2....i went for the gh-2 for this reason, using a gimbal with the connector on the bottom (where gravity is ) just makes sense to me + you get the bigger plate with it (pl-100)

drew

 

[HoppyUK]

200mm for puffins round 'ere http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=137871

but yeh, now i've got the 400 i'm sure it would be better for the BIFs - which will be used on next years trip, along with the new 7D hopefully

there's only £60 odd difference between the GH-1 and the GH-2, go for the gh-2 fella you only buy one once also if you go bigger in future (rent or buy) you won't have to worry about side attaching it .....then possibly upgrading to the gh-2....i went for the gh-2 for this reason, using a gimbal with the connector on the bottom (where gravity is ) just makes sense to me + you get the bigger plate with it (pl-100)

drew

Fair comment Drew. Thanks.

I've seen your Skomer puffins, and very nice too Going OT, how much walking is involved on Skomer? I'm getting stronger all the time (new hips) but is it a half mile stroll or a two mile hike?

Being realistic I'm pretty sure much more the latter, and then some, which probably puts it back another year for me.

 

[buckas]

car park is national trust (£4 to non members) and then a short walk downhill to the beach from martin's haven where the boat departs. there's quite a narrow up and over set of steps and then onto a declining jetty to get onto the boat

once the boat gets to skomer you exit the front of the boat onto about 50/60 steep steps up to the main congregation point, there's a quick brief from dave the warden then you're free to roam - the whole loop of the island distance is about 4 miles, you've seen it all after about 3/4 hours - walking boots recommended, but can do it in normal trainers also always best on a not too hot day as there's not many hiding places from the sun

puffins are at "the wick" ~ south point of the island
SEO's nest middle north point but didn't have the 400 when we went which would have helped loads

drew

 

[HoppyUK]

car park is national trust (£4 to non members) and then a short walk downhill to the beach from martin's haven where the boat departs. there's quite a narrow up and over set of steps and then onto a declining jetty to get onto the boat

once the boat gets to skomer you exit the front of the boat onto about 50/60 steep steps up to the main congregation point, there's a quick brief from dave the warden then you're free to roam - the whole loop of the island distance is about 4 miles, you've seen it all after about 3/4 hours - walking boots recommended, but can do it in normal trainers also always best on a not too hot day as there's not many hiding places from the sun

<snip>

puffins are at "the wick" ~ south point of the island
SEO's nest middle north point but didn't have the 400 when we went which would have helped loads

drew

Brilliant info. Thanks Drew. I should be up to that next summer. Sounds quite easy really

 

[markyboy.1967]

I have narrowed it down to the Benro---still have second thoughts about its size and weight but know its a good head with many benefits and the RRS BH-55 and Markins ball heads--these are smaller and lighter.I know ballheads dont suit everyone but reading the reports on both the RRS and Markins they seem to be the best alrounders for bigish lenses.

 

[FiestaRed]

I've enjoyed reading this thread and all it's different posts, just wondering if you came to a conclusion Mark?

There are a few of us left out here with just the 300mm prime lenses that may find the Wimberley brilliant but a bit of overkill.