Shooting aircraft or birds with Gimbal on monopod

merv

merv

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Mervyn
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Have maybe already asked this under another thread but can't remember!
Have just purchased a 300/2.8 lens and am not sure if I will be shooting handheld or not for flying objects. . I do have a Manfrotto 393 Gimbal which I have never used but not sure if this will hinder tracking or help it.
Is is likely that I will end up shooting hand held or is there a real use for the Gimbal?
For horizontal static shooting I assume a monopod would be essential for comfort and it seems an Arca clamp and plate would be beneficial without the Gimbal
To any of you who may have already expressed an opinion on this, sorry but thanks
merv
 
I've never felt the need to use any support with the 300/2.8 and only use the gimbal with the 600/4....certainly the 300/2.8 is 'hand holdable' for the duration of a football match and birding/aircraft tends to be less intense. If you're likely to be adding a 2x TC on a regular basis then a gimbal might start to be beneficial.

Bob
 
I recently used my 7D and 300mm f2.8 with 2x at a airshow handheld and my arms were nearly dropping off by the end of the day (although it was 7+ hours of constant flying) but tbh I wouldn't use my monopod and 393 at an airshow anyway a it would be too much of a hindrance (IMO). Only time I use mine is with my Pentax kit when the 250-600mm is attached
 
Thanks Bob. I find with air shows planes are standing further off shore more than ever, no doubt for safety reasons. The only two air shows here in N Ireland are both seaside based and I find myself with a 2x all the time so a Gimbal might be useful. I have a 393 and am thinking of a GH1 instead. I shot the Kemble show in 2012 with a handheld 300 which I sold and it wrecked my muscles for a week! Now thinking of another one. Used the 300/f4 recently with a 2x and it was poor so selling it for the 2.8 version
thanks
merv
 
Been using the 300mm f2.8 MKi for a few years combinated with either the 1.4x or 2x TC for motorsport and aviation without any issue regarding weight. The newly purchased 500mm f4 on the other hand, an extra kg heavier and you definitely notice the difference, but have still managed an entire weekend at RIAT (some friend permenantly borrowed the 300) using it plus Shoreham, BSB at Brands, Lowfly in Wales (had fun carrying it up Bluebell Hill and the Bwlch) and visits to the zoo.

I found the 300mm f4 IS and 1.4x TC a very good combination for airshows and motorsport, especially on a cropped sensor. Its the lens I use when I've got the bad back from the 500 :confused:
 
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I use a 7D with Sigma 300 f2.8 and 1.4 X converter. I can use it ok with fast jets hand held, but use a tripod and Gimbal head for a slower shutter speed with prop planes.
 
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