Top notch tripod for 500mm lens

Mad Badger

Mad Badger

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Well looks like the tax man is going to be kind to me this year, so I'm going to treat myself to 500mm of f/4 Canon goodness.

Now I need an excellent tripod to support my new toy.

From searching around TP I see several folk using Gitzo 5 series tripods with their 500mm lenses.

Am I cutting corners looking at the 3 series instead, and also are 3 sections better than 4 in terms of stability?
 
Mad Badger said:
Well looks like the tax man is going to be kind to me this year, so I'm going to treat myself to 500mm of f/4 Canon goodness.

Now I need an excellent tripod to support my new toy.

From searching around TP I see several folk using Gitzo 5 series tripods with their 500mm lenses.

Am I cutting corners looking at the 3 series instead, and also are 3 sections better than 4 in terms of stability?
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Obviously the bigger the better, sans centre column, but you're the one who's carrying it. Three sections definitely flex less than four.

I was using a 400L 2.8 Mk2 recently and it was fine on a 2-series 3-section carbon Benro, if not ideal. It was more stable with less flex in the legs than a much bigger carbon Vanguard that was twice the weight that I could have used. What really made a difference though was a good gimbal, from Custom Brackets in my case.

I think you'd be fine with a 3-series, with Gitzo quality, as a bit of a compromise if you want to use the tripod for other stuff, but if it's just for the 500, then the extra weight of a 5-series isn't that much more all things considered.

Edit: these big Benros are good. Basically Gitzo clones, high quality, much cheaper ;) Recommended supplier DC's Store http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BENRO-C47...10408032603?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item4845c2b15b
 
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Thanks Hoppy, I already own a Benro C268 tripod, very happy with it and did look at DC's store and their heavyweight offerings........I'd just like to see one in the flesh before dropping the cash on one!!

I'm deffo going with NO centre column, it would be exclusively for the 500mm lens, with a gimbal permanently attached, beginning to look at Jobu as a Wimberley alternative, then again, I can get my hands on a Wimberley & am interested to feel the difference between my Benro GH2 & "the real thing"

Gone totally off topic now, OK, decision made, it's a Gitzo 5 series, 3 section tripod, buy cheap, buy twice, lets get it right first time :naughty:

But then again..........you say the big Benros are good??

Now in a quandary again..
 
Use my 600mm f4 on gitzo 5 series & wimberley MKii & I seriously can't fault it. Don't think about it just do it , you know it makes sense. :-)
 
Mad Badger said:
Thanks Hoppy, I already own a Benro C268 tripod, very happy with it and did look at DC's store and their heavyweight offerings........I'd just like to see one in the flesh before dropping the cash on one!!

I'm deffo going with NO centre column, it would be exclusively for the 500mm lens, with a gimbal permanently attached, beginning to look at Jobu as a Wimberley alternative, then again, I can get my hands on a Wimberley & am interested to feel the difference between my Benro GH2 & "the real thing"

Gone totally off topic now, OK, decision made, it's a Gitzo 5 series, 3 section tripod, buy cheap, buy twice, lets get it right first time :naughty:

But then again..........you say the big Benros are good??

Now in a quandary again..
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I think buckas has got a big Benro and gimbal. Not certain though, maybe others too.

Since this looks like a bit of a treat, go Gitzo unless that's tipping the budget and might mean for example that you couldn't get a nice gimbal. But sounds like not the case... :)

Edit: one thing I really liked about the CB gimbal was the locking lever - flips up to secure the lens when you're mounting, fitting an extender etc. I found it really useful. The similar design Benro has one too, not sure about most others.
 
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I know.........just seems a big step to take!!

:eek:

BTW can you carry that 600mm far on your Gitzo??

I'm pretty fit, but so many reviews moan about the weight of the 600mm.
 
HoppyUK said:
I think buckas has got a big Benro and gimbal. Not certain though, maybe others too.

Since this looks like a bit of a treat, go Gitzo unless that's tipping the budget and might mean for example that you couldn't get a nice gimbal. But sounds like not the case... :)
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You're right - budget can take it - just.......

sod it - Gitzo 5 series & Wimberley it is

Anyone want a lightly used Benro GH2 gimbal??

BTW anyone used the Canon 500mm MkII??

:naughty:
 
Mad Badger said:
I know.........just seems a big step to take!!

:eek:

BTW can you carry that 600mm far on your Gitzo??

I'm pretty fit, but so many reviews moan about the weight of the 600mm.
Click to expand...

I used one of these, Lowepro Lens Trekker 600. Not sure I'd have got far without it. Has a good tripod holder too http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lowepro-lens-trekker-600-aw-ii/p1029284

Did you see my edit re gimbal above? Just a thought. Pop your Benro GH2 in the classifieds here and it will sell v fast ;)
 
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HoppyUK said:
I used one of these, Lowepro Lens Trekker 600. Not sure I'd have got far without it. Has a good tripod holder too http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lowepro-lens-trekker-600-aw-ii/p1029284

Did you see my edit re gimbal above? Just a thought. Pop your Benro GH2 in the classifieds here and it will sell v fast ;)
Click to expand...

Yes it weighs a bit but I can honestly say I take it everywhere I go , I've walked pretty much all day with it on my shoulder on a number of times.
I am a bit lop sided now though. :-)
 
looks like there will be a benro gimbal in the classifieds v soon, am now looking at the 600mm as an alternative, I know how I always want to be closer with bird photography, can see one in mifsuds as I type!
 
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