Tripod advice please

F1.2

F1.2

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Allen
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Hi

If things go as planned today , I will be the proud new owner of a Canon 600mm F4L IS lens :D

I am looking for advice regarding a tripod and head for such a lens / 5D2 combo

Need stability / light weight ( for carrying around ) and the most versatile head to go on it

Not asking for much am I :lol:
 
You lucky barsteward! :lol:;):p

With the 600mm f4, you really need something like a Gitzo GT5540 and maybe something like a King Cobra gimbal head from warehouse express, or a Wimberley mark II. Not cheap and will defo lighten your wallet :(

Some peeps like Hoppy UK swear by Kenro as cheap Gitzo versions, but not sure how these compare against Gitzo (for the larger tripods).

I'd definately advise against a tripod with a centre column..

Hope this helps :)
 
I would buy, without hesitation, this beautiful big carbon Benro (Gitzo copy) plus the equally lovely full gimbal head shown (Wimberley copy) http://cgi.ebay.com/BENRO-C-397-M8-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a56524df8

I would probably use it without a centre column with that lens, but I'd buy the CC anyway (if it's available yet) to get extra height when necessary. Great combination.

I bought my Benro C-257 from those folks, as have others on here. I have yet to learn of anybody who has not been 100% delighted with the service (fast, and no extra costs) and quality. People say they are Gitzo quality, and I guess I'm one of them. I have only been able to compare a few models directly, but on those comparisons my Benro is every bit as good as Gitzo, and significantly better than anything else including Manfrotto.

If you don't fancy one of these, it's got to be genuine Gitzo hasn't it, though it will cost you double. Or this rather nice looking jobbie from Really Right Stuff - not on sale yet I think, and $1000 when it is. Got to be well nice though :) http://reallyrightstuff.com/RRS/Itemdesc.asp?ic=TVC-33&eq=&Tp=

Edit: how many sections is that Benro C-397? It says three but shows four. What height is the four-section version? :thinking:
 
HoppyUK said:
I would buy, without hesitation, this beautiful big carbon Benro (Gitzo copy) plus the equally lovely full gimbal head shown (Wimberley copy) http://cgi.ebay.com/BENRO-C-397-M8-...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a56524df8

I would probably use it without a centre column with that lens, but I'd buy the CC anyway (if it's available yet) to get extra height when necessary. Great combination.

I bought my Benro C-257 from those folks, as have others on here. I have yet to learn of anybody who has not been 100% delighted with the service (fast, and no extra costs) and quality. People say they are Gitzo quality, and I guess I'm one of them. I have only been able to compare a few models directly, but on those comparisons my Benro is every bit as good as Gitzo, and significantly better than anything else including Manfrotto.

If you don't fancy one of these, it's got to be genuine Gitzo hasn't it, though it will cost you double. Or this rather nice looking jobbie from Really Right Stuff - not on sale yet I think, and $1000 when it is. Got to be well nice though :) http://reallyrightstuff.com/RRS/Itemdesc.asp?ic=TVC-33&eq=&Tp=

Edit: how many sections is that Benro C-397? It says three but shows four. What height is the four-section version? :thinking:
Click to expand...

Thanks Hoppy , sent a email asking about the center column , will probably order this kit :D:thumbs:
 
F1.2 said:
Thanks Hoppy , sent a email asking about the center column , will probably order this kit :D:thumbs:
Click to expand...

:thumbs: Be interested to hear what they say, re cost and availability of the CC, and also whether it is actually 3 or 4 section.
 
HoppyUK said:
:thumbs: Be interested to hear what they say, re cost and availability of the CC, and also whether it is actually 3 or 4 section.
Click to expand...


It looks to me like 3 sections plus the feet ?
 
F1.2 said:
It looks to me like 3 sections plus the feet ?
Click to expand...

Item illustrated for sale is clearly 4-section, but the product description says 3-section? :shrug:

ryanyboy said:
I swear by this:-

http://www.bobrigby.com/acratech/gv2gimbalhead.html

The best thing is it is so light. Dunno if it's in your budget though.

For legs I just replaced my stolen manfrotto with one of these (highly recommended):-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Giottos-GTMTL8360B-Section-Carbon-Two-Way/dp/B001CAOV5M/ref=pd_cp_ce_2

HTH.
Click to expand...

I was after that Acratech head, but I don't think even Acratech themselves would say it's suitable for the OP's 600/4 and they have a long lens head specifically for that. One user on here has one of those and rates it highly, but it's not a gimbal.

When you get hold of an Acratech ball head, they are very seductive if you like fine engineering. Beautiful jewel-like things. However, I read two rather damning reports about them, one was here http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Acratech-GV2-Ballhead-Review.aspx where the reviewer noted that the head moved a little when locked down. I have tried exactly the same test with my Benro J-2 and there is no discernable movement like that. I think it's an excellent head for £106, and is barely heavier at 0.52Kg.

The other negative was from a user on here who said that when the Acratech was used in gimbal mode with the camera hanging off to the side, there was some play in the panning base. I'm concluding that the Acratech design is too minimalist for its own good. I note that no other ball head manufacturer uses an 'open' design that is anything like the Acratech :thinking:
 
Apologies OP - didn't realise the Acratech was only recommended up to 400mm. Sorry
 
ryanyboy said:
Apologies OP - didn't realise the Acratech was only recommended up to 400mm. Sorry
Click to expand...

Ryanyboy, your've got the Acratech ball/gimbal jobbie? What do you think of the comments above about the head moving on lock down and a slightly wobbly base when stressed?

I have not used an Acratech in anger with a long lens so I can't verify that for myself. Maybe they have taken criticism on board and improved things a bit? What's yours like?

I would really love an Acratech, even at the price, because I would find those features really useful for up to 400mm and it's light and nicely made. But if it doesn't quite do the job 100%...?

Appreciate your views bud ;) Thanks.
 
HoppyUK said:
:thumbs: Be interested to hear what they say, re cost and availability of the CC, and also whether it is actually 3 or 4 section.
Click to expand...

Answering my own question, I emailed DC about this. It looks like the pic is wrong and the spec is right, and that the detachable centre-column is indeed geared. V nice! If a bit heavier, but the tripod itself is very light for a big un. There are also more similar models now available. Here's his reply:

Hi there,

Thank you for the message.

I am sure the tripod is 3 section, because I had sold one last month. The the thumbnail picture was grabbed from Benro.cn official site, they only have one photos for this series of tripods, no matter 397, 398, 497, 498 and etc. That's why you can see the 4 section tripod from the photo. (Sorry for the confusion, I will shoot and update all the benro product photos myself in this month...)

And the spec. are copied from Benro.cn official site.

So, don't worry. :-)

For the geared center column, I can also supply it. And I can ship it together with the tripod. But as it's a new stock from my Benro supplier, I have to confirm the cost with them first. So I will let you know the selling price tomorrow.

Please visit this link from official Benro.cn site for more information:

http://www.benro.cn/EnSite/EnProduct.aspx?id=132&SerName=CombiTripod+Series

And the C-497 (and some other models of this series) has already been available as well (sorry not yet listed in eBay), I will also let you know the price and setup the eBay listing tomorrow. So, you can choose the suitable model.

Regards,
DC
 
This is the reply I got from DC

Hi there,

Yes, I can supply the geared center column. And I will let you know the selling price of it and setup the eBay listing tomorrow.

For the GH-2, it's out of stock all over China as well as the Benro factory at the moment. It will be available about early February.

Cheers,
DC
 
HoppyUK said:
Ryanyboy, your've got the Acratech ball/gimbal jobbie? What do you think of the comments above about the head moving on lock down and a slightly wobbly base when stressed?

I have not used an Acratech in anger with a long lens so I can't verify that for myself. Maybe they have taken criticism on board and improved things a bit? What's yours like?

I would really love an Acratech, even at the price, because I would find those features really useful for up to 400mm and it's light and nicely made. But if it doesn't quite do the job 100%...?

Appreciate your views bud ;) Thanks.
Click to expand...

Aplogies for late reply Hoppy.

I've "only" used the head with the 200 F/2 + teleconverter so I can't vouch for it with a 400mm. I stress the word "only" because the 200 F/2 is still a very heavy beast and therefore I assume it's a good test of the head.

Anyway, with the first GV2 I had (since stolen) I had it perfect and noticed no creep at all. With the new one I noticed some creep while doing macro work on Wednesday evening. However, I've since remembered that there is an adjustment knob that sets the overall level of movement (torque?) in the head. So when I next get it out I'll be sure to tighten that knob first to help aleviate and potential creep.

I've certainly not noticed a wobbly base at all.

I dunno if that helps much but it's my view of the thing. :)
 
I got the same email saying tey couldnt supply the GH-2 as everywhere was out of stock.I mailed a few companies on ebay asking if the ACTUALLY had it in stock and got one sent to me no problems at all. I have tried the 500 f4 and the 120-300 on the head and it seems to be very stable. I will also be looking at a tripod in the coming months so this thread is interesting.
 
ryanyboy said:
Aplogies for late reply Hoppy.

I've "only" used the head with the 200 F/2 + teleconverter so I can't vouch for it with a 400mm. I stress the word "only" because the 200 F/2 is still a very heavy beast and therefore I assume it's a good test of the head.

Anyway, with the first GV2 I had (since stolen) I had it perfect and noticed no creep at all. With the new one I noticed some creep while doing macro work on Wednesday evening. However, I've since remembered that there is an adjustment knob that sets the overall level of movement (torque?) in the head. So when I next get it out I'll be sure to tighten that knob first to help aleviate and potential creep.

I've certainly not noticed a wobbly base at all.

I dunno if that helps much but it's my view of the thing. :)
Click to expand...

Cheers for that RB - sounds good :thumbs:

I'm trying hard to like this head so I emailed Acratech with the criticisms I mentioned above about the head moving on lock-down and the play in the panning base. Here is their reply from the boss. On this basis, I might just give it a punt :)

Hi Richard,

I have tried to contact Bryan [from the-digital-picture.com] about the review because he must have not set the tension knob properly, because the extreme amount of movement is not normal. There is a very slight movement usually only noticeable in extreme macro work.

The Gimbal feature works really well with 70-200 2.8 or similar size lenses. Your friend should send his ballhead in to have the panning base adjusted, because there should not be movement (we never charge for service).

If you purchase the ballhead directly through us we do offer a 30 day, money back, guaranty (less shipping). You are welcome to use one for a month and decide for yourself.

Best wishes,

Scott

To be fair, I don't think 'Bryan' is that hard to get hold of, and in the review he specifically states trying different levels of tension to no avail :thinking:

I'm wondering if the comments about lock-down movement only showing up in macro, from both Scott and Ryanyboy, is because with macro you not only get very high magnification like you do with a long lens, but any movement is double-accentuated because with most macro you don't use a lens collar and mount the camera base directly to the tripod.

This will automatically emphasise any movement through leverage, which you won't get so much if the lens mount is pivoting around the collar (which you should really use anyway - they are available for Canon macros). It is also true that if there was no movement in the first place, there would be nothing to magnify ;)
 
HoppyUK said:
Cheers for that RB - sounds good :thumbs:

I'm trying hard to like this head so I emailed Acratech with the criticisms I mentioned above about the head moving on lock-down and the play in the panning base. Here is their reply from the boss. On this basis, I might just give it a punt :)

Hi Richard,

I have tried to contact Bryan [from the-digital-picture.com] about the review because he must have not set the tension knob properly, because the extreme amount of movement is not normal. There is a very slight movement usually only noticeable in extreme macro work.

The Gimbal feature works really well with 70-200 2.8 or similar size lenses. Your friend should send his ballhead in to have the panning base adjusted, because there should not be movement (we never charge for service).

If you purchase the ballhead directly through us we do offer a 30 day, money back, guaranty (less shipping). You are welcome to use one for a month and decide for yourself.

Best wishes,

Scott

To be fair, I don't think 'Bryan' is that hard to get hold of, and in the review he specifically states trying different levels of tension to no avail :thinking:

I'm wondering if the comments about lock-down movement only showing up in macro, from both Scott and Ryanyboy, is because with macro you not only get very high magnification like you do with a long lens, but any movement is double-accentuated because with most macro you don't use a lens collar and mount the camera base directly to the tripod.

This will automatically emphasise any movement through leverage, which you won't get so much if the lens mount is pivoting around the collar (which you should really use anyway - they are available for Canon macros). It is also true that if there was no movement in the first place, there would be nothing to magnify ;)
Click to expand...


"Tension knob". That's the term I was after. Getting that right first is the key and once sorted the head is solid imo.

Hope you enjoy using it if you do go for it - I love 'em.
 
OK

Thanks for the help and suggestions :D

I have ordered the following

BENRO C-397 M8 Carbon Tripod + Geared Center Column Kit

and

BENRO Gimbal Head GH-2 & PL-100 Plate


Hope it gets here OK and I dont get hit with the you know what when it gets to the UK

Will let you know what its like when it arrives

:thumbs:
 
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