Tried and true tripod support combination for 500mm F/4?

<p>I'm searching for suggestions for a tried and true support system for use with a 500mm F/4 for nature photography. I shoot a Canon 5D and am new to long lenses. I'm more than a bit confused when trying to sort out all of the options for the various long lens support components. My current Gitzo tripod and head combination is designed to manage only around 8 lbs. total, so I'll be starting from scratch. I'd like to keep the weight as low as possible due to intermittent joint problems, so am considering carbon fiber (been saving for quite a while). I'd appreciate any help in narrowing the field of options for an appropriate tripod and head combination, and also any advice regarding the Wimberley Sidekick or other comparable supports. I'm determined to be well-equipped and do this right from the start; I skimp on other things so I can get what I really need for my photography. :) Thanks for any suggestions you might have the time to offer. <br>

Fisher</p>

<p>check the Gear forum @ fredmiranda.com</p>

<p>Although I dont have glass in that league, my hunch is that you're going to zero on something like Gitzo 35xx series (minimum, if not 5xxx series or Feisol 37xx series), RRS BH55 head or Markins M20 head and the *full* Wimberley, not the Sidekick. That's what people who know tripods are going to lean toward.</p>

<p>or if you want to go completely ape, the RRS TVC-33 tripod w/ BH55 head and add the Wimberley.</p>

<p>As Howard said, the full Wimberly head would be your best choice. Lots of choices now in CF tripods, I've been quite please with my Benro, solid, reasonable weight, lower price than the Gitzo's but well made.</p>

<p>I use a 5x series Gitzo and the full Wimberley head for my 500mm lens. I started out with the side-kick but fairly soon came to my senses. Sliding that huge lens sideways into the side-kick is no fun and there is always the chance of dropping the lens. I opted for the 5x series Gitzo because the price difference wasn't huge and I did want the best support for my combo.</p>

<p>I have the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and Manfrotto 490 Maxi Ball Head which works great with the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 lens (6.9 lbs), but it sounds like you want something higher end. From what I hear, Gitmo makes some great stuff if you can afford it.</p>

<p>I use a Gitzo GT3531 Series 3 with a RRS B-55 and a Wimberley SideKick and it works just fine with my 400 2.8L IS. The secret is to use the low profile Wimberley replacement foot on the lens mount to keep it centered over the center of the B-55. This is a VERY versatile set-up because you can use it as a standard ball-head set-up with your other lenses. The B-55 and the SideKick are more than up to the task of supporting the 400 which is about the heaviest rig you can use.</p>

<p><img src="http://gallery.me.com/stevenbiegler/100206/Wimberley-20Sidekick-20--20RRS-20B-55-20with-20400_4/web.jpg?ver=12639460930001" alt="" width="1180" height="1769" /></p>

<p><img src="http://gallery.me.com/stevenbiegler/100206/Wimberley-20Sidekick-20--20RRS-20B-55-20with-20400_3/web.jpg?ver=12639460980001" alt="" width="1769" height="1180" /><br>

<img src="http://gallery.me.com/stevenbiegler/100206/Wimberley-20Sidekick-20--20RRS-20B-55-20with-20400_2/web.jpg?ver=12639460960001" alt="" width="1180" height="1769" /></p>

<p>This is what I have. It's been discontinued, but looks like you can buy it "new" from B&H's used department:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800620652-USE/Benro_450_427_C_427n6_8x_Carbon_Fiber.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800620652-USE/Benro_450_427_C_427n6_8x_Carbon_Fiber.html</a></p>

<p>It's more than enough to support a 500/4.</p>

<p>I have this head:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/502308-REG/Acratech_1150_GV2_Ballhead_Gimbal_with_Quick.html">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/502308-REG/Acratech_1150_GV2_Ballhead_Gimbal_with_Quick.html</a></p>

<p>Most of the time, I use my 300/2.8 with this. I've used a 500/4 on this head without a problem. That said, if I owned a 500/4, I'd spring for the Wimberly Gimbal. It's a thing of beauty. Use the money you save buying a Benro to buy the Wimberly, and problem solved. :)</p>

<p>Eric</p>

<p>With the 500 f/4L you should get the Wimberley Head II</p>

<p>Regarding sliding the lens into the sidekick, - You should mount the sidekick onto the lens and then just drop the lens and sidekick into the ballhead which has been placed in the portrait position. Quite simple really.</p>

<p>I recommend you get a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod, series three or five, model depends on your height, and whether you need a three or four leg model to fit in a suitcase for travel purposes. IMO the fewer leg sections the better. Your head should be the Wimberley II. Go here for more info. This site is a great place for info too:<br>

<a href="http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=19">http://www.naturescapes.net/store/home.php?cat=19</a></p>

<p>Joe Smith</p>

<p >B, The Gitzo Carbon Fiber 1325 (35XX equivalent) tripod and Gitzo aluminum 1340 and 1410 tripods with a base and safety plates are what I use. I have an original Wimberley head that I use occasionally and have a side kick that I use often with an Arca Swiss B1. The AS B1 locks down really well when I want to walk with the long lens over my shoulder. I have the older new version of the B1 for about eight years and love its simplicity and its dependability in really cold weather. I think the Side Kick works fine with the 500mm and is versatile with the 300mm f4 and 80-200mm f2.8 and is probably all you need. I also have a Kirk BH1 and enjoy using it. It has a very smooth action and handles the Side Kick just fine with a 500mm. The Side Kick is cheaper and doesn't obviate keeping the ball head on the pod. I have seen mention that the larger Wimberley is more stable than the Side Kick and ball head for 600mm and 800mm lenses with teleconverters. Good hunting. Andy</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone who has responded. I am grateful for your willingness to share the benefit of your experience, as well as your expertise. You've armed me with excellent information; I suppose after contemplating your kindly offered collective advice, the next step is to make a decision and break out the old billfold. :) Again, thank you. This is a community to be treasured. </p>

 

if you want a new gitzo shoot me an email and I can tell you how you can get 25% off a brand new unit. . .

 

If you do the math (25% off), it makes sense to buy the best over any of the cheap knock offs. . .

<p>I'd like to get 25% off of a new Arca Swiss Z1 ball head! </p>

<p>For many years I have used the Sidekick mounted on a Kirk BH-1 and Gitzo 1228 CF Mountaineer. The camera is either a Nikon F5 or F4S and Nikkor 500 f/4 (often with a 1.4X TC). It makes a reasonably light package when I have to carry it any distance, and it is rigid!</p>

<p>I use this one on a Giottos MT-8180 CF tripod<br>

<a href="http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html">http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html</a><br>

Here is Romy Ocon's portfolio of great Philippine bird photos. His section on equipment shows this gimbal used with some really big glass, plus extenders.<br>

<a href="http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/500_f4lis_test">http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/500_f4lis_test</a></p>

 

<p>For what it's worth, I'm shooting a Canon 600mm f4 on an Induro GHB2 gimbal head - similar to the Wimberly, but as I recall almost $200 less. </p>

<p>I'm also using a Benro CF C-258EX carbon fiber tripod. The combination of lens, body, 1.4X and gimbal head total 22 pounds. The Benro cost substantially less than the Gitzo and Manfrotto when I got it at a camera show.</p>

<p>I find that it collapses well with the clip-style leg clamps (I really dislike twist locks in this application) and it carries well on the shoulder (like a soldier marches with a rifle).</p>

<p>The tripod has been sufficiently stiff in high winds and has perfomed well overall.</p>

<p>Another lower cost gimbal head to consider is the Manfrotto 393, which is FAR less expensive (sub $200). I used it for a couple of years and my only complaint was that I occasionally had to re-tighten things. But for the price, you just can't beat it.</p>

 

<p>Good tripods have already been mentioned, but try out the mopods as well. I use a Gitzo 3551 CF monopod+ RRS RH1 head with my 500 f/4. It depends on your shooting style, I prefer to be light and mobile in the field so I don't carry a tripod.</p>

<p>Good morning -<br>

Still weighing options for my 500mm F/4 IS L support system... thanks for all of the helpful advice and suggestions. I've settled on a Wimberley II, and am now trying to decide on tripod legs. Had intended to hold out (continue saving) for new a Gitzo Series 3 6x Carbon Fiber... but would anyone have any thoughts on that vs. a good used G1325? I'd really prefer three section legs, and I've read nothing negative about the Gitzo 1325 - other than the weight - which I am somewhat concerned about. Would the benefits of the newer Gitzos really outweigh what I would get with the older 1325? Any thoughts? Many thanks...</p>

<p>this is what i use for my 500 f/4 is. works like a champ and it's lightweight.</p>

<p>http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/induro-ghb1-gimbal-head.html</p>