Support for D200 + 70-200

[chanh_nguyen1]

What are the lightest tripod and ball head do you recommend? Has anyone had

any experience with Markins M10 and/or any of the Feisol tripods? Thanks for

your input.

[dan_brown4]

Bogen 3021 is about as light as I would go.

[ShunCheung]

You don't have to use a very big and heavy tripod for the combo of the D200 and 70-200, but the answer also depends on where you are going to use it. For example, if you are going to use it outdoors in a wide-open area under windy conditions, you might consider a heavier, more solid tripod. Wind can blow your set up over, and your expensive lens may hit some rock very hard ....

[tonybeach]

I have seen noticeable blurriness caused by wind induced vibration using a lighter tripod and ballhead with this combination. VR can make almost any tripod adequate, but for absolute image quality one needs absolutely top grade support.

[joseph_smith3]

A Kirk BH-1 ballhead or a Really right stuff bh-40 ball head and a Gitzo series 2 tripod, preferably basalt or carbon fiber or a bogen 3021 now called 190Xpro. If you are 6 ft or taller, then increase the robustness of the tripod. Joe Smith

[dan_k6]

As far as a light tripod, you need to go with carbon fiber. Aluminum will be heavy.

 

I have the Markins M10. I have the, I believe now discontinued, left handed model. I have an RRS lever clamp on top.

 

I picked the Markings over RRS and Kirk because a lot of people I talked to remarked that the Markins was smoother, had a better weight/capacity ratio and the finish of the ballhead was amazing.

 

I like the Markins a lot and highly recommend it. The left handed controls make everything easier.

[joseph_wisniewski]

There's just no other head with the strength to weight ratio of an Acratech "ultimate". Steady with a 500mm f4, let alone a 70-210mm f2.8.

 

I use a Hakuba carbon fiber, but it's a discontinued model. If I had to pick a carbon fiber today, it would probably be an Induro CX series. As maneuverable as a Gitzo Explorer, but much sturdier when you have the column in vertical mode.

[chanh_nguyen1]

I hike and go backpacking. Some carbon fiber tripod has a center column with a hook to hang more weight, e.g. a camera bag,in the field. Does this really improve the stability of a light CF tripod?

 

Will check out the brands you mentioned. Thanks.

[seland]

D200+70-200VR is no problem for the Markins M10, you don't need a bigger ballhead. With the M10, I think I never have to buy a new ballhead. With up to 40kg load U guess it beats the Arcatech Ultimate wight/strengt ratio, but the latter could be very good cheaper alternative. Though, all the top ballheads from Markins, Archatech, Kirk and RSS will do.

[tonybeach]

"Some carbon fiber tripod has a center column with a hook to hang more weight, e.g. a camera bag,in the field. Does this really improve the stability of a light CF tripod?"

 

> Yes.