stevea

Ellis:

Thanks for your responses. Bringing the lever point forward, does this imply that ballheads shouldn't be used with the sidekick?

In looking at ballheads, I see some capable of holding anywhere from 90 lbs and up (arca swiss b1 and b1g; also Markins M10 and M20). Are any of these acceptable? If not, what?

Ellis:

The rig works extremely well. I set it up so I can easily move the camera in any direction. This is very useful for landscapes, birds and animals. In addition, I use it for panoramas as I can tilt the camera forward or back to adjust for the focal length. The Acratech head is capable of supporting 25lbs according to the specs. The total weight I now support is 7.67lb which is less than one third the weight of the limit.

I have the Gitzo 1228LVL legs and the Acratech Ballhead. I use the

Wimberley Sidekick for the D2x with the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens

and the TC 20EII 2x teleconverter.

I am now considering the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR lens. With its weight,

I think the weight will be more than the one third recommended maximum

on the Acratech Ballhead. Do I need something like the Markins M20 to

hold the 200-400 with the 2x teleconverter and the Sidekick or does

this rule not apply if I'm using the sidekick?

I'm also concerned with the Gitzo legs not being strong enough to

carry all this weight. Do I also need a set of stronger legs?

Steve Abramson

Definitely take the D2x. The pictures you get are worth the risk - even if you don't pay the outrageous price for the insurance.

I like the 105mm macro for flowers and bugs. Hyde Park has some nice flowers.

I have a 70-200mm VR which I always use with a tripod and sometimes a 2x teleconverter with good results - but it will double your weight.

I'm still wondering about the 12-24mm DX as I have yet to shoot any landscapes since I got it - everyone says its great for this - if you know how to set up for a 3D effect.

The 17-55mm is great for candids and seems to be versatile. I would either take that lens or the 12-24mm and the 105mm macro, but not both.

I bought the D2x at B&H. They said they were seeing problems with batteries other than the EN-EL4 - so I bought a second EN-EL4.

I also bought the WT-2A. The speed difference is considerable. If you are shooting NEF the 2A is the best available. I await an even faster version.

FWIW, I have already purchased the Kirk D2x custom plate in sheer anticipation. I have no idea why I did that :-?

I have the Gitzo MK2 Reporter Carbon 1228lvl tripod and the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. Acratech makes a custom QR plate for the D2H or D2X which is curved to fit the camera. Providing a rock solid mount. I also got the Wimberley Arca Sidekick which is fantastic for my 70-200 lens.