new tripod + head setup: what do you think?

[blonde]

alright,

so i have been doing some research about the new tripod and ball head that i would like to buy. i need something fairly light and compact so i can carry it on my backpack and i also need a smooth head for panning and wildlife. right now, my number 1 choice is:

feisol 3401N carbon tripod with low base and with carbon center column (i would probably not use the center column at all due to stability issues)

RRS BH40 (my heaviest lens is the 100-400 and maybe the soon to come 70-200 IS)

RRS L plate for the 20d

3 extra lens plates for the various lenses.

what do you think of this setup and do you have any other options for me to consider?

[DavidEB]

looks good. choosing ARCA, you have the option to get a wemberley sidekick. very cool device.

If backpacking is your thing, and weight really matters, check out the acratech ultimate. I'm very pleased with mine, though there are people who dislike it.

[blonde]

i have been thinking about that one but so far the best reviews i have seeen are for the rrs setup which is also fairly light....

[nation]

Looks like a good setup. You might also want to check out the new products on Feisol's website. They are introducing a new model of tripod for heavier applications. Not sure how much extra weight that adds but itt will see you through future upgrades to your kit. Presumably the 2 extra lens plates are for your new lens purchases? The 17-40 and 50mm will be fine mounting the body direct to the Bh-40. I haven't used the BH-40 but have got the BH-55 which is an awesome bit of kit. Highly recommended even though it is overkill for my useage.

[blonde]

Looks like a good setup. You might also want to check out the new products on Feisol's website. They are introducing a new model of tripod for heavier applications. Not sure how much extra weight that adds but itt will see you through future upgrades to your kit. Presumably the 2 extra lens plates are for your new lens purchases? The 17-40 and 50mm will be fine mounting the body direct to the Bh-40. I haven't used the BH-40 but have got the BH-55 which is an awesome bit of kit. Highly recommended even though it is overkill for my useage.

yeah,

i am buying 1 plate for my 100-400, 1 for the 70-200 that i am buying soon and also one extra for the future :)

[Mike K]

feisol 3401N carbon tripod with low base and with carbon center column (i would probably not use the center column at all due to stability issues)
RRS BH40 (my heaviest lens is the 100-400 and maybe the soon to come 70-200 IS)


Before deciding on the center column, use it with for awhile and try some vibration tests with and without. I did this by using my longest lens combination (400 5.6 1.4x TC) and looked throught the viewfinder while snapping. The camera vibrated much less when using the CF center column rather than without (screwing the ball into a small plastic nub in the Center column hole). that surprised me! Then I varied the camera mounting, clamping on the lens collar foot, or on the camera base. It vibrated MUCH less when the L bracket was clamped to the ball head in landscape (did not test portrait). That surprised me too, but it was more logical that the camera was vibrating, not the lens and that needed to be attached to the ballhead & legs. Using the hand on the lens technique resolved the second issue.
http://www.naturephotographers.net/ejp0801-1.html

If you are going to Arca Swiss plates (good decision) may I make a strong recommendation for the lever clamp from RRS. I am really impressed with how this speeds up plate adjustment and speed for switching from landscape to portrait. Also it provides a visible and tactile assurance that the clamp is fully closed.
Mike K

[Jack W.]

No experience on that tripod, but I just got the RRS BH-40 ballhead. I use it with a Wimberley Sidekick to mount my 20D+300f/2.8L IS+a TC. Get the model with the lever release; it's worth the extra few bucks.
This setup is so nice I ordered the same for my wife to use with her 20D+100-400L IS.
I've also ordered 2 of their lever release clamps to put on our monopods, and their camera plates for our 20D's.
I have the lens plate for my 300 from Wimberley, and have more ordered for my 300f/4L IS, and of course for my wife's 100-400. But I'm sure the plates from RRS are fine.
If you can, add the Sidekick; it's an absolute pleasure to use.
Jack

[blonde]

oh yeah i forgot to add that i will be ordering one clamp release with the lever and spirit bubble. i am also going to order a regular clamp release for my monopod.

[TammieO]

I love my RRS ballhead, but I prefer the Wimberly plates because they're a little longer.