tripod + head for sigma 150-500?

[joroco]

Hi, I have absolutely no clue at all about what to look for, I need a tripod to hold the sigma 150-500 but I'm worried about buying something that might not be able to hold the weight. Can anyone help/give me tips on what I should get or should be looking for when buying my first tripod? Also looking for an extender, either the 1.4x or 2x for the sigma, anyone know if the AF still works and also what extender fits? is it this: http://global.ebay.com/Sigma_APO_TeleConverter_14x_DG_AF_For_Canon_/250460860978/item ? Thanks, John

[mleone]

Take a look here (http://bythom.com/support.htm)

Thats a great write up picking a tripod. With that said you can look at a Gitzo GT2531 with a RRS 40, there abouts many link sized spec'ed heads - Or a manfrotto 055xprob.

The TC x1.4 or x2 will lose AF on all non-1d bodies. 5D's (mark I and II), 50/40/30/20D and all 400/500d's (and others) will only do AF on lens f/5.6 <. The 1D line will uses center point AF on f/8 lens.

[joroco]

Hi,

Ok, thanks for that. I think I will go for the Manfrotto 055xprob (due to it's price).
What heads "fit" with that for canon 450d + Bigmos? Would it be worth getting a Gimbal mount style head for the tripod? Are they "better"?

Just seen this on special offer: Gitzo G1377M Series 3 Centre Ball Head
Would that be any good and would it fit on the manfrotto?

As for the converter, Bigmos is 5-6.3, does that mean I can only use auto focus if I set the f-stop at 5? if it goes above (for example, using one of the different modes on the camera like P) I will loose AF?

[katodog]

Cullman Magensit 35Nm. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/511750-REG/Cullmann_CU_40200_Magnesit_35_Nm_Ballhead.html)


My thread on it (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=675097&highlight=cullman)



I own the Cullman and it is perfect for the Bigmos. It holds it perfectly, and the tension adjustment allows for easy motion without sag. I can put my Bigmos and a gripped body on it with no problems. I can ever put a pair of Stellarvue 20-85mm binoculars on it with no issues.

You won't find another ball head that will hold as much weight for the same price.


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Cull005.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Cull006.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Cull007.jpg

[joroco]

Is there any thing listed here that would fit the manfrotto? http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductsList~categoryID~149.html I could do with getting it from here so i don't have to pay stupid amounts of import tax.. I'm always so nervous about picking something just in case something doesn't fit with something else..

[katodog]

Ball heads are universal, as long as you have a 3/8" bolt on top of your tripod, any ball head will fit. Finding a ball head to hold the weight of the Bigmos without breaking the bank is not a simple task though.

[joroco]

Ok, that's good to know..
So, if you were me what of these do you think is good? I obviously want movement so I can spin, look up/down and lock reasonably fast. I can't really spend more than £115 on the head.. so anything up to that.
http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/productslist~categoryid~149~sub~Ball+Heads+includi ng+Hydrostatic+Heads~selection~.html

[asty80]

I have the SLIK 700DX..holds a ton of weight and is sturdy as hell..check it out..

[joroco]

Ok, had a quick look and can't see it listed there but they do have the Slik 800 Ball Head
Holds the weight I need and is well priced.. just wondering now though is it going to &quot;slip&quot; or &quot;move&quot; around or will it hold real steady to get good shots? Does anyone own one or used one before? I'm going to be ordering a remote control, probably with a wire and not wireless.. so I won't be touching the camera and causing any movement..

[katodog]

You need to remember that the weight load ratings on balls heads is when the equipment is upright. When it is at an angle, the weight load is different. A ball head that holds 15 pounds isn't going to hold the Bigmos too well when it's at an angle. They don't give ratings for off-axis load, only static load, which means when the ball head is level and the equipment on it is level. To hold that kind of weight you'll be tightening the lock knob so the gear doesn't slip, which then limits your ability to have any motion in the head. Shooting wildlife, you want some motion so you can keep tracking the subject.

[joroco]

if i chose one that holds about 10kg (22lbs).. that would be ok wouldn't it? Something I am really concerned about is the thing snapping off and my equipment falling to the ground with big loud bang.. for example this one: http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~8059~categoryid~149.html

[asty80]

This is the link for the SLIK PRO 700 DX...for whatever reaason, its named different in amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/615-315-Professional-Photo-Tripod-Panhead/dp/B0002EXF38/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1249669312&sr=8-1

[DeaconG]

I have the 055XPROB with a 488RC2 ballhead. It holds my gripped 50D plus the Bigmos quite well.

[joroco]

The holder at the bottom of bigmos, does that fit on a round ball head top or do i need to buy something else? Would it go on http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~productID~4393~categoryid~158.html ?
Or is that ball head to hold the camera and not the lens? Please help I'm really confused about what to get.. I would like to order something today so I can test it out next weekend...

[Jon]

Yes it will. Both camera and lens mounts are 1/4"-20 pitch threads - it's a standard for the 35 mm and smaller formats.

[joroco]

ok, fantastic, thanks.. I will go a head now and start ordering my new tripod :)