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SurfKahakai
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 11:14
Well I'm moving up from my 100-300mm to the 100-400mm L and I need to get a better tripod. I've got a friend with some Bogen legs he's giving me for $50 but I need to choose a head. The majority of my pictures are of surfing but I do some skateboard photography as well. What do you folks think my best bet is? My budget is about $300 for everything.
Danny Boy
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 11:25
I know it is not a tripod but I use the 100-400mm L on a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod (680B). I use this for my daughter's soccer and softball and it seems to be a good setup.

Dan
Jon
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 11:50
On a tripod, the 486 or 488 ball heads are good (preferably with a quick-release plate - RC2 is popular). It'll also work well on a monopod, for which, with the tripod collar, you don't absolutely need a head.
SurfKahakai
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 11:51
I thought about a monopod but I don't like the fact that I have to hold it at all times. Plus, when shooting on a pier I'd be a little scared that it was going to slip into the water.
SurfKahakai
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 12:09
Just found this...anyone use it? Would it be enough for the heavy 100-400L?

http://www.binoculars.com/products/BogenManfrotto_Pro_Ball_Head_wRC2_Rapid_Connect_Pl ate_3157N_23703.html
Jon
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 12:19
Overkill. The 486RC2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272449&is=REG) or 488RC2 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=272779&is=REG) would be ample.
SurfKahakai
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 12:27
I think you're right but I always get worried that I'm going to outgrow the things I buy so I buy "overkill" items. But the 100-400 is going to be my biggest lens for quite some time (becoming a poor college student soon) so I think it will work for me.

Thanks.

Ben
Jon
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 12:58
The 488RC2's rated at 17.6 lb. Should handle a 1D II with the 600 f/4 on it, if your tripod will.
jyrgen
19th of May 2005 (Thu), 14:26
488RC2 works well for me.
scottbergerphoto
20th of May 2005 (Fri), 07:31
www.acratech.net The Ultimate Ballhead
MarkoPolo
20th of May 2005 (Fri), 07:50
I use my Kirk BH-3 all the time with the 100-400. It's plenty stable and gets you into the Arca type plate which is a great long term choice.
acroutzet
21st of May 2005 (Sat), 22:16
I have used the 488RC2 with a rented 100-400 and it worked great. Recommended.