Gitzo Tripod/Head Help

[Michael15]

Well I made a mistake and went with a cheapo for my first tripod....A recent trip out to Anza-Borrega desert almost prove to be a disaster as my tripod just failed... I'm ready to do it right this time and have done some searches on threads posted in this section and have at least determined that I will go with a Gitzo. Here is my setup and what I will be shooting.

-1dMkIIn, 70-200f2.8, 300 f2.8, possible 500 f4, 17-40l.

-I like doing a ton of sports stuff and have a gitzo mono for most of that. I'm also getting into macro and portrait photography.

- I'm planning on purchasing a 500 or at least renting one a few times this year so I'd like the tripod/head combo to be able to manage that.

- I'm also planning on doing some moderate hiking in Colorado for landscapes, macro and maybe some wildlife.

- I've read up on the Gitzo 35xx series...not sure if I need the center leg. I'm 5'8.

- I've also looked at the Markins M20....just want to make sure its not to much overkill.

I'm trying to get one tripod that will cover 90% of the situations described above. Hopefully I can do that. Thanks for the suggestions.

[jhom]

Given the lenses you intend to use, the minimum would be a 3 series Gitzo. The 3541LS would probably suit you well. The M20 would be a good complement to it. The only consideration is whether you will need a Wimberely gimbal setup. This would come in quite handy when using the 500. You can use a Sidekick if a full gimbal is not what you want.

[Michael15]

Given the lenses you intend to use, the minimum would be a 3 series Gitzo. The 3541LS would probably suit you well. The M20 would be a good complement to it. The only consideration is whether you will need a Wimberely gimbal setup. This would come in quite handy when using the 500. You can use a Sidekick if a full gimbal is not what you want.

Thanks. When I looked at the Markins website they have the M20 holding a 800mm nikon. Not sure how stable that would be. I have no idea what a "Sidekick" is though??

[Todd Lambert]

Do you want 3 legs or 4? If folded size is a concern, go for the 3541 otherwise, you'll get more stability and quicker to use, with the 3531.

[Michael15]

Do you want 3 legs or 4? If folded size is a concern, go for the 3541 otherwise, you'll get more stability and quicker to use, with the 3531.


When you say 4 legs your referring to the center leg? I really don't know if I will need as the tripod will be tall enough as is. Does it add significant stability?

[Quizzical_Squirrel]

I'm 5'6" and use the 3531 and the height is fine for me

Todd's referring to the leg sections - you'll be needing to choose between the stability advantage of three leg section version (3531) versus the smaller fold-up size of the four leg section version (3541)

[Mike K]

I agree that you want a tripod with at least a 8+kg (18lb) capacity. Each manufacture measures these numbers totally differently, so they are very approximate. The issue is if your head is not robust enough it won't hold a large lens securely (slip), and if the tripod too flimsy it will visibly flex with that much weight making it hard to compose.

I agree with a 500/f4 or larger lens that a Wimberley sidekick should be contemplated at some point, but for sports which happen on mostly a horizontal plane, it may not be necessary. A caution when using this with a Markins or other ballhead where the clamp is held on with just locktight. The sidekick can act as a lever arm and tend to loosen the clamp screw from the ballhead stem. Some designs like RRS have an internal tab to prevent clamp rotation even if the ballhead stem screw loosens.
Mike K

[Todd Lambert]

Yes, Squirrel has it right.. I meant leg sections, not legs... sorry.

I went with the 3531 because I liked not having to have another section of legs to deal with each time setting up and breaking down. It's 3 less turns you have to do.

I am 5' 9" and have no problems with the 3531.

[Michael15]

Thanks.

So the Wimbley is a whole diff piece of equipment than the Markins M20? The sidekick connects to the M20? Sorry if this is another rehash...Anyone have pics??

[jhom]

Thanks.

So the Wimbley is a whole diff piece of equipment than the Markins M20? The sidekick connects to the M20? Sorry if this is another rehash...Anyone have pics??

Yes, the Wimberley gimbal is a whole different piece of equipment that you mount on to the tripod for the super tele lenses. Here is a link to them: http://www.tripodhead.com/

Depending on the long lens, you may what to use a Sidekick instead of a full gimbal. The Sidekick will mount on to a ballhead.

The Wimberley makes super teles much easier to use.

Here is a shot of my Gitzo 3541LS with a full Wimberley gimbal:

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/4139/wimberley3541ls.jpg

[Mike K]

Wimberley sidekick

http://www.tripodhead.com/products/sidekick-main.cfm

The ball head is in the groove and the ball head pan control is for L/R movement, while the sidekick pivot is for the up/down pivot. Both the sidekick and the full Wimberley head require the use of Arca Swiss style plates (on the lens foot and/or camera) and clamps (for the tripod head) from a manufacture like Kirk, Wimberley, Real Right Stuff, Acratech or several other suppliers.
Mike K

[Michael15]

Thank you!