Which tripod?

Hey everyone,

I've been trying to work out which tripod I should buy for use with my Canon 400 2.8 is and a wimberley head.

I'm around 6'3" so I would prefer a taller tripod. I've been looking at the Gitzo but with out having the head or tripod its a little hard to judge which size would be right for me.

Local shops here don't cater for this part of the market, atleast not in my area, so I can't really try any out before hand.

Hopefully some members here can share there thoughts or experiences with this lens and which tripods worked for them

I'd like to have atleast eye level once its all setup.

cheers

Some extra info, size and weight I'm not really worried about (not since its going to be only used with the 400 anyway )

Price not over $1k otherwise getting one here can become a hassle and involve extra costs with import duties etc.

I have the Feisol 3441T. It's a terrific tripod, I've traveled with it to several countries and it's performed perfectly. Have stripped it down and cleaned it, no problems. It will extend to 65" without the center column raised. Check it at www.feisol.com.

The ballhead that I use is a Markins, and it works perfectly with these sticks. See this review. Photoclam makes knockoffs of the Markins which are cheaper but less stable.

It's Taiwanese and you should be able to get it without much trouble.

When tripods are $ 1 K + ... that is just wrong !!

Take a look at the Feisol 3471. I'm 6'4 and with my Opteka Gimbal it puts my camera at perfect eye level. (The smallest leg sections on the 3471 are the same size as the largest leg sections on the 3441T) If you are budgeting 1K for a tripod this should do nicely. If you don't mind spending a bit more the 3472 shaves a pound off the weight of the 3471.

Thanks guys,
Just checked them out and they seem a little light weight for my use, the 400 2.8 is not a light weight lens

Thinking about a Gitzo, any advice on which models?

The largest Feisol's would be good. If you are thinking about Gitzo, then the GT4542LS would be a good choice. I think it's a bit taller than the 3 series (which is also rated for 400mm lenses), but I'm not sure if the price is within your budget. No personal experience with either. The GT3542XLS is taller.

EL_PIC wrote in post #16140099
When tripods are $ 1 K + ... that is just wrong !!

My sentiments exactly..... until a few years later. I just spent a smallish fortune on an RRS tripod combo and one of their monopods and heads. I still have sticker shock but it lessens every time I'm out and about using them.

tvphotog wrote in post #16140063
The ballhead that I use is a Markins, and it works perfectly with these sticks. See this review. Photoclam makes knockoffs of the Markins which are cheaper but less stable.

Both the Markins and Photo Clam ballheads are knockoffs of the original Arca-Swiss B1 and its successor the Z1, but both don't have the patented A-S aspherical ball. The Photo Clam is actually a more accurate knockoff as it has the very useful indexed friction ring which is missing from the Markins. I've used both ballheads concurrently and didn't notice any difference in stability in the equivalent models that I used. I did feel that the Markins had a slightly better finish though.

Aus.Morgo wrote in post #16142526
Thanks guys,
Just checked them out and they seem a little light weight for my use, the 400 2.8 is not a light weight lens

Thinking about a Gitzo, any advice on which models?

I'm happily using the GT3541LS and a Jobu Black Widow gimbal for my 500 f/4 II. Current model's the 3542LS, although non-Systematic 3541s still seem to be available. So start there and look up. I know the 400's heavier than the 500, so it's possible the 3541LS or 3542LS might not be up to the 400 (rated 39 lb.).

i use the Gitzo 3542LS with a 500mm f4 IS v1 a Wimberley Head II and a 1Dx. Rock solid support! I also have the 3531 Mountaineer with the center column and I would strongly recommend the Systematic and stay away from center columns for long heavy lenses like the 400 f2.8.

When measuring the height of the tripod you are considering, take into account the height of the Wimberley Head plus the height of the camera on top of the tripod which could be as much as 12 inches. The current 3 Series Gitzo tripods are load rated for 55 lbs.

As I've just said on another tripod thread, I'm 6 ft 2 in and use a carbon fibre Manfrotto 055 with the centre column removed. With this I use a Markins M10 and an RRS lever quick release Arca Swiss clamp.

With my 5Dii I am very comfortable with the maximum height. But I should add that I use the tripod as an aid to composition and image quality more than an aid to personal comfort.

The higher weight rated Feisols can more than handle the 400 2.8 IS. This is from experience.

Aus.Morgo wrote in post #16142526
Thanks guys,
Just checked them out and they seem a little light weight for my use, the 400 2.8 is not a light weight lens

Thinking about a Gitzo, any advice on which models?

A friend of mine (who is considerably taller than you) uses the Gitzo 5541 however this is now no longer made and, frankly it's probably more than you need. I use my Gitzo 3530LS for Canon lenses up to 800mm and it's fine with them.
I would suggest you have a look at the new 4 series tripods as they can give you the height you need (my 3 series handles a 400 F2.8 with ease but would be a bit short for you).
Have a look at these:
http://www.gitzo.co.uk …ection-eye-level-gt4542ls
http://www.gitzo.co.uk …ection-eye-level-gt5542ls
http://www.gitzo.co.uk …ection-overhead-gt4552gts
They are all ridiculously expensive but perhaps you can find them cheaper locally. I certainly did, I payed less than the list price of the last one for 3 brand new Gitzos (3320BS, 3530LS, 2531), one used Carbon 1329Mk2 and a brand new 2541 Mono Pod - maybe Britain ain't such a ripoff?