Tripod for 500 f4

What tripods are people using to support the Canon 500 f4 ?
At the moment I have a manfrotto 190 Nat3 which I doubt will be man enough for this lens..
I have ordered a wimberley head , just need advice on a suitable(but not too heavy) tripod..

I use the Gitzo GT3542LS

I have a Gitzo 5532LS which to be honest is overkill, but I do use it for other heavier things too. The 3 series gitzos will handle it easily.

Also, think about a levelling head if you're using a gimbal, it makes a big difference.

Just looked up the specs of my manfrotto 190 nat3 on Google and it appears to have an 11 kg load rating so I am sure that should handle a 500 f4 on a 6D...

update...
It appears to only have a 5kg rating so no good at all...will be looking for something more secure..

don1163 wrote in post #17773617
Just looked up the specs of my manfrotto 190 nat3 on Google and it appears to have an 11 kg load rating so I am sure that should handle a 500 f4 on a 6D...

Firstly forget tripod specifications - there is no standard and some makers overrate their product whilst others a very conservative! My Manfrottos could be pushed down by hand when locked. I have tried three Gitzo 3 series tripods (rated at between 12 and 18 Kilos) and all could happily support me at over 100 Kilos! Specifications mean nothing!
I used to have a Manfrotto 55 Pro which was barely adequate for my 400mm - I would not consider the smaller 190 as suitable for any 500mm lens.
The problem is not the weight - it's the focal length. The longer the focal length the stiffer (and better damped) the tripod you need and, after spending all that money on a lens, you don't want to cripple it with an inadequate tripod! I would suggest that a 3 series Gitzo Carbon Systematic would be perfect for your uses. They are very expensive but will not need to be replaced. I made the mistake of buying a couple of Manfrottos (55 and 190), I finally bit the bullet and got my first Gitzo - the Manfrottos were gone in short order.
If current Gitzo/RRS prices are too salty then have a look on the used market, they can be very cheap - sometimes. The older non ALR Gitzo models are great and the same weight or lighter tan the latest ones. I picked up a nice condition Gitzo G1329 Mk2 (Carbon 3 series systematic) for £100 (UK) a few years ago. It was more than up to my (then) Canon 600 F4 L IS.
Happy tripod hunting!

I find my Manfrotto 190 CF suitable for all kinds of things on the lightweight side, it's my most-used tripod. Using it with a super-telephoto isn't one of them. In addition to not quite steady enough, the legs don't spread quite wide enough; a long lens feels like a lot of weight that would be easy to kick over.

Like johnf3f I too have an older Gitzo Series 3, and it is just what I need for the long lens. (150-600mm) Your Wimberly head would work great on something like that. The modern Gitzo CF line is really good.

OTOH I've also used heavier Manfrotto tripods, they're fine for what they are and a good value. IMO it really comes down to the individual model you're looking at and what you want to put on it... and how much you're willing to spend.

don1163 wrote in post #17773617
Just looked up the specs of my manfrotto 190 nat3 on Google and it appears to have an 11 kg load rating so I am sure that should handle a 500 f4 on a 6D...

Simply put, no tripod manufacturer's maximum load rating is developed using an industry-standardized test (because there is none).

In addition, a statement of what weight might break the tripod says absolutely nothing about how rigid it might be when used with a given camera/lens combination.

I have heard some good advice here and am going to look for something a bit more sturdy...probably the Gitzo series..
Many thanks for everyones advice , I dont fancy using an inadequate tripod and having an expensive lens take a tumble...

If you can afford Gitzo, go for it. They are very good. However I am using Benro products and so far I am very happy with. Benro C4770TN is way better than my former Manfrotto 055. Mine is used under a bit heavier 400/2.8 lens.

IMAGE LINK: https://imageshack.com​/i/id5EvCNuj

if you can't afford a gitzo. Siuri, fiesol, induro and benro (last 2 are the same company but the induor's seem to be a little bit more upscale) all make very good tripods that will hold your lens for about half (or less) than the gitzo.

I own a Induro AT 413 tripod and a manfroto 3031 tripod.
There is no comparison, the Induro makes the manfroto feel cheap.
The Induro tripod is rated at 44 lbs load capacity.
I also us the induro gimble
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lloy_8M_AT413_T​ripod.html

Mini review manfroto vs induro
https://video.search.y​ahoo.com …c0348d0080a3c&a​ction=view

farmer1957 wrote in post #17775867
I own a Induro AT 413 tripod and a manfroto 3031 tripod.
There is no comparison, the Induro makes the manfroto feel cheap.
The Induro tripod is rated at 44 lbs load capacity.
I also us the induro gimble
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lloy_8M_AT413_T​ripod.html

Mini review manfroto vs induro
https://video.search.y​ahoo.com …c0348d0080a3c&a​ction=view

I like the look of the Induro tripod and it has good specs...only thing I am not keen on is the twist locks on the legs.I much prefer the lever locks...

Don,

You will change your mind re- the leg locks. I know I did.
Some years back I hated twist locks, but first Gitzo and now most of the good Asian brands have come a Loooooooooong way with the anti twist legs locks. They are truly fantastic and sturdy and easy to use.

I replied in the 500mm thread as well, but I'll echo Farmer Ted here again and suggest looking for local Induro dealers. They just in the past few months replaced their whole line, so if you can find "last years model" it should be at a good close out price. The new ones all include the word "stealth" no anything without it might and up being a great bargain. Around here the old deals are mostly gone, but you may get lucky.

this one is comparable to an $900.00 plus Gitzo in construction and function;

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1440749

Here' the comparable Gitzo at nearly $1K
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Systematic_4_Se​ction.html

I have the old Gitzo 1327 got rid of the center column and added base plate and a movo gimbal head.

don1163 wrote in post #17776056
I like the look of the Induro tripod and it has good specs...only thing I am not keen on is the twist locks on the legs.I much prefer the lever locks...

When I had the Manfrotto 190 and 055 (flip/lever locks) I could push them down by hand. Until recently I had 3 Gitzo 3 series tripods (twist locks) all could support me at about 105 kilos yet they were only "rated" for 12 or 18 kilos. If you REALLY want lever leg locks then get good "All Risks" insurance is my advice.

Honestly twist locks are much easier to use, especially in the cold, as well as being faster and much more secure. If you decide to go with a Gitzo tripod (seeing as you live in the UK this is what I would suggest) then you don't (shouldn't) need to tighten the leg lock much. Just a thought but is there a high quality tripod that uses flip/lever locks?

The only downside to twist locks is that some of them can be more fiddly to clean if you get sand/grit in them - but it is far from Rocket science!