Which is your prefered tripod for that heavy long lens?

I was taking picture of moon high in the sky with Canon 600mm hooked to 30D via a x2 extender. So hard to keep the tripod head steady in fact my ball head grip (Weifeng WT 011H - Max load of 8.8lbs)was almost to break and I had to change the tripod to complete the assignment (This tripod works fine if the lens is close to horizontal level and not significantly angeled).

What is the suggested tripod head that let me fine tuning and can hold the monster lens?

I am looking now at Weifeng WT007H Max load of 11 lbs or Manfrotto 3055 Ball Head Max load 17.6 lbs. Do you have any suggestion on these or any other tripod head that doesn't break the bank account and still is steady and reliable in holding weight at every angle?

I'd go with a Gitzo 1325 with a Wimberly head
http://www.tripodhead.​com/products/wimberley​-main.cfm

I use the Manfrotto 3421 gimbal head on top of a 475B tripod to support my Sigmonster.... works well and cheap too.

Romy

samsen wrote:
I was taking picture of moon high in the sky with Canon 600mm hooked to 30D via a x2 extender. So hard to keep the tripod head steady in fact my ball head grip (Weifeng WT 011H - Max load of 8.8lbs)was almost to break and I had to change the tripod to complete the assignment (This tripod works fine if the lens is close to horizontal level and not significantly angeled).

What is the suggested tripod head that let me fine tuning and can hold the monster lens?

I am looking now at Weifeng WT007H Max load of 11 lbs or Manfrotto 3055 Ball Head Max load 17.6 lbs. Do you have any suggestion on these or any other tripod head that doesn't break the bank account and still is steady and reliable in holding weight at every angle?

I'd use my Bogen/Manfrotto 3051 tripod leg set and my Bogen/Manfrotto 410 (3275) geared head. The combination is rock-solid and, with the geared head, very tiny adjustments in pointing the rig are simple.

I guess the legs are your choice, just make sure you pick a set that will hold the load. I use Manfrotto carbon fiber to keep the weight down when I have to walk to setup.

As for a head - I use the Manfrotto 501 fluid head. I got there after trying to use a 3-way head with a Canon 600mm for motorsports. Every time it tried to pan (even slightly), it would chatter, and I would miss the shot. The fluid head moves very smoothly, and the drag can be controlled in both directions.

I know there are a lot of Wimberley fans out there, but I use 2 tripods, each with a 501, and they work great for me. Two Wimberley setups would require a mortgage. . .

Have Fun,