Recommend a CF Tripod? I searched!!! birds, heavy lenses

Hey all, Im heading to B+H today!!!

I did a search so please be nice.

Im looking for a heavy duty CARBON FIBER tripod to shot birds, and wildlife. I have a 100-400 and plan on getting a 600 some day. I would like it to be over rated for extra stability.

I looked at the Gitzo Mountaineer series. I believe its a 2540. Will this one be up to par with a 600? Im planning for the future.

Weight is not to much of an issue, I'm fit and have a helper(Wife) usually. I would rather it be heavy than whimpy.

Also heads? I looked at a Bogen 468-2. Is this good? Will it support the 600?

What is the difference between Gitzo and Bogen? Is Gitzo that much better?

Thanks!! We leave in a few, I will have my iPod Touch to check your recommendations.

All the information I found on tirpods confused me so I bought based on weight bearing only. My Gitzo 3530 is rated for 20+ lbs, don't remember the exact rating, and is rock solid with the 40D and 100-400 but may be a little overkill for my equipment. I had had several lightweight wobbly tripods and I wanted to buy one that would be the last tripod I ever bought. Last week I found some information on the Really Right Stuff website that gave examples of equipment that could be used with various tripods and if I had found that info before I bought I might have bought a different tripod. Check out their website and it might help you make your decision.

There are tripod experts here that I'm sure will help but in short... no. Tripod stability isn't based (solely on) weight of your rig but also the focal length. Gitzo themselves say that if you're at 400mm or over, you should go to a 35xx series. Gitzo is that much better.

Without a doubt, you should be looking at the 3 series Gitzo. the particular model depends on your preferences and needs. The 3 series will be able to handle your future 600. When it to heads, you need to consider top notch ballheads from Markins and RRS. When you get the 600 a Wimberely gimbal setup is a must.

Ok we are on our way to NYC!!

Im sure B+H will help-confuse(to much stuff) me some.

Thanks again.

Wimberly eh? Sounds fancy!! I will look at them too.

Heffe wrote in post #5920981
Ok we are on our way to NYC!!

Im sure B+H will help-confuse(to much stuff) me some.

Thanks again.

Wimberly eh? Sounds fancy!! I will look at them too.

prepare to shell out the cashola.

Ok we turned around, forgot a few things. Oh well we will go tomorrow instead. Its only 90 miles. One road.

Ok will the 35XX Gitzo series matched with a Wimberly head be the, "be all end all" tripod set up?

I dont mind spending the money if its high quality. I would rather buy once, and not want something better. Thanks again for making me broke.

I was looking for something similar, and what I decided on was:

- Gitzo GT3541 tripod legs
- Markins M20-NQS ballhead
- RRS B2 LRII QR system with a set of plates for camera, couple of lenses, and Newton camera bracket.

This combination is relatively lightweight for what it supports, and it will support anything I throw at it...And I'm trying not to think about the cost!

The Gitzo 35XX series tripods is OK but if you really want a good tripod for the 600 (I'm assuming you meant the 600 f/4), my recommendation is to go with the Gitzo 55xx series tripods. The 55xx tripod will also meet your "over rated for extra stability" requirement.

Heffe wrote in post #5921376
Ok we turned around, forgot a few things. Oh well we will go tomorrow instead. Its only 90 miles. One road.

Ok will the 35XX Gitzo series matched with a Wimberly head be the, "be all end all" tripod set up?

I dont mind spending the money if its high quality. I would rather buy once, and not want something better. Thanks again for making me broke.

just make sure that u will want to carry this around everytime u need ur tripod.

Heffe wrote in post #5921376
Ok we turned around, forgot a few things. Oh well we will go tomorrow instead. Its only 90 miles. One road.

Ok will the 35XX Gitzo series matched with a Wimberly head be the, "be all end all" tripod set up?

I dont mind spending the money if its high quality. I would rather buy once, and not want something better. Thanks again for making me broke.

I hope you are having whatever you buy shipped.....shipping is cheap realtive to NYC/NYS sales taxes.

jrsforums wrote in post #5922623
I hope you are having whatever you buy shipped.....shipping is cheap realtive to NYC/NYS sales taxes.

That was going to be my statement. Why drive there, and back, deal with the traffic and nightmares of 9th ave. when you can have it delivered?

It'd be much easier...unless, of course, you are going to 'experience' the B&H store...well, then it's all a moot point.

inthedeck wrote in post #5923134
That was going to be my statement. Why drive there, and back, deal with the traffic and nightmares of 9th ave. when you can have it delivered?

It'd be much easier...unless, of course, you are going to 'experience' the B&H store...well, then it's all a moot point.

Experiencing the store, as you say, is worth the trip. Also, it is not a bad idea to "touch & feel" the tripod(s) to ensure you can work with it.

Then go home and order online

Thanks it will save about 80$(thats a remote switch+) having it shipped. Yes I have to touch it before I buy it!!

We go to NYC a few times a month. We like it there, call us crazy!!

Thanks guys!!

It's an awesome store. Never not busy. They do have 'free' parking, if you buy something in the store, which would be about half the cost of shipping. Then you'd add the shipping, time, gas, etc. Just buy it there....if you happen to be driving...that's my honest opinion. I do know other places that'll hook you up if you take greens...but, it's downtown. Enjoy the trip.