Tripod to support 70-200mm

Hey guys, I plan to buy a 70-200mm because I've been going to local parks and trails lately and have been wanting to get some animal shots. However before I pick up the lens I'd like to have a tripod that will go well with it.

I'd obviously be carrying it around a lot, so weight would be a factor, but however what's more important is price. I wouldn't want to go anywhere above a $300 price tab, mostly because I'm poor and the lens itself will put me in the poor house.

I'd really like to hear some recommendations in regards to good support/movement with this lens, I really don't plan to ever go bigger than that. There's so many options and choices it's really overwhelming.

Thanks everyone.

i have 70-200 lens and never use a tripod, if your shooting stationary things fine

but if you want to shoot things like animals they won't wait for you to get ready

take your tripod budget and get the IS version of the lens.

my 2 cents

I have the tripod below and its great. I don't have that ball head, but total weight of those 2 are around 4 lbs. Its about 1 lb lighter than the aluminum version. I have no trouble carrying that around.

Cost? Under 3 bills after rebate.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Carbon_Fiber_T​ripod.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C2_Compact_Ball​_Head.html

If you can take an extra lb, you can get the one below. Comes with a bag and possible rebate.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …560847-REG/Manfrotto.html

FJ LOVE wrote in post #10844846
i have 70-200 lens and never use a tripod, if your shooting stationary things fine

but if you want to shoot things like animals they won't wait for you to get ready

take your tripod budget and get the IS version of the lens.

my 2 cents

^^^^^ +1
I have the IS version of this lens, and have only used it on a tripod once. ... That was a PITA, so I've never used it on a tripod since. The lens is very usable hand-held. At most, you may want to use a monopod. If you plan on moving around on hiking trails, it's a lot easier to collapse a single pole than to collapse a tripod.

BTW, you may get more input in the lens forum.

Craig in LA wrote in post #10844916
BTW, you may get more input in the lens forum.

Even more help in the Accessories and Storage forum...

I use http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Aluminum_Tripod​_Legs.html

and a Manfrotto 488RC2 head but not for critters. I hand hold my 70-200/2.8 IS and find it quite easy. It's not that heavy and the IS works wonders.

I use the adorama flash point

I have a benro tripod ill sell you.....

what about a monopod?

spitfirejd wrote in post #10845519
Even more help in the Accessories and Storage forum...

Oh wow oops, complete accident I didn't mean to post this topic in here. My bad.

Check second hand CF sticks on the Selling Forum and on Craigslist.

Kooper wrote in post #10844799
Hey guys, I plan to buy a 70-200mm because I've been going to local parks and trails lately and have been wanting to get some animal shots. However before I pick up the lens I'd like to have a tripod that will go well with it.

I'd obviously be carrying it around a lot, so weight would be a factor, but however what's more important is price. I wouldn't want to go anywhere above a $300 price tab, mostly because I'm poor and the lens itself will put me in the poor house.

I'd really like to hear some recommendations in regards to good support/movement with this lens, I really don't plan to ever go bigger than that. There's so many options and choices it's really overwhelming.

Thanks everyone.

The appropriate tripod for this would be a minimum of Series 2 class Gitzo. For your case, I think you could be quite happy with the Feisol 3442 (Check me on the part number) and I think it is right around $300.

You absolutely can track moving animals and objects on a tripod with a good ballhead that has good friction control (i.e. Markins is a good example). IS does not replace a tripod by any stretch and if you look at the images closely, you will see the difference. That is not to say that can't get a good image handholding but, on average, you will do much better with good support.

There are also specific gimbal heads that are designed for just that instance too.

For good light and sports, most use a monopod. For anything other than good light you will need decent support.

J.

Don't buy cheap. No honestly, one little regret I have regarding my tripod was wasting my time buying a cheap one and then discovering the joys of a gitzo and a quality ballhead and plates. Sure it costs a bit of money but in the long term it's a bit of kit you won't really need to replace, will have under your belt, and will really help your photography given it should make your set up more stable.