Lensmaster T1

AdamSi · 18 Mar 2017

I am looking for a smal lightweight gimbal style head for my 2 series gitzo explorer and this T1 looks ideal, it would be used with my Nikon D500 and 300 2.8VR II and occasionally 85mm spotting scope although I have gitzo fluid head for that, anyone else have a T1 that can comment?

johnf3f · 18 Mar 2017

I also use a 300 F2.8 (Canon), Gitzo 2 series and a Lensmaster head! However I use the RH1 and find it pretty good too. I haven't used the head that you mention so I cannot comment, but the RH1 will certainly do the job.

If you are in doubt E Mail Rob at Lensmaster - he is a very helpful gut and his backup is excellent!

As to your spotting scope? I have had little luck with either my RH1 or Wimberley 2 - Gimbals just don't work with scopes for me!

AdamSi · 18 Mar 2017

johnf3f said:
I also use a 300 F2.8 (Canon), Gitzo 2 series and a Lensmaster head! However I use the RH1 and find it pretty good too. I haven't used the head that you mention so I cannot comment, but the RH1 will certainly do the job.

If you are in doubt E Mail Rob at Lensmaster - he is a very helpful gut and his backup is excellent!

As to your spotting scope? I have had little luck with either my RH1 or Wimberley 2 - Gimbals just don't work with scopes for me!

Thanks John appreciate the response, it's looks like I'll stick to my gitzo safari fluid head then for scope but think I'll order the T1 especially since the kirk replacement foot is shallower than the Nikon one so centre of balance should be ok

johnf3f · 18 Mar 2017

I believe the T1 is well up to lenses like your or my 300 F2.8 but just drop Rob a line if you have any doubts.

Coyon · 19 Mar 2017

I have a T1 I use with my Tamron 150-600 and I like it a lot. I think weight wise it would be fine with your 300 2.8. The only thing I would check is whether the distance between the base of the tripod mount (with arca swiss plate if required) to the axis of the lens is about the same as the distance between the T1's mount to central axis distance. That's the only real down side of the side mounting on the T1- if you have a lens with a very tall tripod foot it'll be a bit off balance.
Service is also good from Rob at Lensmaster and he was happy to provide some extra arca swiss plates (which seem decent quality) at a very reasonable price.

AdamSi · 19 Mar 2017

Coyon said:
I have a T1 I use with my Tamron 150-600 and I like it a lot. I think weight wise it would be fine with your 300 2.8. The only thing I would check is whether the distance between the base of the tripod mount (with arca swiss plate if required) to the axis of the lens is about the same as the distance between the T1's mount to central axis distance. That's the only real down side of the side mounting on the T1- if you have a lens with a very tall tripod foot it'll be a bit off balance.
Service is also good from Rob at Lensmaster and he was happy to provide some extra arca swiss plates (which seem decent quality) at a very reasonable price.

Thanks Dan, I'll do some measuring but with the kirk replacement foot the distance from arca plate to centre of lens is less than standard foot so hopefully will be perfect fit

Son_of_Thor · 24 Apr 2017

@AdamSi - Did you go with the T1 in the end and if so how have you got on with it? I'm thinking of one of these for use with a Nikon 200-500..

AdamSi · 24 Apr 2017

@Son_of_Thor no I did not order one in the end but wished I had before Scotland trip

johnf3f · 24 Apr 2017

Son_of_Thor said:
@AdamSi - Did you go with the T1 in the end and if so how have you got on with it? I'm thinking of one of these for use with a Nikon 200-500..

The T1 should be more than up to the job of supporting your Nikon 200-500. For what it is the 200-500 is quite a light lens and should present this head with few challenges. If you are in any doubt drop Rob a line, he is a very helpful guy.

Son_of_Thor · 25 Apr 2017

Cheers for your input guys.. I'm a little concerned with a side-mount gimbal whether the centre of the lens will be directly over the centre of the ball head/tripod for balance. I'll drop Rob a line to get his thoughts..

johnf3f · 25 Apr 2017

Son_of_Thor said:
Cheers for your input guys.. I'm a little concerned with a side-mount gimbal whether the centre of the lens will be directly over the centre of the ball head/tripod for balance. I'll drop Rob a line to get his thoughts..

I can tell you that it's slightly larger brother, the RH1, works well with my Canon 300 F2.8 and 1DX or 7D2 if it helps. Note I believe they come with a short and a long QR plate which is very handy for balancing.