Monopod or tripod

W1HWT

W1HWT

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Ian
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To all experience photographers,
Just two questions.... I am just doing my homework at this moment.
1). would you carry 600mm lens on a monopod or a tripod, for birding and wildlife In the fields or reserves.
2). What head would you use for a manfotto monopod and a tripod let's say to the max of £250. Pounds

Thanking you in advance and looking forward to your replies.
 
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Considering the tool you plan to carry, you are far under budget,
maybe you should hold and wait… would be a tripod anyway.
 
Thank you, for your advice, Kodiak
Sorry I Should of mentioned that I do have both monopod and 055 pro tripod.
 
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A 055 pro tripod is not the thing I would put under a 600mm anyway!
And I should think that your monopod is of the same caliber…
or not?
 
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The weight of a 600mm lens (5-6kg?) plus the weight of a gimbal could be pushing it a bit on a tripod with a 9kg Max limit, especially when leaning/applying weight onto the lens with your arm?
 
Thank you Kodiak and Carl,
With your valuable input. So what would your advice be on a tripod and a head to suit, also what prices would I be looking at?
 
I wouldn't want to use a 600mm prime on a monopod, I would certainly use a gimbal and the sturdiest of tripods I could afford ... a 600mm prime will be subject to all sorts of vibration and a cheap tripod will exaggerate those. I use a heavy duty Feisol carbon fibre tripod which is rock solid :)
 
Sorry, he didn't say it was a 600mm prime..???

People with a 600mm prime (f4) generally will have the budget to properly support it...
 
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Diving Pete said:
Sorry, he didn't say it was a 600mm prime..???
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Does it really make a difference?
The size and weight are still there…
even more when a zoom!
 
Diving Pete said:
Sorry, he didn't say it was a 600mm prime..???
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Well he didn't use the word "prime", true but neither did he say xx-600 so I think it was fair to assume from the wording of the post that it was a 600mm prime ... of course he may not have expressed himself correctly :)
 
Thank you kodiak, and Gramps for your input to my questions very help full.

Pete, sorry for not expressing my self correctly yes it would be a 600mm f4 prime lens Ho it's also a Nikon or Nikkor VR mark ll and at this moment I'm just doing my homework on what is best to suit this lens. Just to correct you I have not bought this lens as yet.

Thank you Kodiak and Gramps for your input
Kodiak, I found your links very interesting and with pictures thank you I also see what you mean to a level base.
Gramps, looking up info to this make of tripod do you know your model No as the prices do vary quite a lot in prices.
 
Thank you Gramps its one of the very expensive ones (the elite) but you have given a good starting point
 
gramps said:
It's the CT 3472 :)
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I have the CT 3372: three fat leg segments 37mm ∅
the 3472 has four leg segments (4th thinner) but is a few cm shorter for travel
 
Thank you Kodiak and yours is also the elite range like Gramps. I think this is way to go, a good tripod is a must. But what gimbal head?
 
Kodiak Qc said:
I have the CT 3372: three fat leg segments 37mm ∅
the 3472 has four leg segments (4th thinner) but is a few cm shorter for travel
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4th leg is substantial, not to be confused with typical flexing legs in cheaper tripods.
 
W1HWT said:
But what gimbal head?
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If it's within budget a Wimberley, otherwise it becomes more of a lottery ... I've had a Manfrotto 393, a Lensmaster and a Calumet Own brand and none came anywhere near the Wimberley for stability and reliability of use.
 
gramps said:
If it's within budget a Wimberley, otherwise it becomes more of a lottery ... I've had a Manfrotto 393, a Lensmaster and a Calumet Own brand and none came anywhere near the Wimberley for stability and reliability of use.
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Agree with Roger - I have similar .......... graduated up to the Wimberley, starting with the Lensmaster and then 393 ........ I have a big oldish Arca Swiss Ball Head, similar to the Z1 which I use for non-birding lens, and that will hold any lens but you do not have the flexibility of the Wimberley.

As far as a tripod goes you cannot beat the Gitzo CF, the Mountaineer Range ......... but all their tripods are just the best

Also go for a tripod that takes "Arca-Swiss" plates
 
If you are considering a 600mm f4 then a Gitzo 3 or 5 series with a wimberley head (Wh-200) is what you will end up with eventually...
This will cost approx 2nd hand £3-400 tripod, £3-400 head.
 
Just to add, if possible get a tripod that comes to your full using height without a centre column ... whilst most tripods come with a centre column, it serves to reduce the stability created by the three legs joining together - the CT3472 is such a tripod :)
 
Sorry I'm a bit late in responding back to you all, but it has been a busy day in work.

First of all thank you, Kodiak, Gramps, Bill, Pete for your valuable input and it is very much appreciated. Also wow you have given me some homework to do.

Gramps what did you not like Calumet own brand?
Bill & Gramps what did you not like about the manfotto 393?

As I was looking at these makes with a possibility of trying them out with a tripod that has been mentioned when I got my lens.
But I do agree with you all that a good tripod is a must to take the weight.
 
W1HWT said:
Gramps what did you not like Calumet own brand?
Bill & Gramps what did you not like about the manfotto 393?
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Manfrotto for me got in the way, I much prefer the 'J' shape of the Wimberley which gives me clearance for my left hand on/around the lens.
The Calumet just didn't have the stability that I get from the Wimberley ... nothing came close to it for a solid but easily moveable mount :)
 
W1HWT said:
Bill & Gramps what did you not like about the manfotto 393?
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I found the 393 very good and I still use it, and the price is very attractive ....... it uses it's own plates, (not Arca Swiss) which is a bit of a negative if you want to standardise on plates, (I have a few tripods and heads), ... and I just needed more support and control for the Nikon 600mm f4

Look at buying used both Gitzo and Wimberley last forever
 
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I also had & still have the 393 (had 2 at one point - lol).
Since I got the wim I don't see me ever see me using it again.
It is fine but built to a price point. The win is very expensive but look at the cost of the lens you are putting on it....
Supporting your lens correctly is far more important. I use mine with a 400mm.
 
Ok I'm now back with you, after travelling with work.

Well Gramps, Bill and Pete its looks like a Wimberley Head, all the way.
I will be looking on the web now at all the tripods you have given me.

Yes Pete you are right supporting the lens is more important than penny pinching.

the only problem I have now is....... How much more washing up plus the hoovering and not to forget the ironing I have to do :(

Thank you all very much for your help and guidance it is very much appreciated. I will let you all know when I get everything which should be in a week or so. Or If you do know of any tripod mentioned and wimberley head for sale please message me.
Many thanks again
Ian
 
I'm jealous that you can even think of affording a 600 f4, good quality tripod and wimberley at the same time!!! :(
 
htid said:
I'm jealous that you can even think of affording a 600 f4, good quality tripod and wimberley at the same time!!! :(
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Hi Chris,
I have had to save hard, also work hard in gaining my promotions in work. and this is my reward.......More stress in work :)
Ian
 
Hi guys
What's a good set up of a monopod to be used with my canon 5d mk3 and 100-400 mk2 lens.
And are they any good
 
I have a 500, but use it regularly with a 1.4 converter so similar reach / weight. In a hide I use a tripod and gimbal, but for walking about and stalking I use a monopod screwed directly onto the foot. Easy to carry on a cross strap attached to the tripod foot, and I find the support entirely adequate.
 
MadWoman said:
I have a 500, but use it regularly with a 1.4 converter so similar reach / weight. In a hide I use a tripod and gimbal, but for walking about and stalking I use a monopod screwed directly onto the foot. Easy to carry on a cross strap attached to the tripod foot, and I find the support entirely adequate.
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OK doubts good. I have tripods but going on a wildlife day next week and didn't want to mess about with tripod.
Been looking at the manfrotto mvm500a with the glued head. What's thoughts on this one
 
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