Tall tripod for 500mm lens

Granarystudio

Granarystudio

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Neil
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Guys,
I am looking for a tall tripod for my 7d +500mm f4 combination.
Camera will be mounted on a Lensmster rh1 gimbal head.
I am 6'2" and want to have the gear high enough to avoid too much stooping.

So far the best option looks like the Gitzo 3542 xls.

Their own web site describes this a suitable for lenses up to 400mm, but capable of 25kg weight load, so I guess this must be a vibration thing, exaggerated by longer lens??

Does anybody have any experience of this set up or some other recomendations,

Thanks neil
 
Granarystudio said:
Guys,
I am looking for a tall tripod for my 7d +500mm f4 combination.
Camera will be mounted on a Lensmster rh1 gimbal head.
I am 6'2" and want to have the gear high enough to avoid too much stooping.

So far the best option looks like the Gitzo 3542 xls.

Their own web site describes this a suitable for lenses up to 400mm, but capable of 25kg weight load, so I guess this must be a vibration thing, exaggerated by longer lens??

Does anybody have any experience of this set up or some other recomendations,

Thanks neil
Click to expand...

i use the gitzo GT5560SGT & a wimberley ii head, the tripod will go as high as you'll ever need it & i wouldn't change the head for anything.......
i use mine with the 600mm f4...
 
It can't be a weight issue because the 400 f2.8 is heavier than the 500. I've just ordered a 5532 LS systematic. It is 1.5m when extended but is for lenses up to 800mm. My current tripod extends to 1.34m and with the head and 500mm on is pretty much ok for me and I'm 6.2 also. Although I don't use it for BIF.

I would set your current tripod and camera up at the height you use it at and measure the height to the platform of the tripod and then buy one that is the closest to that height.

My plan is if I find that it's a fraction short to make a solid spacer for it to go between the platform and the head.
 
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I'm 195 cm and I use an Induro CT313 with my 300 f2.8 and don't need to stoop at all with the centre column down.
 
Granarystudio said:
Guys,
I am looking for a tall tripod for my 7d +500mm f4 combination.
Camera will be mounted on a Lensmster rh1 gimbal head.
I am 6'2" and want to have the gear high enough to avoid too much stooping.

So far the best option looks like the Gitzo 3542 xls.

Their own web site describes this a suitable for lenses up to 400mm, but capable of 25kg weight load, so I guess this must be a vibration thing, exaggerated by longer lens??

Does anybody have any experience of this set up or some other recomendations,

Thanks neil
Click to expand...

I use the 3530LS with a 600 F4IS and it is fine. Forget Gitzo weight ratings - they are VERY conservative! The focal length ratings are to do with damping down vibration on long lenses.
For what it's worth I tried the 5541 with my 600 but could see no real advantage over my 3530 (even my 2531 was pretty good!), though the 5 series is a fine tripod I could not justify the extra weight. I have a friend who is 6"7" tall (and uses a 500F4 IS) and frankly he needs the 5541!
Try both - but I think you will be happy with the 3 series.
Note do try them both out first or you will end up questioning you decision!
Note 2 Gitzo now make a (very expensive) carbon 4 series - might be worth a look?
 
I've never tried one, but at that height and with that weight/focal length, if weight/size of tripod doesn't matter too much, how would a big, sturdy wooden tripod meet the brief?
 
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