Tripod & Head combination.

Ternaround

Ternaround

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Hi everybody, I was wondering if any of the Wildlife photographers on this forum could maybe provide me with some information.

I shall, hopefully, be the proud, nay ecstatic, owner of a Canon 500 mm F4 IS lens and was hoping that some of the members who already use this lens could give me their thoughts and/or experiences on what combination of tripod & head works for them.

I currently use a Manfrotto tripod & head but I don't think this will be adequate support for my proposed purchase. I am using a Manfrotto 190XPROB and 393 head for my 100 - 400 mm zoom, which is a workable pairing but I'm sure will not be static enough for a weighty piece of equipment like the 500 F4.

I am hoping that some of the long lens users out there can help me out, many thanks.

John.
 
malla1962 said:
Cant see how it could get any better.
Click to expand...

It could get lighter, and allow greater elevation of the lens (the lens fouls the rather large panning knob and base), cannot knock it's stability though.

I have one, and I also have a Jobu Blackwidow LW, the Jobu is much lighter, and allows greater elevation of the lens (as close to overhead as you can get without fouling the tripod legs) works great with my 500mm f4.

Up to 500mm f4 I would recommend the Jobu Blackwidow, for a 600mm f4 I would say that the Kirk King Cobra is the better choice.

I use a Gitzo 3531 Tripod
 
Martyn... said:
It could get lighter, and allow greater elevation of the lens (the lens fouls the rather large panning knob and base), cannot knock it's stability though.

I have one, and I also have a Jobu Blackwidow LW, the Jobu is much lighter, and allows greater elevation of the lens (as close to overhead as you can get without fouling the tripod legs) works great with my 500mm f4.

Up to 500mm f4 I would recommend the Jobu Blackwidow, for a 600mm f4 I would say that the Kirk King Cobra is the better choice.

I use a Gitzo 3531 Tripod
Click to expand...
Most of the things I shoot with this are not that high so its never been a problem.
 
malla1962 said:
Most of the things I shoot with this are not that high so its never been a problem.
Click to expand...

If they moved that great big locking knob to the side it would be perfect, its fluid motion and damping is first class.

Birds up a tree, or birds in flight coming towards me were an issue, which was a shame as it is a well made bit of kit.
 
Many thanks for the replies, I was thinking that most would use a Gitzo ( or maybe a copy of ) and possibly a Wimberley but it seems pointless trying to economise in such a situation. Many thanks John.
 
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