Tripod Recommendations for long primes

Kinobe

Kinobe

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Hi all,

I'm after some recommendations on a tripod to support a 500f4 and body.. Ideally lightweight so carbon is an option however I don't want to spend the earth on one but not going to cheap out either. What should I be looking out for when purchasing a tripod for long end primes, obviously the weight it supports.

I have a head which I use on my Sirui monopod.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Kinobe
 
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Go for Feisol's elite tripod… quite affordable!
 
Kodiak Qc said:
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Go for Feisol's elite tripod… quite affordable!
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Are you able to elaborate regarding the Feisol? What do you like about it except for being affordable?
 
Kinobe said:
Hi all,

I'm after some recommendations on a tripod to support a 500f4 and body.. Ideally lightweight so carbon is an option however I don't want to spend the earth on one but not going to cheap out either. What should I be looking out for when purchasing a tripod for long end primes, obviously the weight it supports.

I have a head which I use on my Sirui monopod.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

Kinobe
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What kind of work? On FF or DX?
If you want/need actual stability at 600mm+ effective it requires a massive tripod and even a CF one will be fairly heavy. If you are only going to be using it for weight support (i.e. with an unlocked gimbal or similar) then you can get away with a lot less... you really just need something that won't collapse under the weight.
 
TLR-330 said:
When you have seen the prices of Gitzo you will have an idea of what he means by affordable ;). BUT, if you do consider Feisol (or anything really purchased from outside the UK) also read this thread https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/feisol-tripod.652082/
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To be fair this tripod was bought from a small UK franchise that folded, the resulting difficulty (or worse) would probably have been experienced from any other franchise-bought equipment. Feisol Europe are a larger distributor of the full range of tripods which are extremely substantial pieces of kit (e.g. my CT3472 which continues to serve me well after 5 years).
 
OK,, probably a while away yet, but once Brexit does happen the import charges as they have developed on that thread -wrong as they may be - is going to affect anything bought from the EU. I hope I did not say "do not buy this make"
 
sk66 said:
What kind of work? On FF or DX?
If you want/need actual stability at 600mm+ effective it requires a massive tripod and even a CF one will be fairly heavy. If you are only going to be using it for weight support (i.e. with an unlocked gimbal or similar) then you can get away with a lot less... you really just need something that won't collapse under the weight.
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FF.
Mainly used to support the weight, it won't be used heavily for birding as I much prefer handheld. But I'd like a tripod which will support the weight if I ever needed to use it with the 500f4.

Yes that's a key part not wanting it to collapse.

I remember you recommended the Siri 306 cf when I wanted a monopod and that's been brilliant.
 
This is probably a "best buy" right now... Sirui 5214
For similar money you could get a used Gitzo 3 series (3542xls) and I would have zero concerns using one with that kind of kit/load. But of the two, I would suspect the Sirui to be more stable.
I can't speak about Feisol tripods as I've never used one, much less had one apart, but I hear a lot of good things about them.

You could probably safely get away with anything rated for 15kg+... the biggest thing I would suggest is a tripod w/o a center column. Most of these types can have a center column added later if desired for other types of work.
 
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Unfortunately you missed the Gitzo sale earlier this year - £330 would have snagged you a 3 series Systematic which would have been ideal for your lens.

Do have a look at the used market there can be bargains out there. A while back I picked up a G329Mk2 (older model 3 series Carbon Fiber Systematic) in nice nick for £100 and that was from a Gitzo retailer! Keep an eye on E Bay - sometimes people just don't bid! Picked up my Gitzo Traveller there.

Gitzo tripods are built to last decades so long as they are not abused so well worth looking for a used one.
 
sk66 said:
This is probably a "best buy" right now... Sirui 5214
For similar money you could get a used Gitzo 3 series (3542xls) and I would have zero concerns using one with that kind of kit/load. But of the two, I would suspect the Sirui to be more stable.
I can't speak about Feisol tripods as I've never used one, much less had one apart, but I hear a lot of good things about them.

You could probably safely get away with anything rated for 15kg+... the biggest thing I would suggest is a tripod w/o a center column. Most of these types can have a center column added later if desired for other types of work.
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Have you physically compared the two tripods you mention? I ask as I use a Gitzo GT3542XLS and it is the most stable tripod I have ever used. I used to use a Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 which was good but not in the same league as the Gitzo.

To the OP, if I was using a 500mm lens then I would definitely be using a gimbal head.

Andy
 
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Keebsuk said:
Have you physically compared the two tripods you mention? I ask as I use a Gitzo GT3542XLS and it is the most stable tripod I have ever used.
Andy
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No, I've never owned/used a large Sirui tripod, but I did own a 3541xls and it is not the most stable tripod *I* have ever owned. I have also owned Gitzo 4/5 series tripods, and I currently use an RRS series 3. I have had Gitzo and Sirui legs apart and I can tell you that the construction/components are very similar in overall design/function.

The reason I suspect the Sirui would be more stable than the Gitzo is because it has notably larger diameter tubes, larger than a Gitzo 4 series. They all make claims about their CF tube's composition/design, but the main factor is tube diameter (assuming otherwise reasonable design). The Sirui also has a greater max load rating (not too sure I'd put much emphasis on that either).

Edit to add: IMO, either of those options are far more than is really needed for using a long lens on a gimbal/unlocked head... they are more of a "buy once" recommendation.
 
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Manfrotto do some nice carbon tripods, just don't skimp on the head, buy the heavier ball head not the light one. Most camera shops have manfrotto in stock, so you can go and 'feel' them! 55 pro Series will handle what you want.
 
sk66 said:
This is probably a "best buy" right now... Sirui 5214
For similar money you could get a used Gitzo 3 series (3542xls) and I would have zero concerns using one with that kind of kit/load. But of the two, I would suspect the Sirui to be more stable.
I can't speak about Feisol tripods as I've never used one, much less had one apart, but I hear a lot of good things about them.

You could probably safely get away with anything rated for 15kg+... the biggest thing I would suggest is a tripod w/o a center column. Most of these types can have a center column added later if desired for other types of work.
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Thanks, I'm looking to pick something up before I head to Skomer in June. Had a look at both of these online. I honestly wasn't expecting these costs initially but understand now, you get what you pay. I'm after the most suitable for the equipment I have :)

johnf3f said:
Unfortunately you missed the Gitzo sale earlier this year - £330 would have snagged you a 3 series Systematic which would have been ideal for your lens.

Do have a look at the used market there can be bargains out there. A while back I picked up a G329Mk2 (older model 3 series Carbon Fiber Systematic) in nice nick for £100 and that was from a Gitzo retailer! Keep an eye on E Bay - sometimes people just don't bid! Picked up my Gitzo Traveller there.

Gitzo tripods are built to last decades so long as they are not abused so well worth looking for a used one.
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Will keep an eye out on the classifieds might even put up a wanted post and will keep tabs on the bay.
 
Unlocker said:
Personally I prefer a 5 series Gitzo for long primes, just feels that bit more stable. However, the GT3542XLS mentioned is still an excellent choice, we also picked one up in what was effectively a half price sale. Whilst you have missed the sale, there's one here in the classifieds, bit of a no brainer price wise! https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/t...stematic-tripod-£400-excludes-postage.653791/
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Thanks for pointing this thread out Unlocker. I went for it! :)
 
Bit late now you have it sorted, but in case others find this from a search FLM are another brand to consider

When I was looking for a new tripod and having seen all the brands at a trade show I narrowed it down to FLM and Gitzo.

Only went for the latter because they had a good trade in deal on at the time, nothing else to choose between them.
 
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Unlocker said:
Personally I prefer a 5 series Gitzo for long primes, just feels that bit more stable. However, the GT3542XLS mentioned is still an excellent choice, we also picked one up in what was effectively a half price sale. Whilst you have missed the sale, there's one here in the classifieds, bit of a no brainer price wise! https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/t...stematic-tripod-£400-excludes-postage.653791/
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Now that the "Sale" is over that looks like a sweet deal!

Previously I had a Gitzo GT3530LS which worked just fine for my Canon 800 F5.6 L IS - yes my new GT4542LS is better, but not so much as you would notice! So a Mk2 3 series should cover pretty much anything sensible or silly!
 
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