Wildlife Photography Gear Advice

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jpwild

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I've spent several years doing landscapes and about a year ago decided to sell my D810, Loka backpack, RSS gimbal and Gitzo GT3542LS tripod. However, I'm now wanting to get back into photography but I'm now wanting to get into UK wildelife photography, so birds, mountain animals etc.

I'm thinking of something along the lines of this for my setup and wanted advice is I'm going inthe right direction. I'm still thinking of sticking with Nikon, but have no issues with Canon gear as I started off with Canon.

D850
Nikon F4 200-500 ( I was thinking the 70-200 f4 or 2.8) but the reach wont be enough). Ideally want to isolate the subject as much as possible with good bokeh as possible, but can't afford 10K on a prime telephoto.
Gitzo3543ls (I'm 6.4ft tall and would like cheaper alternatives, but the 3542 that I had was outstanding. Ideally around 2KG for lumbering around with and study enough for my gear.
Osprey Kestral (48L) with Tenba 13 inset which would be much cheaper than Fstop alternative
Wimberley MK11 gimbal head

Are use of polarising filters good idea for wildlife photography?
Do I need any L plates or rails.
 
I think your choices are good.

I would plan on getting a grip/battery option for the bump to 9fps.

I might consider the new Sigma 60-600/4.5-6.3 over the Nikon 200-500/5.6... actually, that's what I've bought as an alternative to the 400/2.8 + TC's (I've been posting some tests/reviews here). Although it does cost 50% more... I got mine as a "bundle" which included a half-decent monopod, USB dock, 128GB extreme pro SD, cheap CPL/UV filters, and some other odds/ends for the average street price of the lens alone. That helped push me to this lens rather than the 200-500 (it's also supposedly sharper and definitely more versatile).

The Gitzo you chose is a great option for a wildlife support, it's not a great choice for stability (i.e. slow SS's)... but you don't really need maximum stability.

No idea about the backpack... sounds decent enough.

My favorite gimbal on the market currently is the Gitzo fluid gimbal on a leveling base/claw ball...
Another option for wildlife with more versatility is the UniqBall (UBH45) or FlexLine equivalent (slightly different tradeoffs)... a much cheaper option than those with the same type of versatility/usability is a Sirui L-20s on a leveling base... I have/use all of those other than the FlexLine (for me, the higher price just to add a fixed counterbalance spring isn't worth it). Having said all of that, there are a couple of options I haven't tried but I think might be even better as a strictly long lens/wildlife head (i.e. RRS fluid gimbal setup $$$$). There's a lot of tradeoffs to be made here depending on your priorities.

IMO, CPL filters are not of much use for wildlife/action photography; especially given the resulting loss of light. You might need a rail/longer foot plate, shouldn't need an L-plate.
 
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Raised a great point on the Gitzo gimbal/head..I'm quite interested in that comapred to Wimberley option.

I have throught about D500 and save a grand, or more if I went second hand. But I think I want the megapixels and will not shoot DX mode, unless I need extra reach.
 
You mention you want to do mountain wildlife. I’d consider a monopod over/ as well as a tripod.

I often head into the hills (grouse, Mountain hare etc) and always carry my 500f4 over my shoulder on a monopod. I have a Gitzo tripod too but to be honest it hardly gets used. The monopod is much easier and lighter when in the hills

Neil
 
Yeah, I've been thinking of looking at a Gitzo monopod or even Benro, with the Gitzo or Wimberly gimbal option.
 
If you’re buying a monopod try it without a head first. You may find you don’t need a head. Everyone is different. I don’t use a head on my monopod but my friend does. Just personal preference.
 
da_nige said:
If you’re buying a monopod try it without a head first. You may find you don’t need a head. Everyone is different. I don’t use a head on my monopod but my friend does. Just personal preference.
Click to expand...

You make a good point, these days I usually use my monopods without a head. Not quite as versatile but simpler and lighter
 
This is how I carry it with a monopod (old pic).

carry.jpg
 
jpwild said:
Gitzo3543ls (I'm 6.4ft tall and would like cheaper alternatives, but the 3542 that I had was outstanding. Ideally around 2KG for lumbering around with and study enough for my gear.
Wimberley MK11 gimbal head

Are use of polarising filters good idea for wildlife photography?
Do I need any L plates or rails.
Click to expand...

A 3 series carbon Gitzo tripod is fine for any Nikon/Canon lens currently made. A while back I "upgraded" from a Gitzo 3530 LS to the 4532LS - result? It is heavier but the top plates are easier to attach/detach, that's it! The 4 series is more rigid but it doesn't make a blind bit of difference in practice. For reference I use the Canon 800 F5.6 L IS. As to price do not ignore the even older models (G1327/G1329/G1325 etc) I used to have a G1329 Mk2 which was great, I only bought it because it was £100 and came with a G1318 centre column - that was the bit that I wanted. Sold the tripod and ended up with the centre column for a nice little profit. Never ignore the used market!

My Wimberley 2 is a great head but it is very pricey and overkill for the lenses that you suggest. I read good things about the Gitzo Gimbal but have not tried one, SK66 is your guide here as he has done quite a bit of research into this head.

Polarising filters for wildlife? Got one - never use it.

L plates when using a lens with a rotating lens foot - why?

Just my thoughts.

Happy choosing :)
 
sk66 said:
This is how I carry it with a monopod (old pic).

carry.jpg
Click to expand...
I like your shoulder rest thing Steve , do you have a link to make/model/ etc and where to buy from
 
sk66 said:
Thanks, it's one of the items I've invented and manufacture.
StockTan.png
Click to expand...
Now that does look interesting any more photos I.e top view , fitting , etc and cost to the u.k etc
 
sk66 said:
Thanks, it's one of the items I've invented and manufacture.
StockTan.png
Click to expand...

I do like this, thought it was a Magpul AR-15 stock at first!

Got loads of picatinny mount stuff (for non UK use;)) but never, ever thought about using it for photography. Really innovative ideas(y)

Same as Jeff, interested in UK pricing etc.

GC
 
the black fox said:
Now that does look interesting any more photos I.e top view , fitting , etc and cost to the u.k etc
Click to expand...
Plenty of on the website here in the FAQ's and in the pictures/videos section. It's a modified Tapco 6 position stock with a custom 2 position trigger (focus/release) and associated wiring/jack. The mounting is by the 3.5" arca swiss clamp on top which can be rotated to suit.
International shipping is via priority mail and generally costs ~$70.00.
 
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