I've recently purchased a 13 pound Sigma 300-800mm f5.6 APO DG lens. The problem is, it took all my available resources to obtain it.
I shoot with a Nikon D200 and/or D1X and I own a Kirk window mount (original design), a Kirk King Cobra gimbal head, and a Kirk BH-1 ball head. I Also own a Bogen 3221 tripod.
Here are my questions:
1. Eventually I want to get a Gitzo 1548 tripod, but untill then can I safely get by using my Bogen 3221 at it's smallest size (i.e. legs NOT extended) with the King Cobra?
2. For photographing from my car, would I be better off using my BH-1 Ball Head and Kirk window mount, or building a wooden platform and using a bean bag for support?
Thanks in advance for any opinions or advise.
Brooks!
Posted by Richard Ennis on September 5, 2006 at 10:24 AM
I own a bogen 3221 myself, but only use it for moderate weights. I think you will find the 3221 a poor mate for that monster lens. My biggest lens is Nikon's 200-400VR, which is half the weight of your lens. I've tried it on the 3221 (and Arca Swiss B-1), and have never been satisfied with the results. I think you are going to want at least the Gitzo 1325 and a full Wimberley head. I'm no expert on windo mounts, but I would think the Ball-head set-up would be fine, as the car itself would be the "tripod".
I hava a Sigma 800 f5.6, last winter I covered many miles of trails from N.C. to Fla. I shoot birds and most stuff from a large Gitzo. I have had this thing so long that I have no idea of the number. I also shoot from a small gitzo at its lowest leg on deer and other on the ground type critters. From the truck I use a Lea Rue window pod with a Really Right Stuff big ball head on top. I use a custom bean bag that I redo every chance I get as I try to get it really right. When in the truck I keep the bean bag in the front floor bord so I can grab it quick. If I am set up on a bird or any other critter for any length of time I try to use the ball head. Everything has Really Right Stuff plates and the ball head and the little Gitzo have the new quick release mounts. The big tripod has a Wimberley head on it with a RRS base. I carry my 800 mounted on the Wimberley head on the big tripod all day long. I don`t think any more of it now than I use to when my big lens was a 400 f5.6 I shoot a Nikon D-200 on the big lens so with the chip factor in the Nikon that gives me a 1200 f5.6 how cool is that! I love to let other photographers play with it. If I could ever be of any help I`m at your service.---Robert
Discussion
2 repliesI've recently purchased a 13 pound Sigma 300-800mm f5.6 APO DG lens. The problem is, it took all my available resources to obtain it.
I shoot with a Nikon D200 and/or D1X and I own a Kirk window mount (original design), a Kirk King Cobra gimbal head, and a Kirk BH-1 ball head. I Also own a Bogen 3221 tripod.
Here are my questions:
1. Eventually I want to get a Gitzo 1548 tripod, but untill then can I safely get by using my Bogen 3221 at it's smallest size (i.e. legs NOT extended) with the King Cobra?
2. For photographing from my car, would I be better off using my BH-1 Ball Head and Kirk window mount, or building a wooden platform and using a bean bag for support?
Thanks in advance for any opinions or advise.
Brooks!