Which Tripod ???

Hi everyone,
On monday i ordered a Canon 500mm f4 L IS together with a Wimberley head v2 ( overtime here i come ),I now need to order a suitable tripod but i'm unsure as to which one to go for.
I've read on the BirdsasArt website that a Gitzo 1325 is recommended.
Can anyone offer an alternative or should i go with the Gitzo.
( £500 Budget )

Regards
Andy...

ps thanks again for the warm welcome

Hi Andrew,
After asking the same question sometime ago, I was advised to go with the Gitzo 1548, I use it with the Canon 500mm, and would never use anything else.

Its superb.

The 1325 will support it, the 1548 will really support it. I have a 1548.

I have both the 1325 and the 1548. The 1325 is more than adequate for the 500/f4; many people now use this tripod with a 600/f4.

Hi I use the 1327 gitzo cf for my 800.

Phillip.

Hi Andy,

I use the G1325 with a sidekick and AS B1 and love it !!! Can't compare it to anything else unfortunately.

HTH

Graeme

Hi Andrew, the 1325 works very fine for me and my 500/f4. Absolutely no complaints!

Another very happy Gitzo 1548 user here also.

I've used both the 1325 and the 1548 - either will work fine. One thing you might like to consider is the weight difference between the two - If you're going to be yomping around the countryside with a heavy backpack then you might want to go for the lighter 1325, otherwise if you're not walking far from the car, then the 1548 will give you a rock solid platform.

I had the Gitzo 1548 for use with my 500mm f4 which was superb, but IMHO too big for use with smaller lenses so I sold it and intend to downsize to the 1325. I've had a Gitzo 1325 on order from Warehouse Express now for nearly 2 months (Gitzo just can't meet demand!!) I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.

If WarehouseExpress don't have them, then try Robert White and see if they have any in stock.

All the recommendations for the 1548 are all well and good, but with a specified budget of £500, are these recommendations any use to Andrew (1548 costing in excess of £650)?

Michael S

Hi Andrew

I don't have the heavy artillary myself, so can't help with any actual experience, but based on a number of recommendations I've seen I think you should budget to add the Gitzo levelling base to this set up. The 1325 plus levelling base just fits within your budget.

Regards

David

On the Leveling base, be aware that if you use this you cannot get the Tpod at ground level.

I have one and whilst I use it for flight shots it more off the Tpod, than on...

1325
Warehouse Express = £399 out of stock
Robert White = £472 in stock

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the advice,i think its going to have to be the Gitzo 1325 as its in budget and as
Nick mentioned the difference in weight between the 1325 and the 1548
As i do a lot of photography on Spurn point the weight of a tripod is an issue (its a long walk)
So thanks again to everyone.

Regards
Andy...

"Warehouse Express = £399 out of stock
Robert White = £472 in stock"

For the 1548? Unless I'm being stoopid (which is very possible!!) the cheapest I can see it is £555.

If you spend a lot of time walking with the tripod, then you could do yourself a favour and get one of the op-tech tripod straps. After spending a week lugging the tripod around by hand back in July I decided to make life a bit easier and get a shoulder strap - the op-tech is great as it has a bit of elasticity/spring in it which helps reduce any jarring on the shoulder.

Hi Andrew

I use the 1325 with the MkII Wimberley and I can't really fault it. I purchased mine from Bob Rigby!

David