is my tripod going to be strong enough...

I'm getting a Nikon 200-400mm lens, and was wondering if my Gitzo 1227 Tripod that holds up to 15 pounds would be sturdy enough. I added up the weight with my D200 and it seems as if it would be, but I was wondering if those of you who have such heavy lenses think I'll be OK. I'm also using a Really Right Stuff ballhead, if that makes a difference as to the setup.

I really appreciate any insight - thank you!

Nancy

Nancy,

When we got our Gitzo 1548, I wanted a 1325 in the worst way. I was fortunate enough to be able to compare the two at our local camera dealer. The bottom line was that the 1548 was rock solid. No amount of nudging on it caused any movement.

The 1227 may be adequate, but it will be marginal. The 1548, or its equivalent, would be overkill. But, it may mean the difference between a keeper or a delete. Wish I knew more about the 1227, but I can testify that there was a difference between the 1325 and the 1548.

Thanks, David, I really appreciate your thoughts on this.

Nancy

Yes and no. I have a 1228 and I have gotten sharp shots with film and a 600mm. It is stronger than it looks. On the other hand, I have never been able to get sharp shots on it with a Pentax 67 at any focal length. In a wind, it shakes like a reed. I love it for longer hikes, but opt for heavier tripods for everything else. A DX shutter/mirror should not generate much vibration, but your finger or a shutter release cable will. I am saying that it should be used with great care all of the time. Use it, but keep in mind that you would be better off in the long run with something heavier.

Hi Nancy,
I have a Gitzo 1228 with a Kirk BH3 ballhead. The heaviest camera/lens combination I've used on it is a Nikon F100 with 80-400 VR. I didn't have any problems with stability.

Cheers,

Thanks, RL and Mark, for your thoughts. It looks like I'll have to work on getting a bigger tripod. I agree, Mark, the 80-400mm works great on the Gitzo 1227/1228, but the 200-400 weighs more than 2x as much as the 80-400 and it's also almost 2x as long. So, it looks like I need to add the cost of a sturdier tripod into the mix.

I need to win the lottery!

Nancy

the 200-400 weighs more than 2x as much as the 80-400 and it's also almost 2x as long

WOW! I had no idea the lens was that big. A bigger tripod sounds like a good idea.

I've been using the Gitzo1228/Kirk BH-1 to hold my F4s and 500 f/4 Nikkor for many years now. It is similar enough to the 1227 to suggest that it should be OK for you.

Nancy,

I have the Gitzo 1228 tripod with the Really Right Stuff BH-55 head. I recently got the 200-400 lense and had used it with this tripod combo on a recent trip to Florida for birding. I found it to be an excellent combo for travelling and general use. In the future I may upgrade to a larger Gitzo, but the 1228 is adequate for my immediate needs. I can't picture hiking and using a larger tripod on walkways such as at Green Cay and Wakodahatchee. Travelling with anything larger than the 1228 can also be a issue to consider.

Vic

Sounds like the 1228 is marginal but will work. Personally, I'd stay pretty close to it if set up with that lens on it, and not leave it unattended. In the past year or so I've had big gusts of wind come and send my heavier 1325 & camera + lens flying. It happens. The episode last month involved a 70 mph wind and damage estimate is something like $500. I got off easy this year!


Kent in SD

Thanks, everyone, for the help. I'm going to try my 1227 first, but I'm doubtful it will add to the stability which needs to lead to clear, sharp photos I so want with this set up. We'll see!

Nancy