Tripod advice

Hi guys

Haven't posted on here for some time so I hope it's OK to pick your collective brains.

I'm looking to get a new tripod to support a Nikon D3 / D3s / D3x body with long glass (200-400 probably) and also a suitable head (alternatives to Wimberley perhaps).

I'm out of touch with the tripod world (mine is pretty old now) so would appreciate suggestions from those of you using heavy bodies c/w long glass.

I generally prefer Gitzo for tripods but open to alternative suggestions

Thanks all :smile :

I use either a Gitzo 15480 now 5541and wimberley 2 or a Manfrotto 55 pro with an arca swiss ball head

Dave

Thanks Dave.. I remember the 1548

I'd been looking at the 5541 but my wallet started crying .

Hi Barrie,
I have a Feisol Tournament Tripod, carbon Fibre, very lightweight, and very strong. Capable of supporting the gear you mention. The leg extension mechanism is sealed, and rubberised, and the tripod opens out completely, enabling you to get as low as possible to the ground. Worth checking out. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Paul Rosser.

Hi Paul

Thanks for that. I have to admit to having never heard of them but I'll check it out

GITZO all the way for me 5541 + black widow gimbal

I have the Gitzo 5541 + Benro GH-2 Gimball (Wimberley look-a-like) and am very happy with that combination but have had very good experience with the Feisol CT 3371 also wich is a lot cheaper.

greetings,

Jeroen Stel

Thanks Paul and Jeroen... appreciated

I have a Gitzo 1325 with a 1321 levelling base that I advertised here a few weeks ago; it remains unsold. If you are interested give me a call or send me an email.

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Gitzo 1325 CF tripod

- comes with G1321 Levelling Head (current model GS5121LVL) and leg wraps.

The current equivalents are the GT3530LS Systematic Studex tripod and the GS5121LVL Leveling Base which have a combined, current price of around £650.

This tripod has been used mainly for foreign travel being a good bit lighter than my Gitzo 1548. It easily supports my Canon EF600/f4 IS despite being recommended for lenses up to the 500/f4.

£450 ono + delivery costs.

The self levelling base that Phil mentions is a god send-dont know how i ever lived without one

Dave

Barrie, I use the 3541LS which is super compact and great for travelling (though you may need to remove the gimbal head depending on the case size). I shoot with a Nikon 500mm f4 with no problem. HTH.

Des

Barrie, I have a Manfrotto 055XPROB Aluminium tripod which is great, albeit a little heavy (I couldn't afford the carbon fibre version!). It is not too expensive (£115 from WHE) and I think it's great.

As a tripod head, I originally had the Manfrotto 488RC2 Ball Head which is great as it has two knobs' one for panning and the other to loosen the ball itself. I now also have a Manfrotto 393 Head which is the cheapest gimbal-type head you can buy (£120 at WHE). I think it's fantastic, but if you want to take it off to do macro, you have to change tripod heads. Also, I cannot work out how to detach it from my tripod centreal column!

Hope that helps

Oscar

Hi Barrie

I would say a 3 series Gitzo carbon fibre is more than man enough for the job - it's what I use with my 500mm.

David

I' d agree about the 3 series. I have a 5 series and whilst it is nice, I had it of the 600mm. I now am back with 500mm the new 3 series is more than adequate and lighter, but I don't think it collapses as small in length.

T

As David says, the old 1325 is good enough for the job, and is quite light too... So presumably gitzo's modern equivalent would be fine too. The 1548 is heavier, although it does collapse slightly smaller than the 1325.