doug herrick
01-08-2008, 11:52 PM
I'm at a point in my photography/birding hobby where it's time to get serious about acquiring a good quality tripod system. The camera and lens that I use are a Canon XT (hoping to upgrade in the future) I use Canon 100-400 IS "L" lens and Canon 24-105 IS "L". I need a versatile system that can pan, for use in shooting birds in flight, but also be useful for doing macro photography,butterflies and landscapes. After doing a great deal of searching and researching on the web I've come to some conclusions and assumptions that I'd like to get some educated opinions on.
First the legs: It's seems pretty widely accepted that the Gitzo Carbon Fiber 6X Tripod is the top of the line, only they come in a gazillion models. I've spoken with Really Right Stuff (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/home.html) customer service and they recommend, that with what I have, a GT2530 would be fine. That model comes in the Mountaineer, Rapid Column, Supports 26 lbs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475926-REG/Gitzo_GT2530_GT_2530_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html)($ 535) and Explorer, Rapid Column, Supports 26 lbs ($540) versions and I don't know which to choose.
Heads: Again, a lot of options. It seems to be a toss up between the RRS BH-55 LR, w/Quick Release Clamp (Requires Plate) ($455) and the Arca-Swis Monoball Z1 dp (Double Pan) w/Flip-Lock Quick Release (Requires Plate) ($472).
Many photographers use an attachment to their Ballheads called a Sidekick ($250). It sounds like a "must have" for birds in flight. I called them and explained my situation and they suggested an economical solution to the combination of Sidekick and Head, the WH-200 Wimberley Head Version II ($595.00).
All this info makes my head spin. I want to make this leap but want to do it right the first time. If any of you more experienced photographers would like to share their opinions I'm sure that I'm not alone in this quandary.
First the legs: It's seems pretty widely accepted that the Gitzo Carbon Fiber 6X Tripod is the top of the line, only they come in a gazillion models. I've spoken with Really Right Stuff (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/home.html) customer service and they recommend, that with what I have, a GT2530 would be fine. That model comes in the Mountaineer, Rapid Column, Supports 26 lbs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475926-REG/Gitzo_GT2530_GT_2530_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html)($ 535) and Explorer, Rapid Column, Supports 26 lbs ($540) versions and I don't know which to choose.
Heads: Again, a lot of options. It seems to be a toss up between the RRS BH-55 LR, w/Quick Release Clamp (Requires Plate) ($455) and the Arca-Swis Monoball Z1 dp (Double Pan) w/Flip-Lock Quick Release (Requires Plate) ($472).
Many photographers use an attachment to their Ballheads called a Sidekick ($250). It sounds like a "must have" for birds in flight. I called them and explained my situation and they suggested an economical solution to the combination of Sidekick and Head, the WH-200 Wimberley Head Version II ($595.00).
All this info makes my head spin. I want to make this leap but want to do it right the first time. If any of you more experienced photographers would like to share their opinions I'm sure that I'm not alone in this quandary.