Caon 400 f/5.6 Tripod Head?

[Brian Kersey]

I just bought a Canon 400mm f/5.6L and I am using a pan-tilt Tiltall-brand head that I can't stand. What would be a good ball head for my Tiltall TT-10 tripod and teh 400mm for $200 or less? Even when shooting stationary birds, It just takes so long to position the head and I get so annoyed. What do you guys use? Thanks.

BK

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Brian,

As an owner of the 400 f/5.6 L, I would go with a sidekick and a good ballhead. I used this set up for two years with great success!!

[Brian Kersey]

In order to use the sidekick, do I have to buy another ball head or can I just take the panning one off?

[Maxis Gamez]

Brian,

Yes! you need an Arca Swiss type of ballhead and since the 400mm does not weight that much, you can pretty much buy any ballhead. However, I would get a head that pans very well.

[Brian Kersey]

so that's all I need to buy? Just the new ball head and the sidekick? I can just use the lens tripod foot and don't need to buy a plate?

[Maxis Gamez]

You need a plate for your lens. If you are planning to add a flash bracket, make sure you buy a plate that is long enough to hold the flash bracket.

[Brian Kersey]

thanks for the help :)

[Maxis Gamez]

No Problem! :)

[Brian Kersey]

I just looked into it, and I looks like it will cost me about $450 for the ballhead and sidekick, is there a different style that would work well? Here is my current head.

[Alfred Forns]

Why not get a Mongoose?

[Brian Kersey]

Can I just buy a mongoose w/o any of the extras?

[Alfred Forns]

Yes About the only thing you would need is the flash bracket Slick light and great Two models are made Look about the same but one can support more weight The 3.5 will hold a 500 f4.0 IS and some people are using it with a 600 !!!!

The price difference is not huge and it will be more flexible if you get a longer lens in the future Also the 3.5 will be easier to sell if you need to !!!!

Check the website

[LeeOtsubo]

At PMA last month, I looked at Cullmann Magnesit ballheads and was very impressed. In the past, Cullmann ballheads were not particularly robust but I think they've got a winner with the Magnesit line.

I ordered the Magnesit 40190 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=cullmann+40190&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=productlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t) from B&H for US$109 and have been quite pleased with the performance. I use it with a Canon 300/2.8 (~6lbs). I doubt it will work well with anything much bigger. For the 400/5.6, the Magnesit 40180 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=cullmann+40180&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t) for US$89 may be the the right size.

A gimbal head is best but, as you know, they can be very expensive. HTH

[James Prudente]

Brian,

You will have a hard time finding any ballhead that is well made for $ 200.00 or less. Save your money and buy either a quality ballhead or a gimbal head that will meet future needs as well as current needs. The 400 f5.6 is light enough to hand hold for most of its applications and should get you by until you have accumulated the funds to buy the quality head you decide on.

Cheers,

Jim

[Grady Weed]

James advice above is well heeded. Buy your equipment for the long haul in view and you will never be sorry. Buy for the short term and you always will be.

[LeeOtsubo]

While I understand where Jim and Grady are coming from, I have to add that "it all depends". If a person has been making photos long enough to know that this is a long-term commitment, buying the best makes sense. However, I teach hundreds of newbies each year. Many will take up photography for a few years and then go on to another hobby. I don't think it makes sense to recommend a $500 head to someone like this.

I don't know where Brian is in his photography but his Tiltall tripod and head can certainly benefit from an upgrade. Since the 400/5.6 is eminently handholdable (is that a word?), I think it would be a mistake to blow his wad on a $500 head and another $500 on legs.

New products are introduced all the time. Many are crap (that's a technical term :D) while a few are good or, even, great. The reason I attend shows like PMA (Photo Marketing Association) is to find the few really good products. I believe the Cullmann Magnesit line is such a product. (I am not affiliated with Cullman) I think it does a disservice to reject, out of hand, a new product just because RRS, Acratech, Wimberly or other heads are today's standards for excellence. Just my US$0.02 worth.

[Brian Kersey]

Thanks Guys.
I think Im going to get the Mongoose