Canon 300 f2.8 L IS

Greetings,

I just ordered a Canon 300 f2.8 L IS :)

I have only used lighter lenses thus far for which my little Bogen-Manfrotto 728B has been enough.
I suspect it's time to upgrade the tripod as well.

Is there any particular tripod + head you would recommend for this lens (keeping in mind that I would very much like to purchase a 500 F4 or 800 f5.6 in a year or two.)
Also, are there any monopods that have worked well for people with a lens the size/weight of the 300 2.8?

I am very glad to have found this forum - some phenomenal work here!

Thanks,
Sidharth

(I realize now that I should have used my real name when registering. Is there a way to change it?)

Welcome to BPN! I have the 500mm. I recently purchased the Gitzo Tripod that Art Morris uses and it is very stable and lightweight-I love it.
Just click on the orange link at the top of this page-Go to tripods,I think he only has 3 listed.He describes them all and tells you the name and model he uses. His price is only like one dollar more than BPN. Again welcome.
This is the name and model # Gitzo GT3530LS Tripod

Yes, You can private message Alfred Forns to help w/ the name change.:)

The Gitzo 3541 or 3530 tripods will be more than adequate for the 300 f/2.8 and will also be fine with the 500 or 800 in the future. The Gitzo 5-series tripods are tempting (I have a 5540ls as well), however are total overkill for the 300 and unless you are shooting in strong winds, not necessary for the 500 or 800. The weight and size difference between the 5-series and the 3-series tripods is also noticeable.

I use the Gitzo GM3551 monopod with the Really Right Stuff high capacity head and its been fantastic for a variety of lenses, even the 500 and 800.

You might look at this also.

http://www.feisol.net/

I use a Feisol Tournament & Markin Q20 ballhead with the 300 f2.8 IS lens. Gitzo 3541 is overkill & heavy.

BTW Feisol customer service is great. What I can't say about Gitzo!

I use Benro GH-1 along with my 300/2.8L IS USM!
http://shop.textalk.se/se/article.ph...89&art=1308621

I love it!

/Magnus

As far as a tripod head is concerned, I use the 4th Generation Mongoose 3.5 head for my 500/4. This would also work great for the 300/2.8 but perhaps the Wimberley is what you might need for a future 800/5.6. Having said this, I'm pretty sure Artie Morris mounts his 800/5.6 on a Mongoose head. The Mongoose is significantly lighter to carry than the Wimberley.

I'd definitely recommend the 3 series Gitzo tripods to give you the best stability and the most flexible lens growth options. The GT3530LS is a 3 section tripod and the GT3541LS is a 4 section tripod. Both hold the same weight, and the 4 section folds up a bit smaller for packing.

The Mongoose 3.5b (the "b" version is the newest version) will work well for your present lens and for your future lenses. Remember you will need a lens plate, or even better, a replacement lens foot (made by the same people who make the Mongoose) for those lenses to work with the Mongoose.