Tripod for a 500MM Lens
This morning a leg on my Gitzo G2228 broke off as I was adjusting the hight. It was supporting my 500 MM lens. This is the second time a leg broke off of this tripod.
I'm looking for a new tripod sturdy enough to support a large lens. I welcome your recommendations.
David
I just bought the gitzo 3531 for my 600 as Hunts said it was plenty. It works great
Gitzo 5541 - you won't want a sturdier one if you get this one first.
I've used a Gitzo 3540LS since I bought my EF 4/500L. This is perfect for the lens but I don't know if that model is still available or if there is a successor now.
Markus
Has anyone had experience with Induro Tripods as a less expensive substitute for Gitzo
I bought a Feisol 3371 CT, carbon fiber, about 7 months ago and have really enjoyed it. It handles my D300 and Nikon 500 f/4 just fine. I bought mine from www.reallybigcameras.com for $319.00.
Bob Rozinski, a pro photographer friend recommended that I look at Induro when I told him that I was thinking hard about investing $1,000 in a Gitzo.Originally Posted by Steve Shapiro
I've purchased the Induro C414 which is their 4-section, 8-ply, carbon fiber tripod with twist-locks. Luckily for me I could compare it to the Gitzos at Denver Pro Photo. This is there top of the line, matched by the C413 which has three sections. I went with four sections because it folds smaller for travel. I tend to use it with only two sections extened and the center column up around 3-inches.
It's not inexpensive, (around $670) but compares with the $1,000 Gitzos for weight, function and apparent sturdiness. It comes with a tool kit, really nice bag and spiked feet for use on lake ice or other similar surfaces.
I've only taken a few thousand images in the two-months or so that I've had it, so this isn't a long-term test. With an Arca-Swiss Z1 ballhead and a Wimberley Sidekick, it provides very solid footing for an EF 500mm f/4L IS. I only used it out on the ice once, but the steel spikes were really nice in that application. You can reverse the center column. There's a shorter column available to take the tripod lower.
My experience has been very good so far.
Dave
Last edited by David Stephens; 04-04-2010 at 07:18 PM.
Go for the Gitzo 3541LS. $700 at OutdoorPhotoGear.com.
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I use a Benro C358M8 that I bought from B&H. I have be using it for 8 months and have had no problems with it with my D700 and 500 f/4. It is very solid and costs less than $400. I also have a C228 that I have used for 3 years without any problems.
I use Gitzo 3530LS with Gitzo leveling base for my 500 f/4 - works great.
After 2 years, I am quite pleased with my Gitzo 3531 under my 500
The 35XX series is great but if you want to save a bit of expense find a used 1325, it is the precursor to the 35XX series and will do the job nicely.
Jim
Hi Jeff,
Just a word of warning that might save you a lot of grief. I myself normally use a Gitzo 1548 tripod (which I think is a superb tripod even if a bit of an overkill with a 500F4 etc.) together with a leveling base and a gimbal head.
However earlier this year I was carrying this gear over my shoulder between shots when I heard a metallic ripping sound. Carefully lowering my gear off my shoulder, I found that the 3/8" mounting screw on the leveling base had ripped completely out of the top plate of the leveling base. It was only the fact that the knob on the end of the tightening bar would not pass through the tightening slot that had prevented the whole gimbal head/camera/extender/lens assembly from being dumped on the ground!
I later measured the thickness of this top plate and found it to be only 0.9mm thick. To cut a long story short, the leveling head was later replaced FOC by Gitzo as a good will gesture, but I was warned by Gitzo against carrying the assembly over my shoulder in this way in future.
Considering that the overall build quality of the leveling base is excellent, it seems to me that a top plate thickness of only 0.9mm is far too weak to withstand the forces that can be created by the leverage created by carrying the above gear assembly over the shoulder. I don't know just how common this failure is and I believe that following my experience Gitzo are looking at whether they need to strengthen the product.
The gitzo tripods are superb and their after sales service would appear to be excellent but I would be very careful about carrying my gear on the leveling base in this way in future.
I hope that my experience might save someone else from a nasty surprise. You can read more (if you wish to), on the following thread.
http://www.ukbirdphotographers.net/f...hp?f=23&t=4903
Barry
I just went to the Gitzo 3531s $674 from OutdoorPhotogear.com. There is $40 Gitzo Rebate (form on their site under resources). I have a Nikkor 200-400.
I also have a Manfrotto 055cx3 which supports it well but was bitten by I want a Gitzo bug.
Induro has updated their lines and the CT series is the best. CT313 or CT414 might be a good choice. I got a used Gitzo 1325 for even less and I really like it.
I am using the Gitzo 3541 XLS (as I am 6.6 tall) with Wimberly head. Shorter version LS should be fine for people average size.
I use the Gitzo 3530LSV and really enjoy it. Just 3 sections makes for easy set-up and break-down. I mount a nikon 400mm 2.8 on a gimble head, and the lens is a beast. I also have a leveling plate but have not had any problem like Berry.:eek:
I'm 5'8" and have the same combo and I would suggest that people consider the XLS as it comes in handy if you are shooting on steep inclines or even in water where one leg may sink considerably. The additional weight is minimal and the added height is there if you need it.
I have the Induro A330. It is not CT and although I have a Nikon 300/2.8 I have had the Nikon 500 on it. I have the Wimberly II head and it is fine. Being a beginner I went with the less expensive tripod...but the way things are going with this new hobby...who knows what is next :D
I don't know the Nikon 500, but if it's in the 8 to 10-lb range like the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS (about 8.5-lbs I think) then I think you'd want to go to a heavier tripod if your using the 500mm a lot. I think that the A330 will do the trick with your 300mm, particularly with the Wimberley II on top, but you're going get a little too top heavy with just a few more pounds up there. I suspect if you run your setup, plus a 500mm, through Induro's or Gitzo's selector it will suggest something heavier. Hold onto your wallet. :cool:
Dave
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