Support system for Canon 600mm IS I

[Humberto Ramos]

Hi,
I´ll buy next week a used canon 600mm IS I, and will need a good support system...


Concerning the tripod, I'm considering the Gitzo GT3530LS or one from the 5 series (GT5531S or GT5541LS), The 5 series gives more stability, and strength it supports 25 kg, but weights 2,69Kg, and the 3 series weights only 1,84Kg but they will only old 18kg.
for the 600mm IS, based on your experience, should I buy the series 3 or series 5?


Concerning the tripod head, I need to choose between the Mongoose M3.6 (that its lighter, or wimberley II (heavier, but its looks to me more stable with the 600mm IS I), considering this two options, M3.6 or WII head?


Thank you all...


Humberto Ramos

[Humberto Ramos]

Just read a post about gimbal heads, and have no more doubts, will buy the wimberley II fot the 600mm...

Just need help for the tripod, the 600mm weights a lot, and I know the 3530 its a great tripod and will old it, but would the 5531 be better in reducing vibrations?

[John Chardine]

I know two people with the Canon 600/4 and both went for the Gitzo 5000 series tripods.

[mikeojohnson]

I think the 3530 is sufficient. You should look at this option which you would attach to your lens and then to the Wimberly. It really makes a stable platform: http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...elease&key=ait

Mike

[James Prudente]

Canon 7D, 1.4x TC, 600mm f4 L IS lens with 4th Generations Design replacement foot, Wimberley 200 Gimbal Head, RRS long lens support system, Gitzo 5121LVL Base, Gitzo 5540LS Tripod. Lenscoat camo cover.

Since this image was made I have switched from the 4th Generations replacement foot to the RRS LC 51 replacement foot. This is a very stable set up and while a bit costly well worth the price to safely support the lens/camera combo.

Jim

[Kenny Wong]

I think that 3530LS is sufficient, series 5 is better especially when you are going to shoot fast moving objects alot and thus swing your lens alot.

[Humberto Ramos]

Thanks for your opinions...

My setup will also be a Canon 7D and 600mm f/4...


I was considering the wimberley AP-602 lens replacement feet, wimberley v II and tripod of serie 3 or 5, nothing else. Do you think the Gitzo 5121LVL Base and the RRS long lens support system are really necessary?


About the tripod, I like the 3530LS, its good and light, but gitzo recommends it only for 500mm lens, the 5531 or 5541 are heavier, but I think that they might be better reducing vibrations, the problem is I never test them with the 600mm...


I now have two opinions for the 3 series and two for the 5 series...

[James Prudente]

In my opinion the leveling base really makes set up on uneven ground much easier than having to do fine adjustments on each leg position when the heavy gear is already on the tripod. The RRS long lens support is again in my opinion well worth the expense in that it really minimizes vibration from wind, mirror slap, shaking hands from cold or old age (in my case). It also allows very smooth rotation from landscape to portrait positions of the lens, the support keeps the weight of the lens from causing a bind in the tripod collar.

The 5541 is the way to go with the really heavy lenses like the 400 f2.8 and 600 f4. Excellent strength and stability with those loads.

Jim

[Ofer Levy]

The RRS long lens support is again in my opinion well worth the expense in that it really minimizes vibration from wind, mirror slap, shaking hands from cold or old age (in my case). It also allows very smooth rotation from landscape to portrait positions of the lens, the support keeps the weight of the lens from causing a bind in the tripod collar.
Jim

Never tried the RRS supprt but I never felt the need to use one. I use a full Wimberley head and when using a good "long lens technique" I don't see the need for the RRS. I use the Canon 600mm IS with both x1.4 and x2 TC - no problems.
Cheers,
Ofer
http://www.oferlevyphotography.com

[James Prudente]

Ofer,

If you ever get the chance to use the RRS Long Lens Support give it a fair try and I think you will quickly see the benefit. Whenever I am in the field with mine I get a lot of questions and let folks try it and they have all been impressed with the stability and ease of use.

Jim

[Pedro Serralheiro]

Different approach here.
Gitzo series 3 (with big feet applied) with a Sachtler FSB8 head (the best head I ever used).

[Ofer Levy]

Ofer,

If you ever get the chance to use the RRS Long Lens Support give it a fair try and I think you will quickly see the benefit. Whenever I am in the field with mine I get a lot of questions and let folks try it and they have all been impressed with the stability and ease of use.

Jim

Hi Jim,
The reason I don't even consider this RRS is because I get perfectly sharp images without it so why should me (or anyone) spend this extra $ and carry all this weight? I guess we will have to agree to disagree...

[Pedro Serralheiro]

Thanks for your opinions...

My setup will also be a Canon 7D and 600mm f/4...


I was considering the wimberley AP-602 lens replacement feet, wimberley v II and tripod of serie 3 or 5, nothing else. Do you think the Gitzo 5121LVL Base and the RRS long lens support system are really necessary?


About the tripod, I like the 3530LS, its good and light, but gitzo recommends it only for 500mm lens, the 5531 or 5541 are heavier, but I think that they might be better reducing vibrations, the problem is I never test them with the 600mm...


I now have two opinions for the 3 series and two for the 5 series...

Humberto,
Regarding the tripod the series 3 is ok. Of course series 5 is even better.
For really good support look for a Sachtler ENG 2 CF (2,6Kg, supports 40Kg) or the Berlebach Franz Bagyi Edition (5Kg, supports 50Kg).
To reduce vibrations there's nothing better than a fluid head on any tripod!

[Leo Allain]

I own a Canon 600mm f/4.0L IS USM lens and originally had it mounted on a tripod that was rated to accomodate the weight of this lens. While out on a photoshoot one day, the weather turned from windy to extremely windy. The 600mm was so much wind resistance that I could see my tripod legs torquing.

Aware that I could afford a new tripod much easier than a new 600mm and camera, I began research for a better arrangement. I settled on the Gitzo 5541 and haven't looked back nor have I regretted the expense. The 5541 is light to carry and acts as an insurance policy for what is attached to it.