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Tripod/Head setup - opinions needed

Discussion in 'Tripods, Ball Heads, and Gimbals' started by Jim Strathearn, Jan 5, 2006.

  1. Jim Strathearn

    Jim Strathearn

    5,274
    May 4, 2005
    Southeast PA, USA
    Now that I have the 500 f/4, I need a better platform for it. My budget is $1,000.00 and I have come up with the following. Please let me know how you think this combo will work. BTW, I went the ballhead/sidekick route so I can use the tripod/head for my shorter glass as well.

    Gitzo 1320
    Wimberley Sidekick
    Kirk BH-1

    Add the plates and the ballhead snap collar and I'm right around $1,150.00. I will eventually go to CF legs but I figure I'll also eventually need two quality tripods and starting w/this one fits the budget. Does this make sense?

    TIA for any comments/suggestions, etc.
     
    Jim Strathearn, Jan 5, 2006
    #1
  2. RForshey

    RForshey Guest

    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2017
    RForshey, Jan 5, 2006
    #2
  3. Flew

    Flew

    994
    Jan 25, 2005
    Alabama
    I have to agree with Randy on this one. I have, and really like, the Gitzo 1325, but if I hadn't already bought it, I would have jumped on this with both feet. As to the head, I would very seriously look at this one:

    Bogen gimbal head

    It is only $159 and I've seen two guys using them with 600 f4 lenses, and our own Greg Giesing has one and likes it very well. Put these two together and you would have a great set-up for less than your budget. :smile:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2017
    Flew, Jan 5, 2006
    #3
  4. dmwphoto

    dmwphoto

    22,474
    Mar 18, 2005
    Richmond, Va
    Jim,
    That gitzo 1548 in the link above is awesome and perfect for what you want. right height for you, not TOO heavy and made for big glass. The price is right too. I just bought one from B&H just before he listed it. I also have the 1348 but the 1548 is for the 500 f4
    I am considering selling my gimbral head (kirk king cobra) and buying the wimberly from steveS.
    Dave
     
    dmwphoto, Jan 5, 2006
    #4
  5. Sandro Bravo

    Sandro Bravo

    1,866
    Nov 18, 2005
    Portugal
    I spent about 400 euro on a tripod+head setup and i'm happy with it. I went for the Manfrotto 475B tripod+ Manfrotto 393 gimbal head.

    You can check some shots taken with the 500 F4 using that rig :
    https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=59231
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2017
    Sandro Bravo, Jan 5, 2006
    #5
  6. Jim Strathearn

    Jim Strathearn

    5,274
    May 4, 2005
    Southeast PA, USA
    Thanks for all the replies. That tripod you all recommend was way out of the budget the way I envisioned things. In addition, I initially looked at the Bogen gimbal and opted for the ballhead and sidekick so I could use the head for different uses.

    But, that's why I asked for advice. I e-mailed Donzo98 and inquired about the tripod...

    Thanks again for all the replies.
     
    Jim Strathearn, Jan 5, 2006
    #6
  7. Jim Strathearn

    Jim Strathearn

    5,274
    May 4, 2005
    Southeast PA, USA
    Nice pics Sandro! That head and the Bogen look to be one in the same; is that correct?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2017
    Jim Strathearn, Jan 5, 2006
    #7
  8. Sandro Bravo

    Sandro Bravo

    1,866
    Nov 18, 2005
    Portugal
    Sandro Bravo, Jan 5, 2006
    #8
  9. Cherokee

    Cherokee

    111
    Nov 27, 2005
    Alabama
    Jim,
    I use the same set-up you outlined and have been very happy with it. I mount both the 500/F4 and the 200-400/F4 on it and, even in high winds, have never noticed any instability.
    You can get as many opinions as there are members, but it sounds as if your instincts are good.
    Robert
     
    Cherokee, Jan 5, 2006
    #9
  10. Desert Rat

    Desert Rat

    9,449
    Nov 1, 2005
    Elephant Island
    Why not just look at the Bogen Manfrotto 055MF3 tripod.. It is a magfiber.. magnesium carbon fiber tripod and I use mine all the time... Less expensive and runs around 299...
     
    Desert Rat, Jan 5, 2006
    #10
  11. Jim Strathearn

    Jim Strathearn

    5,274
    May 4, 2005
    Southeast PA, USA
    I ended up ordering a Gitzo 1325 and the Bogen Gimbal head.

    Thanks for all the help and advice!
     
    Jim Strathearn, Jan 6, 2006
    #11
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