Support for super-telephoto without IS

[Liquidstone]

I have ordered the Sigma 300-800 DG and I expect to receive it in a couple of weeks.

For those using this monster zoom, or the Canon 600 f4 (non-IS), or the Nikon 600 f4, or any super-telephoto of this size, what tripod head and legs are you using? Any advice on long-lens techniques without IS or OS?

Many thanks,

[ccplim]

300-800mm!!!! :drool: :drool: :biggrinlo Was actually thinking about this lens but drop the idea due to the weight.

For support, both harlequin and wkcheah are using the Wimberley Gimbal Head for their 600mm f/4. As for tripod, I know that harlequin is using the Gitzo 1325.

[Mervin]

Sigma 300-800 DG


:drool: :drool: :drool:

good luck in your quest !!!!

[harlequin]

I have ordered the Sigma 300-800 DG and I expect to receive it in a couple of weeks.

For those using this monster zoom, or the Canon 600 f4 (non-IS), or the Nikon 600 f4, or any super-telephoto of this size, what tripod head and legs are you using? Any advice on long-lens techniques without IS or OS?

Many thanks,
Thats a monster as compared to my 600mm F4.

I am using the Wimberly Gimbal on a Gitzo 1325 Carbon Fibre tripod.

My 600mm F4 doesnt have any VR, but with a solid tripod and ballhead its no issue.

Just have to keep vibrations down to a minimum.

So when are we going to shoot together in Philippines ?

[Mervin]

believe that lens is Dia 165.5 x L 544mm x Wt 5880g
:drool:

cost ?????
:sweat:

[joeyao]

Thats a monster as compared to my 600mm F4.

I am using the Wimberly Gimbal on a Gitzo 1325 Carbon Fibre tripod.

My 600mm F4 doesnt have any VR, but with a solid tripod and ballhead its no issue.

Just have to keep vibrations down to a minimum.

So when are we going to shoot together in Philippines ?Agree with harlequin. Check this out:

http://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm

[Liquidstone]

Thats a monster as compared to my 600mm F4.

I am using the Wimberly Gimbal on a Gitzo 1325 Carbon Fibre tripod.

My 600mm F4 doesnt have any VR, but with a solid tripod and ballhead its no issue.

Just have to keep vibrations down to a minimum.

So when are we going to shoot together in Philippines ?

Thanks for the reply, Harlequin. From a lot of readings on long-lens users, the full Wimberly gimbal head appears to be the unanimous choice. Some long shooters prefer the Gitzo 1548 over the 1325 if there's no IS, but you seem to be happy with the lighter Gitzo.

Couple of questions:

1. How's the stability of the full Wimberley when you use a TC, do you need to lock the knobs for more rigidity?

2. Do you use a cable release, or do you release by hand?

Regarding shooting here, email me when you have fixed the schedule of your next Manila trip. We'll try to squeeze in a Subic foray if your schedule allows it.

Thanks,

[Liquidstone]

believe that lens is Dia 165.5 x L 544mm x Wt 5880g
:drool:

cost ?????
:sweat:

The new DG version cost me a little over the US street price of the old non-DG one (USD 4,499).

[Garion]

Sigma 300-800mm DG!! Wow that is a monster lens! :eek: But I've heard that the sharpness is comparable to the the Nikon/Canon 500mm/600mm super tele primes. I suppose you would be using this bazooka from a hide or vehicle? Its just too big and heavy to lug around up and around mountain trails. :sweat:

For support, the 3-section Gitzo G1325 CF should be able to hold this monster well. Its max load is 12kg. I second Harlequin's suggestion of the full Wimberley gimbal head. No way having such a huge and heavy lens on a ballhead, difficult to manouvre and ballhead flop likely. Of course you may want to op for even greater stability by going for the 4-section 1548, with its 'tree-trunk' legs, but its much heavier than 1325, and max load just abt 3 kg more. (15kg).

You might also need to consider getting a long lens case for this biggie, I'm not sure but I think it does comes with its own special custom made long lens case (made by Sigma themselves).

Good luck and do post pics of your setup and from the lens when it arrives! ;)

[wkcheah76]

Hi LS!

1. How's the stability of the full Wimberley when you use a TC, do you need to lock the knobs for more rigidity?
>> I use a 1.4TC on the 600mm f/4 non IS. I keep the knobs on some friction, so my swings are more controlled. I only fully lock up when the subject is sure not to move. The rigidity depends on the whole system, i.e. the tripod and the body too.. My tripod is a Gitzo 1415. Super heavy and super stable! The whole setup is stable and fluid.

2. Do you use a cable release, or do you release by hand?
>> Release the lens with the Wimberly plate. Mine at first din come with the plate but two releasing screws, a hassle.

Good luck with the new toy and expecting a different perspective on birdies~! :wahpiang:

[ccplim]

2. Do you use a cable release, or do you release by hand?
>> Release the lens with the Wimberly plate. Mine at first din come with the plate but two releasing screws, a hassle.

Good luck with the new toy and expecting a different perspective on birdies~! :wahpiang:

Can explain how you release the shuttle using the wimberly plate? :confused: :dunno: :blah: :lol:

[Garion]

2. Do you use a cable release, or do you release by hand?
>> Release the lens with the Wimberly plate. Mine at first din come with the plate but two releasing screws, a hassle.
I think what LS meant is that when taking a picture, do you press the shutter button or use a cable release. :p

[harlequin]

1. How's the stability of the full Wimberley when you use a TC, do you need to lock the knobs for more rigidity?

Very stable. The movement is very fluid and smooth. Even TC on, there is no need to lock. Of course, when the light is , lock it down and use a cable release if possible.

2. Do you use a cable release, or do you release by hand?

Both, depends on the lighting condition and what aperture i am shooting at.

Regarding shooting here, email me when you have fixed the schedule of your next Manila trip. We'll try to squeeze in a Subic foray if your schedule allows it.

Sure man. once you get your Sigma, we will arrange for it.

[wkcheah76]

I think what LS meant is that when taking a picture, do you press the shutter button or use a cable release. :p

See la gong gong already... hair still standing... jsut now just woke up. come see see look look!! :) cable release huh... (Do you wana carry so many things?) Just squeeze on the trigger lar! ;p) GPMG gunners do not work alone. There is just too many things to bring along!!! You know I sometimes just drop off the tripod and run at the target handholding the 600mm?? It still gives me good shots! Come to think of it... do we really warrant the spare flash booster pack?? Sat you guys will see me suffer!!! hehehehe

[Liquidstone]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I'll decide on which support to get when I receive the lens and experienced its handling.

I'm encouraged to learn from you guys that releasing the shutter either by hand or remote switch works equally well. I can't seem to develop a good hand release technique, so I always depend on the remote switch.

This is intended as fixed big gun for me (hides, water birds, peched raptors, etc.). I'd still rely on my 400 5.6L and 100-400 L IS for mobile birding. It does help that I've a buddy to help carry my gear during bird hikes.

Considering that there's a dearth of reviews for the 300-800 over the net, I'll try to come out with one that compares the monster zoom to my trusted 400 5.6L, from 400 mm all the way to 1600 mm (with TCs).

Cheers,

[skfoo]

Hi Liquidstone,

I used a carbon tripod from Gitzo, model 1548 Mk II. When I bought it, I was told it’s the last tripod I ever need. Not a difficult decision to make as the weight is okay for me and masters like Moose Peterson, Arthur Morris and John Shaw (?) all have one.

On the long lens technique, here’s a tip from Moose Peterson.

http://www.moosepeterson.com/techtips/longlens.html

For now, I am happy with my Arca Swiss B1 ball head. But with heavier lens, the Wimberley may be a better option with better control and stability. Yes….Moose Peterson and Arthur Morris have one too! :D

[Liquidstone]

Hi Liquidstone,

I used a carbon tripod from Gitzo, model 1548 Mk II. When I bought it, I was told it’s the last tripod I ever need. Not a difficult decision to make as the weight is okay for me and masters like Moose Peterson, Arthur Morris and John Shaw (?) all have one.

On the long lens technique, here’s a tip from Moose Peterson.

http://www.moosepeterson.com/techtips/longlens.html

For now, I am happy with my Arca Swiss B1 ball head. But with heavier lens, the Wimberley may be a better option with better control and stability. Yes….Moose Peterson and Arthur Morris have one too! :D

Thanks, SK... looks like the full Wimberly + Gitzo 1548 is the best combo that money can buy if lightweight and stability is important. But the cost is holding me back a bit.

The cheapest alternative is the Manfrotto 475 tripod + 3421 long lens support or gimbal head (about USD 500 shipped to Manila). But this combo is quite heavy and this gimbal head is not as smooth moving as the Wimberly.

I'll use the monster lens first with my light tripod with legs unextended + Manfrotto 468 RC4 ball head (36 lbs capacity) to see how the heavy lens behaves. I agree with earlier posters though that a ball is not the best head for a 13 lbs lens - flop will always be threatening.

Cheers,

[ccplim]

Thanks, SK... looks like the full Wimberly + Gitzo 1548 is the best combo that money can buy if lightweight and stability is important. But the cost is holding me back a bit.

The cheapest alternative is the Manfrotto 475 tripod + 3421 long lens support or gimbal head (about USD 500 shipped to Manila). But this combo is quite heavy and this gimbal head is not as smooth moving as the Wimberly.

I'll use the monster lens first with my light tripod with legs unextended + Manfrotto 468 RC4 ball head (36 lbs capacity) to see how the heavy lens behaves. I agree with earlier posters though that a ball is not the best head for a 13 lbs lens - flop will always be threatening.

Cheers,

You might want to consider about the Black Widow too. It is slightly cheaper than the Winberly.

http://www.jobu-design.com/