Best tripod/head for large lenses?

[Finch]

I have been using a particular tripod quite successfully for many years, but it is very heavy indeed. I'm looking to buy a lighter (i.e. carbon fibre) tripod and head that will support an 80-200mm 2.8 and 300mm 2.8 lens with ease. The head also needs to be able to be rotated for portrait shots, preferably a ball joint.

Any suggestions as to the best type (with a reasonable budget) and where to purchase in the Brisbane area?

Cheers

Michael

[Big Red]

photo continental has quite a lot of tripods in stock including some manfrotto 190 and 055 carbon fibre ones.
i recently bought a Manfrotto 190PROB with a 488RC4 head and it holds my 480mm long 3.2kg A*600f5.6 lens up ok

[Glen]

Michael, I wont rehash old stuff but if you are looking for tripods for your application I would suggest searching here under Gitzo or http://www.gitzo.com, possibly suggest a 1325 or if you plan to get larger lenses later a 15? series. For ballheads I chose RRS BH55, search here under those terms and I am sure you will find other choices. http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ is the RRS website. This subject has been discussed a lot so I am sure you will find useful information.

I purchased mine through Birddog114.

[wendellt]

michael

for best especially for big lenses I recommend the RRS BH55 glen and mnay people on the forum have one
it costs just a little more than the Markins MC10 which, but the BH55 is the best ballhead in existence

I have stres tested it in Paris -5 degrees, rain and snow, dropped it a number of times and it's been through the middle east in 40degress and sandstorms, even at DeeWhy it got a splash salt water and sydney polution and it still works fine.
I must say it's built better than the D2X

if you want something cheaper manfrotto is an option or a second hand swiss arca ballhead - but they are stil expensive

regarding legs Gitzo buy best and never buy again

[sirhc55]

Markins M20 or one of the Benro heads if you are looking for a cheap, but good, alternative.

[Finch]

Thanks for the info. so far guys. Will do some research, try a few out and then decide. Its good to get different opinions and then decided what works best.

Cheers

Michael

[MattC]

Michael

You mention being able to rotate the head for portrait shots. An L Bracket from RRS or Kirk is a much better solution. The only thing that I use the slot in my ballhead (M20) for is to be able to get the required vertical angle when the head would otherwise not have enough travel.

Cheers

[mattson]

The acratech ultimate ballhead is a weapon... super strong and ultra smooth (in motion)



don't think you're going to need anything bigger... $400 it'll cost you + an adapter place to suit... but worth every penny

http://acratech.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOS&Product_Code=ubh

that's the website link (ps. I'm in no way affliated)

Matt

[Glen]

Micheal,

Birddog has the Acratech, a few RRS, a few Markins and Benro. No disrespect intended to anyone, but I used both his Acratech and RRS 55 before purchasing the RRS. The Acratech would be my first choice for a bushwalking, mountaineering or travelling ballhead, but the RRS is a few steps up for a big lens. It is not a huge amount more and is better made with some nice features, like captured screws, etc. MattC suggestion of an L bracket is definitely the best choice.

I think you may find it difficult to try these ballheads at too many places in Brisbane (probably Australia) so will probably end up relying on the opinion of others. Good luck.

[birddog114]

Michael,

Few options (I have them in my inventory and use them every week):

Budget & economy:

- Benro CF or Aluminium tripod & Benro KB-2 head.
- The RRS L bracket is useful if you can afford it. (optional)

Business class:

- Markins 20 head
- Gitzo 1227 or 1227 LVL
- Required L brackets (RRS or Kirk)

First class:

- Gitzo 1325/ 1327
- RRS BH55
- RRS L bracket
- RRS lens mount plate.

No to AUB, it's on my mono pod and rarely use it, it's around AU$400.00 and the Markins 20 beats it in miles away.

[Heath Bennett]

Is there anything I need to know about buying a RRS L bracket to go with my KB-2 and Benro? Or will it all fit together with ease?

[birddog114]

Is there anything I need to know about buying a RRS L bracket to go with my KB-2 and Benro? Or will it all fit together with ease?

Nothing fancy and drama, buy one and it goes straight onto the KB-2.
I still have one new in stock at the same RRS's price.

[Killakoala]

The RRS L-bracket will happily mate with the Benro Arca-Swiss mount that comes with the tripod ball-head.

[Heath Bennett]

Is there anything I need to know about buying a RRS L bracket to go with my KB-2 and Benro? Or will it all fit together with ease?

Nothing fancy and drama, buy one and it goes straight onto the KB-2.
I still have one new in stock at the same RRS's price.

Thanks ppl.

Birdie - PM or email prefered?

[birddog114]

Is there anything I need to know about buying a RRS L bracket to go with my KB-2 and Benro? Or will it all fit together with ease?

Nothing fancy and drama, buy one and it goes straight onto the KB-2.
I still have one new in stock at the same RRS's price.

Thanks ppl.

Birdie - PM or email prefered?

Pls. use the order form.

[kipper]

Mattson I would'nt be game to hold a camera or lens of that price with something like the arachtech.

The Markins M20 is a good head, although some of the old ones did have problems with looseness at the base which resulted in vibration. I almost bought an RRS 55PRO but curbed my expenditure, if I were to get a ballhead with my current setup I'd go that and get a wimberley sidekick aswell. Which is probably what I'll do in future for when I want to do both landscape and nature while I'm out trekking.