70-200VR+TC20EIII

[Mr Darcy]

I think is is a combination I am going to like.
I was about 10m away & while he knew I was there, I am sure he had no idea I was taking his photo.

SOOC except for a little lightening of the shadows under the hat.


I have had the teleconverter for a few weeks now, but the lens arrived today, so until now, it has been a paperweight. Not any more.

[Alpha_7]

Nice combo! I actually wanted the 20EIII for the trip to antarctica, but I couldn't find a 2nd hand one, so went for a 2nd hand 1.7 instead. How do you find the speed of focusing ?

[Mr Darcy]

Brilliant. It just snapped into focus. Mind you, these were bright conditions.

And yes, that's exactly why I got mine too. It should give me time to get used to it before my trip next year.
Mind you I have already decided to pack a monopod as well

[Murray Foote]

You'd have been lucky to find a second hand one since they've been out for less than a year and seem to be still in fairly short supply. Greg will no doubt answer for the 70-200mm; for the 300mm f2.8, focusing is fast and accurate. Your trip must be getting close.

[Murray Foote]

I upgraded my monopod to a Gitzo GM3551 for the trip. I figure that with an L-Bracket, I won't need a head for the monopod, just a clamp screwed onto the top.

[Mr Darcy]

I figure that with an L-Bracket, I won't need a head for the monopod, just a clamp screwed onto the top.

I find there is no need for a full motion head with the LPlate, but the Manfrotto 234 swivel head allows for adjusting the horizon easily. I recently changed the screw clamp on it to a lever clamp (RRS of course), but I wouldn't be without it.

I know ATJ, who just has a base plate, reckons you need a ball head on a monopod, so the LPlate it does help to alleviate the freedom of motion issues to a certain extent.

Mind you, if you are looking for a clamp for your monopod, I have a really nice screw clamp looking for a new home.

[aim54x]

Glad to hear that your lens has arrived! This should be a combination that you will enjoy immensely!

[Murray Foote]

I figure that with an L-Bracket, I won't need a head for the monopod, just a clamp screwed onto the top.

I find there is no need for a full motion head with the LPlate, but the Manfrotto 234 swivel head allows for adjusting the horizon easily. I recently changed the screw clamp on it to a lever clamp (RRS of course), but I wouldn't be without it.

I know ATJ, who just has a base plate, reckons you need a ball head on a monopod, so the LPlate it does help to alleviate the freedom of motion issues to a certain extent.

Mind you, if you are looking for a clamp for your monopod, I have a really nice screw clamp looking for a new home.

I've used a variation of that Manfrotto head for some years and just sold it at a low price. The reason I got rid of it was that it isn't rated for the weight of a D3 + 300mm f2.8. I don't think I need a substitute but I'll find out when I finally get the replacement L-Bracket (they are currently out of stock).

Where I might use a ballhead on a monopod would be if I get a Wimberly Sidekick for the 300mm. I think that's likely because it's the only way I'm likely to get to test one out and maybe then I'll take it to Antarctica. If so, I'm assuming I'll switch the ballhead I've got between the tripod and the monopod

I'm also waiting till I get the L-Bracket until I decide what combination of clamps and rails I want to have. Currently I have two lever clamps and two screw clamps and I may not require any more.