Help deciding on next lens

[Richard Lane]

Rich, glad you enjoy sharing as much as I love learning . So more options to consider... I checked out the RRS options. Looks like the cost for this setup would end up costing me closer to $1500 with freight, duties, and taxes. The biggest difference is in the cost of the legs. They are rated at a higher load capacity than the Gitzo I am considering. Going up to the 3 series in Gitzo would match the RRS 2 series and still cost less. But the RRS ballhead has a lower load capacity than the Kirk. Thanks for the feedback on the plates. But if I go with the Gitzo and Kirk setup, I will probably go with the wimberleys because I can get everything from B&H. Ideally I can get my things from one store to minimize my shipping charges to Canada. Or are the RRS plates that much better that I should pony up for the extra shipping charges?

There is absolutely no difference in quality between the RRS and Wimberley plates. The are both top notch!

The explorer feature looks nice, however the only concern that I would have besides the extra weight, would be the stability of the camera position, as the center column top mounting plate, as it appears to be off to the side of the tripod (so the center of gravity is not over the legs), even when you're not using the horizontal feature.

Also check out the Gitzo Systematic Carbon Series 2 or Series 3; 3 section or 4 section. The prices on the Gitzo website are higher retail prices.

http://www.gitzo.com/news+%26+events...ipods/20183007

Note prices after rebate at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846201-REG/Gitzo_GT2532S_GT_2531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/846212-REG/Gitzo_GT3532S_GT3542LS_6x_4_SECTION_SYSTEMATIC.htm l

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...4_Section.html


Also horizontal adapters are also available separately:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=feisol+horizontal+adapter&N=0&InitialSe arch=yes&sts=ma



I really hope I'm not confusing you or overwhelming you with information, as I'm not trying to talk you into any specific model. All of the models and brands listed are excellent!

I own the previous years model of the Gitzo Carbon Systematic 3 Series with 4 leg sections and I love it.

Rich

[HDNitehawk]

The explorer feature looks nice, however the only concern that I would have besides the extra weight, would be the stability of the camera position, as the center column top mounting plate, as it appears to be off to the side of the tripod (so the center of gravity is not over the legs), even when you're not using the horizontal feature.

It is not a problem and I have never noticed it as an issue, unless of course you are inverting the column then you have the hooks on the bottom of the column for counter balance weights. This tripod is very solid, but you gain weight to have the extra features.

[Richard Lane]

It is not a problem and I have never noticed it as an issue, unless of course you are inverting the column then you have the hooks on the bottom of the column for counter balance weights. This tripod is very solid, but you gain weight to have the extra features.

I totally trust your impressions of it, as I have no experience with it. It actually looks very stout and robust in the pictures.

Rich