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

[Mpieris]

That version is excellent for macro work; you can position your camera in some really odd positions. If all you need is three stable legs that are easy to carry one of the other versions might serve you better. I own a version of this tripod, and while for almost every application it works great, I have thought about buying another tripod to carry backpacking because of the weight. You lose some of the versatility, but if I were just planning on taking mostly landscape shots I could give the versatility up to save a pound or two.

At this point, I think the weight saving is a bigger advantage for me since I haven't really gotten into macro photography yet. I'm more interested in using it for landscapes and portraits. The mountaineer seems like a good tripod for this and that 1 pound saving is a real selling feature for me.

[Mpieris]

Rich, unfortunately I can't benefit from the rebates as I live in Canada and they only apply to U.S. residents. The price jump is pretty significant and I'm also concerned with tacking on more weight with these heavier tripods. Glad to hear that the Wimberley plates are comparable in quality to the RRS. Seems like I may have just reached a decision thanks to everyone's help (especially from you). Many, many thanks!!

[Richard Lane]

Your very welcome!

Congrats on your decision! Your getting a really nice set-up. Lets us know how it is when you get it.

Last thing, Kirk also makes camera body plates which is custom fit for the 5DII: This one below can also be used with a Hand Strap if you ever want one of those. This plate will not twist at all. The Wimberley p5 has some rubber to reduce twisting and should be pretty good as well, but this Kirk plate is custom fit for the 5DII ($55) . If you have other bodies then the P5 universal may be better, but you can't go wrong with a "Kirk Plate on a Kirk Clamp."

Without Battery Grip:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/599367-REG/Kirk_PZ_128_PZ_128_Arca_Type_Compact_Quick.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...for_Canon.html


With Battery Grip:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/599369-REG/Kirk_PZ_129_PZ_129_Arca_Type_Compact_Quick.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...for_Canon.html

Wimberley:

http://www.tripodhead.com/products/c...patibility.cfm


Also, when using the tripod collar mount on the 70-200mm then you can easily switch from landscape to portrait (as opposed to an L-plate), by just turning the lens within the tripod collar.

Good Luck,
Rich