Tripod Head for big lens?

[Brendan7]

I am primarily a wildlife photographer and need a solid tripod head to go along with a solid tripod. I will be mounting a 50d and 500mm lens, with hood, flash, etc.


Any recommendations for tripods/heads?

[Wes]

Check out the ones here. http://reallyrightstuff.com/index.html


I personally don't have one of theirs but do know folks that have them and they really like them. Also check out the ones that Bryan recommends in his reviews.

[alexniedra]

I'm assuming you're using the Canon 500 f/4 IS L?


You're best bet would be the Wimberly Gimbal Head II:


http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Wimberley-Tripod-Head-II-Review.aspx


This head will make the 500 seem weightless on the tripod. You'll be able to move the lens with ease, and tracking birds in flight will be a dream. Also, with the Wimberly lens plate, you'll be able to slide the setup forward/backwards on the head to find the point of balance. This avoids the risk of everything flopping over. I would hands down recommend this head.


As for tripods, I would suggest something very solid. You'll probably want to consider a Gitzo for that heavy lens.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

I recommend you handhold your 500 f/4 []

[samoksner]

I find it funny that after saying you'll be mounting a 500mm that you bother to even mention the extra 200 ounces of a flash. I would go with wimberly ball head and a realyrightstuff bracket and legs.

[Bill W]

Brendan....I to spend most of my time capturing wildlife......go w/a gimbal.


As alexneidra stated; tracking birds in flight will be made much easier and handling a lens this size will be easier than a ball/head setup.


Lucky man....a 500mm....I'm saving my pennies! Do you plan on a 1.4x and better beemer?


There are a few sturdy (various brands) tripods available, just make sure that the combination of the tripod, gimbal, and camera view finder are at least eye level, not lower.


Enjoy


Bill

[peety3]

Big recommendation: read this article, several times if necessary: http://www.bythom.com/support.htm


"Thom's Maxim #2: <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"]You can spend US$1700 to buy a good tripod and head, or
you can spend US$1000 and do the same thing. (Corollary: eventually you'll
do one or the other.)"


It's convinced me of two things: my existing tripod is awful (which it is), and I'm going to put up with it for a while until I can spend the money on the right solution.

[Bill W]

Peety;


Good link....when I was doing research for my tripod, I came across this article and ended up spending more than I had planned on a tripod. I haven't regretted the decision.


Good advice for the first time buyer.