Gitzo Tripods

[David Hyde]

Hi all.
I have recently bought a 500mm F4 and have taken it on several trips. Early on I came to the conclusion that my old ball head needed upgrading. I have now got an Arca-Swiss type 54mm ball and it seems fine. When I get a sharp image, things look very good indeed but I feel there is still too much movement in the viewfinder when taking the photo or even touching the camera!! I suspect my Mk1 Benbo tripod may need replacing. Most articles I read advocate Gitzo tripods. I am practicing by ‘big-lens’ technique but would be grateful for any comments on tripods that might be more suited than the Benbo.
Thanks, David

[nightshade]

Just out of curiosity are you mounting the lense or the camera,and
what remote lead do you use?

[David Hyde]

Hi nightshade. Thanks for your reply. This is a big, heavy, so the lens is mounted on the tripod. I am using no shutter release cable.
David

[nightshade]

Before you part with big bucks ,try a remote release you can also buy a hook
which would allow you to weight the very sturdy Benbow

[HowlinWolf]

Originally Posted by David Hyde

Hi all.
I have recently bought a 500mm F4 and have taken it on several trips. Early on I came to the conclusion that my old ball head needed upgrading. I have now got an Arca-Swiss type 54mm ball and it seems fine. When I get a sharp image, things look very good indeed but I feel there is still too much movement in the viewfinder when taking the photo or even touching the camera!! I suspect my Mk1 Benbo tripod may need replacing. Most articles I read advocate Gitzo tripods. I am practicing by ‘big-lens’ technique but would be grateful for any comments on tripods that might be more suited than the Benbo.
Thanks, David

I've used a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod for the last 5 years, and although rigid, and lighter than an aluminium counterpart, I still get some movement through the viewfinder when using super telephotos. Using a remote release and mirror lock-up (where appropriate) helps reduce vibrations.

Manfrotto make a long lens support (MN 359) which attaches the camera body to a tripod leg whilst the lens itself it supported by the tripod head. This provides a more rigid set-up for long lens use.

HW

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi,

I use a 500mm f 4.5 and i too traded up from a Mk1 benbo to a gitzo.The benbo was too unsteady at head hight, there was a sideways twisting movement.I gat a Gitza 1325 and it is rock solid, and a hell of a lot lighter!!
A cable release isn't really going to help unless you are going to use mirror lock-up, it's the mirror "slap" that causes the problem and sets up a lot of the vibrations. I guess that you've spent all that money to be able to shoot birds etc, and if so mirror lock up is a bit useless.
Check out Moose Pattersons website and use his telephoto lens technigue - brilliant!
Another tip is some type of wedge ( I use a carpet wedge) wedged between the lens body and the end of the foot/handle that attaches to the tripod , this makes two points of contact between lens & tripod cutting out some more vibration.

Good luck

neil

[wildlifesnapper]

that should be Moose Peterson - Derr!

[HowlinWolf]

That's Okay, we knew that.

HW

[David Hyde]

Hi Guys
Thanks for your helpful comments. I have seen the Moose Peterson site and its that technique I have been practicing. I agree with the Benbo at head height Neil so I avoid using the tripod with the centre column extended, its interesting also that you traded up from the same tripod.
Thanks for your comments HW I have seen the long lens support in the Manfrotto catalogue but have not heard of anyone using it. I will definitely check that out, although the subject would need to be fairly static I guess. The carpet wedge idea sounds simple and effective and it’s adding an extra bit of support like the Manfrotto support I will be experimenting!!
I can’t lock up the mirror with my camera but have used a cable release in the past. I prefer to be directly in touch with the shutter button so I will try the above first.
Again, thanks for all your great advice.
David