40d +500 f4 combo

[elgang]

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

Cheers elgang.

I'm sure you won't regret your decision. Its a fine lens. Hope you find a cheap one. I got mine in February 2008 for £3400. I don't think I could afford one at today's prices! It might be worth checking the price with Kerso who you can find on the internet auction site.

Bear in mind you'll need a good tripod and maybe a wimberly-type head as well. I use a Velbon CF 730 and a Manfrotto 393 Long Lens Bracket. I can also recomened these although they have increased in price too!

I was about to asked you for the above info!! Cheers Billy. Haven't had time to read up on the tripods yet - the lens has taken all my time!!

If anyone else has other sites that might find a bargain I would be very grateful. Thanks

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by elgang

I was about to asked you for the above info!! Cheers Billy. Haven't had time to read up on the tripods yet - the lens has taken all my time!!

If anyone else has other sites that might find a bargain I would be very grateful. Thanks

Just a slight correction. When I said 'Wimberley' head, I meant Gimbal head.

The 500 is quite a long, heavy lens and IMO will need one of these. I got the MF 393 because it was (by far) the cheapest but it does just the same job as the expensive ones.

[elgang]

9 months later ...

I've now saved enough money to buy my dream lens - Canon 500mm

As I previously only owned the 70-200 lens the tripods and heads are all new to me. I've read a lot about these, and eventually decided on the following;

Wimberley Head Mk II
Gitzo GT3530LS Series 3 Systematic Tripod

The clamp/plate business is very confusing for me, and I would appreciate your help. From what I gathered the Wimberley Head Version II has a built-in, Arca-Swiss style quick-release clamp. In order to use the head, the lens must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate. As I'm buying the 500mm the plate that I will need is the p-40. Is this correct?


Appreciate your help

Thanks / Diolch


Elgan

[DrNickBurton]

I agree it's very confusing - part of the problem is that there isn't much literature out there on how this kind of thing works.

Another option to consider is the possibility of buying a replacement foot for the lens collar itself. These replacement feet are themselves Arca Swiss compatible - in other words, you can mount them directly in an Arca Swiss type bracket, removing the need for a separate plate.

The Really Right Stuff foot for the Canon 500mm f4 IS is the "LCF-50", and they cost $100 from the US.

Originally Posted by elgang

9 months later ...

I've now saved enough money to buy my dream lens - Canon 500mm

As I previously only owned the 70-200 lens the tripods and heads are all new to me. I've read a lot about these, and eventually decided on the following;

Wimberley Head Mk II
Gitzo GT3530LS Series 3 Systematic Tripod

The clamp/plate business is very confusing for me, and I would appreciate your help. From what I gathered the Wimberley Head Version II has a built-in, Arca-Swiss style quick-release clamp. In order to use the head, the lens must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate. As I'm buying the 500mm the plate that I will need is the p-40. Is this correct?


Appreciate your help

Thanks / Diolch


Elgan

[BillyPilgrim]

"Wimberley Head Mk II
Gitzo GT3530LS Series 3 Systematic Tripod

The clamp/plate business is very confusing for me, and I would appreciate your help. From what I gathered the Wimberley Head Version II has a built-in, Arca-Swiss style quick-release clamp. In order to use the head, the lens must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate. As I'm buying the 500mm the plate that I will need is the p-40. Is this correct?"

Originally Posted by DrNickBurton

I agree it's very confusing - part of the problem is that there isn't much literature out there on how this kind of thing works.

Another option to consider is the possibility of buying a replacement foot for the lens collar itself. These replacement feet are themselves Arca Swiss compatible - in other words, you can mount them directly in an Arca Swiss type bracket, removing the need for a separate plate.

The Really Right Stuff foot for the Canon 500mm f4 IS is the "LCF-50", and they cost $100 from the US.

Or consider the Manfrotto 393 for £120 which includes the plate?

I've been lugging my Canon 500mm around on this for 2 years now and never had a problem. The thought of paying 5 times as much for something that does the same job would worry me!

[freiston]

At this year's 'Focus on Imaging' show at the NEC, Canon had used the Manfrotto 393 for all their long lenses on display. I have to admit to using the opportunity to inspect the gimbal heads rather than the lenses - they work beautifully.

Edit - you can see this pictured on their website:
http://www.canon.co.uk/focus2010/