Which Tripod?

[Blackdog]

I use a Manfrotto 055 pro with a 501 pan/tilt head with q/release plate. It's heavy, but really sturdy and the head stays where you point it. I usually use it with my EOS5D and Canon 100/400IS and get reasonable results.

[Blackdog]

By the way, have a look at this for a big lens!!!
XL1 Image Gallery: The Most Extreme Lens Available For The XL1
They cost as much as a small house...

[paulthomas]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

With an even bigger price tag to match

It's about the same price as a 500/F4 which is pretty much the standard lens for wildlife photography

[Jon]

Originally Posted by dav56

I have just got a canon 400d and a Canon EF 100-400mm lens to go with it. Could you please advice me on what is the best type and make of tripod I will need to go with it, I am interested in wildlife photography in particular birds. I would rather buy a really good one that will last me rather than waste my money on one that only lasts for a few trips out.

Thanks
Dave

Dave
I have a 20D and the 100-400L IS lens, I use a Manfrotto 055CLB with a Manfrotto pan and tilt head, I also use a Benbo mark 1 with a big ball and socket head. Also sometimes use an old Bilora tripod primarily designed for movie camera. I like them all the Manfrotto is lightest and steady. I suspect the Benbo is the steadiest because you can really ram it into the ground (often lean on it with most of my weight). The Benbo takes a little getting used to but is the most versatile tripod, I often said if you have a Benbo you won't ever need another tripod. The handbook for the 100-400L IS lens indicates turn of image stabilisation when on a tripod, I know several very accomplished photographers who leave the stabiliser on permanently. I asked Andy Rouse for his advice and he said he always leaves it switched on. Regards monopods I have one but it is very rare I use it, I just can't get on with it. I tend to think if I need the camera still then I need a tripod or bean bag, the monopod just does not keep the camera still for me. Maybe if I bought one of those heads that Oy has I may find it a little more workable. Jon

[danpen]

I've never used one but read up abput Benro (yes Benro, not Benbo). A Chinese company that started making tripods suspiciously similar to Gitzo but substantially cheaper and than began improving on the design and materials.

I've got a decent Manfrotto and don't need another tripod but if I did I'd be thinking seriously about them.

As for the Benbo, I've got one of those and I find it too heavy to lug for more than a couple of miles. I take a Carbon Fibre Manfrotto, it may not be quite as easy to position but the best tripod is the one you have with you, rather than the one that got left in the car becuase it's too heavy.

cheers

Dan

[ron1863]

Benbo is excellent for nature photography as it is so versatile.

[Blackdog]

I bought a Slik Pro Pod 600 monopod last week at £39. It's made of some exotic alloy with aluminium and titanium so is very lightweight. I haven't done much with it yet, but it is extremely strong and holds my 5D/100-400 without any problems at all.

[themightyzog]

It must be a Benbo for nature work