manfrotto 055xprob

[canon_kid]

i have one of these with a 498 rc2 head, well I just started reading about L plates and gimbal heads for the bigger lenses. I do plan a canon 100-400mm L lens in the future, but untill then the biggest lens i use is 70-300 and soon a 70-200L

so my question is: with my tripod and head set up will i need or can i even use a L plate or need a gimbal head ?

if not what do you suggest ?

if so what do you suggest ?

 

[icassell]

What are you shooting? If you're a wildlife/bird photographer, a gimbal head would be a great addition (I wish I could afford one). Many would say that you don't need one on a 400, but I know there are times it would come in handy. It's probably overkill for your 300. They are quite expensive.

Oh ... and with some exceptions (e.g. Wimberly Sidekick), the gimbal head REPLACES your other head. You need a rotating tripod mount collar on your lens. The Sidekick slides onto an Arca-Swiss mount on your existing head. http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/wimberely_sidekick.shtml

 

[soylentgreen]

I use to have that exact combo when I first started and used it all the way up to the EF 300mm f/4L IS. Your lens is small and light and really does not need the support of a gimbal head. I mostly photograph wildlife/ birds and had no problems with it.
You are fine with it unless you want the gimbal action. This allows you a more positive lock and free movement when used with the heavier lenses; i.e. EF 300mm f/2.8L IS and up. You can also set the camera up and fire it remotely or with mirror lock-up more securely with a gimbal head.

 

[canon_kid]

i shoot landscaps and when i get a bigger lenses i will shoot animals

 

[Buckster]

If you're a wildlife/bird photographer, a gimbal head would be a great addition (I wish I could afford one).

That was exactly my sentiment! So I headed for the barn and grabbed some steel, a couple of bearings, a saw, a welder, and some paint...

[video=youtube;fTuCb2ATQS0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTuCb2ATQS0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTuCb2ATQS0[/video]

[video=youtube;Wb3UYwr_cfw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb3UYwr_cfw"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb3UYwr_cfw[/video]

Many would say that you don't need one on a 400, but I know there are times it would come in handy.

Yep, that's what I wanted it for. My 100-400 flopped over one too many times after forgetting to lock it down after freestyle shooting birds or something. The pinched fingers and thumbs were no fun either when it happened!

 

[Buckster]

A PM request to show more info on the assembly prompted this:

Happy to provide additional info if asked.

 

[soylentgreen]

That's really cool Buckster. I considered doing the same thing. I could not justify spending $500+ for a gimbal head so I purchased the Manfrotto 393 mount. It works just as good for a third of the price. Only knock is the lack of a positive rotating lock at the base without loosening the set screw, but I will probably add a large thumb screw to remedy that.

 

[Scatterbrained]

Buckster, quite cool. I've been contemplating something like that my self as a good excuse to put my welder to work. Just one question, why not make it so it screws right to the tripod rather than to a tripod head? It just seems a little redundant is all.

 

[canon_kid]

i was thinking that but who wants to keep switching heads ?

 

[Buckster]

Buckster, quite cool. I've been contemplating something like that my self as a good excuse to put my welder to work. Just one question, why not make it so it screws right to the tripod rather than to a tripod head? It just seems a little redundant is all.

I figured it'd more convenient this way. I have a few extra quick release plates anyway, so it's no big deal to just leave one on it.

 

[soylentgreen]

Your set-up is fine for the lighter lenses, but once you factor in the weight of the larger heavier L lenses. Things get whacky. You're dealing with 10 Lbs and more worth of glass! I noticed from your video that the center of horizontal rotation is off. Something that will need to be addressed; especially if you intend to use heavier loads. My only concern is the high center of gravity. The tripod will be highly unstable with that and the weight "offset". Something to keep in mind.
I've seen the neck of those ball-type heads snap off before under stress so be careful. There is only a screw that holds the plate onto the ball. I have a Gitzo GH3780QR as a ballhead for heavy work. I used it with a long plate for a 400 f/2.8 before getting a real gimbal head.

 

[Buckster]

The center of horizontal rotation was corrected by the time I got the second vid shot.

This was only built to address my biggest lens. If I get the bucks to get a bigger lens like you're talking about, I'll invest in a serious gimbal mount for it. :thumbup: