Tripod, Ball Head, & Camera Compatibility Concerns

cwcaesar · Feb 4, 2013

I am looking to pick up a Gitzo Series 3 Systematic, and I want to put a RRS BH-55 on top of it, and attach my D600 to this. I am curious as to which model of the BH-55 I should get, which accessories are recommended/necessary for making the camera attach to the ball head; and ballhead to the legs. I am pretty sure I want a Quick release to remove the camera from the ball head more conveniently.

Are there any resources on the web that will explain to me what I will need? Does anyone have any recommendations as to which direction I should go as far as accessories? I appreciate any help.

andrew.479 · Feb 4, 2013

That will be nice, I would recommend the lever type release. Do yourself a huge favor and get the L-plate for your D600. The L-plate makes landscape to vertical changes a snap and the camera is more stable in vertical opposed to using a drop notch. The replacement foot is also great if you have a 70-200 or other large zoom. The 3 series will be very sturdy, I have a 2 series gitzo and the BH-40 which is sturdy enough for a D800 and 70-200. I carry this setup on my back though, If you don't I think the extra size would be great. Also, you should not need any thing to attach the head to the legs unless you want to set that up with a quick release also.

-Andrew

andrew.479 · Feb 4, 2013

BTW, the RRS website is very helpful or you could call them and they will help set you up. I don't think they get offended if you are buying a gitzo tripod.

Helen B · Feb 4, 2013

...but you might want to consider an RRS tripod instead of the Gitzo.

cwcaesar · Feb 5, 2013

Helen B said:
...but you might want to consider an RRS tripod instead of the Gitzo.

Why is that? Is it worth the extra $270.00? B&H has the tripod I want for $729 and the RRS is $1000. One concern I have is that I have heard that the RRS does not have a hook on the bottom of their plate to hang a bag from for stability. Plus, from the pictures I have seen, the RRS are more flashy/shiny/blingy...whatever you want to call it. I also have an $80 gift card for B&H and thought I could apply that to the tripod. Although I could use that to put toward the Lee filters that I want.

L-Plate...if I decide to add a battery grip later, will I be able to use the same L-Plate? Is the BH-40 really enough to handle the 70-200? The biggest lens I gould ever inagine owning is the 300mm f/2.8; would the BH-40 handle this lens or am I still better off with the BH-55.

Helen B · Feb 5, 2013

The L-plates are different for cameras with and without battery grips: BD600-L for the D600 without and BMBD14-L for the D600 with MD-14, if I read their website correctly.

Whether the detail improvements of the RRS over the Gitzo is worth the extra cost is really your decision, as is the choice between the different carbon fibre weave patterns (I guess that is what you mean by 'blingy'). I'm fairly sure that the RRS series 3 tripods come with a weight hook under the plate.

I use the Burzynski head with the RRS Pano clamp, so I can't comment on the BH-55.

cwcaesar · Feb 5, 2013

Thanks so much for the help! I guess another reason for not going with the RRS legs is the fact that they are not in stock. I guess I will call them and see when they expect to have them in.

I did find on their website where they do have a weight hook, so I can cross that off as a difference between the two tripods.

andrew.479 · Feb 5, 2013

You would need a new plate if you got a battery grip if it was the standard OR L-plate. A 2 series tripod with the BH-40 is enough for a 70-200 2.8 and full frame camera but that is about it. That may be the way to go if you are carrying it for a distance. If not, or if you expect to get a 300 2.8, a 3 series and BH-55 would be awesome. I'm sure RRS would be glad to help you decide. Definitely give them a call.

cwcaesar · Feb 5, 2013

I chatted with a representative on their site. I guess I will suck it up and wait for the 3 series as they expect then in stock within a couple of weeks. Also going to get a BH-55. That way if I ever do get a 300mm f/2.8 (or bigger) I will be able to handle it.

Now to decide if I want the 33 or the 34. I really like the height available in the 34, but I feel the 33 would be more stable with only 3 leg sections. Any advice on this?

cwcaesar · Feb 6, 2013

Well, I did it. I pulled the trigger on the Really Right Stuff TVC-34L and BH-55 tripod and ball head. I haven't heard from them since I ordered (a few minutes ago) to see how long the wait will be, but yesterday they said a couple weeks. I will be sure to post pictures and a review once I have it in hand.