Head for 500 f/4

[yelvertoft]

Manfrotto 393 description here:
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache/offonce/pid/2430
And a bigger picture here:
http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site...s/zoom/393.jpg

[mw_aurora]

Originally Posted by Tannin

Sorry for the really basic question, but what's the deal with fluid heads and long lenses? Currently I have a Manfrotto 501 fluid head on a Manfrotto 055 NAT III tripod. The tripod is OK, not great just OK, but I'll replace it with a carbon one before too long. I bought the 501 head for digiscoping, but these days I'm using 20Ds, a 100-400, and thte 500 f/4 arrived 20 minutes ago. (Joy!)

Congrats - you are going to love your new lens! I got a gimbal type head at the same time as my 500 f4 - it makes life so much easier than a fluid pan and tilt, it is really as amazing as everyone says! I did try to continue with my 055 tripod, but soon gave up and got a Gitso 1325 tripod which is more rigid than but similar in weight to the 055.

Although the cost of the Wimberley and Gitso was wallet breaking, I decided that having spent on a 500 f4, not giving it good support was daft!

Cheers Mark.

[pete]

Tannin as you say stick with what you have but, If you get the chance to use your gear on a Gimbal type head take it.

The only problem then is that you will want one. The difference is amazing everything rock solid and at the same time instantly moveable, no locking or tightening up of screws.

Yes ok I know they cost, but after having used one I think you will find it worth it.

If you don't fancy the cost then please don't try one.

Pete

[Tannin]

Thanks guys.

Tripod first. There is nothing wrong with my 055, nirofo, it's just that it's a bit on the flimsy size. I've had two of them, this is the Mk III but I had a Mk 1 before that, which was the same. I might have to make a trip to Melbourne and see if I can have an in-person look at some of this gear. It's only a couple of hours drive away but it's a city of 3-4 million people and I despise cities, never, ever go there if I have a choice.

And cost? After the 500mm Canon, I think I've stopped caring about the cost of things.