Tripod/head for 7d and 100-400mm 5.6?

Brigsy

Hi,

Following on from my last question in the camera section I have pretty much decided to go with the 7d and 100-400 zoom. (Little bit worried about the noise factor and tossing up a used 1dmk3 still!)

Anyhow, for that combo, What tripod and head would make a good set up? Do modern tripod legs spread out wide for low angle shots these days?

Cheers

Brigsy

gecko0

I wouldn't be concerned with the high ISO noise on the 7D unless you plan on shooting above 3200 with improper exposure.

kdog

Congrats on the camera/lens choice. I think you'll really be happy with that setup.

I personally would go with a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead, and Gitzo GT3531LSV legs. Not the cheapest route, but you'll be loving it for the rest of your life.

Here's a good article that sums it up pretty well. http://www.bythom.com/support.htm

roakey

My suggestion: Giottos tripod, Markins ballhead
Sometimes it’s best getting the absolute best and sometimes it’s best getting the best price/performance. For instance, I just recently sprung for Canon’s 70-200 2.8L IS II lens because though expensive, it was worth it. But hitting the sweet spot on price/performance for my tripod and ballhead was in fact one of the things that allowed me to afford the Canon lens.

Though there’s a lot of top-drawer stuff out when it comes to tripods and ballheads, it costs a pretty penny. The question becomes: Do I really need the best or the lightest or whatever parameter that causes you shell out significantly more money for the top-drawer components? At the same time you don’t want to buy something you’ll need to replace later (as the article linked to earlier correctly points out).

So what did I but to support my Canon 7D and 70-200?

I did a lot of research and ended up with a Giottos basalt tripod that gives me something lighter than aluminum, but heavier than carbon fiber and a Markins M10 ballhead (though with the screw release). Are they the best? That would be an endless debate. Are they very, very good? Yes, and I don’t see any need for replacing them anytime in the near future. As I near my Grand Canyon traverse in a year or so I may spring for a real carbon fiber tripod, but maybe not too.

Why did I look at the Giottos? I’ve rented lenses from lensrentals.com several times, and one day noticed that they rent Giottos basalt tripods. Since rental equipment gets a lot of wear and tear, I took this as somewhat of an implied endorsement. After some research on my own I decided that they indeed appeared to be well made tripods, bought one and have been a happy camper.

So I’d look into the Giottos tripods and Markins ballheads and see if they’re “good enough” for you.

Roak

Brigsy

Thanks for the advice.