tripod help for EF 600mm f4 IS USM?

[stilscream]

So, I tried using B&H website, but obviously it's help is counter productive. This is the items I have ordered. I am trying to return all unnecissary items and items that don't work together.

1) Gitzo GT3531LSV tripod legs 75mm thread (didn't realise it didn't have a head)
2) Wimberly WH-200 -- clearly the head I want to use, recommended through and through
3) Wimberly WIFC600 replacement foot -- recommended by B&H website for some unknown reason
4) Wimberly p50 - Wh200 mounting bracket for 600 f4
5) Wimberly BS-100 screw adapter -- cheap so don't mind having extra
6) Gitzo GS3511S -- tripod head which is recommended by B&H website for my tripod, but doesn't even fit it!!

I am confused, and have a 600 f4 IS USM just waiting for me to be able to use as soon as my tripod is set up! How do I get the WH-200 on the tripod legs Gitzo GT3531LSV? HELP PLEASE!!

[canon816]

Hi there...

You may have purchased the wrong tripod.  I don't know very much about this tripod, but it looks like it is made to accept a video head.  What you purchased is a Wimberley WH200 Head which attaches to a tripod with a 1/4" threaded adapter. This threaded adapter is standard on the baseplate of several other tripods such as the Gitzo GT3541XLS 6x.  (Which by the way I highly recommend.  I have been using it for over a year now and can honestly say it is one of the best tripods ever made)

Your WH200 will thread directly onto this and voila'.... you are ready to shoot.  Good call getting the full wimberley by the way.  I have a 600mm f4 lens and it really is a must for smooth panning operation and precise shooting.  A friend and I have been testing lens variability in respect to support systems using FOCAL and have found that the WH200 is superior in that it eliminates a lot of vibration that is noticed with sidekicks and ball heads.

The replacement foot is really an essential accessory.  It is much closer to the lens barrell then the OEM foot and will eliminate a good amount of vibration and bring the center of gravity lower.  All a good thing when using such a long and heavy lens.  It will allow you to get cleaner images at slower shutter speeds then the OEM foot with a simple rail mounted.

You wont need the P50.  The replacement foot has an arca swiss style clamping surface on it and will mount directly to the WH200.

I really wouldn't recommend a tripod head with a center column.  You will not get the stability you need with that lens if you raise it up even a little.  If you need extra height go with the tripod I recommend.  The legs extend like 7 feet, so if you are on a hill or on an uneven surface you can drop a leg down to stable ground.  (IE you are standing on a log)

I hope this all helps.  You have an incredible lens to play with and good support is essential!  Let me know if you have any other questions.  These are my opinions and I am sure there are plenty others out there who have good luck with other gear options.

-Chris

[stilscream]

Gitzo GT3541XLS seems to be discontinued at B&H what is the weight rating, height and weight of the tripod? I see it for sale on Amazon, but it had no information other than rated to use up to a 500mm (lighter than the 600mm).

[Aaron78]

I'd go on gitzo's site, they give full descriptions of their models, and what weight they will support as well as what lens is recommended for each tripod.

[canon816]

Sorry.  Hadnt realized it was discontinued.  The specs are still on B&H.  This link will take you there:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569167-REG/Gitzo_GT3541XLS_GT3541XLS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html

It is rated for 39.7lbs... It says 500mm, but it is more then adequate for a 600mm lens. 

My 1D Mark IV + Older and heavier 600mm f4 NONIS lens + WH200 setup is over 19lbs and it handles it brilliantly.    I know several pro wildlife photographers who use this on a 600 and even an 800 and it excels.

Looks like this tripod was replaced by the GT3542XLS
http://www.gitzo.us/product/72038.71837.72020.0.0/GT3542XLS/_/SYSTEMATIC_Series_3_carbon_tripod%2C_x-long_4-section_overhead

The description says it is ideal for up to 400mm lens.... but the weight capacity is 55lbs!!!!  I don't know where they get their 400mm lens spec but I don't know of any setup that even comes close to 55lbs... maybe the elusive canon 1200mm. 

Either way it is $899 with a mail in rebate.  There is only one review but you can read the reviews on my tripod.... they will be similar considering the new model is what gitzo replaced mine with.

-C

[canon816]

Also... When I searched for the GT3541XLS on Amazon the GT3541 popped up in the search results.  This is not the same tripod.

-C

[seanature]

I'm not familiar with those specific models, but if the problem is that the thread on the bottom isn't the same size as the screw on the tripod, try removing that tripod screw, turning it upside-down, and screwing it back in.

There seem to be two different standard sizes for tripod heads and in my experience, the screw on the Gitzo tripods is usually double-ended, one end for each size.

Failing that, go to your local camera store and get a replacement screw. As camera equipment goes, it's a cheap and easy fix.

[photophreek]

I own the Canon 500mm and use the Gitzo 3531 Mountaineer with the Wimberley Sidekick on an Induro BHD 3 ballhead.  The 500mm is 8.5lbs and the 600mm is 13lbs.  I would suggest that the Series 3, four section Gitzo legs are not rated and sturdy enough for the 600 and would suggest that you get the Series 5 Gitzo tripod.  The Wimberley WH 200 is a gimbal head and I would use the Wimberley replacement foot for the 600mm or Kirk makes a replacement foot for the 600mm.  I would not buy a replacement foot that is too low to the lens as carrying this lens around is easier by the lens foot using it as a handle given it's weight.  If you go with the replacement foot, which I would, you don't need the Wimberley lens plate P50 as the replacement foot is Arca Swiss compatible with the clamp on the Wimberley gimbal head.  Forget about the tripod thread adapters as this is not necessary.  One other suggestion is to use the lens strap that comes with the 600mm at all times as the weight on the camera mount is considerable when carrying this lens around when not on the tripod.  After owning and using the 500mm regularily for the last 6-9 months, I wouldn't buy the older ver. I 600mm because of the weight and bulk and would consider the 600mm ver II instead.  The 600 II is the same weight and MFD as the 500mm ver I.  Good luck with this lens as it is very sharp and IQ is amazing.

[DavidRiesenberg]

So, I tried using B&H website, but obviously it's help is counter productive. This is the items I have ordered. I am trying to return all unnecissary items and items that don't work together.

1) Gitzo GT3531LSV tripod legs 75mm thread (didn't realise it didn't have a head)

Looking at the B&H listing, the package includes a flat top adapter so you're good.

[stilscream]

it didn't have a flat head, the main picture has one, but the enlarged pictures does not. The title even says 75mm thread adapter, but there was just a hole. I returned everything. The lens I boughtcame with a replacement foot which works with my wimberley wh-200