300/2.8 L (IS MK1) or 400/2.8 L (non-IS)

[xROELOFx]

Thanks for the beanbag/ricebag advice...did not think about, but similar concept to upward shooting : .

I could use tripod when sitting, but not laying down.

I have a buddy that will lend me a gimbal head to test drive once I make a decision. Is a gimbal head overkill, good idea or a necessity?

so far i have only used a normal ballhead, but i do think a gimbal head is a good idea. it's on my wish list to buy.

 

[D.Sim]

Thanks for the beanbag/ricebag advice...did not think about, but similar concept to upward shooting : .

I could use tripod when sitting, but not laying down.

I have a buddy that will lend me a gimbal head to test drive once I make a decision. Is a gimbal head overkill, good idea or a necessity?

Have to be careful about that ricebag... Don't use real rice if you're in tropical areas. I tried a DIY one, was fine till one day I found beetles all over my bag... was wondering where they came from, especially when they kept reappearing despite multiple "vaccuum treatments"... Finally realised it was from the bag =(

That said, I made a new one with a handful or two of uh... "borrowed" styrofoam beans from my sister's beanbag... Works a charm. Might want to get be wary of getting it damp though - I carry a waterproof foam mat around for that as well, just in case.

And if you're lying down a lot, you can always consider a yoga mat from Kmart or Target or whatever store is near you - they're cheap, light, easy to carry around in a pinch if you ever want to do some low angle shooting



Sorry, gone off tangent. Get the 300mm IS imo, even with a monopod the 400 isn't going to be easy to handle

 

[DanoPhoto]

Ben- I am trying to plan a long weekend to take the kids to DC in the fall. Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on that.

 

[DanoPhoto]

@ D.Sim & xROELOFx - thanks for the feedback. More things to consider in the process. Leaning toward the 300 due to size and IS. Fortunately, not a pressing timeline, so I can change my mind a few more times.

 

[xROELOFx]

Thanks for the beanbag/ricebag advice...did not think about, but similar concept to upward shooting : .

I could use tripod when sitting, but not laying down.

I have a buddy that will lend me a gimbal head to test drive once I make a decision. Is a gimbal head overkill, good idea or a necessity?

Have to be careful about that ricebag... Don't use real rice if you're in tropical areas. I tried a DIY one, was fine till one day I found beetles all over my bag... was wondering where they came from, especially when they kept reappearing despite multiple "vaccuum treatments"... Finally realised it was from the bag =(

That said, I made a new one with a handful or two of uh... "borrowed" styrofoam beans from my sister's beanbag... Works a charm. Might want to get be wary of getting it damp though - I carry a waterproof foam mat around for that as well, just in case.

i got a bean/rice bag filled with these kind of things: https://www.lowlandphotoservice.nl/granulaatkorrels/440-rjs-granulaat-korrels-lichtbruin.html. the website is in dutch, but i guess there's similar products to be found in your country. they are lighter than rice (about 1 third lighter) and don't attract beetles

 

[D.Sim]

Thanks for the beanbag/ricebag advice...did not think about, but similar concept to upward shooting : .

I could use tripod when sitting, but not laying down.

I have a buddy that will lend me a gimbal head to test drive once I make a decision. Is a gimbal head overkill, good idea or a necessity?

Have to be careful about that ricebag... Don't use real rice if you're in tropical areas. I tried a DIY one, was fine till one day I found beetles all over my bag... was wondering where they came from, especially when they kept reappearing despite multiple "vaccuum treatments"... Finally realised it was from the bag =(

That said, I made a new one with a handful or two of uh... "borrowed" styrofoam beans from my sister's beanbag... Works a charm. Might want to get be wary of getting it damp though - I carry a waterproof foam mat around for that as well, just in case.

i got a bean/rice bag filled with these kind of things: https://www.lowlandphotoservice.nl/granulaatkorrels/440-rjs-granulaat-korrels-lichtbruin.html. the website is in dutch, but i guess there's similar products to be found in your country. they are lighter than rice (about 1 third lighter) and don't attract beetles

If its organic, it'll attract beetles. Or mold. Probably get moldy if you don't take care of it either way, but foodstuff does move ever so faster... which is an unfortunate site effect of living in the tropics

Those things look rather... hard though =/

 

[DanoPhoto]

They look like some type of recycled plastic material. looking for my (Dutch to English) translator button to read the description. Fortunately, I do not do much tropical travel, but moisture is everywhere.

@D.Sim - did your sister ever figure out you were the "borrower"? I have two sisters and that would have been an interesting "discussion".

 

[D.Sim]

They look like some type of recycled plastic material. looking for my (Dutch to English) translator button to read the description. Fortunately, I do not do much tropical travel, but moisture is everywhere.

@D.Sim - did your sister ever figure out you were the "borrower"? I have two sisters and that would have been an interesting "discussion".

Well, as beanbags go, they tend to... deflate over time, if you will. Especially when theres a small hole in the corner that allows beans to fall out....

 

[DanoPhoto]

Hey gang, as part of the "oh, by the way" discovery process, now I need to consider a bag or pack to tote one of these monsters to/from the ball fields.


Think Tank Galss Taxi looks good, but sure there are many more option out there


What do you use? Do you keep strap attached?


Thanks, Dan.

 

[TexPhoto]

For my 400mm 2.8, I originally I used the hard case that it came in. I want all the protection I can get. Then I added an acrca-swiss plate and it would not fit. Now I use a wheeled pelican case. Also heavy but hey, it protects my investment, and I can sit stand on it. My monopod is long enough that I can stand on the pelican, getting me over the heads of others.

I keep a small bike lock in the pelican so if I'm going to leave the empty case someplace while I move on the sidelines of a game, it's not going to walk away.

 

[DanoPhoto]

Being a towering 5'8", that is a GREAT idea.

 

[winoheel]

1) Reach, reach, reach for birds and you can never have enough.
2) 300mm 2.8L IS with 1.4x extender is great for large birds that are stationary in a tree or nest and you are somewhat stationary with mono or tripod help and a gimbal head. I use glass taxi as permanent storage, space for extenders, flash, pro body and easy travel. Great for field sports. I will never let it go!
3) 100-400mm is great and serves a separate purpose with much more flexibility, works well in tight quarters no mono or tripod, and travels well. Everytime I think about getting rid of it I use it one last time and change my mind!
4) 600mm 4.0L IS, used and I think that I have arrived at my final destination. With extenders, gimbal head on tripod and very heavy but I knew that getting into it!
5) All used on 50D, 5DII and 1D Mark IV (purchased used)

I use them all for different purposes and bought them over time but wonder if expectations can ever be met.