Gitzo monopod/tripod (1 Viewer)

[UlfL]

Hi all,

I'm planning on buying the Canon EF 500 IS. Since this lens needs decent support, I will also have to buy a new tripod (currently I have a Manfrotto 190B with a three way head, used mainly for macro work). Most people seem to recommend the Gitzo 1325, but it seems to be discontinued, at least I can't find it on Gitzo's homepage. What alternative do you recommend?

I will also need a sturdy monopod, preferrably also from Gitzo, since it should be easy to move the lens from mono- to tripod and back, without have to switch the lens plate. Which model (and head) would be best suited for this?

Regards,
Ulf

/Edit: I should add that I'm 190 cm tall, and would prefer not to stand in a hunchback position wile working |;|.

 

[gw4aurora]

Hello Ulf,

As a tall person I decided on the Gitzo G1564L which is the longer version as the L implies. This is a very sturdy piece of kit and handles my 500mm prime lens easily.
It is not a heavy monopod and found it was not worth the extra expense to buy a carbon model.

For the head I use an old Cullman item which you cannot buy any more.
I hope this helps you.

Best regards,

Chris

 

[Bish]

Hello Ulf,

I purchased the G1325 this week from www.bobrigby.com who have it in stock for my EF500 IS & Kirk King Cobra head & it seems very stable, I have also ordered the G1318 centre column to go with it & the G1588 monopod which will also take a 12kg max load

Regards Bish. :t:

 

[UlfL]

I purchased the G1325 this week from www.bobrigby.com who have it in stock for my EF500 IS & Kirk King Cobra head & it seems very stable, I have also ordered the G1318 centre column to go with it & the G1588 monopod which will also take a 12kg max load

Thanks Chris and Bish for your comments.

The best choice for tripod seems to be a G13* with a gimbal type head, preferrably Wimberley. Is it possible to use a Wimberley together with a centre column?

Regarding the monopod the 1564L seems to be a good choice. Not sure about the head for the monopod though, the Gitzo tilt heads seem too heavy, the one which copes with 10kg weighs 1,3kg (and cost almost the double of the monopod itself). Are there any other alternatives if you want to use a Wimberley compatible lens plate?

Best regards,
Ulf

 

[ukjesters]

Hi Ulf,
I dunno what 190cm is in old money..lol, but i'm 6'3 and have recently purchased a gitzo 1325v with a wimberley head for my 500mm canon. I do not need to stoop down when taking pics of birds in flight, maybe a little if they are up at a high angle but then again if i'm photographing little 'uns on top of thistle seeds etc then i need to lower my tripod to allow me to get the angle. This set up suits me just fine and if you do a lot of travelling/walking like me you may just appreciate getting a c/f tripod.

regards
Rick

Thanks Chris and Bish for your comments.

The best choice for tripod seems to be a G13* with a gimbal type head, preferrably Wimberley. Is it possible to use a Wimberley together with a centre column?

Regarding the monopod the 1564L seems to be a good choice. Not sure about the head for the monopod though, the Gitzo tilt heads seem too heavy, the one which copes with 10kg weighs 1,3kg (and cost almost the double of the monopod itself). Are there any other alternatives if you want to use a Wimberley compatible lens plate?

Best regards,
Ulf

 

[jimtfoto]

Is it possible to use a Wimberley together with a centre column?

I used the Wimberley on a Manfrotto with a centre column. However, I never extended the column.

Since I purchased a bigger lens (translate that as heavier), I upgraded to a Gitzo 1325, which has a bigger load capacity.

cheers,
jim

 

[UlfL]

Hi Rick & Jim,

I've ordered a Gitzo 1340 (aluminium) with a 1378M ball head, and will be purchasing a Wimberley sidekick for the EF 500. I chose this option, since it will give me a ball head for my shorter lenses (ie the EF 100-400), and I can attach the sidekick without swapping head completely.

I've also ordered the monopod 1564L, but still haven't solved the issue with the monopod head. But since there seem to be problems with Gitzo delivering to my retailer, I still haven't got either monopod nor tripod ||

Really Right Stuff seem to have a monopod head suited for the long Canons, will see if I can find a retailer for it in this remote corner of the world

Cheers,
Ulf