How to stabilize a 600mm f5.6...

stormtech · 10-12-2013, 01:38 PM

Here's one for comparison

http://www.keh.com/camera/Tripods-Tripods-Legs/1/sku-TR439990956250?r=FE

The Wimberley head sounds like a good enough deal - don't find them used too often.

djc737 · 10-12-2013, 08:00 PM

Wow, found a Bogen 3050 in very nice condition better than the one at the shop, on EBay for $75. It is an old model, I would think this a more correct price for it.

littledrawe · 10-12-2013, 08:04 PM

Originally posted by djc737

Wow, found a Bogen 3050 in very nice condition better than the one at the shop, on EBay for $75. It is an old model, I would think this a more correct price for it.

This sounds much more reasonable, I believe this is the one I have. and it is very solid. $295 seemed really high for anything old-ish.

littledrawe · 10-14-2013, 01:57 PM

Don't be too quick to dismiss the A* 600mm, it is very capable.

snostorm · 10-15-2013, 03:58 PM

One specific technique used by a lot of long lens shooters is to place the left hand on top of the camera and apply some pressure while shooting. This can damp some of the microvibrations regardless of whatever weaknesses your support gear might show because of it's inherent physical properties. Also a smooth press of the shutter button is essential, like the trigger press when shooting a gun. IMO, equal parts technique and support gear goes into shooting extremely long glass. Gear alone won't do it.

Scott

kaipa · 10-16-2013, 03:14 AM

I managed to take good shots placing the front part of the lens to some damping material (even the leather lens cover works) and holding the camera in hands on the other side. Thus, small hand or camera vibrations does not affect the picture, since they happen at the "long end". Pure physics.

**dadipentak** · 10-16-2013, 04:31 AM

Originally posted by kaipa

I managed to take good shots placing the front part of the lens to some damping material (even the leather lens cover works) and holding the camera in hands on the other side. Thus, small hand or camera vibrations does not affect the picture, since they happen at the "long end". Pure physics.

Elegant solution!

dsport · 10-16-2013, 06:40 AM

I used a Gitzo series 4 Aluminum tripod with a Manfrotto 503HDV for my A*600/5.6 before. I also used to mount this lens directly on a Manfrotto monopod in latters days for mobility. Personal view, I will avoid to use ball head for super tele especially for wildlife. Now, my A*600/5.6 was sold and got a FA*250-600/5.6

My pics re A*600/5.6 for reference if interest
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=823497
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=976659

On a monopod
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1015902

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10-12-2013, 01:38 PM	#16
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Here's one for comparison http://www.keh.com/camera/Tripods-Tripods-Legs/1/sku-TR439990956250?r=FE The Wimberley head sounds like a good enough deal - don't find them used too often.

10-12-2013, 08:00 PM	#17
djc737 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South jersey outside of Philly Posts: 281 Original Poster	Wow, found a Bogen 3050 in very nice condition better than the one at the shop, on EBay for $75. It is an old model, I would think this a more correct price for it.

10-12-2013, 08:04 PM	#18
littledrawe Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Red Rock Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,514	Originally posted by djc737 Wow, found a Bogen 3050 in very nice condition better than the one at the shop, on EBay for $75. It is an old model, I would think this a more correct price for it. This sounds much more reasonable, I believe this is the one I have. and it is very solid. $295 seemed really high for anything old-ish.

10-14-2013, 01:57 PM	#19
littledrawe Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Red Rock Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,514	Don't be too quick to dismiss the A* 600mm, it is very capable.

10-15-2013, 03:58 PM	#20
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	One specific technique used by a lot of long lens shooters is to place the left hand on top of the camera and apply some pressure while shooting. This can damp some of the microvibrations regardless of whatever weaknesses your support gear might show because of it's inherent physical properties. Also a smooth press of the shutter button is essential, like the trigger press when shooting a gun. IMO, equal parts technique and support gear goes into shooting extremely long glass. Gear alone won't do it. Scott

10-16-2013, 03:14 AM	#21
kaipa Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Zhukovsky,Russia / SF Bay Area Posts: 249	I managed to take good shots placing the front part of the lens to some damping material (even the leather lens cover works) and holding the camera in hands on the other side. Thus, small hand or camera vibrations does not affect the picture, since they happen at the "long end". Pure physics.

10-16-2013, 04:31 AM	#22
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by kaipa I managed to take good shots placing the front part of the lens to some damping material (even the leather lens cover works) and holding the camera in hands on the other side. Thus, small hand or camera vibrations does not affect the picture, since they happen at the "long end". Pure physics. Elegant solution!

10-16-2013, 06:40 AM	#23
dsport Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Gallery Posts: 431	I used a Gitzo series 4 Aluminum tripod with a Manfrotto 503HDV for my A600/5.6 before. I also used to mount this lens directly on a Manfrotto monopod in latters days for mobility. Personal view, I will avoid to use ball head for super tele especially for wildlife. Now, my A600/5.6 was sold and got a FA250-600/5.6 My pics re A600/5.6 for reference if interest http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=823497 http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=976659 On a monopod http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1015902