Originally posted by Weevil In my case, The combo I am now using with the FA*250-600, and is almost as heavy as the 600/4, is the GT3541XL for wildlife, and the GT5541XL for astrophoto, combined with a Benro S8 Video head.
I use the Video head now, not as sturdy as the gimbal, but I find it lot's more easy to follow BIF of to shoot hi in the sky (I used to have the Wimberlay gimbal, but because I am using a Lens support, the gimbal wasn't the best for hi subjects).
The tripod I was using for wildlife initially was the GT5541XL, but I slimed down now to the GT3541XL for wildlife... but for astrophoto, especially with long exposures, then the bigger tripod is a must...
I've actually been looking at a smaller version of the Tripod as well, not that the XLS is too heavy or anything , but just as an option, I do also have an Induro Baby Grand ( has the same adapter plate as the gitzo so fully compatible with all fittings I have) for when there is good solid walls or tables ect around to base on. And I am just about to grab the Gitzo Fluid Video head with a bowl adapter, to give it a go, but not totally sure if it has enough of a weight rating, but could be a little more portable at times. I've not had too much of an issue with being limited with high sky shots, mostly due to the locations I generally shoot at.
Agreed, that the solid tripod is a must for astro. And I do actually use the gimbal to mount the camera when doing so, Basically I can easily point directly upwards with it, and still have perfect balance over the tripod. ( I use a macro rail on the swingarm of the gimbal, and mount the camera on that)
It was a toss-up for me to get the 600/4 or the 250-600, really came down to what lens became available to me to actually purchase. I do still have a sniffer on fleabay ect , just incase one comes up