Which Support for K3II Astrotracer or Pixel Shift Feature Use

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 08:56 AM

I have a K-3II and a Sigma 150-500 OS. The K3II has the Astrotracer and Pixel Shift Resolution features. I have heard people say that the Vanguard tripod is useful for my type of setup snd have also read about the Wimberley support systems. I do have some knowledge of what those items consist of. I am also interested in opinions on what may be the best option for use to effectively perform with the Astrotracer and Pixel Shift Resolution features. All other shooting I have done has been without a tripod when using my Sigma 150-500 which has been very effective for wildlife, plants, etc.

As I mentioned, I am interested in opinions on tripod/support options for the K-3II and Sigma 150-500 OS.

Thanks ahead for any information/suggestions.

Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 03:30 PM.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 08:59 AM

Any tripod that supports this setup without shaking will work.

Though you may want to use a wider angle lens for either of those features.

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 09:05 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

Any tripod that supports this setup without shaking will work.

Though you may want to use a wider angle lens for either of those features.

If I use the Astrotracer function I would plan on using my telephoto setup.

If I did resort to a wider angle lens, such as my 16-85 for use with the Pixel Shift Resolution, that would be a scenario I agree, but the adequate support strength for the Sigma 150-500 with the K-3II is what I am referring to.

Thanks.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 09:12 AM

With the Astrotracer function I am not sure how long an exposure you can have with 500mm, probably only 30 seconds to a minute.

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

With the Astrotracer function I am not sure how long an exposure you can have with 500mm, probably only 30 seconds to a minute.

I see. I know with the zoom I would have the reach choice of between 150-500.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 09:26 AM

What's your budget?

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 09:42 AM

If I did invest, approximately 100-500.

Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 09:59 AM.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 09:58 AM

The camera and lens combo weighs about 2.6 kg, so you want a tripod supporting at least 5 kg or at least 10 lbs.

You can get heads that are 3-way or ball head or gimbal.

Which do you prefer?
If you are going to use just the 150-500, maybe a gimbal head would work.
If you plan on using different lenses on the tripod as well maybe a ball head or 3-way.

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 10:05 AM

I would want the least possible slippage of the connection to the head. The gimbal seems like a good option if it provides a stable mount, and I have heard that it provides for ease of movement.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 10:16 AM

A gimbal head won't be found for less than $200.

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 10:53 AM

I guess the gimbal head with a long (approx. 5 inch lens plate) would do. If I want to spend more, I may check more into the Wimberley equipment.

I have a Manfrotto Professional tripod with a 1/4 inch mount screw that I bought in approximately 1990. I am not sure, but maybe I could possibly mount a long lens plate on that by using the 1/4 inch stud, then attach my 150-500 lens handle to it using a screw from the plate to the lens. If I decided later to opt for a more modern tripod (with quick release legs) then I could just secure the lens plate and lens in the same fashion on the newer tripod mount.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 10:58 AM

Originally posted by C_Jones

I guess the gimbal head with a long (approx. 5 inch lens plate) would do. If I want to spend more, I may check more into the Wemberley equipment.

I have a Manfrotto Professional tripod with a 1/4 inch mount screw that I bought in approximately 1990. I am not sure, but maybe I could possibly mount a long lens plate on that by using the 1/4 inch stud, then attach my 150-500 lens handle to it using a screw from the plate to the lens. If I decided later to opt for a more modern tripod (with quick release legs) then I could just secure the lens plate and lens in the same fashion on the newer tripod mount.

If that tripod is stable it would bork.
Is there a head on the tripod or not?
If there is, just screw the lens tripod collar to the tripod head and you've got nothing else to do.
I believe the lens tripod collar takes a standard 1/4" screw.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 11:11 AM

Nope, just the head.

C_Jones · 11-03-2015, 11:57 AM

Okay, I checked and understand now that the gimbal head accepts a screw at its base from the tripod you use it with, the plate is mounted to the lens, then plate fits onto the gimbal head arm using a slot for the lens plate. I suppose I would want to get a 5 inch lens plate for the 500 mm.

So, you mentioned the gimbal head would be about $200. I have noticed several between approx. 65 and 200 dollars on Amazon. Maybe what you mean is for a worthy one (trusted build and seller). Do you recommend a brand? Also, for a tripod to mount it on, in your opinion would something like this Vanguard at B and H be suitable. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 ALTA PRO 263AB 100

Thanks.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 12:01 PM

That tripod there would work fine.
It has a ball head bundled with it already as well.
I don't recommend anything specific for anything, but you get what you pay for.

11-03-2015, 08:56 AM	#1
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	Which Support for K3II Astrotracer or Pixel Shift Feature Use I have a K-3II and a Sigma 150-500 OS. The K3II has the Astrotracer and Pixel Shift Resolution features. I have heard people say that the Vanguard tripod is useful for my type of setup snd have also read about the Wimberley support systems. I do have some knowledge of what those items consist of. I am also interested in opinions on what may be the best option for use to effectively perform with the Astrotracer and Pixel Shift Resolution features. All other shooting I have done has been without a tripod when using my Sigma 150-500 which has been very effective for wildlife, plants, etc. As I mentioned, I am interested in opinions on tripod/support options for the K-3II and Sigma 150-500 OS. Thanks ahead for any information/suggestions. Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 03:30 PM.

11-03-2015, 09:05 AM	#3
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert Any tripod that supports this setup without shaking will work. Though you may want to use a wider angle lens for either of those features. If I use the Astrotracer function I would plan on using my telephoto setup. If I did resort to a wider angle lens, such as my 16-85 for use with the Pixel Shift Resolution, that would be a scenario I agree, but the adequate support strength for the Sigma 150-500 with the K-3II is what I am referring to. Thanks. Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 09:16 AM.

11-03-2015, 09:21 AM	#5
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert With the Astrotracer function I am not sure how long an exposure you can have with 500mm, probably only 30 seconds to a minute. I see. I know with the zoom I would have the reach choice of between 150-500. Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 09:39 AM.

11-03-2015, 10:53 AM	#11
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084 Original Poster	I guess the gimbal head with a long (approx. 5 inch lens plate) would do. If I want to spend more, I may check more into the Wimberley equipment. I have a Manfrotto Professional tripod with a 1/4 inch mount screw that I bought in approximately 1990. I am not sure, but maybe I could possibly mount a long lens plate on that by using the 1/4 inch stud, then attach my 150-500 lens handle to it using a screw from the plate to the lens. If I decided later to opt for a more modern tripod (with quick release legs) then I could just secure the lens plate and lens in the same fashion on the newer tripod mount. Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 03:31 PM.

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11-03-2015, 08:59 AM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Any tripod that supports this setup without shaking will work. Though you may want to use a wider angle lens for either of those features.

11-03-2015, 09:12 AM	#4
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	With the Astrotracer function I am not sure how long an exposure you can have with 500mm, probably only 30 seconds to a minute.

11-03-2015, 09:26 AM	#6
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	What's your budget?

11-03-2015, 09:42 AM	#7
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084 Original Poster	If I did invest, approximately 100-500. Last edited by C_Jones; 11-03-2015 at 09:59 AM.

11-03-2015, 09:58 AM	#8
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	The camera and lens combo weighs about 2.6 kg, so you want a tripod supporting at least 5 kg or at least 10 lbs. You can get heads that are 3-way or ball head or gimbal. Which do you prefer? If you are going to use just the 150-500, maybe a gimbal head would work. If you plan on using different lenses on the tripod as well maybe a ball head or 3-way.

11-03-2015, 10:05 AM	#9
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084 Original Poster	I would want the least possible slippage of the connection to the head. The gimbal seems like a good option if it provides a stable mount, and I have heard that it provides for ease of movement.

11-03-2015, 10:16 AM	#10
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	A gimbal head won't be found for less than $200.

11-03-2015, 10:58 AM	#12
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by C_Jones I guess the gimbal head with a long (approx. 5 inch lens plate) would do. If I want to spend more, I may check more into the Wemberley equipment. I have a Manfrotto Professional tripod with a 1/4 inch mount screw that I bought in approximately 1990. I am not sure, but maybe I could possibly mount a long lens plate on that by using the 1/4 inch stud, then attach my 150-500 lens handle to it using a screw from the plate to the lens. If I decided later to opt for a more modern tripod (with quick release legs) then I could just secure the lens plate and lens in the same fashion on the newer tripod mount. If that tripod is stable it would bork. Is there a head on the tripod or not? If there is, just screw the lens tripod collar to the tripod head and you've got nothing else to do. I believe the lens tripod collar takes a standard 1/4" screw.

11-03-2015, 11:11 AM	#13
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Nope, just the head.

11-03-2015, 11:57 AM	#14
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084 Original Poster	Okay, I checked and understand now that the gimbal head accepts a screw at its base from the tripod you use it with, the plate is mounted to the lens, then plate fits onto the gimbal head arm using a slot for the lens plate. I suppose I would want to get a 5 inch lens plate for the 500 mm. So, you mentioned the gimbal head would be about $200. I have noticed several between approx. 65 and 200 dollars on Amazon. Maybe what you mean is for a worthy one (trusted build and seller). Do you recommend a brand? Also, for a tripod to mount it on, in your opinion would something like this Vanguard at B and H be suitable. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 ALTA PRO 263AB 100 Thanks.

11-03-2015, 12:01 PM	#15
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	That tripod there would work fine. It has a ball head bundled with it already as well. I don't recommend anything specific for anything, but you get what you pay for.