Tripod and gimbal for DFA 150-450

ncallender · 06-19-2021, 08:48 AM

Hi all, I got a 150-450 to play with for a while. Handholding is fine but I think I could use a better tripod for bird and nature photography. I'm looking at a sirui am284 for legs but I can't tell if they will be robust enough. Are there other recommendations in the 'less esepnsive' range along with a gimbal? I know a good tripod is essential but I need something that is light enough that I will actually use and sturdy enough for this lens.

**StiffLegged** · 06-19-2021, 09:14 AM

Well, it's no lighter than my aluminium Manfrotto 055, so I think you could do better for weight. A Benro Mach3 TMA28C is less than 2kg without head and a similar price, just leave the (short) centre column down. Just a suggestion!

**AggieDad** · 06-19-2021, 10:21 AM

If I were buying a new gimbal mount today, I would look for one made of carbon fiber with a weight between 2.0 and 2.5 lbs. B&H has them from about $200 to over $1000. My gimbal feels like an anchor and I curse it almost every time I lift it.

**mlt** · 06-19-2021, 10:35 AM

Take a look at the ProMediaGear GT1. Does not require removing your existing ball head, it has an ARCA mounting foot and balances my 150-450 with either my K1 or k3iii nicely.

Last edited by mlt; 06-19-2021 at 10:36 AM. Reason: Typo

**boriscleto** · 06-19-2021, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by mlt

Take a look at the ProMediaGear GT1. Does not require removing your existing ball head, it has an ARCA mounting foot and balances my 150-450 with either my K1 or k3iii nicely.

Doesn't a side mount gimbal put a lot of pressure on the foot? The foot on the 150-450 is a detachable type, if it was solid I would consider that type of gimbal, but not with the detachable...

**mlt** · 06-19-2021, 01:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by boriscleto

Doesn't a side mount gimbal put a lot of pressure on the foot? The foot on the 150-450 is a detachable type, if it was solid I would consider that type of gimbal, but not with the detachable...

Not an issue I’ve seen mentioned. You can always use an L bracket mounted to the lens to put the lens foot at the bottom like a traditional gimbal

**DWS1** · 06-19-2021, 05:44 PM

I tried a gimbal with DA* 300mm + 1.4x teleconverter for a while, but could never get used to it. I had better luck hand holding.

Roadboat24 · 06-19-2021, 06:35 PM

When I'm out "Birding" I use my K3 or K1 with 150-450 on a monopod cause I'm move around. If I'm set for hummingbirds at the feeders I'm using a 3472 rapid Feisol tripod, BH-55 ball head and a Wimberley sidekick gimbal.

Billking · 06-19-2021, 09:05 PM

I have Manfrotto 055 aluminium legs. Sturdy but heavier than I would like.

I will be getting a Sirui PH10 gimbal to replace my Manfrotto joystick which drifts too much for astro and doesn't move quickly enough for BIF.

I have a monopod with a Sirui head for most BIF stuff, when I want more support than handholding but more flexibility than a tripod.

**jersey** · 06-20-2021, 01:21 AM

For improving stability Zenit Photosniper is very good (even if handheld), though I do not know if it will fit.

**Lowell Goudge** · 06-20-2021, 10:03 AM

I bought a gimbal for my tamron 200-500/6.5 and struggled with vibration until I took the j-arm off and mounted the releas plate to the j-arm pivot. The j-arm was too light and flexible causing a ton of vibration.

I use the same set up for my DA560. I am not sure you really need one for the 150-450

**jva59** · 06-20-2021, 02:01 PM

I was in the same position you are a while ago (though I already had a decent tripod). I'm happy with the Yelangu A17 Gimbal Head, which I purchased from the Camera Store in Alberta.

bdery · 06-21-2021, 05:47 AM

I've had good success with the setup in this review

Oben CT-2491 Tripod, GH-30 Gimbal and MFR4-5 Macro Focus Rail Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

CF legs are really useful, as usually the gimbal is as heavy as the legs...

**K2 to K50** · 06-22-2021, 01:08 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Doesn't a side mount gimbal put a lot of pressure on the foot? The foot on the 150-450 is a detachable type, if it was solid I would consider that type of gimbal, but not with the detachable...

Originally posted by mlt

Not an issue I’ve seen mentioned. You can always use an L bracket mounted to the lens to put the lens foot at the bottom like a traditional gimbal

Re side mounting, I was seriously considering the Wimberley MH-100 monogimbal head for my monopod until I read this thread:

Tripod mount replacement - PentaxForums.com

Have also been looking at the Manfrotto MVH502AH Pro Video Head9 for both tripod and monopodor the iFootage Komodo K5.
https://www.manfrotto.com/au-en/502-fluid-video-head-with-flat-base-mvh502ah/
iFootage Komodo K5 Tripod Head
Also see a few YouTube videos on these or similar at:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=komodo+k5+fluid+head+
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hudson+henry+fluid+head

I gather (especially on a monopod) that one can dispense with the long handle on these and just hold the camera directly.

These are far more compact than Gimbals but perhaps seem just as good a solution (or better?) I am 77yrs old, 171cm(5'7") and of slight build, so anything compact that helps me with the 150-450mm lens gets my interest.

At the moment I use the Vanguard GH 300T pistol grip ball head with a shutter cable operating the shutter from the pistol grip, and have the ball head almost fully tightened. I am using this on both my tripod and monopod, with some success (have been using this setup with the KP, and now with the K3 iii)

Comments?

cmohr · 06-22-2021, 02:26 PM

I have a few Gimbals, all with the swing arms, I personally would not use a sidekick style.
I still use my original one, a "Nest" Carbon fibre model for astro work, and for lighter lenses, the Big Wimberly WH-200II with swingarm QR is for the FA*600/f4, super strong and stable, no vibrations or flex. It is almost an anti-gravity device.
I also have a Gitzo Fluid Gimbal GHFG1, it's good, and I use it with the DFA150-450. All it's movements are dampened, it also comes with a video arm. I use a leveling base under my Gimbals, so much easier than mucking about with the length of a leg to level the setup. and especially good if you are moving around a bit during shooting. Also note, that with a Nodal or Marco rail mounted you can use the gimbal for your camera as well, excellent for astro photography, as you can point the camera directly up and have the camera/lens combo weight balanced directly over the centre of you tripod.

On a Monopod, a video head is a great addition, as they have a friction tilt, that can also have a return to level function. I Use the Gitzo GHF2W fluid head on my monopod, it handles the FA*600/f4 with ease.

06-19-2021, 08:48 AM	#1
ncallender Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 128	Tripod and gimbal for DFA 150-450 Hi all, I got a 150-450 to play with for a while. Handholding is fine but I think I could use a better tripod for bird and nature photography. I'm looking at a sirui am284 for legs but I can't tell if they will be robust enough. Are there other recommendations in the 'less esepnsive' range along with a gimbal? I know a good tripod is essential but I need something that is light enough that I will actually use and sturdy enough for this lens.

06-20-2021, 10:03 AM	#11
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,891	I bought a gimbal for my tamron 200-500/6.5 and struggled with vibration until I took the j-arm off and mounted the releas plate to the j-arm pivot. The j-arm was too light and flexible causing a ton of vibration. I use the same set up for my DA560. I am not sure you really need one for the 150-450 Last edited by Lowell Goudge; 06-22-2021 at 04:04 AM.

06-22-2021, 01:08 AM	#14
K2 to K50 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Ipswich QLD Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,815	Originally posted by boriscleto Doesn't a side mount gimbal put a lot of pressure on the foot? The foot on the 150-450 is a detachable type, if it was solid I would consider that type of gimbal, but not with the detachable... Originally posted by mlt Not an issue I’ve seen mentioned. You can always use an L bracket mounted to the lens to put the lens foot at the bottom like a traditional gimbal Re side mounting, I was seriously considering the Wimberley MH-100 monogimbal head for my monopod until I read this thread: Tripod mount replacement - PentaxForums.com Have also been looking at the Manfrotto MVH502AH Pro Video Head9 for both tripod and monopodor the iFootage Komodo K5. https://www.manfrotto.com/au-en/502-fluid-video-head-with-flat-base-mvh502ah/ iFootage Komodo K5 Tripod Head Also see a few YouTube videos on these or similar at: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=komodo+k5+fluid+head+ https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hudson+henry+fluid+head I gather (especially on a monopod) that one can dispense with the long handle on these and just hold the camera directly. These are far more compact than Gimbals but perhaps seem just as good a solution (or better?) I am 77yrs old, 171cm(5'7") and of slight build, so anything compact that helps me with the 150-450mm lens gets my interest. At the moment I use the Vanguard GH 300T pistol grip ball head with a shutter cable operating the shutter from the pistol grip, and have the ball head almost fully tightened. I am using this on both my tripod and monopod, with some success (have been using this setup with the KP, and now with the K3 iii) Comments? Last edited by K2 to K50; 06-22-2021 at 01:15 AM.

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06-19-2021, 09:14 AM	#2
StiffLegged Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2018 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,632	Well, it's no lighter than my aluminium Manfrotto 055, so I think you could do better for weight. A Benro Mach3 TMA28C is less than 2kg without head and a similar price, just leave the (short) centre column down. Just a suggestion!

06-19-2021, 10:21 AM	#3
AggieDad Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,455	If I were buying a new gimbal mount today, I would look for one made of carbon fiber with a weight between 2.0 and 2.5 lbs. B&H has them from about $200 to over $1000. My gimbal feels like an anchor and I curse it almost every time I lift it.

06-19-2021, 10:35 AM	#4
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Take a look at the ProMediaGear GT1. Does not require removing your existing ball head, it has an ARCA mounting foot and balances my 150-450 with either my K1 or k3iii nicely. Last edited by mlt; 06-19-2021 at 10:36 AM. Reason: Typo

06-19-2021, 11:27 AM	#5
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by mlt Take a look at the ProMediaGear GT1. Does not require removing your existing ball head, it has an ARCA mounting foot and balances my 150-450 with either my K1 or k3iii nicely. Doesn't a side mount gimbal put a lot of pressure on the foot? The foot on the 150-450 is a detachable type, if it was solid I would consider that type of gimbal, but not with the detachable...

06-19-2021, 01:58 PM - 1 Like	#6
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Originally posted by boriscleto Doesn't a side mount gimbal put a lot of pressure on the foot? The foot on the 150-450 is a detachable type, if it was solid I would consider that type of gimbal, but not with the detachable... Not an issue I’ve seen mentioned. You can always use an L bracket mounted to the lens to put the lens foot at the bottom like a traditional gimbal

06-19-2021, 05:44 PM	#7
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	I tried a gimbal with DA* 300mm + 1.4x teleconverter for a while, but could never get used to it. I had better luck hand holding.

06-19-2021, 06:35 PM	#8
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 490	When I'm out "Birding" I use my K3 or K1 with 150-450 on a monopod cause I'm move around. If I'm set for hummingbirds at the feeders I'm using a 3472 rapid Feisol tripod, BH-55 ball head and a Wimberley sidekick gimbal.

06-19-2021, 09:05 PM	#9
Billking Forum Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 72	I have Manfrotto 055 aluminium legs. Sturdy but heavier than I would like. I will be getting a Sirui PH10 gimbal to replace my Manfrotto joystick which drifts too much for astro and doesn't move quickly enough for BIF. I have a monopod with a Sirui head for most BIF stuff, when I want more support than handholding but more flexibility than a tripod.

06-20-2021, 01:21 AM	#10
jersey Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: 3City agglomeration Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,057	For improving stability Zenit Photosniper is very good (even if handheld), though I do not know if it will fit.

06-20-2021, 02:01 PM	#12
jva59 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,409	I was in the same position you are a while ago (though I already had a decent tripod). I'm happy with the Yelangu A17 Gimbal Head, which I purchased from the Camera Store in Alberta.

06-21-2021, 05:47 AM	#13
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,360	I've had good success with the setup in this review Oben CT-2491 Tripod, GH-30 Gimbal and MFR4-5 Macro Focus Rail Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews CF legs are really useful, as usually the gimbal is as heavy as the legs...

06-22-2021, 02:26 PM	#15
cmohr Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane. Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,824	I have a few Gimbals, all with the swing arms, I personally would not use a sidekick style. I still use my original one, a "Nest" Carbon fibre model for astro work, and for lighter lenses, the Big Wimberly WH-200II with swingarm QR is for the FA600/f4, super strong and stable, no vibrations or flex. It is almost an anti-gravity device. I also have a Gitzo Fluid Gimbal GHFG1, it's good, and I use it with the DFA150-450. All it's movements are dampened, it also comes with a video arm. I use a leveling base under my Gimbals, so much easier than mucking about with the length of a leg to level the setup. and especially good if you are moving around a bit during shooting. Also note, that with a Nodal or Marco rail mounted you can use the gimbal for your camera as well, excellent for astro photography, as you can point the camera directly up and have the camera/lens combo weight balanced directly over the centre of you tripod. On a Monopod, a video head is a great addition, as they have a friction tilt, that can also have a return to level function. I Use the Gitzo GHF2W fluid head on my monopod, it handles the FA600/f4 with ease.