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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-07-2010, 05:40 PM
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Ben's suggestion is a good one! To clarify that backpack is more of a general purpose backpack that will carry a fair bit of gear as well as a larger/longer lens. Double check the internal dimensions to confirm your setup will fit properly. It really depends on your needs. I know the waist and shoulder belts on those style of Lowepro backpacks tend to be comfortable.
For general purpose hiking or carrying only the long lens and camera, but not much else (plus one ultra wide angle lens), I'd suggest the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 II AW. This is larger than version one. I'd suggest you check out this review: Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW II | Richard Peters Photography blog
Richard and I have communicated before and the follow up commentary is worth reading too.
That choice is if you want an (relatively) inexpensive backpack that will handle a 600mm lens, but it's very well constructed. There are more expensive units, but they are more modular and the Kinesis L622 is one example. That unit can collapse flat when you remove the semi-rigid foam liner and allow you to pack the backpack in your checked luggage. They are other more expensive options such as the minimalist Gura Gear, etc. but they are quite specific in the needs they address.
Please let me know if I missed anything.
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-07-2010, 03:56 AM
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Next month.... :)
The lenscoat leg covers are (in this instance) primarily for padding, since after walking 10 minutes slung over your shoulder, that 18lbs of gimbal, camera and lens starting to dig in a bit. It's also good for protection from damage. If you had aluminum tripod legs it helps for protection against the cold metal legs when using your bare hands.
Regarding the safety plate: you can easily bend a stout wire or purchase an S-hook at a hardware store to use for adding additional weight under the tripod.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
12-01-2009, 04:51 PM
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For reference, I'm around 6' 3" tall, and the lens is just barely longer than the width of my shoulders (hood extended it's ~21" long). Actually a similar question was asked by a forum member, so I'll copy and paste my response here, but add further commentary!
Longer trips and heavier lenses means one of several options:- Carry attached to tripod over shoulder (shorter distances - no more than approx. 0.5 - 1 mile)
- Carry lens/camera via tripod collar with tripod in other hand (usually a longer trip)
- Carry using backpack or similar system (best option if no activity or longest hikes)
Carrying via a tripod collar means it's upside down to remove the 20+ lbs resting on your shoulder. Even with padding, it does become uncomfortable after some time. BTW, that strap on the lens was already in place when I got it and will be coming off sometime soon. It really isn't that useful at all!
I would not recommend the FA* 250-600/5.6 be done like this, since the straps are too far forward on the lens, aka it's "butt heavy" :) or more weight is at the rear due to the attachment position of the tripod collar so close to the front of the lens. That means the back end near the lens mount/camera is wobbling a fair bit around in the air. Quite a difference compared to my FA* 300/2.8 tightly lying against my back (and very comfortable).
However, it's super easy to setup on the Wimberley as a result: the P50 lens plate is furthest aft possible, but it's over 6.5" long. That means the back end of the plate is flush with the platform on the WH-200 and it's perfectly balanced - very fast setup as a result. I can easily move the entire rig in any direction with only my index finger and thumb.
I'll try to oblige some pics, but I'm still undecided on which super telephoto carrying system to buy. Therefore no backpack setup shots just yet.
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
12-01-2009, 04:29 PM
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Hi RML,
Yes, it's certainly bigger than the majority of lenses anywhere!
I know of a couple manufacturers that might be doing similar options or operation, but I am not sure if the ring under their locks are as wide. With Gitzo, it's a sleeve, not a ring, so supposedly it's 20% stiffer than standard designs. It's also claimed to be a stronger lock: there is more surface area in contact, so that makes sense.
Quote: "The only way to lock and unlock your tripod in a move, with guarantee for stability and sturdiness. G-lock is the innovative evolution of the original twist-lock system: completely redesigned to be faster, stronger and more rigid than its predecessor. Unwanted gaps in between lock parts have been removed to give a rock solid structure to the leg sections, resulting in more clarity and sharpness to your pictures. An added Gravity Lock effect makes the whole system unique: the cone shaped ramp and locking ring work together so that the heavier the load applied vertically to the system is, the stronger the locking effect is going to be."
Here is an article on the G-lock with a cutaway diagram. It's targeting the basalt line of tripods, but they are now incorporating the carbon fiber tripod line of G-locks:
Gitzo Basalt tripods with G-Lock
Gitzo naming system: in case you are wondering how their nomenclature works, I believe this is the correct breakdown:
G = Gitzo
T= Tripod
3 = series
5 = carbon 6X
4 = leg section count
1 = version (therefore a 1 is the second release)
XL = extension (extra long)
S = systematic
For reference, here is a "Gitzo codes decoded" page which might help: http://www.pictureline.com/newsletter/article.php?id=362
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-26-2009, 12:03 PM
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Actually that lens doesn't look very big beside me.:)
Regarding your question: a lot depends on what I'm photographing. That determines my lens selection. When traveling by air, if I'm headed into a dedicated multi-day shoot or something similar, then the FA* 250-600/5.6 and FA* 300/2.8 might both be brought with me, in addition to the FA* 200/4 macro, DA12-24, DA 50-200 and Tamron 28-75/2.8. That's not including accessories, etc. Each has their uses! Normally I'll have the Pelican 1510 carrying one or both lenses and it's carry on compliant. The 250-600/5.6 will fit in the case (barely) and I can fit both if I remove the 250-600/5.6 tripod collar. It's a very cozy fit!
If I am setting up in a blind for several days, etc. then I'll carry one super telephoto at a time to the blind from the vehicle. Just depends on the situation. If I am hiking for several miles, then normally one is at base camp or I only bring one lens - depends on the target subject. For birding photography, then the longer lens and perhaps the FA* 300/2.8 with a drip watering hole setup. I have no problem slinging the 20lbs attached to the tripod over my shoulder for shorter walks, although I'll take off the lens and carry it or stow it properly if I know there's a longer hike ahead.
Again, those choices are very dependent on the location, available photo opps, etc. The variance can be significant and I prefer to travel and lightly as possible. The type of shooting I often do means larger, heavier lenses and gear so it's always a consideration. If I know I'm headed into a substantially longer trip, sometimes I'll drop ship a package with low-value, non-fragile items (eg. hip waders, chest waders, bean bags) to a nearby location, since the airline fees would be more costly.
I'll try to get a photo of my being beside the FA* 250-600/5.6 that's decent - cheaper P&S camera images don't always come that well. I hope I answered your questions? Please let me know.
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-26-2009, 11:33 AM
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Exactly Peter - that hard sided suitcase will protect it very well. That's a common travel method for ProTour cycling teams to protect their lightweight helmets, etc. when traveling all year long.
Thanks Peter! :)
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-25-2009, 05:28 AM
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Hi Dan,
I agree and that weave is relatively recent - it's unlike any carbon fiber road bike which I've ridden in the past. It's exceptionally light and strong. Roughly 20% lighter, IIRC - I'll have to check to confirm.
That tripod in aluminum would easily be double or triple the weight for that height capacity. I checked and the Gitzo GT1500 series aluminum is 9.5lbs, but only supports 33lbs. Therefore it's not even a real consideration. Some of the others are stratospheric prices and not really suitable for this sort of work. The Sachtler goes up to 67", weighs 11.5lbs and costs $2600. Not for wildlife work!
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-25-2009, 05:22 AM
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Peter: thank you and yes, a mule might be in order! That's a lot of big FA* glass. :)
I'll be doing a more in depth review for a Nature-centric photography forum in the near future. I've been in conversation/messaging discussions with the owner so this will be fleshed out and performance aspects added.
The reference to price the second time is the baggage handler syndrome we can often encounter. Packing a tripod worth $825 into your checked should make anyone pause :eek:, unless it's a complete hard-sided case. That situation would be the only situation under which I'd check it in and it is the norm for a Gitzo owner that I spoke with. He will check it in with hard sided luggage only. Luckily Samsonite or a similar company makes them for under $100. I was pleasantly surprised by the lifetime warranty on the tripod too.
For your enjoyment, the lens/gimbal head setup:
I'll do my best to answer any questions!
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-25-2009, 05:20 AM
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I agree and thank you - look forward to that day you can do the same! :)
Regards,
Marc
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
11-16-2009, 04:51 PM
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Hi Everyone,
Back in 2008 I had used a Giottos MT9360 with a Sigma 500/4.5 + Arca-Swiss Z1 Monoball for the VLF Wildlife Photo Competition with few issues. Not the best setup, but it certainly worked. No tripod upgrade was really needed until the recent purchase of the FA* 250-600/5.6 super telephoto. Now I must consider total weight when mounting the following equipment on a tripod:
FA* 250-600/5.6: ~13lbs (with tripod collar)
Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head: 3lbs
Camera + grip + 2 batteries: 2.5lbs
Flash + bracket + extender: 1-2lbs
This means the total weight is hovering around 20lbs! The only exception is to consider using my Arca-Swiss Z1 monoball while shooting in a blind, since no panning ability is really needed. Normally your tripod should have a max. load of double the equipment weight to minimize vibration. I took in a lot of input from fellow nature photographers who use lenses ranging anywhere from 500/4, 600/4, 800/5.6 and Sigma 300-800/5.6 lenses (all Canon/Nikon shooters). That's a big reason why many nature photographers use Gitzo tripods for those heavy super telephoto setups: minimal vibration yet much lighter CF materials. The consensus was the GT3541XLS or GT5541LS.
Just a few days ago I received my Gitzo GT3541XLS along with the GT5541LS. I decided that the 5541LS was a bit too big: a massive top plate/legs, 6.5lbs! For traveling as light as possible, so the 3541XLS is here to stay.
Since I am 6' 3" tall, the following are my requirements that I had for my new tripod purchase:
- max. load capacity of ~40lbs or more
- at least 60" tall without a center column if using a gimbal head
- light weight for travel (~5-6lbs or less)
The gimbal head + lens tripod foot will add at least several inches to this max. height. There are more than a few folks my height using the 5541LS which is sufficient. Since I do a lot of landscape work, an even taller max. height was an important consideration, but I'd rather not buy a center column + plate after the fact. Gitzo is the only manufacturer that I know of that meets all of the above requirements. Many tripods went from 26 to 33lbs max. load, but that's it. That meant no aluminum tripods could be considered (too heavy) and most other competitors' offerings had to be discarded.
I decided to purchase from NatureScapes because they included a free NSN Gitzo safety plate worth $69.95, a discount of ~$20 for Leg Coat tripod leg covers and free shipping! A nice extra value that came with the tripod. I received a Gitzo box with tripod, tripod dust bag, a small zip lock bag with pamphlet, instructions, warranty card, star hex and standard allen key wrenches & lubricant. Received everything with the accessories listed above in a very well packaged box.
The Gitzo GT3541XLS is a beautiful, simple, strong, yet lightweight CF (Carbon Fiber) tripod with no center column. Here are the specifications:
- Load Capacity: 39.7 lbs (18kg)
- Maximum Height: 78" (198cm)
- Minimum Height: 3.9" (10cm)
- Folded Length: 27.6" (70cm)
- Weight: 4.3 lbs (1.970kg)
The Head Attachment Fitting is 3/8"
Pros:- Max. load
- Max. height
- Very light weight
- Min. Height
- G locks are fast, simple and strong - simple 1/4 twist to loosen and lock them. Very nice twist locks and grippy rubber covers them!
- Incredibly stiff given the tube diameter - only the 5541LS is stiffer (but much larger).
- Field serviceable and readily available assembly diagrams
- Warranty: 5 additional years with Gitzo if you register with them online.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty if you register online with Bogen Imaging USA. That was a complete surprise - to my knowledge, it's unheard of with any other manufacturer's tripod offerings! If Bogen Imaging cannot repair it, the tripod will be replaced.
Cons:- Price is not cheap for CF (vs. competitors).
- No padded carry bag - just a thin dust bag.
- Folded length is not as compact as shorter or 3 section tripods, but still quite workable.
- An expensive tripod - putting it in checked luggage should make anyone nervous!
Items received - the NSN Safety Plate, Gitzo GT3541XLS, Leg Coats:
The following 2 images are close to actual size:
Top plate details:
Length of Gitzo vs. Giottos when folded:
Maximum height:
Safety Plate:
Regarding the NSN Gitzo Safety Plate and it's development:
The combination of a telephoto lens, teleconverter, camera, flash, and tripod head is very heavy. When carrying a tripod over the shoulder, this weight puts additional stress on the tripod plate. After numerous discussions and requests by photographers, we have responded by developing a product that provides additional support to the Gitzo top plate, while offering “peace of mind.” The plate is a perfect fit, positioned snugly below the existing Gitzo plate, inside the “basin.” Once installed, the Gitzo plate can not move or loosen, therefore preventing the head & photo equipment from falling.
Given the value of the equipment I'm slinging over my shoulder while mounted on the tripod, that's a small fee to pay for such a safety plate if you had to buy it. As you can see, those bolts are very stout! You can find a hardware review of the NSN Safety Plate at NatureScapes.
I have always advocated economical tripods such as the Giottos tripod I own (and will continue to do so), but the new weight of the FA* 250-600/5.6 mandated a new support system that met all of my criteria. I'm very pleased with the build quality, fit/finish and lifetime warranty of this tripod. Some folks might disagree with the cost, etc. and there were few choices available!
A very important consideration: the max. height also allows me to stand up while even positioned on a surface with a significant slope or photographing upwards into trees. This means a taller person will not put undue stress on their back: a shorter tripod height or one that allows you to see at eye level on flat ground will force you to stoop to see into the viewfinder on a sloped surface, etc.
Now my last consideration is the hiking/carrying system: probably Kinesis or Lowepro but I haven't really researched all of the options yet. Being airline friendly is always a consideration, so any input/thoughts are welcome!
Regards,
Marc |
