8 replies to this topic

[meganhaderphotography]

I have a MeFoto RoadTrip tripod that has a ball head rated to hold 17.6 lbs.  I have a Nikon D3200 and a Tamron 150-600mm lens and the combined weight is around 10 lbs.  The tripod works great for every other lens I own but when I use my Tamron, I can have everything perfectly set up and after I tighten the lens into position and let go, it starts to drift downward and it unfortunately drifts a lot.  I am using the lens collar that came with the lens and I'm getting frustrated because I can't get a clear shot with it drifting so badly.  Is there something I'm not doing right or do I need a better head?  I was reading about Gimbal heads so I'm wondering if that's where I need to look next.  Thanks for the advice!

[Merco_61]

How front heavy is the combination? The D3200 is a very light body and the 150-600 is front-heavy even on a D4.

If you extend the foot forward with an Arca-compatible rail like a RRS MPR-1 or something like that, you will get it to balance and that should do it with a 70% margin on the rated mass for the head.

[Jerry_]

In line with what Peter already mentioned, the problem is the total length of this (and similar) lenses and thereby the lever force.

Using the lens collar avoids already the stress on the camerabody, as well as moving the balance point more to the weightcenter (lens), but an extension rail as mention by Peter will defintely help. However I have a preference for Sirui plates, as you don't need a tool for fixing, adjusting or removing them.

Looking for a good Gimbal head will give you even more comfort and stability.

[meganhaderphotography]

I got one of the rails and played with it a bit tonight.  The drift is better but it still drifts just a little bit too much to do focus stacking.  I also need to check my ball head with my other lens because it doesn't tighten down completely with the heavy lens.  It has no movement whatsoever when nothing is attached to the head so now I need to check my smaller lenses.  If it still has play in it then I think I need to either get a different head or contact the manufacturer to see if something is wrong with my tripod.  Thank you for the help!

[Ron]

It looks like that big lens is just too much for your ball head to handle. If your tripod supports interchangeable heads, I'm fairly sure a larger head would work better. However, without knowing your budget, it's difficult to make a suggestion. You probably already know that you can easily spend as much (or more) money on a tripod and head as you did for your camera and lens. I don't have any experience with gimbal head so I can't comment on them... except to say that I know of photographers who do amazing work with them.

 

--Ron

[MJL]

I always use a Wimberley gimbal with the Tamron 150-600. It is expensive but well made & able to handle all my big lenses.  You can resale it easily or passs it on to your great grandchildren.

 

If you prefer ballhead, I use a Markins Q20i with this lens on monopod to shot rodeo rink side.

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[dcbear78]

Ball heads aren't the most stable of tripod heads. Easy and convenient and will do for many instances. But sometimes you will find their limit.

I have the highest rated Vanguard ball head (BBH-300) rated up to 30kg (66 pounds for you imperials) and with a 150-600mm mounted it still drifts a little bit. Wouldn't normally be noticeable, but I was doing a longer exposure at 600mm which amplified the problem.

[Ron]

I agree about ball heads not being the most stable platforms, especially when using long, heavy lenses (or any lens in portrait orientation). My opinion... if you're going to spend money on a long lens you should also budget for a good tripod and gimbal head. They're not cheap tho... a Gitzo and Wimberley gimbal will likely set you back US$1200 or more.

 

--Ron

[Merco_61]

My favorite for long teles is about $1500. This tripod consists of a Sachtler ENG 75/2 D, a Manfrotto 75 mm leveling base and a Zenelli gimbal.