82% OF PHOTOGRAPHERS DO THIS, DO YOU?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ค. 2024
- Do you even need a Tripod or Monopod for Wildlife Photography? Today I look at the Pros and Cons of Handholding, Monopods and Tripods. What is the best Tripod head. I hope you find this video helpful in your wildlife photography journey. Cheers, Duade
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Chapters
00:00 Handholding,Tripods,Monopod
01:00 Handholding Advantages
06:10 Tripod Advantages
08:55 Tripod Features
10:09 SiruiAR3204 & iFootage TC7
13:12 Neewer N55C
14:36 Ballheads
15:08 Sirui Gimbals
17:12 Flexshooter Pro
19:29 iFootage C180 2 Monopod
20:22 Wimberley MH100
23:25 Groundpods
24:58 What Gear Do You Use?
25:12 Right Tool For Job
Thanks Duade for another great video. The information provided was really informative. Great to have the pros and cons of all these options so clearly presented.
I'm almost 82 years old and don't have the upper body strength of my youth. Shooting with my 500 mm f/4.0 is uncomfortable for more than a few shots so I normally use a tripod. Camera/lens improvements in ISO noise performance and stabilization has reduced the need for super-fast and heavy lenses like we needed 20 years ago. (But, I'd never give up my Canon 500 mm because of its awesome performance). Each shooting situation (and shooter's desire) is different so use what you need to get your images. I have a medium weight Gitzo I use for most shooting but use my big, Really Right Stuff tripod for the big glass. It's light, rigid and tall. Works for me!
This is an excellent video and review of topics. Including member pics also adds great value.
Thanks, Duade!
Very useful information, as I'm preparing for Patagônia - a bus trip.
Cheers from South Brazil!
Wow! Great video. I had no clue on these items. I always handhold but will need one of these down the road. Thanks 👍
Hello Duade. I really appreciate your videos. You are someone making a living with your photos, but you take the time to make videos to help others. That tells me you're actually a good person. They def help others, and I hope you continue to tutor people! Your photos are an inspiration to others who are trying to take great bird photos! Thanks for your videos!!!
Thanks Duade for testing the various options, I'm mostly handheld but have a monopod and a tripod - though for me the issue became the image quality as I'm still on 40D (investing in May while in the US!). Great to see the new options with those ballheads - the one for the monopod is definitely tempting. For me, overall, the main issue is over the overall weight of all the kit to bring if you want to be covering most options while out so with a new camera the next big investment will be a very well design bag pack. Thanks for another great video !
Re the Wimberley MonoGimbal, just be aware that Wimberley says "Your Monopod should be rated for 3 times the weight of your setup."
I expect that's to cope with dynamic load or with the way the rig levers the monopod when it's slung over your back.
You remain one-of-the-best, or the BEST wildlife photographer that has a TH-cam Channel. Your videos are well arranged. Your advice on "how-to" regarding picture-taking is spot-on. We hope some day to return to Oz. I spent 2 years at a joint USAF and Australia satellite station in Woomera. (Way before your time!) I learned about Vegemite, and chased several big-reds thru the doing after having a bit too much plonk. I'm much more settled now in California. But, if we're ever in Victoria, we would very much like to have a barbie with you and your family! Roger Bossart
Another cracking video.
I rarely use either a tripod or a monopod but finding that with injuries, surgeries and older age that I have to reconsider each trip and the tools that I'll take and potentially use to have an enjoyable day of shooting. I do own these tools/items but the location, environment and my capacity to hold it all make more decisions about its use.
Along my photographic journey I've also made some items to save a few dollars.
Really enjoying your video's and the content.
Hi, Duade! I really recommend the peak design slide strap. Its ancor on one side and on the base of the camera, so when you have a long lens, like the 100-500mm it points down and you can walk comfortably. Also, it has a clip that makes adjust the size of the strap easy. If you want to put it on a tripod, it has a quick release system with some anchors. You can leave the anchors in different cameras and use the same strap. The slide is a little expensive, but comes with a life warranty. I just love it to use with my R6 and the 100-500mm. Really recommend
This is the same setup I use with an R7 and 100-500. The Peak Design Slide Strap has a slippery side which makes it easy to slide the camera up to your eye, even when I'm wearing a harness strap for my binoculars. This is the best strap on the market.
Don't waste your money if you live in the south, the slip-resistentance coating on the straps melts and makes a nasty mess on your clothing or anything they touch. The company never responded to my multiple emails. Love their design but will never buy from them due to lack of customer support.
@larrydees I live in the Pantanal. The dry season is really hot and dry, and the wet season is really humid. I'm using the strap for more than a year, and it's perfect so far. They delivered the strap here in Brazi, and they always answered my e-mails. Still recommend the product
@@hubbs478 totally agree
I also love the peak design! That is what I use
Fantastic video as usual! For me it depends on what I’m photographing, because I capture a lot of different things. I use a tripod when I’m ship spotting and a monopod when I’m doing wildlife and handheld when truck spotting or sports. 😊
I wanna thank you again Duade for your very interesting video man! Such a stimulating work for all those who are interested in wildlife photography :) That small gimbal for the monopod looks brilliant. I guess it depends on how heavy is the gear, how much you have to wait for a shot and if you are picturing in open nature or in a fully equipped hide for nature watching that you will go for handheld or tripod. Looks like people should try more the monopod and maybe they would use it more.
Thanks for another helpful video Duade, some good tips in there. As for straps: I have a couple of Black Rapid straps and they are good, however, when I bought my R5 and RF lenses I didn't want them banging against my hips or sliding around on tghe strap, so recently I have gone to a simple Peak Design wrist strap. When I am photographing I have my camera in my hand at all times, if I have to scramble over topography it will be in my back pack. I find this is working for me and my photography at the moment. Cheers.
So glad to hear this, I've always felt like I was not getting optimal shots preferring to rove around...maybe not the advantage I was thinking it was
Very comprehensive and helpful. Thank you.
Awesome video, Duade! I really enjoyed watching the whole video. Lots of valuable information.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great tutorial! Thanks! I enjoyed the insight.
I use a monopod with a camera strap around the neck for BIF. You can let go of the camera and let it hang on the strap to rest or get something out of your bag without placing the camera on the ground.
Duade, brillaine review, very well explained for all available options. Just wish I had your sunlight here in the UK 😁
Great video. Talking about ways to carry gear around,coming up with a system for one or two cameras, I’ve found the Cotton Carrier harness to be really good Duade. It allows me to have my RF800mm F11 secured on my chest in front of me, while having the second body with the 100-500mm attached at the side. I like this system because it gives me hands free secured equipment for traipsing through the bush yet a quick way to grab the lens and camera for the shot when needed.
I use a monopod + Wimberley MH100 as well and it's amazing! I've taken it on hikes with 2,000ft vertical and it slings nicely over the shoulder and then you have a nice rest when the eagles are flying right over head!!
Excellent video Duade. Regarding protecting your camera if you have to lay it down when using a monopod. I bought some waterproof rucksack liners for use with mine. They are cheap, light and have a drawstring. Easy to carry in the pocket and could be used with tripods too in case of showers.
Very good video…Thanks Duade. 👍
Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱
Duade, a great summary of the various options. Obviously, hand holding gives the greatest flexibility, however as age creeps up on me, hand holding is becoming less and less an option, particularly with high resolution cameras. I am using a tripod much more often and regularly use a monopod of which I have two (Manfrotto MPMXPROA3 & iFootage Cobra 2) to give me relatively easy maneuverability and stability for sharp shots. Flimsy monopods like flimsy tripods are a waste of time and money. I highly recommend the Peak Design system for straps, as most of the time I don't use a strap, so it's easily removed.
Thank you for this video. I learned a lot!
I usually only photograph handheld. 🙂
The past few weeks I have been looking into tripods and gimbals for my R7 and Rf 800 Lens. I mainly hand held for photos, but do have moments where I am waiting for the bird and pointing up for a while my arms get fatigued. Also, have started shooting a little video footage and can see a little bit of shake. Unfortunately the set ups are so expensive. Will have to wait, but appreciate the reviews and thoughts on some other options. Current using Peak Design slide strap, the wider version. It has been great and very comfortable to use. No issues. Thanks again for another great video! Your content really helps me as a photographer and is very enjoyable to watch.
In 2003 I trekked up the Gandaki valley in Nepal to Mustang. I had a Canon DSLR and stock lens with no image stabilisation. When I got to Mustang we rested for a day and I reviewed my pics only to be disappointed at how fuzzy they were. On the way back I developed a technique of wrapping the straps of my walking sticks together to quickly create a bipod with cradle and by comparison the pictures were fantastic. Since then I have been on the lookout for walking sticks which could be quickly converted into a bipod as I don't want to carry a dedicated mono/bi/tripod when hill walking.
Super informative videos, thanks Duade!
Thank you for the support, Cheers, DUade
Your last video I saw was on iso shutter speed and apiture setting for sharp bird shots explained in such a simple way and so helpful thanks
Duade, thanks, well done. I've been preaching this same story of varying use of tripod vs handholding, especially on the 600mm lens kits. Recently trying monopod with a tilt head from Oban which works well and suitable for "jungle" hiking vs. a tripod, which is not. Also, been a long time user of Black Rapid sling slap for hiking and handholding. Keeps the weight off the neck and very comfortable on a long hike. Again, well done and thank you for the comprehensive review!
Michael
Duade, great video. Lots of really good tips. Thanks.
My pleasure Cesar, Cheers, Duade
Very useful as always, thanks!
I know this channel is more focused in photography than videography, but for those like me that are hybrid shooters, to shot video with a long lens you will need at least a monopod How interesting to see a bit more video coverage here if possible, thanks again
Thank you for another great video, with very helpful information.
Really appreciate your informative videos. So nice to get practical real world advice with human frailties included. You have been a great help as I get back into photography after many years. Keep up the good work.
My pleasure!
Very interesting Duade ! And even when not using such form of support each time, when it's light enough it's better to have it in the backpack without using it as opposed to needing it when you don't it with you.
Regarding straps: my backpack has a 10cm strap on each of the front belts, and my lens foot can easily be secured with it, meaning my hands are free on a challenging hike.
My current tripod and gimbal were aimed at low weight on a tight budget, so they do suffer from wancky central column and sticky grease. This video provides useful insights for when I'm ready to upgrade, thanks !
That FlexShooter looks very intriguing. Saw it for the first time when Jan was unboxing it a few days .. and I was immediately hoping you'd also got to test one for this video I knew you were preparing !
Hey Duade great video, I currently only have a tripod, that neewer one actually and it is a bit flimsy but does the job. I use the ball head on it as well as the gimbal which I think works pretty decent for the price. I plan to upgrade the tripod at some point to something more sturdy as I like to use the tripod when just sitting at a location. I also really like that Ifootage monopod and hope to add that to use when out walking through the woods with heavier lenses as my shoulders start to get sore after hand holding for extended periods of time.
Hi Duade. I hand-hold 80% of the time, then I use a Black Rapid shoulder dual strap as this allows me to carry two bodies; one fitted with a telephoto lens, and sometimes I will also bring a body fitted with a general-purpose lens for landscape. For longer sessions e.g. in hides or stationary or when shooting video I use a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber tripod. For heavier lenses, I use a Lensmaster RH2 gimbal. When shooting videos I have recently started using a Manfrotto fluid head. Then I also use a frying pan pod when I want low level perspective.
Great video as always. I'm looking forward to an update on the Sony gear. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks, I have a few videos lined up for Sony, Cheers, Duade
Hi, Duade! Great video. Sirui's tripods are made to point the legs down when setting up! When you untwist all twist locks with a single hand movement, the leg segments gets in place by gravity. Then you can easily twist them in place and do the next leg. Point the legs up when you are breaking camp for the same reason. You will save more than half the time.
I also have a (Manfrotto) tripod with buckle locks for comparison: I have to unlock 3x, pull 2x and lock 3x per leg. Its only advantage is you can see that they are really locked.
Really helpful video. Handheld for me most of the time but my tripod sits at the door for the aurora season when I'm very lucky to get pictures from my driveway. It's essential then.
Black-browed Albatross with the casual wing dip at 2:56 is one of my favorites photos of yours. Just stunning. I'm a fan of tripods for slow-movers like ducks, owls and hawks in trees, etc. And, of course, there a must-have when you're mixing in some video clips with your pics. Love the channel. Cheers from NY.
Thanks Sam, yes I agree. That Albatross shot is one of my favs also. Cheers, Duade 👍
Such a great coverage of tripod/monopod/gimbal setups and their usage/advantages. I've got several tripods of different sizes some of which one leg can be unscrewed to make a monopod which is good but not with the feet and ball at the bottom such as one you have.
Point of interest. One of the "cheap" tripods that you liked, you said it was stiff. I would buy that over some of the other tripods for video. It's best to have a fluid head for video. Granted, it isn't, but it's trying. I have a tripod with the post. It's light and with a hand on the post, is fine. Of course, I'm not using the Hubble telescope for a lens. That would change what can be done. My big tripod is a fluid head and is for a commercial shoulder mount video camera. If need be with a fluid head you can remove the drag, iit can be as fast as your expensive tripods. It's a heavy tripod, but that means vibration won't come through the legs. Good video.
I use the BlackRapid Sport Breathe strap and I absolutely love it! I have been able to do long hikes with it holding my Canon 100-400mm lens attached to my 5D Mark IV. Aside from a little stabilization with my hand to keep it from bouncing around too much, it is extremely comfortable. And I always have my camera at the ready should I stumble onto a bird or if one happens to fly past. Highly recommend!
Thanks Duade, i find flexibility the key, however, for those low low shots, gimbal on mud dish appears the proper solution
Agreed I prefer handheld. love you clips
Great breakdown. I am getting into birding and my current tripod setup just can't handle the heavier 200-600 on my a7IV. It did great with my Sigma 100-400 and lighter lenses, but now that I've gotten the longer lens, it's just a smidge too much for it.
Outstanding video - I've been hand holding more and more due to the number of people on trails and parks in my area - too many feet around the tripod!
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video, I shoot handheld most of the time but for video I enjoy using a tripod 👍🤗
I have the flex shooter pro with the clamp and I really enjoy using it. It's my vehicle set up and I have a larger heavier tripod and gimbal that I keep it home. The only negative of the flex shooter is that that one knob controls locking off vertical and panning so you can't just lock off one or the other. Aside from that it's lightweight and very enjoyable to use.
Thanks! I have a Peak Design strap and when I have a lens with a foot (70-200 or my 200-500 lens) I simply rest the foot in my belt and walkabout. No worries about it falling and I haven’t noticed any waist or back discomfort. Strap is insurance.
Always love watching your videos. As a newbie to photography it's great to see your thoughts and different ways of doing things. I've recently added a Sigma 150-600mm Sports to my setup (Canon EOS 90d & 18-135mm Lens) and slightly nervous about the prospect of using it handheld considering it's weight, or carrying a tripod around as it's even more weight!
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you so much Duade!
Great Video! I used a Siri for the past couple of years and have had problems with leg stops and legs sticking. I got turned off going through tripods and finally broke down and got a Gitzo. I'm in my 50's and feel confident this will be my last tripod purchase. The price was a stinger but I feel it will payoff in the long run. Thanks for sharing great info.
I combine a bit of landscape with wildlife so generally carry a tripod for slower exposures. I’m now using the Ulzani Zero lightweight tripod and it’s awesome - better than the Peak Design carbon I think. The ball head it comes with is excellent, but you can also purchase a second column which I’ve installed a Jobu lightweight gimbal head on and works nicely for my lightweight Olympus setup.
Hi Duade. I rarely use a monopod or tripod as I'm usually out walking but holding a camera steady when using the heavier EF100-400 and extenders can be hard. I've finally decided to order a flag bucket which will hold my monopod steady when I need to use my heavy lens. I might then be tempted to try to use video when I'm out and about.
love your work mate
Thanks Jeffrey, It was a long video but hopefully will help others, Cheers, Duade
I do a lot of sports photography with a Canon 1d and a Canon 300mm f2.8 with a 1.4X extender. I occasionally see another pro using that kind of set up hand held. I think two things: 1) He's strong as an ox, and 2) He's damn near as smart. I use a monopod with that set up and I let the "stick" literally do all the hard lifting. Ask yourself how long you are going to be able to keep the camera pointed at the subject without having to take a rest. I don't care how light things are getting it's still too heavy to hold for more than a relatively few seconds. Remember there are no prizes for hand holding a camera for extended periods of time, only for good pictures. With the monopod I can hold the subject until they actually do something, as there's no fatigue, and I think I can move around fairly easily. The only things that a monopod doesn't work well for is when the subject is significantly above your head (and I'd try a gimbal on a monopod before hand holding), or if the platform your shooting from is unstable like a boat or a helicopter.
Excelelnt video and good advice by far, For me personaly I use a Gitzo with a gimble for my primary landscape and long shot wildlife. I also have my older Benro with a gimble. I like the gitzo most for it is very stable and I love the twist lock, the Benro has flip locks of which I have had to repair the locks on numerouos occasions( it is nearly 15 years old and ahrd to find parts in US since it was one not for US market a C570 F). I use the Promaster Gimbles (GH31C on Gitzo and GH26 on the Benro) and when needed I use A RRS large Ball head. All said still like to do handheld most of time, but when I go for BIF in flight, not up to holding the 500 or 600 for very long. Also for landscapes and Astro the Tripods are estential. Not much for the Mono myself, but if I am hiking any distance, I sometime will carry a 3 Legged Thing Albert which are very well made and much easier to carry up the side of Mountain in the sierras. Though they are good especailly for travel, no where near as stable as the large Benro and Gitzo. Overall though I perfer handheld when I can get away with it and having recently aquied a R5, the IS makes it a lot easier to do HH< Anyway once again thanks for putting up the video and excellent infor and well appreciate by many. I hoping tommorrow to drag the gimble and the Gitzo to go photograph some California Condors in central California.
I went with the Blackrapid Breate Sport strap for use with a Canon 80D and Sigma 150 - 600mm. It was very comfortable and I couldn't recommend it enough for those with heavy setups. I was able to wear it for long periods of time and rest my arms between shooting. Though I dont really need it for weight concerns with my current R7 /RF 100 - 400mm I still use it!
I use the Cotton carrier CCS G3. It’s very comfortable and keeps my camera at the ready. I use it with either a Canon 5d Mk IV with 70-200mm lens or 7d with 100-500mm lens.
Thanks for the rundown on this important topic, Duade. I noticed recently that I am not using a tripod much anymore, though I bring it along almost always.
Thanks Jim, I have to admit since getting the RF100-500 and 200-600 I am enjoying the freedom of handholding but if I am waiting then I need a tripod. Cheers, Duade
Definitely recommend the Peak design strap, wide comfortable and easy to use. My camera lens combo is about 2.5kg, I don't have any problems carrying it on long trips
Hey Duade, great video again. Primarily handheld, Canon R6 and 100-500 (or 150-600). But sometimes using my BENRO TMA38CL MACH3 and NEEWER GM-QS Metal Gimbal Tripod Head.
Thanks very much. I’m just starting to get into photographing birds here in New Zealand and this video is very helpful to understand the different options for support.
You're very welcome!
Excellent video again Duade, thanks for sharing my image. I have the Neewer gimbal and totally agree with your comments. Shame as its a decent product for the money, although I’m not comfortable taking it apart to re grease, I have seen TH-cam videos on that process. It does improve in the summer when the grease gets warmer. For me the flexibility of hand holding using a decent shoulder strap out ways the tripod option, unless I’m setting up a perch or pool in the garden.
Thanks Gary, yes, it is stiff compared to the Sirui but hopefully a regrease will do the trick. Cheers, Duade
Love it ... Well done !! Bringing your members into some of your videos Brilliant !!! :) Okay you did it you got me to part with my Dad's 50 year old aluminum tripod and spring tensioned video head. I am going for the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head with Arca-Type Flip-Lever, and the iFootage Gazelle TC7 Fastbowl .. This after watching the majestic Sea Eagle perched for 3 hours waiting for it to fly ( this amazing eagle has returned to Maine for a 2nd year ). I decided I needed a real tripod and tripod head to get any decent photos of it when I am luck enough to find it.
Thanks for sending the videos through. Good luck with the gear, it is handy when you need that support. Cheers, Duade
You seem to be getting on well with the Sony! I use Benbo style tripods, as a pro motorsport photographer I might be balancing on a muddy bank, as all the legs move independently I can have one pointing up if needed. Incidentally, while working I was attacked by a motorcycle and side car, my smaller Benbo now has a prosthetic leg, white. [32mm plastic pipe] I use a monopod to lug around my Canon 400mm f2.8 as it is so heavy. I also have something that almost resembles a tripod, hooks over the car window, if I am using the car as a hide it takes the weight from my arms, though a beanbag works in an emergency. I use a heavy duty ball head on my monopod. I have made a ground skimmer, I just haven't used it yet. Keep up the good work!
Hi Duade. Well yet another great video with so much helpful information - and it's great to include info about equipment at the value end of the market, not just the really expensive stuff. I don't think the Sirui AR2024 was available when I bought my Sirui N2204SK (which is a very similar tripod) so I ended up buying a separate leveling base to get the same effect but not quite as elegantly as the AR2024. Glad you like the Wimberley MH100 and monopod combo, it's really great isn't it and pleased to see so many of your members think the same. I'll be really interested as and when you get around to a review of different strap systems - Peak Design, Black Rapid etc etc. When you do try a bean bag, I think the most basic type - literally a bag full of beans (well OK, maybe a camoflage material bag!) is really the most useful and flexible, just need to decide the size that works best for you. Thanks again and best wishes. John
Thanks for the feedback John, I really appreciate it, yes I do need to try these different straps out. Yep, the Wimberley whilst expensive is a great piece of kit. Cheers, Duade
I use both the iFootage TC7 tripod and the C150 monopod 🙂 For hand-holding I have a Black Rapid QD (quick detach) strap made for a rifle paired with a QD compatible tripod foot. This strap is honestly my favourite bit of kit and has allowed me to walk upto 10km with my 3kg camera.
Not only does it make it more comfortable to carry but also keeps my camera secure from drops and allows me to disconnect with the press of a button to quickly crouch or lay down. I wouldn't recommend it but I trust the attachment that much sometimes I let go of the camera altogether while walking, the camera starts to swing so it's always worthwhile to keep your hand on to tripod foot.
Nice video Duade , i own several tripods , a monopod, 1 gimbal, I shoot handheld when possible , I have severe bilateral carpal tunnel and it limits me at times, I shoot with the A74 and 200-600mm so it does get heavy pretty quick for me, i love having IBIS in the body/lens , it helps me out allot , nice comparison , next is a camera strap to buy , Cotton Carrier systems strap , reviews are good, just have to save up for one , they seem run just under 180.00 CDN 👍
Great video! If I'm walking I use am inexpensive monopod and ball head instead of my cane. I should upgrade the arca clamp to a lever lock, or maybe go for the Wimberley head. If I'm shooting landscapes with longer exposures I'll use a tripod.
Great information !!!
Great video Duade. I seldom use a tripod (and hence I'm not that skilled with it :). I tend to use one for macro, landscape, grand child, and birding on shorelines and when I am staked out. I use a Robus RC-5558-3 Vantage Series 3 Carbon Fiber Tripod (with only 3 leg sections which is faster and more stable than the 4 section version IMO) w/Wimberley Gimbal and a Benro MSD46C SupaDupa Carbon Fiber Monopod and Wimberley. Try the PEAK DESIGN shoulder strap. I tried one last year and now own 2 of them. I find that they are simple, easy to attach and detach, comfortable and quick and smooth from side to eyeball. :)
Thanks for this detailed walk-through. Additional factors that can become important when purchasing a tripod are the warranty and customer service. The small parts for the leg locking mechanism can easily get damaged with dust, sand, and salt water - or broken when disassembling for cleaning. In many cases, that's the end of the tripod because manufacturers can't be bothered with the management of small parts. Sirui does offer a 6 years warranty and does send replacement parts for free under warranty (requires proof of purchase and pictures of damaged parts). They also sell spare parts but it quickly becomes more expensive than the actual tripod.
The twist vs clamp is also a fascinating debate. Some manufacturers are plain evil and design clamps that will pinch your skin when you open them (I have clamps on my Sirui tripod and whoever designed those deserve to get infested by the fleas of a thousand Afghan camels and grow arms too short to scratch their scrotum). Some manufacturers are incompetent and make twist locks that don't lock when wet.
Great video with some superb ideas which I will be using !
Thanks mate, Cheers, Duade
As I'm not long into birding the last 2 videos that I've seen from you are just brilliant. The first video has helped get some super clear pics 📸 of birds much better than before and I'm quite pleased with and this video has helped answer allot more on tripods and weather or not to invest in a gimble or stick with a ball head I currently have a 3lt carbon fibre tripod and i now hate having the centre collum as you say using my 18-400 tamron lens when taking the blood moon months ago had lens droop so lately have been thinking of a new tripod and the amount out there is crazy and prices in aus are crazy then a huge price on top if you want a gimble. So this video has helped heaps. Think I would go the tripod that you use with the ball head you showed but where do you get all this stuff??
G'Day Duade, I'm unemployed but I previously saved up for a Gitzo 5543LS, and to sit on top of that I bought a GKJr. Katana Pro Gimbal Head from PromediaGear. I cried over my Visa card for about 1hr. BUT I will never have to buy another tripod or head ever again. My old man used to say "Buy once, cry once". Loved your video, great research and advice, thanks.
I used to carry a tripod and monopod (it was both things at once) around with my old equipment. But the new camera and lenses (specifically I went from a 80D + Canon 400mm F5.6 to an R7 + RF 100-500mm) have changed that.
IS works so good that I can now just hand hold the vast majority of the time… at 800mm, due to the 1.6x cropping factor of the R7. Which was unthinkable just a few years ago and allows me to be far away enough to not scare many bird species I couldn’t photograph before.
Plus I can see the subject clearly through the viewfinder and smoothly follow it. Thanks to the eye tracking system composing the image is way easier, and the fast 15/30 FPS has skyrocketed the number of keepers.
The experience of photographing wildlife now feels kinda “easy”. And much more enjoyable.
Enjoyed your video presentation. Lately I'm using a video fluid head mounted on a tripod for birding photos and videos. Smaller form factor and lighter than my Wimberley sidekick & ball head combo.
Yet again , great info, I use the Opt/tech super classic sling. R7 and Sigma 150 - 600 is so easy to carry, adjustable for length, apparently the US military use them for rifles, so must be well made and reliable. I do have a couple of tripods but hardly ever use them.
I would love to learn more about beanbags.
About tripods and monopods I decided to buy shorter, lighter lenses just to have easy time handholding and making my panning technique better, but I really love the idea of homemade groundpods, especialy that I have an old frying pan, that I didn't now what to do with.
When using your car as a hide, you can use a piece of pipe insulation, slit along the length, to fit on the top of the nearly-down window. Fast to use and works almost as well as a beanbag
Thanks Kevin, great tip and yes, shooting from the car is handy. Cheers, Duade
You asked about strap use Duade.
Many folk use a sling. I found as an active 'tog that I had to use one hand to steady the rig when it was hanging off a sling. Eg when skiing with a rig or clambering around a rolling boat on a pelagic cruise I need both hands free. So I use a Cotton Carrier Skout for the lighter rig and a CC Harness for the 4.5kg rig. These hold the rig on your chest. The Skout v1 could be offset to the side of your chest so you could more readily see your feet when moving.
CC calls these slings but that's a mistake. Better to call them holsters.
Great video and very informative. Also, can you please do a comparison between R8 vs R7?
Next video you should do is all about lenses for birding unless you have done them to death already but looking at the best length and f stop for birding fast or slow lens and prices
Hi, thanks for the vid! I like the black rapid straps. They hang to one side and clip to the foot (need compatible arca plate or Included threaded eye. As for tripod I use an innorel 90 with leophoto gimbal.
Great video Duade. Just to reinforce your comment about the Neweer gimbal. I shoot a ton and 90% of it is off two of those gimbals. Like others, I immediately removed the lubricant and replaced it with a high quality lithium lubricant and they work fantastic at a fraction of the cost. There are great instructions on TH-cam that cover the process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them otherwise.
TC7 owner here, I love mine but my only complaint is the spike to rubber feet because unless you're super careful it's easy to get sand that grits up the internal threads. After repeated use one of my buckles would no longer fully lock a leg down but that was 100% resolved by using a simple hex key tool to tighten down one of the screws. In fact you can easily over-tighten the buckles so that it can be a struggle to fully lock. The fast bowl design is so much easier to make micro-adjustments to your ball/gimbal head leveling than trying to adjust legs.
Great Video!!
Duade,
After watching this video I used your Promo code and purchased the C180 monopod and the wimberly head. I just recieved both and totally love this combo. Thank you for your video demonstration and promo code.
Fantastic!
Another great video! I am strictly a handholder. Back in the early 2000s I was a wedding videographer. I used relatively large and heavy Canon video cameras which I hand held the majority of the time. The longest wedding ceremony that I ever did ended up being my last. It was a Greek Orthodox service that lasted 2 and a half hours. I was just recovering from back surgery and by the end of the service I was done. I primarily started that business because of the cool gear I got to buy. I did it for a couple of years as a side gig and then sold everything to a friend who had just graduated film school and wanted to make movies. As a result of that I have very steady hands. These cameras and lenses had no IS at all so I absolutely had to be steady. That has carried over into my wildlife photography.
As I have gotten older and developed a few more aches and pains I have been downsizing my gear. I am all in on Olympus right now. I just traded all of my Canon gear for Olympus lenses. For me, right now, it was the right decision. I was very sad to sell my RF 100-500. Hopefully I will someday be able to acquire the Olympus 150-400 but if that doesn’t happen I will be fine with what I’ve already got. This is my hobby so I don’t ever want it to feel like work just to carry my gear around.
I use OP/TECH straps. I primarily use a wrist strap. If my shoulder is bothering me or I know I will be out all day I use their sliding sling strap which holds most of the weight while I am walking. OP/TECH straps are cheap and reliable. They aren’t as pretty as some other brands but they don’t fail.
Thanks Rod, sounds like your wedding background certainly helps. Not a job I could have done. I have back issues so I have to be careful with the heavy weight also. I can see why people are going to Olympus with their light kits and wonderful IS etc. I hope to try Olympus this year at some point. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for that helpful video. I do my shooting both handheld and with a tripod but mostly handheld. My tripod is a 20 years old Manfrotto 190XB with a pan/tilt head. A proper gimbal head would certainly be more convenient but I guess one should directly buy a new tripod then as the exchange of camera heads is a real PITA with the Manfrotto and it is not the lightest tripod anyway.
Another great effort with plenty of good info - thanks for that, Duade! I hand hold with a quick adjust strap 85+% of the time for the flexibility and nature of the environment where I normally shoot. If I'm practicing a little sit & wait strategy or a set-up, then the tripod & gimbal are often the way to go. My kit is usually around 2.6 kgs, but if it was much more, I'm sure I'd rework my methods some.
I have never tried a monopod due to the seemingly limited situations they appear to be designed for, but can see where they would potentially be the best choice at times.
Thanks again for further enlightening us on what's out there & what the many options can offer. Have a good one & may your future sessions be rewarding ones ~ Chris
Thanks Chris, I am very similar and largely depends on the style of shooting and the kit I am using. Monopods are probably the least used for me just because of how difficult it is to film yourself with it. Cheers, Duade
I understand, Duade. I never film myself & so never consider that aspect, but makes complete sense for your needs.
I've been using a solid Innorel carbon tripod & upgraded version of that Neewer gimbal you had in video & both work quite well for my uses. The gimbal is a little sluggish below -10 C, but not enough to be problematic. Have a good one ~ Chris
Hey, i just got to say i really like your videos mate!
Thanks, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
I use a Fotopro E-6H gimbal with the cradle removed for my tripod and monopod. Very manageable weight and versatile! When on a walk I've found it's better to always carry the camera/lens with the right hand and save the fatigue on the left hand.
I have a Surui carbon fiber tripod with a Acratech lever release ball head and a K&F Concepts BA225 carbon fiber tripod for my landscape setup that I use on long hikes. I have a Black Rapid strap for my Z6ll and 200-500mm that I added an extra clip to so that it is connected to the tripod collar and the camera, I don't trust those clips so I added another one just in case. Great video!
Thanks for sharing Dennis, sounds like a great setup. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, great video. I've made a sled from an old beach chair and attached a gimbal, it looks a bit like a set of helicopter skids under my camera It Works a treat
Hey Duade, great summary. Definitely prefer to handhold, but have trouble getting sharp shots with the extenders on the RF 100-500, probably due to poor technique. So I use a Robus monopod with the Wimberley monogimbal for added stability when needed. Gradually putting together a tripod kit with a Robus ball head and Wimberley Sidekick, so I can work on macro, landscape, and eventually a heavier prime lens.
Thanks for sharing Kyle, yes, extenders can be hit and miss that is for sure. Great to hear you have the monopod setup going ad good luck with the tripod setup. Cheers, Duade