I'm 6'1" jupiter. My eye level is right at 68", so yes both pods are a tad on the short side from that point of view, but my current set up is similar and it hasn't been a huge issue.

The column on both pods raises that level to whatever height I'll need. I've avoided raising the column on my aluminun pod because it compromises stability a bit, but I think that'd be less of an issue with the CF models. To get a tripod that extends that high without the column extended, I'd have to go to one of the larger models (larger than the 3531) and I don't really want to do that.

 

Good point Billiam. The BH40 is suggested for the 300 f/4, but RRS suggests the BH55 for the f/2.8 due to handline concerns. I think I'm definitely going to want to hike with the setup at some point, so your info helps.

 

Dan that's awesome. Just the kind of input I needed. I was kind of getting that gut feeling about the 3531, but this helps me make the decision. I don't have any of the accessories you mentioned, but since the BH-40 doesn't come with a level, I like the idea of 2-axis level.

Thanks for the great suggestions!

 

Alright, she's done. I just ordered the GT-2531, TC-80N3 timer and a 2-axis hotshoe level from B&H, and the BH40 ballhead with the lever release clamp and an L plate for my 40D direct from RRS. All of it should be here next week.

Thanks to Dan, Billiam, jupitersolo, wndrlst and hrj. All the input helped make the decision easier, and this particular decision was not easy, due to all the choices and the cost involved, and being unable to get my hands on this stuff before buying. All that said, I feel good about this purchase and that I significantly upgraded my support system.

There's a ton of photography websites out there, but I still come here for a lot of info. I think we've all been posting here long enough and seen enough of each others work that we at least know where each other is coming from.

Thanks again!

 

More money flowing into the economy, I think it's photogs that keep it going when times are slow. I know I'm doing my part.

Yes, this is a pretty kewl little corner that we have here.

When it comes to getting a tripod set up going, it's hard as hell. I know it took me months to figure of what I really wanted and even then I've made a change and will be making a couple more even though I didn't do it wrong the first. All I did was buy what Dan posted he bought, turned out pretty good.

 

Just got a RRS catalog in the mail.

 

Lol! WWDD?! What would Dan do? Buying this tripod setup was harder by far than any other camera gear I've purchased. With lenses and bodies you usually have a pretty good idea what you want going in, or at least what you'dike to have.

Tripods are a whole different animal. A lot of choices and each setup has its compromises. After all this research, I've come to the conclusion that having two tripod setups is probably ideal, but that's for another time. I learned a lot (hey, I know the Gitzo model codes now!) and look forward to using the new rig.

And anything to help this economy. Glad to do my part!

 

Sweet. So is a BH55 going to be on the way soon?

 

Congrats! Good choice! I really only experience any creep if I'm lazy. When I crank it down, there's no problem. I know it's just a spirit level that the BH40 has, but it's better than nothing. I've found it useful a time or 2, though honestly, I usually just go with my eye. I'm not a very technical shooter.

Great set-up!!

 

Thanks 'lust! Casey at RRS says the BH 40 is guaranteed not to creep with the 70-200, so I always have that to fall back on!

I'm actually looking forward to using the remote release Dan talked me into buying also.

 

That's going to be an awesome setup! Post pics when you get it.

 

Must hint at stocking stuffer....


I actually can't believe I still haven't bought one for my 40D. I had the IR & the cord remote for the XT. I suck.


Oh, and I fixed my legs tonight!

 

Hold off before you do something, I have a Phottix Cleon that I won't really need soon. Hell really don't need now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycPGfnndTZ4

 

Will do!

 

Sweet!

 

Sold! Let me know how much & I'll pick it up next photonerd dinner. Or whenever... The lens, too, if you've decided to sell.

 

I bought a sunpark 6601 ut for $60 and it works great.

 

You mean $30 right?

http://www.amazon.com/Sunpak-6601UT-.../dp/B00007E8D2

 

Congrats with the new combo, I'm sure you'll love them. It will be a joy using them on the field.
I use a similar setup, 2530 and Acratech GV2 w/ RRS quick lever-release clamp.

 

I have a ghetto setup compared to everyone here.

Manfrotto 724B (simple ball head, no QR)
I recently added a 680B monopod with a 234RC QR head.

The best thing is that they were a really good price... Free
My bro-in-law works for a distributor and when returns come in broken they end up on a shelf and he builds complete units from the pieces on the shelf.

I really would like a better tripod head than what the 724 has, but I promised myself until I start taking more photos - no more spending $$$.

 

Manfrotto 190xprob - legs
Manfrotto 486RC4 - head

 

Just an update, I received the RRS BH-40 yesterday and it is definitely one beautifully machined piece, and I'm confident that it will be perfect for my lenses. The L plate is sweet too and fits the 40D perfectly. It's going to be nice to be able to go to portrait orientation without flopping the camera over. It's an ingenious design that I will put to good use. I'm glad I chose this over their regular quick release plate.

The precision and clamping power of the ballhead blows my Manfrotto head away, and I could not budge it even with it just moderately tightened. The BH-55 must be an absolute monster. I'm already happy with this purchase and will be looking at other RRS products as I need them.

The Gitzo will be here tomorrow and I'll post pics of the whole setup then.

 

As promised, here's a few quick and dirty shots of the Gitzo 2531 tripod and Really Right Stuff BH-40 ballhead I just purchased.The tripod is as advertised, beautifully made and light, and like I mentioned above, the RRS head is also extremely well made and has a precision feel I did not have in my previous Manfrotto head. The clamping power of the head is tremendous and the controls are easy to use. I also picked up the RRS L plate, which you see in the pics. This is a great piece of kit, and allows you to switch between portrait and landscape orientation without flopping the camera over. Awesome feature, which I look forward to using. I rarely did this with the Manfrotto because it made the whole rig unstable. It also has flanges which prevent the camera from rotating on the plate.

The tripod is also very solid, even with the center column up, and stands taller than my Manfrotto 3001 Pro, while being lighter. The Gitzo is also more solid with the center column extended, which is nice. It also sets up pretty quickly, even though the locks take a bit of getting used to after using the flip locks on the Manfrotto.

It is entirely possible that Gitzo tripods are over-priced, especially given brands like Feisol that are now on the market, but make no mistake, it lives up to its advanced billing.

I had been waffling on this set-up and a larger one, but after playing with this for a while, I'm very happy I went this route. No doubt the 3 series + BH-55 would have been more solid, but at the price of being more cumbersome and heavier. I think this rig strikes a nice balance. Thanks again to forum members for their input.

Fully extended with the center column down, 40D + EF-S 17-55 and RRS L plate:


Fully collapsed:


And the ballhead:

 

Very nice kit... Now go get it dirty!

 

 

BTW, Dan, the lighting book is excellent also. Thanks for that recommendation.

 

Oh good, I'm glad you like it. I'm going to read it a second time this week. It's time for a refresher.

 

Looking good! If you're like me, you won't even bother attaching the tripod to your backpack. The setup is light enough that it's no big deal to just carry it.

BTW, I also have a print from Nicholas Watts. Good choice there as well.

 

I'm pretty happy with my Manfrotto 725B. Didn't break the bank either.

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-725B...1582221&sr=1-2

 

Lol. Yeah, I love that print. It's a flyer from the Monaco GP from about 7-8 years ago.

 

Got a GT3531 today, going tomorrow and see if I can get a Wimberley Gimbal Head for it.

 

Sweet! Man, you're on a gear rampage these days.

I played with a GT3541 yesterday and I was surprised by how tall it was. The 4 section legs were still very stable, but I would buy the 3 section like you so it's faster to set up.

 

Yeah dropping the $$$, thankfully things are selling close to what I paid for them. In two cases more than. Got the gimbal, but they didn't have plates today.

 

I'm using a Manfrotto 055XPROB w/ an Amvona pistol grip. This has worked well for me.

 

So, after all you said about being tall, you went with the 3531, which is actually 2 inches shorter than the 2531 with the column down. How is it now that you have it? And I'm guessing it's pretty much rock solid also?

Congrats BTW.

 

I needed the weight capacity, I wanted to go with a higher one, but this after the column is up with the gimbal, so be good enough.

 

What are the gimbal heads used for? Sports/Action shots with long lenses?

I was just reading about special head for Panoramic shots. This stuff gets complicated!

 

<object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2050875&amp;server=vimeo.com &amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portr ait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2050875&amp;server=vimeo.com &amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portr ait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2050875">Demo of Wimberley Gimbal Head With Sigma 300-800 Lens</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/scottbourne">Scott Bourne</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.

 

Well I sent the GT3531 back, I got a GT3541XLS. I know it's a four section tripod, but it's the perfect height when I don't extened the fourth leg. It's a level base, not center column. I'll feel better using it with the larger lenses and the gimbal head.

 

Thanks for posting the vid on the Wimberly head. I'd never seen one used before. It looks massive, but perfect for shooting action subjects like sports, etc. I'm not sure how my BH-40 will do for that (or any ballhead), but I'll probably end up getting a good monopod for that.

How're you liking the BH-55 so far?