I'm using a Canon 7d with a 400mm lens, and need a tripod that can handle the top heaviness and the weight. Suggestions please
259527
The Gitzo GTO531 can handle up to 11 lbs but since it is a carbon fiber tripod it is very very light. To handle the top heaviness of a 400mm lens there is a retractable hook on the bottom of the center column to attach a counter balance. It most certainly will work so long as you have a heavy enough counterbalance. If you need a very light weight tripod for hiking this will work great but it will set you back a bit. If you don't need it for hiking or for the compactness then there are other heavier tripods to go that will be less money. I am quite happy with mine however.
259528
For a 400mm lens you will need something in the 3000 series. I think Gitzo calls it the 3531, but check. I would go with a 3 extention leg rather than a 4 extension for the added stability. Gitzo designates that with the second to last digit in the number so they sell a 3531 or a 3541. If you are like me and don't care for gimble heads, then go with the Really Right Stuff RS55 ball head. That one is outstanding and can carry the weight. Really Right Stuff uses an Acra Swiss style plate. I love that system. Hope this helps.
259529
JasonI have been using my Gitzo for over a year and it comfortably holds my Nikon D800 with my 70-205 F2.8 lens (both weigh about 7.5 pounds together) also with the Nikon wireless flashes as well as the 950 flash. I have also used it several times with my Canon XH-A1 and SF 300 HD video cameras. The only issue I would comment on is that if you try tracking a moving object such as someone running you will have to maintain a firm grip on it. It is great in stationary shots but clearly it is not made to do the same thing that a normal video tripod does because it lacks the handle. The ball gives great flexibility in most applications. I love the light weight of this tripod!!! Very sturdy!! Highly recommend. JasonI have been using my Gitzo for over a year and it comfortably holds my Nikon D800 with my 70-205 F2.8 lens (both weigh about 7.5 pounds together) also with the Nikon wireless flashes as well as the 950 flash. I have also used it several times with my Canon XH-A1 and SF 300 HD video cameras. The only issue I would comment on is that if you try tracking a moving object such as someone running you will have to maintain a firm grip on it. It is great in stationary shots but clearly it is not made to do the same thing that a normal video tripod does because it lacks the handle.... » Read More JasonI have been using my Gitzo for over a year and it comfortably holds my Nikon D800 with my 70-205 F2.8 lens (both weigh about 7.5 pounds together) also with the Nikon wireless flashes as well as the 950 flash. I have also used it several times with my Canon XH-A1 and SF 300 HD video cameras. The only issue I would comment on is that if you try tracking a moving object such as someone running you will have to maintain a firm grip on it. It is great in stationary shots but clearly it is not made to do the same thing that a normal video tripod does because it lacks the handle. The ball gives great flexibility in most applications. I love the light weight of this tripod!!! Very sturdy!! Highly recommend. « Show Less
812337
I recommend it for lighter point and shoot camera only, I have Sony hx30v PS camera and this tripod can't handle the weight of it.
1738739
Yes, just make sure it is secured, I have used this tripod to support my Canon power shoot, and Canon T5i and couple of my Canon film cameras with no issues.
2205720
It depends on the camera. My Canon is too heavy and the tripod tips over when bent to such a degree.
1951606
depends on how long of a telephoto lense you are talking about. I have a telephoto lense (1300mm to 2600mm) that I have to also use a monopod to stable the camera or lense, whichever way I have it set up; I have also had to use two tripods. Too much work involved. Both have to be used with that lense. I also have a 75-300mm lense that the tripod will hold without any problems. If you get too far out from the camera (more than 7") then it will be too heavy to handle the camera and lense. Hope this helps.
1157176
I'm sorry but haven't even looked at any tripod mounts for this lens. It's not bulky and heavy like a Canon EF 70-200mm IS L lens or anything so you may be just fine with just the affixing the camera body directly to the tripod. I found this tripod mount and have read it's designed specifically for this lens: http://www.mu-43.com/showthread.php?t=41512
54186
I use it with a canon T3i w/ a 50-250 lens with a batterie pack and it is rock solid! Love this tripod the ball head is awesome and very easy to use.
754095
The monopod is very sturdy and we've had great luck with it on a variety of cameras and situations. Although I'm not familiar with the weight of a 300mm lens or more importantly whether it puts a significant torque on the point of attachment, my gut says it will be fine, plus Amazon does stand behind their products... Stephen
2123535
Yes. You might want to buy a sturdier one later, though. Not a bad tripod, just not the best.
1332406
It can handle my Nikon D3200 with a 55-200mm zoom with room to spare! A great tripod for my usage!
1046166
I don't think so. Likely too top heavy with too narrow a base. I'd look for something on a tripod to handle what you want to support.
493406
Just bought this 42-inch 8section retractable tripod. It can support my t3i with the 18-55mm lens very well. Not sure how stable it'd be in (very) extreme windy conditions but seems solid enough otherwise.
1899806
This is the sturdiest tripod ever. It handles both of my telephoto lenses without any issues.
622009
I would get a very sturdy tripod as this is a heavy scope. I used an existing tripod I had and it has adjustable legs and tilt. Works well but I would prefer one more sturdy. I use mine for bird watching and astronomy from my deck where I can move it around easily.
1671435
I'm using the tripod - and have some reasonably heavy equipment on it ( digial camera + telephoto lens ) and i took some long exposures that were fine. Clearly one of the main factors is weight but i have had no stability concerns.
1230260
I have used it with a Canon 5D and the Canon 100-400 and it's definitely strong enough to hold the weight. Whether or not it has enough weight/mass to dampen vibration is something you'd have to determine for yourself based on what you're shooting. I got this tripod to use at airshows and needed something as lightweight as possible to carry around all day. I'm very happy with the tripod and after a year of use and travel it has held up well.
1974853
I use this with a canon 7d and 70-200 4L lens. In the past, before upgrading my camera to 7d, I used it with a T2i and canon 100-400 L so the weight is sort of the same. I never mount the black rapid on the camera, just the tripod ring on the lens. When I used the 7d with myCanon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, I still have approximately 4 pounds of heft, so there is more unbalance, but not too bad. I also walk around a lot in NYC so there really is no other alternative to the sling camera strap for me.