Which tripod legs & tripod head are you using with your Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM

I am interested, can you use a lighter tripod than the old models or did their weight help stabilize the beast (mass and mirror slap)?

I think the Gitzo 3532 and 3542 models are quite adequate but I would not go lighter than that. Most people I know use either a 3 series or 5 series Gitzo or a 3 series Really Right Stuff for lenses like this. There are some other manufacturers that some use but i'm not familiar with the models enough to recommend those. If you are going to put a $7,000-$12,000 lens on something, you definitely should not go cheap on the tripod.

Gitzo GT3532LS.

I bought my Gizto back in 2006 so I have an "old school" 1325 model which I find quite study for my 600. You may be able to find a used one for less than the current models are new.

I use the Gitzo 5541LS with my Nikon 600. Rock solid is the only way to go, IMO.

I think there's a widespread tendency to justify lighter tripods for huge, heavy glass because people want lighter weight and want to believe that's OK.

Heavy means stability. Stability yields sharper images. Think Gibraltar.

Hi Dolina:

I use  a Gitzo 5541LS with my EF 600 F4L IS II USM and Canon 1D series cameras.
The Gitzo 5541 LS is rock solid.  As far as weight goes, the weight of the 5541 LS
does not bother me.

Best Regards,

Roman :)

I have the Gitzo 3530 and works just dandy with the 600mm IS II lens. Even for doing video, there's very little vibration unless winds are really strong and then it's the lens that's moving, not the tripod.

AJ

EJ, so true, so true.

I agree with this 100%. I had used the older 1548 Gitzo with 600 and 800mm lenses for years. Last year I wanted to get one of the newer models and tried the latest 35xx. I thought it was very flimsy and there is no way that I would ever want to depend on it as my main tripod for one of those lenses, especially if you want to add tc's. I ended up getting the 5542, which I love and use as my primary tripod, but I also got a 4542 which I use when hiking distances with the 800. It's lighter, but definitely more stable than a 3542. If you only can have one tripod, the 4542 is a reasonable compromise.

RRS 34L works just fine on my Nikon 600 as well. To each their own and I am sure they are both good. RRS made in USA and their service is always good.

RRS 33TVC

While I have and use a 3532 with my 600 (neither Canon nor Nikon), and it works well enough, when I saw the newer 4542 model recently I thought it was a good compromise between the larger leg sets of the 5541 and the 3532.  The 4542 legs are larger than the 3532, but the additional weight is noticeably less than the 5541.  Thus, I think Robert's comment is spot on - the 4542 is a good compromise between the lighter weight and adequate 3532, and much heavier 5541.  If only it were available when I got my 3532, and wasn't as expensive as it is.

If I were you, I’d carefully consider weight, height, and shutter speed I list below on whether to go with a 3, 4, or 5 series Gitzo, or a RRS.  I am around big glass on tripods all week on my tours, so I have a lot of hands on experience with nearly everything currently popular:


WEIGHT: Do you hike miles every outing with the rig?  Weight is a big deal here.  How old are you and what physical condition plays a role.


HEIGHT: Do you shoot on steep river banks a lot or while standing on benches, big rocks, etc.  Overal tripod height is key here.  The Gitzo 3542XLS is good for super height at 79 inches.


SHUTTER SPEED: How you usually shoot (high or slow  speed shutter?)?  Rock of Gibraltar is not generally critical to image sharpness if you use high speed shutter, and / or if you have a lens with 4 stop IS/ VR.  Many NSNers  shoot these super teles hand held and get sharpies.


Height and weight trumped super stability for me because of how I shoot: high speed shutter, 4 stop IS for slower speeds,  lots of very long hikes,  lots of standing on things to get the lens over obstacles.  Thus I bought the Gitzo 3542XLS, as it is very tall, 79 inches, and relatively light.  Not near as stable as the 5 series, but I prefer the lighter weight over increased stability.


If RRS ever builds a 79 inch CF tripod, I’ll buy it if it isabout the same weight as my current rig. RRS has better build quality than Gitzo, without a doubt.  Right now RRS maxes out at 70 inches.  Too short for my tastes.


In addition, if weight is a biggie, common bulk ups are using a leveling base, using the Wimberley over the Mongoose head, using the Wimberley flash brackets over the Mongoose one, using leg pads/ lens neoprene covers, using the stock foot with an added plate instead of a custom foot.  This all adds weight. 
 


Another option is to not use a tripod at all.  I often shoot the big teles like this and get sharpies.  f 5.6, 800 iso and bright light = fast shutter speed.  Plus it is faster and easier to hit the ground and shoot prone which usually produces a nicer image.  No charge for the ant stings, dirty clothes, and a crook in the neck.