topic Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached in Camera Accessories

Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 21:16:08 GMT

I have a Canon EOS R7 and have very recently received an RF 200mm-800mm lens which is right heavy. I do wildlife photography (where a tripod is useful when I know the habits of my creatures) and am looking for advice on a decent tripod with a quick release attachment so I more efficiently attached and disconnect the camera without the screw it on drill.

It would also be nice to have a matching monopod compatible with the attachment device for the camera/tripod as I originally thought a monopod would give me the extra help with a bit more flexibility.

I am still learning the easiest way to adjust the telephoto, hold the camera, AND keep the subject in my sights.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

stevet1 — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:32:44 GMT

LoveWeims,

I personally have a Geekoto X25 75" Defender. Here's a description of it:

One of the legs unscrews to double as a monopod.

You're probably looking for something like an Arca Swiss quick release plate with a standard 1/4" screw. The tripod I mentioned has that too.

Steve Thomas

[Commercial link removed per community guidelines and replaced with screenshot to facilitate discussion.]

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

FloridaDrafter — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:37:17 GMT

I also use the RF 200-800, but with the R5 series cameras. I use a Ravelli tripod, sorry, I bought it a long time ago so I don't know the model but it's pretty heavy. I also use a Wimberley WH-200 II gimbal head on it. That gimbal is quite expensive, but I like it's shape, it's built well, the nobs are in the right place, and it uses the Arca-Swiss quick release plate. You have to buy the plate separately to match the lens you are using. I can't say enough about these gimbals, once you get them adjusted properly, balance is phenomenal and you can move the rig with a finger and it will stay wherever you put it. No, I don't work for Wimberley 😁, there are several similar gimbals on the market. I also use a Manfrotto monopod with a ball head, once again, I'm not sure of the model but it's pretty sturdy.

IMO, the important part, besides a sturdy tripod, is a gimbal of some sort. They really make it easy to manage a heavy rig, particularly when it comes to balance and being able to quickly get your target.

Newton

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:42:55 GMT

I quickly looked at this and it seems really versatile (love the convert to monopod feature). It also seems to have the right accessories as to quick release and the long lens mount. Will further look at this tomorrow. Price is reasonable.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:47:05 GMT

Thank you. I need to research “gimbal”. I looked at the Manfrotto gear heads as i also do macro photography and their write up about using their gear heads was compelling esp for some of my more compliant bugs.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

p4pictures — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:08:29 GMT

I have a couple of Manfrotto 055 carbon fibre tripods with various heads including the Manfrotto 410 geared head. The tripods have lasted me well and continue to be solid. I have also got a Manfrotto carbon fibre monopod though I can't remember the model.

Most quality tripods have interchangeable heads with a standard 3/8-inch thread, so you can often mix and match legs and heads even from other brands. I know of several photographers who have Wimberley heads on Manfrotto "legs". In general the arca swiss quick release mount is more popular across various brands of tripod head, though Manfrotto has their own quick release plates and even some with area swiss.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:17:13 GMT

Thank you. I was looking at those on B&H. A geared head appeals to me for my macro lens which is also heavy (but the newest long lens is a challenge as my hands are rather small). Steadiness with flexibility is key. Carbon fiber is costly but then again - everything i now have is too

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 01:04:31 GMT

@LoveWeims wrote:

Thank you. I need to research “gimbal”. I looked at the Manfrotto gear heads as i also do macro photography and their write up about using their gear heads was compelling esp for some of my more compliant bugs.

You are welcome.

Gimbal tripod heads are a treat, but good ones are expensive.

I have the Manfrotto 410 geared three axis head. When shooting macro, I attach a Velbron Super Mag Slider macro rail to the Manfrotto that allows me to easily get to MFD.

I forgot to mention when replying about tripods, but when you brought up macro, it reminded me. I like a center post on my tripods because I will sometimes mount my camera on the bottom of the post between the tripod legs. This allows me to get really low to the ground and still have a solid base. Of course, the center post has to have the proper screw/lug to attach the camera.

Newton

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

Tintype_18 — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 16:25:29 GMT

Definitely a good request. I have both a tripod and monopod; situation determines which to use. BTW, you do wildlife photography. You realize you have to post some photos in the gallery. Looking forward to the photos.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

Waddizzle — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 18:04:47 GMT

First and foremost, there are at least two components to a tripod system, the legs and the head.

Just like lenses, there’s no “best” tripod. It boils down to shooting conditions and personal preferences.

What’s best for me may not be what’s best for you. I might prefer tripod legs with flip locks. You could find a preference for twist locks. I am tall, so I prefer a tripod that stands close to 72”, if not taller.

I prefer different types of heads, depending on the shooting scenario. For most sports or wildlife photography I prefer a monopod with a tilt head. I prefer one that is as tall as I am, which makes it easier to point the lens upwards.

A monopod allows me to shoot and move quicker than a tripod. There are many times when I may park myself in one spot and wait for the wildlife to come out of hiding and approach me.

I use a heavy duty, ball head on a tripod that doesn’t have a center column. It uses an interchangeable flat plate. I have one plate with a ball head, and another with a geared head.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:21:42 GMT

Yes, based on all the great input from tge Community, i am now researching both monopods and tripods

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:30:07 GMT

Thank you. I prefer flip locks to twist. I am not tall. Been looking at the Benro monopod actually! Like the features of the $300 Benro. Thinking carbon fiber

just got the 200-800mm lens and using it has motivated ne to upgrade my alum tripod and the monopod i have absolutely did not work with the equip at all.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:33:52 GMT

I will post when i learn this lens! It is winter here now…so my hunting is somewhat curtailed by the hunters with guns….

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

Waddizzle — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:08:27 GMT

I am using a Benro aluminum monopod, which cost under $100 USD. The carbon fiber version is lighter by a small amount. I use a Kirk MPA-2 tilt head. It has a very good friction control. My Sigma 150-600mm doesn’t flop around.

The tripod is an older Benro Series 3 75mm combination tripod. I can install a 75mm flat plate, a 75mm center column, or a 75mm bowl as seen in the photo.

B&H has a house brand, Robus, that I suspect is made by Induro/Benro. When my model was discontinued, nearly identical products appeared under the Robus brand name. It’s a tree trunk.

The ball head is a Really Right Stuff BH-55. This head has zero backlash. What’s that?

Have you ever tried to photograph the Moon, only to have the lens shift as you tighten it down? That’s backlash. This head stays exactly where I point it, even with a few pounds of weight that is leaning off center.

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:31:22 GMT

Thank you! Benro appears to be a well-regarded brand. I will call a dealer and ask questions about heads on monos for long lenses v tripods. Hoping for interchangeability. My husband informed me he built gimbals (who knew?!!) so we will be jointly researching those v gear heads

Love asking the community. So many great ideas to research

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:04:48 GMT

I went with a carbon fiber tripod with a published weight limit of 44 pounds and a total carrying weight of 3.1 pounds. It won’t arrive til the end of Jan 2025 so my final assessment of it is pending. Also opted to forego a center post. For the 200-800mm lens, I bit the bullet and got a Wimberly gimbal. My preference f

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 16:07:16 GMT

@LoveWeims wrote:

For the 200-800mm lens, I bit the bullet and got a Wimberly gimbal.

Don't forget to get the correct lens plate for the 200-800 tripod foot. They don't have one listed for the 200-800, so I got the one for the 800 5.6 - P-40. It has a screw adapter so you can attach it to the tripod foot with the standard screw and the larger screw or one or the other. Note that the tripod foot for the 200-800 has both sizes available to attach the ARCA Swiss plate 🙂

Newton

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:32:42 GMT

Yes…i am now faced with another big decision on quick release systems. Wimberly has a plate advertised for this lens at $100 on B&H….I do now own a Wimberly gimbal and my reason for buying a decent tripod and this gimbal is just to use the big lens. I prefer (i think) a clamp feature rather than a screw tightening mechanism…so i think i will ask the community a question focusing on systems. I rather liked the price and features of the Neewers…but do not think they are arca swiss types but since i have NO system now… i have no sunk costs in this kind of thing at this point. Want 3/8” for sure

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

FloridaDrafter — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:17:40 GMT

What you may be seeing for $100 is the AP-608, which is the entire lens foot assembly. Since the foot on the RF 200-800 isn't removable, you just need the P-40 quick release plate, which is $58. This plate attaches to the foot on the 200-800mm and you just leave it there, at least I do 🙂

Once the P-40 quick release plate is attached to the foot of the 200-800, you just slide it on the the gimbal. You can adjust balance and lock in the foot with the thumb screw on the Gimbal. The quick release plate has a downloadable PDF users manual that tells you how to use the various screws. Some are set screws to keep your lens from slipping too far.

Newton

Re: Best tripod for Canon R7 with Canon RF 200-800mm lens attached

LoveWeims — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:31:22 GMT

Yep…i figured that out when i opened the box for the gimbal! Got the p50 which was what they recommended for the 200-800mm. Now i am looking at body plates as i do not always want to have the gimbal attached (or maybe i will - just thinking about weight)