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

[LoveWeims]

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.

[stevet1]

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.]

[FloridaDrafter]

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

[LoveWeims]

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.  

[LoveWeims]

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.   

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

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. 

[LoveWeims]

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

[FloridaDrafter]

---

@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

[Tintype_18]

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.

[Waddizzle]

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.