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.

[FloridaDrafter]

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

 

 

 

[LoveWeims]

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)

[FloridaDrafter]

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@LoveWeims wrote:

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)

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Since the majority of my bird shots are done hand held with the RF 200-800 and RF 100-500, I just keep the quick release plates on my lens feet (I have the P-20 for the 100-500). They don't get in the way, especially with the 100-500 as the foot is removable. I only break out the Wimberley when I know I will be stationary for a while, generally at ponds or fields. For camera, when shooting astro and macro I use the quick release plate that is part of my Manfrotto  410 three axis geared head. It's not an ARCA Swiss type release but it snaps in and is the most secure quick release I have ever used. It locks when you put the camera on it with a distinct "snap" and has a safety button you have to press when you flip the lever to open and remove it from the Manfrotto head. It's hard to describe, but the bottom line is you can't accidentally unlock it.

Newton

[LoveWeims]

I will have to spend a lot more time at the Y to handhold my 200-800mm!  We live bear a river and a pond so i will be tripoding

i have a 100-400 i can handhold easily and wish i had waited as a 100-500 seems a better choice albeit sooo much pricier

[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

[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.

[LoveWeims]

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

[LoveWeims]

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

[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.

 

 

[LoveWeims]

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.