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Support system for 645D - advice sought

Ed Hurst

Well-known member
Hello all,

From the few initial shots I have taken using my new 645D, I can see that making the most of a MFD sensor requires excellent camera support (any slight movement is evident when looking closely at high resolution files). I am planning to buy a new support system (tripod, head and also a monopod). Your recommendations would be most welcome.

My basic requirements are as follows:
- Very sturdy, capable of supporting the 645D and everything up to a 300mm lens (in fact it's quite a large, heavy 300mm lens - because it is the 6x7 lens) - so something very solid is required;
- Quick release head;
- Ideally something portable enough to use in the field, but (because I am quite large!) I always favour solidity over easy portability - in other words, although I need to be able to carry it around, I don't mind carrying something fairly heavy if it's worth it!;
- I would like a monopod too - it would be good if the quick release system on the monopod and tripod heads allows me to use the same plate for the tripod and the monopod;
- I'd like to stitch frames together, so a specialised pano head that can be moved around the nodal point would be good (though I don't need this to be my only head if there is some benefit to not doing so).

I have always felt that the Gitzo tripods are rather nice, but all recommendations appreciated. I would like to have something that will give me VERY solid support so that there is not even a trace of movement, even with the longest, heaviest lens used in conjunction with slow shutter speeds and windy conditions.

So I'd like to know what would be the best equipment to own to achieve these goals, covering:
- Tripod;
- Tripod head;
- Pano tripod head (or I am happy to only use the pano head if that is a good idea);
- Monopod;
- Monopod head.

Best wishes,

Ed
 

thomas

New member
- Tripod;
- Tripod head;
- Pano tripod head (or I am happy to only use the pano head if that is a good idea);
- Monopod;
- Monopod head.
tripod: a wood tripod with single extension and without center column. period ;-)
Monopod: Monostat RS http://monostat.com/E/index.php
Pano tripod head... unless you buy an Arca Swiss Cube as your tripod head you may have a look at this pano kit: http://www.cambo.com/Html/products_photo/set01/english/internet/Item21909.html
This may also replace a tripod head (if you have an integrated leveling base in the tripod to move the camera further than the few degrees provided by Cambo's leveling base). I use this kit and it's really solid. However I don't know if it is working with your long tele lenses.
 
T

tetsrfun

Guest
The usual suspects:
RRS plates, clamps, and pano "stuff"
Gitzo 5541 monopod with RRS MH-01 head, clamp, etc.

Tripod: Gitzo 35 or 55 series (no center column) or RRS "Versa"
Head: "The Cube" and/or RRS BH-55

Steve
 

bensonga

Well-known member
Hi Ed,

This setup has worked well for me when using a Pentax 67 with the 300mm EDIF lens and also with my Ebony 45SU view camera. This is a two section Berlebach tripod without a center column, but with a leveling ball (model 3032)....and then choose whichever head you prefer. Ries also makes beautiful wooden tripods (there is another thread in the MF section specifically on wooden tripods).

If you prefer something lighter, the Gitzo carbon fiber tripods are very good, though more expensive. Depending on your height, you might consider the GT3541LS model. I use a shorter version of this tripod which works well for me (5'8" tall), although I only use it with my Hasselblad 503CWD etc....haven't tried the P67 on it yet.

Congrats on receiving the 645D!!

Gary
 

surfotog

New member
If weight isn't a concern, look at the Berlebach UNI series. They make all other wood tripods look like matchsticks. I use a UNI 17 with my Pentax 67 and M* 800mm lens and it's rock solid. Look into a Burzynski head for static subjects.
Please post some raw files from the 645D when time permits. I think there are many who are anxoius to see what this camera can do.
 
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