Leica SL and proper tripod for 90-280 SL lens?

[bherman01545]

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All;

 

I currently have a Leica SL and both the 24-90 and the 90-280 SL lenses. My current tripod setup is an older Manfrotto 055XProB Aluminum tripod and a Calumet 7000 Series 7145 ballhead. 

I have been looking for a 'better' travel tripod - one which will better support the heaviest configuration, which is the SL body and 90-280 lens, which together tip the scale at just shy of 6 pounds.

 

They say that your tripod/head should be rated at approx. 2x the weight of your heaviest camera/lens combo. I was able to find a great deal on a Manfrotto 190GO! Carbon Fiber tripod, which is rated at 15.4 pounds, and weighs 2.9 pounds without the head. The Calument head, (ballhead) which I believe was made for Calument by Manfrotto, is rated at over 20 pounds.

 

When I mount the SL with the 90-280 on the tripod, I use the 90-280's tripod collar as the connection point. I took some photos, and they look fine, but the entire setup still doesn't seem that stable.It really doesn't matter to me if the tripod weighs 2.9 or 3.9 pounds. I just don't want a $15,000 camera/lens on a tripod or head which could potentially compromise it's stability.

 

Should I bite the bullet and go with a Gitzo with an Arca Swiss or RRS ballhead or is my current setup perfectly fine? 

 

Thanks

 

-Brad

[Bill W]

I have used the RRS BH40 ballhead for several years. It is very stable and secure. My tripods are older Gitzo 1228 carbon fiber. Some folks say they are not stable but that is bunk. I am 6'3" and need the extra height of the 1228. FWIW.

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[ramarren]

As I posted elsewhere:

 

"I don't know the particular legs and head that you're using so I cannot comment on them.

 

I have two sets of tripod legs that I use with the SL + SL90-280 lens:

- Manfrotto CX190Pro3

- Feisol CT3442 Tournament with center column

..and two heads:

- Arca-Swiss Monoball P0 (with standard Arca-Swiss QR plate clamp)

- Acratech GP ball head (with screw-type Arca-Swiss QR plate clamp)

 

Normally the Monoball head is on the Manfrotto legs, all up weight 3.2 lbs, and the GP head is on the Feisol legs, all up weight in the carry bag 4.1 lbs.

 

The Manfrotto legs are rated for about 12-13 lbs and are convenient to use for table top and light field duty when I don't need much elevation (max height with extension is 56 inches). The Feisol legs are rated for 26 lbs and, with column fully extended, give me up to 74 inches of elevation (I need a step stool to see through the viewfinder); they're a bit slower in use.

 

Both tripods are very steady alone with the SL/SL90-280 fitted, with no assisting weights added, but both have hooks to add my camera bag or weights for additional stability in windy situations. I recommend either head and either of these sets of legs for this camera and lens. Beyond that, I strongly recommend sticking with the Arca-Swiss traditional type quick release clamps and plates: they're the lightest and the strongest QR pieces in my experience. A-S type clamps and plates are available from Arca-Swiss, Really Right Stuff, Acratech, and Kirk Photo amongst others. "

[Vieri]

I am using the Gitzo 4433LS and the Arca-Swiss P0 Classic. Great setup, light enough and rock solid Hope this helps, best regards

 

Vieri 

[HeinzX]

I use a Gitzo Travelller series 2 for outdoor. Light enough and stable enough. Indooor I use a

Berlebach 17 C - mainly for macros together with a Cognisys System. This tripod is extremely stable an could bear much more weight. And it is practically free of vibrations. But it is a heavy beast.

[steppenw0lf]

Most of the time I use the 90-280 handheld.

Sometimes with a bean bag and if this is not possible with my Monomatic (an older Linhof (tri)pod that is very light and flexible) and without any head. I try to keep it as simple as possible. The 90-280 offers OIS, so a big tripod is overkill. I thought about adding a simple tilt head, but found it in the end unnecessary. My aim is to get the shot with the least effort possible, and using the most of what the camera equipment offers (OIS). I do not take long-time exposures.

 

If I go for longer exposures (rarely), I usually take a gimbal head (on a Gitzo tripod). Only very little force involved and nothing can topple over. Very few vibrations because everything is close to equilibrium. But a Arca-Swiss P0 is smaller and maybe preferable.

 

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Edited May 17, 2017 by steppenw0lf

[hborowski]

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I use Gitzo GT4553S Systematic Series 4 Carbon Fiber Tripod + Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II 

[bherman01545]

So, I guess this prompts another question...Most cameras/lenses with OIS recommend that you turn off OIS when placing he camera/lens on a tripod.

 

When using the SL on a tripod, should OIS be disabled?

 

Thanks

 

-Brad

[Vieri]

So, I guess this prompts another question...Most cameras/lenses with OIS recommend that you turn off OIS when placing he camera/lens on a tripod.

 

When using the SL on a tripod, should OIS be disabled?

 

Thanks

 

-Brad

 

I would, yes. Best regards,

 

Vieri

[ramarren]

So, I guess this prompts another question...Most cameras/lenses with OIS recommend that you turn off OIS when placing he camera/lens on a tripod.

 

When using the SL on a tripod, should OIS be disabled?

 

 

yes.

[LocalHero1953]

Yes - I got blur for long exposures with OIS enabled (drift rather than vibration, I think).

[Leicaiste]

I would use the following combo with the 90-280.

 

RRS BH-55 + Wimberley Sidekick.

 

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/265600-tripod-head-for-leica-sl/?p=3131983