Lately I am being asked, what else one needs when you get hold of a big 400mm/ 500mm/ 600mm / 800mm lens. So here is my list of typical long lens accessories that you might need.
I am sure there will be substitutes but, for this list, I have stuck to whatever is “top of the line” as of today. So when you plan a long lense, also plan for a few of these essentials in your budget ! I use a Nikon 600mm VR so some of these are matched for particularly to that lens. You will need to find the exact one for your lens for those specific items.
A lot of folks are unaware that when you use a gimbal head like the Wimberley or Jobu or the Mongoose, one cannot mount the lense on the system with the manufacturer’s original lens foot. The Gimbal mounts and also some of the best ballheads like the RRS / Arca Swiss/ Kirk/ Markins have a groove system ( scroll to the pics at the bottom on the link) originally thought out by Arca swiss. The lens foot usually needs to be changed to an Arca swiss compatible replacement foot ( usually a good idea since the replacement foot will lower the height thus lowering the centre of gravity of the lens and hence providing more stability and, also have the groove to fit the Arca swiss quick release system. Alternately you could use a simple lens plate which attaches below the manufacturers lens foot.
Perhaps its a good idea to get the 1, 2 & 3 before you get the lens so that, you can get used to the setup. Much better than fumbling with all the knobs while setting the big lens for the first time !
Ok…here goes the list. You absolutely absolutely need items 1, 2,3 & 4
1.Tripod : Gitzo GT5541LS OR Sachtler Speedlock 75 CF + 75mm Half Ball
Sachtler is a favourite with the video crowd and, it has good recommendations to handle a long lens. The leg locking system is unique and, can handled with one hand. Check these links Sachtler-1 , Sachtler– 2
2. Wimberley Head II the WH-200
3. Wimberley Lens Foot AP-452 for the Nikon 600mm VR http://tripodhead.com/products/replacement-feet-main.cfm
OR 4th Generation Design Replacement Lens Foot
OR Reallyrightstuff Replacement Lens Foot LCF-13 ( I use this one)
4. Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW OR Kinesis Long Lens Case .I have a discussion on this very topic in the post called “Bagsutra”.
5. Storm Jacket 30inch ( Rain Protection) OR the Think Tank Hydrophobia
8. Lens Front Element protection cover for 600 VR bare
9. Leveling Base new one now Gitzo GS5120 replaces now discontinued old 1321
10. Strap to carry Tripod when folded
11. Tripod Bag
12. Gitzo GM5540 Monopod (You need to separately get the Wimberley C-10 below as well)
13. Wimberley C-10 Quick Release Clamp for monopod
15. Kenko Extension Tube Set . Use this between the lens and camera to reduce minimum focusing distance of a long lens.
You will additionally need the following when you want to use a flash with the Wimberley.
16. Off camera Flash Bracket for the Wimberley Head II
18. Off Camera Flash Chord SC-29 for the Nikon Flash SB-800
19. Better Beamer Flash Extender FX-4 for the Nikon SB-800
20. I would like to suggest you use 2700mAH POWEREX Rechargeable Batteries for the flash
You could also substitute item 16 with the Reallyright stuff B91-B Flash bracket and replace item 17 with the Reallyright stuff FA-29 flash adaptor.
Thats a very long list guys ! And you do need a bag strategy to carry all this and a few more as well !!! More about that in a future post 🙂
Happy Gymming !
If this list helped you…..do drop me a comment . Would be nice to hear from you !
GYM 🙂 what the total weight you will carry on default setup?
thanks for kind of information.
Shiva…a typical setup with the 600mm would be in the 15Kg range…thats when in the field shooting. As regards packing for a trip the setup would be in the 25Kg all up weight range 🙂
Very useful info Krish.
Thanks for updating.
Can imagine you trying to struggle through Airport Security! 😉
Cheers…Kishore
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PS: you seem to have a *never* ending list buddy.
Tripod and all the metal stuff gets checked in. Lenses, cameras, chargers get in a “carry on ” BTW there is a nice bag by Think Tank called “Airport Security”.
http://www.naturescapes.net/store/product.php?productid=295
I wouldnt want to fill it to full capacity cause of the huge weight. Maybe a two bag strategy is the way to go. Still exploring that one 🙂
Great info Krishnan! TFS! I finally succumbed to a Canon 1D MIII and a 600mm f4. Rest of gear is all Nikon!!!
Awwww – fantastic!! very comprehensive details.. where do I start!! The Gym??!!
happy shooting..