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Old 12-08-2005, 12:44   #6 (permalink)
Garnock
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Scotland
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcel
You say don't use a 300mm on a compact tripod.
Can you define what you mean by 'compact'.

Reason is, I was aware of the implications of using heavy lenses on tripods as a whole, and using collars to support it.

At the moment, I'm using a cheapy Asda tripod (Hama Star 42 I think), with my 350D attached, and have a couple of times had my Sigma 70-300 attached.
I've done this without thought. Am I in danger of killing something?

Regards
I put tripods into 3 types. Micro ( table top ), Compact ( can extend to a reasonable height and fold away to 12 inces or so ), and full size tripods.

The reason I say I would be wary of using a 300mm lens without a tripod collar on a compact ( such as the Velbon Ultra luxi ) is balance. This type of tripod is a compromise, you lose stability and this is critical IMO. Also there is a possibility of the tripod toppling over in windy conditions.
Believe me, I almost lost my 10D and 300f4 because of this.
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