Nate Riggins
I'd be curious to see what others are using as well. I only use my tripod for landscape photography.
Tripod recommendations.
Posted by Lisa Trefry on the Big Photo Hunt community board.
I'd love some advice from those of you who photograph wildlife regularly.
I'm currently using a Manfrotto Befree Advanced with an MH494 ball head, paired with a Nikon D750 and a Tamron 150-600.
I've realized my biggest frustration isn't the tripod itself—it's the ball head. When I'm photographing birds or wildlife, I find myself constantly loosening it, having the camera flop, tightening it again, readjusting, and often missing the shot. I also find it difficult to smoothly track moving subjects.
Most of my photography is birds and wildlife around Massachusetts, my backyard bird setup, and wildlife trips. Upcoming trips include Alaska, and hopefully Katmai and Grand Teton in the future.
I'm looking for a setup that is easy to use, stable, and allows me to smoothly follow moving wildlife.
I'm also seriously considering switching to a mirrorless system within the next year, so I'd love recommendations that would work well with both my current DSLR and a future mirrorless setup.
For those of you with experience:
- Do you prefer a fluid head or a gimbal for this type of photography, and why? - What tripod and head are you using? - If you were buying today, would you buy the same setup again? - Is there anything you wish you had known before making your purchase?
I'd really appreciate hearing about your real-world experiences. Thank you!
Replies
Ken Deckinger
Hey Lisa!
Had to jump in here because I love my tripod: The Peak Design Travel Tripod.
https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travel-tripod?Tripod+Type=Aluminum
There are two versions: Aluminum and Carbon Fiber. I got Carbon Fiber because I'm into saving weight when I travel. I use it on the road, at home, everywhere.
It's pricey - no doubt - but the build quality and thought that went into it has made it worth it for me. Sturdy, compact, lightweight. Seriously love this thing.
Kristian Pal
You can use a gimbal for tele-photo-lenses like this
https://kasefilters.eu/tripod-head-with-gimbal-kh-6900c-m-max-15-kg
or a fluid video head like this
https://www.photospecialist.at/manfrotto-504x-fluid-video-head
My first choice for photos would be the gimbal since it is stable without locking, but if you want to shoot videos sometimes the fluid head, which dampens movement, is beneficial.
I use a fluid head for photos and cannot complain.
Barbara Jirkovsky
Hi Lisa, During the summer months I'm focused on the night sky. I use a Canon 6DII and the R6II. My tripod is the Benro Mammoth and Leofot ball head. For years I've had the same issue. I recently asked Google AI. It's the torque of the camera moving on the ball head. It was suggested to use a L plate or a Base plate. I did try my L plate once I need more time with it. I have been considering gimbal myself. If you decide on that I would enjoy hearing her thoughts on it.
Nisah Cheatham
@[Kristian Pal](a34305fc-fc7c-45eb-b6b2-154d0beb5cb6) Lisa - I second Kristian's answer. I don't shoot wildlife, but my serious friends that do love that gimbal setup. Also, in my experience, you tend to get what you pay for in terms on quality and durability
Lisa Trefry
@[Barbara Jirkovsky](0a3d1f43-463b-45d6-9306-b875f893a0e2) Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! That explanation about the torque on the ball head makes a lot of sense. I think an L-plate may be worth trying before investing in a gimbal. I really appreciate you sharing your experience!