300mm f4 tripod collar & gimbal

[jamn]

Recently bought a used 300mm f4 from BH. Reading the listing I thought the tripod collar would be included, however, it was not. The lens appears to be in extremely good condition - no marks or visible flaws to glass so am thinking I will keep it. The lens will be used on a recently purchased "new to me" EM1-ii. Coming from EM1.

I am thinking I want a tripod collar. Have had L brackets for prior cameras and bought one for the EM1-ii. Have a Gitzo tripod and Kirk head that was probably overkill for the E5 and the largest lens at the time, 50-200. I am hoping to use this lens for birds and some *macro* style flowers. Tend to use the tripod in wildflower settings to stabilize and compose.

Also, sort of recall a thread a long time ago about using a $200 gimbal. Lost track of that thread and haven't seen any gimbal heads in that price range that appear up to the task. It would be nice to try something in a modest price range for starters.

Any thoughts about the use of the tripod collar and gimbal head for birding or other uses would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Jay

One more thing Have the tripod collar for the 50-200. Although it looks like it should fit the 300 it is too tight - am I correct in thinking it is not compatible with the 300?

 

[Skeeterbytes]

Hi Jay,

That kind of stinks--is the plastic gizmo in place covering the collar mount area? It's also included with the lens, as is a bag.

You want the OEM collar (doubt there's a custom aftermarket one in any case) as it is grooved to directly fit an Arca-Swiss mount with no plate. Simple and smart. I have five Oly teles with collars and none fits another, they're customized to that lens.

I don't own a gimbal mount so can't comment other than I hope to get one. The best are supposedly those that attach at the side, as they are simpler and sturdier than the type with the L-shaped arm. Of course you first need that collar.

Hopefully the lens price was commensurate with the cost to replace the missing piece(s). In any case, it's a wonderful piece of glass.

Good luck!

Rick

 

[Terrible Photographer]

The OEM collar is great, just get that one since it’s Arca Swiss already.

Also, the 300/4 in my mind is too small for a gimbal, monopod with the $40 Manfrotto 1 axis monopod head is plenty for it, even with TC. That’s the beauty of m4/3!

If you’re going to roll with a gimbal, might as well shoot FF and the Giant teles because you’re packing the kit for it anyway.

 

[jamn]

Hi Jay,

That kind of stinks--is the plastic gizmo in place covering the collar mount area? It's also included with the lens, as is a bag.

The "decorative" was included.

You want the OEM collar (doubt there's a custom aftermarket one in any case) as it is grooved to directly fit an Arca-Swiss mount with no plate.

I'm sold on that idea.

Simple and smart. I have five Oly teles with collars and none fits another, they're customized to that lens.

I don't own a gimbal mount so can't comment other than I hope to get one. The best are supposedly those that attach at the side, as they are simpler and sturdier than the type with the L-shaped arm. Of course you first need that collar.

A quick look at BH showed some side mounts that were in the $200 price range. When I looked earlier I dismissed them (for whatever reason). Will look carefully at those options. The reviews on BH tend to be helpful.

Hopefully the lens price was commensurate with the cost to replace the missing piece(s). In any case, it's a wonderful piece of glass.

Paid $2,074 for the lens - not the lowest price I have seen but was listed in good condition (don't recall the actual numerical rating). The condition of the lens did not dissapoint - I would say it is like new, or very close to it so will keep the lens and order the collar from Olympus.

Good luck!

Rick

Thanks Rick for the info,

Jay

 

[jamn]

The OEM collar is great, just get that one since it’s Arca Swiss already.

Next stop is the Oly store Really like that the Arca plate is integrated. Had a ccident with the 50-200 slipping out of the ball head when I attached the wrong plate ( very slightly undersize). Rather pricey goof on my part. Should have just thrown that plate away.

Also, the 300/4 in my mind is too small for a gimbal, monopod with the $40 Manfrotto 1 axis monopod head is plenty for it, even with TC. That’s the beauty of m4/3!

I will look into the monopod solution. That would be better in many ways for my use, especially when hiking as my tripod is a beast.

If you’re going to roll with a gimbal, might as well shoot FF and the Giant teles because you’re packing the kit for it anyway.

Good point - thanks for the response,

Jay

 

[Box Brownie]

I have yet to get the 300mm f4..........................on my wish list

I come from using Canon plus the 100-400mm mk2 and used a Gimbal. Frankly, I stepped away from FF as I would never be able to afford the big tele's.

I have tried my E-M1 mk2 and the 40-150mm on the Gimbal and in some regards it looks a tad silly. But for me in some situations e.g. in a hide or a static position the use of the Gimbal ,so far, makes sense as the older I get (one reason to downsize kit wise) I am finding even holding the MFT kit for longer periods a pain!!

So, IMO yes a Gimbal has its uses even with MFT depending on the situation. NB I will be doing a Kingfisher Hide visit quite soon and one of the conditions of booking is "must use a tripod".

Oh, lastly ~ at a recent hide the organiser had "Hide Plates" with Gimbals attached and for hours in the hide they made a nice alternative to using a tripod & Gimbal.

As noted other posters MMV

PS I also have a monopod with a tilt head and that also does & should work well for some situations!

--
Living life a slice at a time
http://www.1stdesignit.co.uk/350d/burnup2.gif

 

[Messier Object]

hmm, on B&H site I see that you need to look at what's included with a brand new lens and then look at the used lens to see what's not included :-(

$95 for the collar seems like a good investment, especially if some day you want to sell the lens.

Regarding a gimbal head and tripod for that lens . .
for such a small (yes it is small for birding) lens a gimbal would IMO be overkill unless you wanted to set-up in a fixed location for some time waiting for the birds

I shoot with larger/heavier lenses and still prefer not to use a tripod as it defeats the flexibility and responsiveness compared with hand-held. However I sometimes use a ball head on a monopod when I expect to be sitting for a while waiting, or when sitting is not really an option - eg out on the mud at low tide and there is no option to put the camera down to rest.

FYI I use two Manfrotto heads: Light Duty Grip Ball Head 324RC, and the Heavy Duty version 322RC2

These Manfrotto units a terrific for birding in that they permit 1-handed operation of the head (left hand) while you control the camera with your right hand - a very stable platform for steady shooting

Peter

 

[Gary Blake]

I wouldn’t be without the tripod collar, but then again I am still a mainly diehard tripod shooter.

I also use an EM1(2) and 300mm f4 set up on a gimbal most of the time. If you have a subject that is sitting still for longer periods of time (some perched birds, butterflies, dragonflies) or are set up in a blind the gimbal is my preferred choice. When there is not action all the time it stays on subject when balanced properly and no need to unlock anything if the subject moves and you need to follow it.

The only problem I have had is that I use the battery grip (permanently attached) and the very nice little arca foot built in to the 300’s tripod collar is too short to be able to balance this combination on the gimbal. (the weight of grip with two batteries drags the back end down). Solution was to add a 41/2” rail to the bottom of the plate which allows me to move the whole set up far enough forward to balance.

I don’t find this an inconvenience as it allows some back and forward movement for focusing when working at minimum focus distances, without having to move the tripod. Invaluable sometimes so I have added longer rails to all my telephoto lenses.

Some tripod/gimbal samples both from a blind:





Gary

--
Website: www.photographybygaryblake.com

 

[jamn]

I have yet to get the 300mm f4..........................on my wish list

I come from using Canon plus the 100-400mm mk2 and used a Gimbal. Frankly, I stepped away from FF as I would never be able to afford the big tele's.

I have tried my E-M1 mk2 and the 40-150mm on the Gimbal and in some regards it looks a tad silly. But for me in some situations e.g. in a hide or a static position the use of the Gimbal ,so far, makes sense as the older I get (one reason to downsize kit wise) I am finding even holding the MFT kit for longer periods a pain!!

Yup, "the older I get", hear you on that one. I suppose I could up my push ups to develop more stabilty holding big and long lens.

So, IMO yes a Gimbal has its uses even with MFT depending on the situation. NB I will be doing a Kingfisher Hide visit quite soon and one of the conditions of booking is "must use a tripod".

Oh, lastly ~ at a recent hide the organiser had "Hide Plates" with Gimbals attached and for hours in the hide they made a nice alternative to using a tripod & Gimbal.

As noted other posters MMV

PS I also have a monopod with a tilt head and that also does & should work well for some situations!

The monopod is something I need to look into as a lighter weight backpacking choice.

Thanks BB

 

[jamn]

I wouldn’t be without the tripod collar, but then again I am still a mainly diehard tripod shooter.

I don't use the tripod as often as I might like, but in some settings have a strong preference for it.

I also use an EM1(2) and 300mm f4 set up on a gimbal most of the time. If you have a subject that is sitting still for longer periods of time (some perched birds, butterflies, dragonflies) or are set up in a blind the gimbal is my preferred choice. When there is not action all the time it stays on subject when balanced properly and no need to unlock anything if the subject moves and you need to follow it.

Very helpful information.

The only problem I have had is that I use the battery grip (permanently attached) and the very nice little arca foot built in to the 300’s tripod collar is too short to be able to balance this combination on the gimbal. (the weight of grip with two batteries drags the back end down). Solution was to add a 41/2” rail to the bottom of the plate which allows me to move the whole set up far enough forward to balance.

Does the 300's "built in" plate have threaded holes to attach the rail? Nice workaround.

I don’t find this an inconvenience as it allows some back and forward movement for focusing when working at minimum focus distances, without having to move the tripod. Invaluable sometimes so I have added longer rails to all my telephoto lenses.

Some tripod/gimbal samples both from a blind:

Lovely photos Gary - thanks for sharing and the info.

Gary

 

[jamn]

hmm, on B&H site I see that you need to look at what's included with a brand new lens and then look at the used lens to see what's not included :-(

Yeah, somehow or other I got confused.

$95 for the collar seems like a good investment, especially if some day you want to sell the lens.

Regarding a gimbal head and tripod for that lens . .
for such a small (yes it is small for birding) lens a gimbal would IMO be overkill unless you wanted to set-up in a fixed location for some time waiting for the birds

I shoot with larger/heavier lenses and still prefer not to use a tripod as it defeats the flexibility and responsiveness compared with hand-held. However I sometimes use a ball head on a monopod when I expect to be sitting for a while waiting, or when sitting is not really an option - eg out on the mud at low tide and there is no option to put the camera down to rest.

This is all really great input. As I said in another reply - might have to start doing more push ups .

FYI I use two Manfrotto heads: Light Duty Grip Ball Head 324RC, and the Heavy Duty version 322RC2

These Manfrotto units a terrific for birding in that they permit 1-handed operation of the head (left hand) while you control the camera with your right hand - a very stable platform for steady shooting

Very interesting - can see how that would be an appealing solution. Looking at the 322RC2, how does it work with Arca? Can the Arca plate be used instead of what is shown? Or does the Manfrotto "plate" screw onto the 300's plate? If I understand correctly - you use these heads on a monopod?

Peter

Thanks,

Jay

 

[Gary Blake]

Does the 300's "built in" plate have threaded holes to attach the rail? Nice workaround.

Jay,

Yes, it has one standard 1/4" threaded hole and one smaller (1/8" I think) for the small allen head guide screw provided with most rails. The allen head screw rides in a slot running lengthwise in the plate and keeps the plate aligned as it is postioned in different spots along the length of the rail.

The one 1/4" screw is sufficient for a a lens of this size and weight. Some of my heavier lenses have 2 or 3 of the 1/4 mounting holes.

Gary