What tripod, head and bag for a EF 500 F/4L IS

[LastPost]

Hi all

I am contemplating getting an EF 500 f/4L IS and I am trying to work out, and price up, all the ancillary kit i will need to go with it: Tripod, Tripod Head, Monopod head and carrying bag etc.

I currently have a Manfrotto 055XPROB which I use for my 100-400 but although technically it can support 7kg I seem to recall that its not regarded as an ideal support for the 500L.

So what are you guys using and what would you recommend?

Thanks

[Macstar]

I use the Manfrotto 393 with my 600L and it works well for me, ive also got a set of gitzo carbon legs just cant remember what model they were about £500 and dont have a centre coloum. Bag wise ive got a Lowpro 600aw i think its called, great bag you can fit the 600 with convertor and body fitted into it.

[Pete W]

I use Manfrotto 055MFV Tripod and Manfrotto 393 head

[carronade]

I have a Manfrotto 055pro with a 393 head with my 500mm.
Although I am have not used this combination much, it seems managable but some may say , possibly rightly, not ideal.
I have got my 500mm in a thinktank glass taxi.
It is a snug fit only allowing the lens plus cumbersome 'lens caps' (a euphemism) with lens hood reversed plus a teleconverter pushed down the side.
Mark

[LastPost]

Thanks for all your feedback.

Its interesting that 3 out of 3 of you are using Manfrotto 393 Gimbal heads. I hadn't even heard of them a week ago, and you are all using different legs, lol.
It gives me some directions to carry out a bit more research.
Thanks again for you help

[Brian N]

I use a Manfrotto 055CXPro3 with a Custom Brackets gimbal head. Works very nicely for me. The 055 tripod may be a bit of a compromise and my son's Gitzo tripod is stiffer - but I can use the Manfrotto as a monopod (the centre column stops the legs folding the way the Gitzo does) and the centre column is there for use with lighter lenses if needed.

I also use a Lowepro Pro Trekker 600 AW which takes the 500/4+7D combination, plus space for a lot more besides. Problem is being able to lift it once it's loaded...

[RonL]

I am in a similar position and was advised to look at Feisol tripods. Hope to be ordering this one next week.
Already got the 393.