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Old 22-08-2013, 05:01 PM
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Peter Ward
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Icelandic travel rig.

For those thinking of doing something similar, some ruminations on the gear I'll be hauling to Iceland next week.

As I'll be packing some heavy lenses, and didn't want to lug counterweights, systems such as a small equatorial, or small tracker (eg Polarie) just didn't cut it. I needed heavy-duty stability and versatility: without the need to charter a freighter.

The final solution (pictured) being a Losmandy Starlapse, Manfrotto 229pro head on a 055CXPRO3 carbon fibre tripod.

To keep the C of G low, rather that use the standard Starlapse bracket, I bolted two V clamps together and attached a Ball head to a universal Losmandy V plate. Works a treat and still allows 3-axis balancing of any telephoto lens in my kit.

Pan-head is really tight, (the 229 head conservatively rated to 12kg) and had no problems with a 5DIII, battery grip and either a VR-head or Starlapse head.

I tested a number of tripods (thanks to Digital Camera Warehouse for allowing me to almost destructively test their display stock) with the aluminium version of the 055CX flexing quite a bit more than its carbon sibling with an added weight premium to boot. Despite the price premium choosing the carbon version was a no-brainer!

The head, tripod etc. easily packed into my suitcase with plenty of room to spare. Note the seriously high "test" 65 degree latitude of the Starlapse

Just hope the Icelandic weather co-operates!
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Last edited by Peter Ward; 22-08-2013 at 05:37 PM.
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  #2  
Old 22-08-2013, 07:36 PM
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DavidTrap (David)
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Looking forward to hearing of your adventures Peter - I'm off there in March.

Hope you haven't cursed yourself with new gear - setup looks impressive. Are you planning to balance your 500mm on the Starlapse??

DT
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Old 22-08-2013, 08:07 PM
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looks good - will you dampen with a bucket of rocks/sand/ice? slung underneath?
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Old 22-08-2013, 08:12 PM
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Octane (Humayun)
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Looks great!

I'll be there mid-February for a lonely couple of weeks.

I'll just be going with the Polarie, though.

H
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Old 22-08-2013, 08:56 PM
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Peter Ward
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Octane View Post
Looks great!

I'll be there mid-February for a lonely couple of weeks.

I'll just be going with the Polarie, though.

H
Way to go H.... but, crikey!! it will be cold in February!

Quote:
Originally Posted by h0ughy View Post
looks good - will you dampen with a bucket of rocks/sand/ice? slung underneath?
The system is remarkably rigid...hence no bucket required

Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidTrap View Post
Looking forward to hearing of your adventures Peter - I'm off there in March.

Hope you haven't cursed yourself with new gear - setup looks impressive. Are you planning to balance your 500mm on the Starlapse??

DT
The 500mm will be staying at home.... The longest lens I intend on packing is a L 70-200mm F2.8...with a 2x converter if required.
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Old 23-08-2013, 09:02 PM
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On a trip to Uluru last week, I used my 14-24 and the 70-200, plus the 50mm for some stitched panos and close-ups. I was surprised how useful the long lens was for some landscape work. I'll probably leave my 24-70 at home for the Iceland trip to save some weight.

DT
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Old 23-08-2013, 09:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidTrap View Post
On a trip to Uluru last week, I used my 14-24 and the 70-200, plus the 50mm for some stitched panos and close-ups. I was surprised how useful the long lens was for some landscape work. I'll probably leave my 24-70 at home for the Iceland trip to save some weight.

DT
Thanks for the input Dave.... 14-24mm... humm *very nice* glass, but sadly.... not in the Canon L-series stable as yet.

I'm packing a 8-15mm fisheye, 16-35mm, 24-105mm a few fast primes and the 70-200 F2.8. Hopefully that will do!
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Old 24-08-2013, 12:16 AM
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Peter,

There are rumours that it will be released around Christmas.

I hope so!

H
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Old 24-08-2013, 05:47 AM
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Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! I read they lodged a patent application recently.

DT
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Old 24-08-2013, 07:49 PM
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Peter Ward
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Peter,

There are rumours that it will be released around Christmas.

I hope so!

H
Ditto
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