Support for Nikon 200-400mm?

[lewinp]

I've bitten the bullet and gone for Nikon's 200-400mm howitzer for a safari this September in Africa. Does anyone have any recommendations for lens support? We will be in standard open top safari rovers, I have a sandbag but believe this lens is too heavy to hand hold especially at longer focal lengths. Not sure if the cars will have rails that I can clamp a gimbal head to, but I have seen a lot of photos of people using monopods and a gimbal head on safari.

Also if anyone has any experience using a teleconverter with this lens (I was thinking maybe the 1.4 or 1.7), I read one forum that suggested they are not so practical with this lens.

I appreciate any thoughts!

[lduke1601@earthlink.net]

I use a Gitzo Mono for any weight, worked with a 37 lb. 16 mm for 12 years at all heights.
If no one wrote till now, check it out and go to Really Right Stuff for more ideas 2011 catalog
Lots of luck
Duke #33

[lewinp]

Thanks! After talking to the trip leader I've settled on a monopod (german brand called cushman, carbon fiber with a nice foam grip) and an Induro side mount gimbal head. Seems pretty steady, will test at the zoo this weekend.

[dlwelling]

I have used both the old and new version of the 200-400mm AFS-VR Nikon lens with the TC-14e 1.4x teleconverter and found the images to be extremely sharp with this converter and with minimal impact to the AF speed. I would not recommend using the higher multiplication factor converters.
Good luck on your safari
Dave