I just got this tripod and the instructions are awful. Can any tell me how to mount my camera on the tripod?

Gail Goldstein
D8ooE D800
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR

You need a head, and possibly a quick-release plate. Something like a Markins Q20, or a Really Right Stuff BH-55. Both of those then utilize a quick release plate, something like one made by either Kirk or Really Right Stuff. A head appropriate to this tripod probably runs about $300 or more.

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Brian... a bicoastal Nikonian and Team Member

My gallery is online. Comments and critique welcomed any time!

Hi Gail,

Congratulations on your new tripod.
Cameras can not be mounted directly to the tripod.
As Brian wrote above, you will have to get a head to mount on the tripod and depending on the head that you choose, if it has an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp you will have to buy a Camera plate or L-Bracket (best choice) and lens plates or a replacement foot for each lens with a tripod foot.
I have a Markins Q20 on 5 Series Systematic and an older M20 on my 3 Series Mountaineer. I purchased both at the Nikonians Photo Pro Shop. I have L-Brackets,
Plates, and Replacement feet made by Kirk, RRS, and Wimberley.
If you plan on using a super-telephoto you might want to consider a Wimberley Sidekick as well. That will convert the ball head to a gimbal head.
If you purchased the 5 series for use with strictly super-telephoto lenses a true gimbal head like the Wimberley Head Version II would be an excellent choice.

For more information on tripods and heads go to the Tripod forum and check out the FAQ and the Resources button at the top of the page.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Hi Gail,

What is the model # of your 5 Series tripod?
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

GT5532LS. I have a Wimberley Replacement Foot for Nikon 400 f2.8 AF-S and a Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Tripod Head II with Quick Release Base on order. Kinda had to figure that out by putting 2 + 2 together from helpful posts. Hope those are the correct parts?

Gail Goldstein
D8ooE D800
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR

Hi Gail,

Yes, you have the correct parts on order.
At least with the GT5532LS you won't need a Safety Plate for your tripod.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

A GT5532LS! My gosh what a monster! Enjoy it. The only thing you could do better is mounting a Q20 or M20 to the Empire State Building...or would that sway more in the wind?

New York Nikoner
My Nikonians Gallery

"Insanity is repeating the same process expecting a different result" Albert Einstein

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Ned
A Nikonians Team Member

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