The setup for the 1-7-08 shots looked like this. Bogen tripod with a three way head that when used is free to rotate horizontally and move vertically. A gimbaled head would be better because this set up has to be held or it will flop forward of back. Do a search for " Wimberley Gimbal Type Tripod Head".
Lens is a 500mm with a 2x teleconverter.