GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

I'm not qualified to give an actual review, but here are my thoughts after a month of using my new Nest gimbal head.
First, I bought it from UHH member Mt Shooter. I had procrastinated until the last minute before a big trip. But he went out of his way to ship it promptly and I had it in hand a couple of days before we left for Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

This is my first gimbal head and I wanted it specifically for my Nikon 200-500mm zoom. All I can say is I should have bought one much sooner. It is a fine piece of equipment and makes using the big lens a joy. There is just no comparison to the steadiness of a gimbal compared to a ball head.

I bought a 4 inch long plate and attached to the lens foot. The extra length was critical to the success as it let me slide the lens fore or aft to achieve balance regardless of zoom length.

The both horizontal and vertical swivels on the Nest gimbal are dampened some how. This makes it very smooth to operate but doesn't seem to slow down acquiring the target.

The main center screw came loose just a bit early on and I didn't have the right-sized allen wrench to tighten it. We were in the cloud forests of Ecuador so the guide offered to tighten it. He used the wrong size wrench and messed up the screw head. But the tightening did help.

The Nest is fairly large like most gimbals. But, being carbon fiber it isn't too heavy. I used it on my Benro Travel Angel tripod. Carrying that combo in one hand and the 200-500 plus D800 in the other (or all attached together over my shoulder) was a pretty good load for some of the longer (5 mile hikes.) But, I felt it was worth it to carry the extra. First the gimbal makes it so smooth to track wildlife. Second, when the guide stopped it was a big deal to have a steady mount to put the camera on and simply take a break. I probably used it for 80% of the 7800 photos I took with that camera. (Most of the other shots were from a boat where I had to hand-hold.)

Like I said, I have not had other gimbal heads to compare to but I would rate the Nest very high. And owe Mt Shooter a big "Thank You" for shipping it so promptly.

The Nest gimbal was fast enough to keep up with acrobatic humingbirds.

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This Flamingo was probably 200 yards away. I was at 700mm (500 plus 1.4 converter) Doubt I could have been steady enough handheld.

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robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Your experience with the Nest Gimbal is the same as mine, I use it with my Tamron 150-600. Haven't tried it with my Canon 100-400, I hand hold that. Maybe I'll give it a try.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

MT Shooter is a great guy and up front on all sales. Bought the Nest Gimbal from him last year!

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

:thumbup: I love my Nest Gimbal. I use it with my Sigma 150-600 mm C lens. After using a ball head for a couple of months, the Nest was a really nice acquisition. One of the best GAS moves I have made!

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

I enjoy my Nest and works great with my Tamron 150-600. Works weldon monopod but takes a little practice.

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: I also purchased one from MT; use it with my Sigma 150 - 600 sport lens. Love it.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I'm very happy with my Nest Gimbal head too! I just wish my sigma 150-600 contemporary lens had more than one mounting point on the foot. I find that sometimes the lens starts turning on the plate when I pan, but that's the fault of the foot on my lens and not the Nest Gimbal head.

Hunter Lou 1947 Loc: Minnesota

Glad to read about the Nest Gimbals. I have the Sigma 150-600 Sport and will be looking at a gimbal soon. Have not gotten a tripod yet either. I'm inquiring about what kind and size of tripod and what size Nest Gimbal head you purchased. I've gone crazy looking at all that's out there. Really a lot of choices to chose from. You really want to get your selection right the first time or you'll be spending more money down the road getting a different choice. I want to stay with a Nest Gimbal set up. With a Tripod that is compatible also. Thanks for your input. I was thinking of driving out there to MT's place but have not decided yet. My better half is not too welcome to that idea.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Dittos here. Same setup. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Also picked up the interchangeable bases so I can swap the gimbal out for doing landscapes, etc.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

You should do it. MT also has a variety of Nest tripods. they seem to be a good tripod and a great value.

Contact MT before you go. I stopped by on a trip home from Minnesota and Canada--Boundary Waters-- to New Mexico. He couldn't have been more gracious.

Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA

I have had the Nest Gimball head for several years now. I use it with my Canon 5D MK II and either my 70-200 f2.8 or my 300 f2.8 and in combination with the TC III 2X.

It makes a difference.

Jim Bob

I got the Promaster GH10 for half the price of the Nest and it is just as effective.

Hunter Lou 1947 Loc: Minnesota

Thanks, I have the 7DMarkII, Sigma 150-600 Sport, the Canon 400mm L II and 1.4 TC's of the Sig and Canon makes. I certainly will be needing a Gimbal and a sturdy tripod and also maybe a Monopod along the way. Really like the equipment but see a definite need for a well built Gimbal and Sturdy Tripod.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I own the Nest, I have handled the Promaster, Promaster loses: not as smooth, not as well built, doesn't hold as much weight.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Ditto.