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Ball Head vs Gimbal
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Mar 5, 2018 09:50:57   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/f travel tripod and a ball head I use when traveling and basically anytime I need a tripod at home. My current Ball Head is rated pretty well for weight but still has some movement when the larger lenses are mounted (limited throw for balancing). Considering upgrading to a more solid tripod and a new tripod head to use at home, not necessarily for travel so weight is not really an issue. Used the ball head quite extensively but never I've used a gimbal head.

I've seen a lot of discussions about Gimbal heads lately and wondering if would there be an advantage of buying a Gimbal versus a Ball Head? I understand using a gimbal is great for large tele's and for BIF's and other action photos. My current inventory is a 70-400mm (plus a 1.4X) and 18-200mm as my two primary telephoto lenses along with a couple of wide angle and wide-medium zoom lenses. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Blaster

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Mar 5, 2018 10:04:31   #
pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA
 
I have both styles. I suspect you would like a decent gimbal. Very smooth and controlled compared to a ball when your subject doesn't sit still (as in birds & critters). And yes for heavy gear they are preferable but I don't know the bulk of your gear. The nice thing about a gimbal is with a proper plate you can achieve perfect balance and set the tension so it isn't floppy, but smooth in its different axis compared to a ball. There's plenty of You Tube videos demonstrating them. Perhaps you can find one to try out before plunking down your $. I don't know if anyone rents them for a week or whatever. Perhaps. Good luck.

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Mar 5, 2018 10:04:44   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
Blaster34 wrote:
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/f travel tripod and a ball head I use when traveling and basically anytime I need a tripod at home. My current Ball Head is rated pretty well for weight but still has some movement when the larger lenses are mounted (limited throw for balancing). Considering upgrading to a more solid tripod and a new tripod head to use at home, not necessarily for travel so weight is not really an issue. Used the ball head quite extensively but never I've used a gimbal head.

I've seen a lot of discussions about Gimbal heads lately and wondering if would there be an advantage of buying a Gimbal versus a Ball Head? I understand using a gimbal is great for large tele's and for BIF's and other action photos. My current inventory is a 70-400mm (plus a 1.4X) and 18-200mm as my two primary telephoto lenses along with a couple of wide angle and wide-medium zoom lenses. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Blaster
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/... (show quote)


Stick with your ball head for now, or maybe even a video head. You don't have a large enough lens to really justify a quality gimbal head.

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Mar 5, 2018 10:09:18   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
Blaster34 wrote:
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/f travel tripod and a ball head I use when traveling and basically anytime I need a tripod at home. My current Ball Head is rated pretty well for weight but still has some movement when the larger lenses are mounted (limited throw for balancing). Considering upgrading to a more solid tripod and a new tripod head to use at home, not necessarily for travel so weight is not really an issue. Used the ball head quite extensively but never I've used a gimbal head.

I've seen a lot of discussions about Gimbal heads lately and wondering if would there be an advantage of buying a Gimbal versus a Ball Head? I understand using a gimbal is great for large tele's and for BIF's and other action photos. My current inventory is a 70-400mm (plus a 1.4X) and 18-200mm as my two primary telephoto lenses along with a couple of wide angle and wide-medium zoom lenses. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Blaster
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/... (show quote)

To photograph Birds In Flight with a tele, a Gimbal head is a must, in my opinion.
Looking for the best one?

Nest Gimbal

Sold by a UHH
http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

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Mar 5, 2018 10:12:33   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
MT Shooter wrote:
Stick with your ball head for now, or maybe even a video head. You don't have a large enough lens to really justify a quality gimbal head.


Thanks MT, good point. Just have to upgrade my tripod then.

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Mar 5, 2018 10:14:27   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
Blaster34 wrote:
Thanks MT, good point. Just have to upgrade my tripod then.


Most definitely!

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Mar 5, 2018 10:32:19   #
Hyperhad Loc: Thunder Bay, Canada
 
Watch tension setting on your ball head. If it is too loose, and you let go, your camera and lens will tilt and the whole thing will crash to the floor.

Let us know your tripod selection!

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Mar 5, 2018 10:38:52   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
Blaster34 wrote:
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/f travel tripod and a ball head I use when traveling and basically anytime I need a tripod at home. My current Ball Head is rated pretty well for weight but still has some movement when the larger lenses are mounted (limited throw for balancing). Considering upgrading to a more solid tripod and a new tripod head to use at home, not necessarily for travel so weight is not really an issue. Used the ball head quite extensively but never I've used a gimbal head.

I've seen a lot of discussions about Gimbal heads lately and wondering if would there be an advantage of buying a Gimbal versus a Ball Head? I understand using a gimbal is great for large tele's and for BIF's and other action photos. My current inventory is a 70-400mm (plus a 1.4X) and 18-200mm as my two primary telephoto lenses along with a couple of wide angle and wide-medium zoom lenses. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Blaster
I currently have a compact MeFoto (lightweight) c/... (show quote)

I agree with MT Shooter - get a better tripod and ball head. The good ones are more expensive, but offer the stability you need. Take a look at some of the discussions on UHH about what to look for. A lot of people are satisfied with lightweight tripods, but when you have expensive gear, you will be doing yourself a favor because the tripod and head are like a building's foundation. It supports and stabilizes everything on top of it. It also will lessen vibrations that can be transmitted to camera and lens creating softer images.

Later, when you acquire some bigger, heavier lenses, then a Gimbal head or "side-kick" type attachment will definitely be needed.

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Mar 5, 2018 10:58:06   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
SusanFromVermont wrote:
I agree with MT Shooter - get a better tripod and ball head. The good ones are more expensive, but offer the stability you need. Take a look at some of the discussions on UHH about what to look for. A lot of people are satisfied with lightweight tripods, but when you have expensive gear, you will be doing yourself a favor because the tripod and head are like a building's foundation. It supports and stabilizes everything on top of it. It also will lessen vibrations that can be transmitted to camera and lens creating softer images.

Later, when you acquire some bigger, heavier lenses, then a Gimbal head or "side-kick" type attachment will definitely be needed.
I agree with MT Shooter - get a better tripod and ... (show quote)


Thanks Susan, appreciate the recommendation and will be looking for a sturdier tripod and maybe a better ball head. As for bigger lenses, not anytime soon, these are big enough.....maybe 'one' big prime if I could afford one, better start saving...

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Mar 5, 2018 10:59:28   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
Hyperhad wrote:
Watch tension setting on your ball head. If it is too loose, and you let go, your camera and lens will tilt and the whole thing will crash to the floor.

Let us know your tripod selection!


Yep, that can be problem if not paying attention, almost did that, caught it in time...thanks, an awakening

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Mar 5, 2018 11:00:35   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
You can use a ballhead somewhat like a gimbal. The lens and camera have to be balanced on the point of attachment. The idea is to use the 90 degree slot on the ballhead and rotate the camera in the lens tripod mount. Depending on the camera weight, you have have to shorten one of the tripod legs.With gravity and friction the camera will remain still when you let go but is easy to quickly aim like a gimbal. I've never seen anyone else do this, but it works well for me when I'm shooting with up to an 800mm equivalent field of view . The camera is a Panasonic M43 mirrorless and the lens is a Panasonic 100-400.


(Download)

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Mar 5, 2018 11:09:45   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
bsprague wrote:
You can use a ballhead somewhat like a gimbal. The lens and camera have to be balanced on the point of attachment. The idea is to use the 90 degree slot on the ballhead and rotate the camera in the lens tripod mount. Depending on the camera weight, you have have to shorten one of the tripod legs.With gravity and friction the camera will remain still when you let go but is easy to quickly aim like a gimbal. I've never seen anyone else do this, but it works well for me when I'm shooting with up to an 800mm equivalent field of view . The camera is a Panasonic M43 mirrorless and the lens is a Panasonic 100-400.
You can use a ballhead somewhat like a gimbal. Th... (show quote)


Interesting set up and hadn't thought about using it that way....Lens collar could be easily rotated. Gonna try that right now and see how it works and balances ...Thanks Bill

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Mar 5, 2018 11:18:04   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
Blaster34 wrote:
Interesting set up and hadn't thought about using it that way....Lens collar could be easily rotated. Gonna try that right now and see how it works and balances ...Thanks Bill


Please post what you think!

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Mar 5, 2018 11:23:51   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
bsprague wrote:
Please post what you think!


Just tried it Bill, like the idea but I think my tripod is a little too lightweight for that arrangement, too much weight on one side with the 400mm. Liked it but didn't feel that stable on my travel pod....definitely a sturdier and larger tripod would make that work, not to mention installing a better head. Thanks again, that's workable with the right equipment

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Mar 5, 2018 11:31:36   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
Shorten a leg opposite the camera and the weight will be centered.

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