Gimbal Head comparison: I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or...

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

The one I have is this one and I've been using a 500mm 8.5 pound prime on it since 2012. Very happy. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157906-REG/benro_gh2_gimbal_head_with.html

But if I had to choose between the ones you've listed I'd take the Gitzo because I know they are quality. If money were no object I'd get the Wimberley: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html

A friend of mine has a Wimberley and he dropped his tripod with camera and everything on it. Of course the camera and lens cost his insurance $850 to fix but then he noticed that the Wimberley was a little rough when turning so he called Wimberley and they had him send it in and they reconditioned it and sent it back FREE of charge. Yes, FREE of charge. Now that's the reason I'd go with Wimberley if money were no object. My Benro gimbal head is nice, in fact almost an exact knockoff of the Wimberley, but they are never going to have that kind of customer service. NEVER!!!!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

You already got my opinion when you called me directly yesterday.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

Archie - regarding the Nest model, have you spoken with UHH member “ MT Shooter”? He owns and operates a camera store in Billings, MT, and he represents Nest products as well as Nikon. He is a knowledgeable photographer and a straight-ahead no nonsense kind of guy. He can explain why he chose to represent (and personally use) Nest gimbals. Worth a phone call prior to making this investment.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

I have owned and used a Wimberly WH200 over 8 years first with a Sigma 150-500 now with a Sigma 150-600 Sports lens. Other than the price I have no issues at all with it.
My lady friend was having trouble using a ball head with my 70-200 f2.8 vr and my old 150-500 Sigma, since I had read all the reviews on the Nest gimbal at half the price I thought what the heck I'll give it a try, upon arrival I found it to be very well made and Sharon just loves it. If I needed to replace my Wimberly my choice would be the Nest!!!!! no ifs and or buts.

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

Thank you all for your help. MT I never did call you but I will

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

If you don't need to "lock it down", a perfectly serviceable and reasonable alternative is the Manfrotto 393, modified by adding a Hejnar 3" clamp.

https://www.scvphotoideas.com/2016/02/manfrotto-sku-393-arca-compatible.html

I decided against the full kit from Hejnar, since the Manfrotto quick release lens plate directly takes the 3 bolts on the Hejnar clamp, giving me a little more flexibility in balancing the lens. I've used it with a 12 lb 600mmF4 AF-S II for a number of years without any issues. It is smooth, solid and only costs $195 at B and H, and the clamp is $65 - I've had mine since 2006.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554099-REG/Manfrotto_393_393_Heavy_Duty_Gimbal.html/?c3api=4680%2C238561865219%2Cmanfrotto+393%2Ce&gclid=CjwKCAjw7cDaBRBtEiwAsxprXXR3dNJ3zFzfchyPfVQWG6pgnO_oVx5gO6OKHR_0yRs_eQ1K_UHeIxoCf0UQAvD_BwE

http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/category-s/143.htm

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

All great suggestions. Will take a look at wimberly as well.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

I think a gimbal is overkill for such small lens!

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

Do Not forget .. you want carbon fiber ... MOVO will meet or exceed your needs ..30LB load .. and price .. Goggle MOVO

On location my back up 7100 200-500
On location my back up 7100 200-500...

(Download)

This is my previous 810 replaced by D850 now
This is my previous 810 replaced by D850 now...

(Download)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

Archie, here’s my two cents. If everything seems to be coming up equal then base your purchase on two other factors. Global distribution and repair. Also google what they sell for used and go with the one that has the highest resale to new value if all else is equal. Someday, you or someone will sell it! Good luck
SS

Archiefamous Loc: Manhattan

SharpShooter wrote:

Archie, here’s my two cents. If everything seems to be coming up equal then base your purchase on two other factors. Global distribution and repair. Also google what they sell for used and go with the one that has the highest resale to new value if all else is equal. Someday, you or someone will sell it! Good luck
SS

I think that’s great advice. Sounds like wimberly has all the above

AlohaJim Loc: Retired. Hawaii >> N. Arizona.

Dr.Nikon wrote:

Do Not forget .. you want carbon fiber ... MOVO will meet or exceed your needs ..30LB load .. and price .. Goggle MOVO

Nice setup!
(off the coast of Waikiki)

mahalo,
jim

AlohaJim Loc: Retired. Hawaii >> N. Arizona.

Dr.Nikon wrote:

Do Not forget .. you want carbon fiber ... MOVO will meet or exceed your needs ..30LB load .. and price .. Goggle MOVO

This might be very useful in our studio when we do "product photography". I looked it up and can't see how the setup tilts from side to side?
Does it do that?

aloha
jim

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Archiefamous wrote:

I am looking at the nest 327 dollars, gitzo 500 dollars and the pro media katana junior 550 dollars all with shipping. Price not a major issue. Is one better or worse for Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. Thanks for your help

If price is not a major issue, buy the first, buy the best, WIMBERLEY. I own one and it is simply, the best, no one else is close. However, I never mount my 200-500, waste of time in Florida, you will miss more shots of flying birds than it is worth. If however, you want sitting birds, or nesting birds, or birds on a feeder and you will be doing so for a long period of time, then get the Wimberley. But I prefer hand holding.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html?sts=pi-ps