Gimbal Heads
Dec 7, 2019 19:59:32 #
I'm in the market for a gimbal head to mount on my tripod and I thought I would solicit your collective advice here. I'd be using the gimbal head with a FX DSLR with longer lenses that have a lens foot. Generally would be used for wildlife photography, etc.; I don't expect to use it for video much, if at all.
I see my basic choices are between a side-mount head versus a cradle mount. I'm inclined to get the side-mount. Anyone have a different view?
There's also the choice between a standard gimbal head versus a fluid head. Since I don't really expect to use it for video, I don't see any need to get a more expensive fluid head.
I'd appreciate any thoughts you have here.
I see my basic choices are between a side-mount head versus a cradle mount. I'm inclined to get the side-mount. Anyone have a different view?
There's also the choice between a standard gimbal head versus a fluid head. Since I don't really expect to use it for video, I don't see any need to get a more expensive fluid head.
I'd appreciate any thoughts you have here.
Dec 7, 2019 20:04:15 #
Contact MTShooter, he sells Nest gimbals, and they are really quite good. Don't buy a cheap gimbal, they wear out quickly and you end up spending more than if you bought a good one first.
Dec 7, 2019 20:11:12 #
I have been using the original Wimberley since it was introduced around 1991. The newer version is a bit more refined and should hold up just a well.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html
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https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html
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Dec 7, 2019 20:24:02 #
rmorrison1116 wrote:
Contact MTShooter, he sells Nest gimbals, and they are really quite good. Don't buy a cheap gimbal, they wear out quickly and you end up spending more than if you bought a good one first.
Nest Gimbal from MT shooter on UHH
https://www.cameracottage.com/equipment
https://www.cameracottage.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6780001
Dec 7, 2019 20:30:53 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
Steve Perry (respected UHH member) has a section on Gimbals. go to backcountry, his website.
Dec 7, 2019 20:31:37 #
Vote #3 for Nest - and I use it with a Nest Tripod - both carbon fiber: https://www.cameracottage.com/equipment
Dec 7, 2019 20:39:23 #
jwreed50 wrote:
I'm in the market for a gimbal head to mount on my... (show quote)
Vote #4 for the Nest from Carter.
Dec 7, 2019 21:40:35 #
ahudina
Loc: Browns Point, WA
jwreed50 wrote:
I'm in the market for a gimbal head to mount on my... (show quote)
And here is another vote for Nest. This many votes should tell you something.
Dec 8, 2019 05:15:42 #
jwreed50 wrote:
I'm in the market for a gimbal head to mount on my... (show quote)
I have been using a Wimberly WH200 since 2008 for close up and telephoto work and love it, however I found it to be grossly over priced @$700 plus.
Two years ago a bought a Nest from Carters Camera Cottage for my girl friend @ half the price of the Wimberly and found it to be every bit as good and much lighter (a plus for Sharon). If I needed to replace my wimberly it would be with a nest.
Dec 8, 2019 06:13:44 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
jwreed50 wrote:
I'm in the market for a gimbal head to mount on my... (show quote)
IF you want the best, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y
Dec 8, 2019 06:20:58 #
Steve Perry also has a video about how to adjust the vertical setting of a gimbal head (as opposed to the horizontal balance) in order to make sure the lens stays where it is pointed. Obviously, with the Sidekick and similar side-mount products, these fine adjustments are not available, although they may not be as necessary.
The lighter weight of the Sidekick compared to a full Wimberley gimbal is certainly appealing. If you are going down this road, take a look at Wimberley’s list of recommended Ball heads to make sure you have one that is compatible.
The lighter weight of the Sidekick compared to a full Wimberley gimbal is certainly appealing. If you are going down this road, take a look at Wimberley’s list of recommended Ball heads to make sure you have one that is compatible.
Dec 8, 2019 06:32:38 #
I read reports about the fluid in the Nest gimbal heads seeping out and the gimbal's motion becoming stiff in cold weather. I'm not sure if those reports are true.
I like the Jobu gimbal heads. I have the Jobu Jr.3 gimbal. It weighs only 1.5lbs. but can support up to 12lbs. It has finely adjustable dampening on the tilt axis and they designed a bushing for the panning motion that supplies just the right amount of dampening.
The Wimberley WH200 is another great gimbal. It has finely adjustable dampening on the tilt and panning axis.
I like the Jobu gimbal heads. I have the Jobu Jr.3 gimbal. It weighs only 1.5lbs. but can support up to 12lbs. It has finely adjustable dampening on the tilt axis and they designed a bushing for the panning motion that supplies just the right amount of dampening.
The Wimberley WH200 is another great gimbal. It has finely adjustable dampening on the tilt and panning axis.
Dec 8, 2019 06:56:28 #
Bill_de wrote:
I have been using the original Wimberley since it was introduced around 1991. The newer version is a bit more refined and should hold up just a well.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html
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https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html
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A nice addition: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1350055-REG/really_right_stuff_pg_cc_cradle_clamp.htm
Dec 8, 2019 06:56:54 #
Really Right Stuff has the most options in my view. It can be configured in many ways because it is modular in design. Sold my Wimberley 200 after getting the RRS. TheDigitalPicture.com has reviews of several pano gimbals.
Dec 8, 2019 07:30:01 #
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