Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

There are lots out there to choose from and price ranges are significant. My application, Canon 400 mm DO II with a D6 with occasional 1.4x III and 2.0X III attached. Want a full range of motion, but also light weight, if possible, for travel as well. I have read a bunch on this forum and looked on-line a bunch as well, but its a tough decision. Lenscrafter RH 1&2 & and Jobo Jr. look like good options, but suggestions from those in the field are appreciated. I love hand held, but if options are available for a tripod application, I don't think one can compare the results. Thanks

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Nest NT 530-H

MT Shooter here on the hog is the US distributer. Several of us have gotten them from him. My Canon 6D and Tamron 150-600 are setting here mounted on it as I type. I sometimes also add the Kenko 300 Pro 2X TC and it works great.

http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Look at the Nest gimbal. A lot of bang for the buck. See the link Robert posted above. ;)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

While a tripod and gimbal have their place - IMHO, it is a very small place. A tripod and gimbal are most effectively used for large/heavy lenses (500 f4, 600 f4) - you actually have a medium weight. Ostensibly, you have this lens for wildlife - where the best images will be obtained by following the action - especially that you have a prime lens and not a zoom ! The slow/immobility of the tripod is a liability in this respect. With a 300 2.8 and 2X, I have been using a pan-tilt fluid head on a Manfro 685b monopod and also a modified cargo stabilizer steel monopod to great advantage. I also use a bodypod /carpod- the next best thing to hand held. Do a UHH search for bodypod and facial stabilization for details of what I am talking about.
Were I to use a gimbal, I would opt for a side mount version - these do not have a swing arm, but rotate around the center of the lens - making for faster tracking.
You have a GREAT lens/setup - please keep us posted on your experiences with it and post some images !

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I have it and it is great

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Thank you for your suggestions. ONE of the reasons for considering the 400 mm DO II was the weight and therefore the ability to use it without mechanical support. In the past however when tripod applications are available, I have used a Manfrottto ball head with my 100-400 mm (original) and I find "smoothness" lacking, even when applying a good coating of silicon spray to the ball. Hence the question about the gimbal. My first option, hand hold, but when the opportunity arises, or in low light situations, a smooth tripod head would be a plus.

I wish I could say "I have". The lens is preordered with B&H, and paid for, and B&H has a purchase order in with Canon, however Canon will not give B&H a delivery date. Checked yesterday. What's with that!!!!!!!! It has been exceptionally warm in the S. Cal desert and signs of spring time activity with the birds is proof of it. Anxiously waiting...........

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Smoothness is the reason I went to a video fluid head - good gimbals and fluid heads are about the same price. IMHO, the fluid heads are better suited to monopods.

I think that lens will be worth the waiting ......

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I own two gimbal heads. One is the Nest recommended by Robert and here is a link to the other:

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-GH1-Heavy-Gimbal-Supports/dp/B0071BIQZC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1424189702&sr=8-2&keywords=gimbal+head

I prefer the Nest over the GH1. It is a very nice head! Both will handle your lens and weigh the same. However the GH1 is physically smaller so might be the better for traveling. I did have to take the GH1 apart and lube the bearings and it is now very smooth. If you are not a little mechanically inclined stick with the Nest.

Jim D

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Don't forget to check out the Katana II from Pro Media Gear!