Jdh1951 Loc: Los Angeles

Looking for any recommendations or other advice on a good pistol grip tripod head. It needs to be sturdy enough to support a Nikon D7100 and a Sigma 150-500mm zoom.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I strongly recommend that you investigate a tripod head designed for heavy long lenses. A pistol-grip ball-head just will not cut it for you. Gimbal heads are much more trustworthy for an expensive lens + camera. Nest manufacturer makes a nice one. These images are for reference only, as I own none of these.

The real expert is Carter Bouslaugh, aka MT Shooter. Read more here: http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

Lensmaster RH2 gimbal head


Nest NT-530H Gimbal head


Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal head

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

[quote=Nikonian72]I strongly recommend that you investigate a tripod head designed for heavy long lenses. A pistol-grip ball-head just will not cut it for you. Gimbal heads are much more trustworthy for an expensive lens + camera.

I agree. I have some heavy combos and use a Manfrotto 393 gimbal that supports things nicely.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

There is just no way in the world that any pistol grip type head can properly support any of those super tele-zoom lenses, they were just never designed to support the weight or the changing balance of such a lens.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

As far as pistol grip's go, my Manfrotto pistol grip is quite sturdy. I'm with the other's, though, about longer telephoto lenses for ease of use if nothing else.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Just got a Dolica pistol grip for my monopod and use it with a D7200 and a Sigma 18-300. I also have a Sigma 150-500, but I wouldn't even consider using it for that combo, even though the pistol grip is rated for over 15lbs, it would be impossible to control.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I have a pistol grip and have gone away from using it. They just don't hold much more than a medium tele.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Interesting that no one has mentioned that a gimbal head does not work particularly well with a lens that changes length as it zooms. The main attraction to a gimbal head is the ease of motion in all planes that it affords. The fact that it supports more weight is secondary. Gimbal heads are a problem when used with lenses that change length when zoomed. The center of gravity (which is how a gimbal works) changes and the rig is no longer stable in the up and down plane. If you let go of the camera/lens, it can flop up or down with disastrous results.

While I totally agree that a pistol grip is a poor solution to a heavy rig, the "solution" to use a gimbal head as opposed to a solid ball head because the gimbal will support the weight is not all that clear. My Arca Swiss ball will hold my 400/2.8 quite solidly, but I prefer the balancing that a gimbal affords.

And what is also unmentioned is what legs the head will be mounted on. No matter what head one uses, if it on top of flimsy legs, it will not perform to expectations.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

You are clearly generalizing your statement without fully researching the market. Fluid dampened gimbal heads are designed for extending zoom lenses and eliminate the out of balance lens drop problem. While there is only one fluid dampened gimbal currently on the market, more are sure to follow given the immense popularity of such lenses.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Well, as usual - I am going to go against most of what has been said here. My qualifications/credentials ? I have been using a 6.5 lbs. 300 2.8 with 2X for about 4 years now.

I have been using a Manfrotto #222 grip action ball head on a monopod - but the key is I use a 234rc on top of it. The 234 sets the coarse amount of tilt while the 222 handles the fine adjustments and it works quite well for following action on a monopod where the turning ability of the pod allows for panning while the ball is locked. This has worked fairly well for me and is certainly doable !. Use on a tripod will be a little different in this respect though. The Manfro #322 with #234 is also another viable and maybe better option of a grip/ball.

Here is what I am currently using and what I recommend for you. First, mount a macro slider between the tripod collar and the quick release plate. this will allow for quick and easy balance adjustments of your extending zoom.

Next, use a video fluid pan/tilt head - especially if your goal is to follow action. I now have one of these on both my monopod and tripod. Good, new, fluid heads can be as expensive as gimbals !

Finally, for a relatively light lens as you have, I much prefer and recommend a monopod over tripod.

nikonwaddy

While not having much of a dog in this fight as my heaviest lens is but a 70-200, no one seems to have mentioned an old standard quality pan-tilt head. I replaced my pistol grip ball head with a pan-tilt not because of a weight issue but because with the pistol-ball I was often not getting the horizon correct.

Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK

Which gimbal would you recommend? make model etc. you are an expert and I value your comments, although this is not my thread so sorry to intervene in such a way. Its just that I am very interested in purchasing a gimbal, do they come in different weights or the heavier the better. I also have a pistol style head and you are right it just does not hold the heavy lenses.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Most of what you need to know about gimbal specs is here - http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

So-called "pistol grip" heads are essentially medium or small ballheads... and aren't adequate for a large/heavy lens like that 150-500mm. I'd at least use a heavy duty ballhead... perhaps in combination with a gimbal accessory such as a Wimberley Sidekick... Or go with a full size gimbal head.

The advantage of the Sidekick or similar is that you can most easily switch back and forth to use the tripod and ballhead "normally" with other, shorter/smaller lenses. The full size gimbal is most necessary for the largest lenses such as 400/2.8, 600/4 (bigger and heavier than your 150-500) and, when installed, completely replaces any head on your tripod now, making it sort of "150-500" only.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

This is a good and helpful comparison tool!

One thing I noticed... The "gimbal adapters" such as the Sidekick are not weight-rated, the way the other types are. Instead it just says "up to 800mm f5.6" lens. That description is used in some other cases, too.

HOWEVER, it may be important to note that often 400/2.8 and 600/4 lenses are bigger/heavier than 800/5.6 lenses. In the past Wimberley recommendednot using their Sidekick with those two larger/heavier lenses (or anything else as big or bigger). They recommended using a full size gimbal head instead.