Ted Evans Loc: Jasper, AL

Recently I purchased a new Canon 100-400
II (newest) and now have a desire to get
a gimbal head for birds and other wildlife.
When looking at what is available I am blown
away at the variation in prices - from less
than $100 to $1500 plus. I don't want to
buy cheap b/c it never satisfies. Nor am I
willing to pay for far more than what I need.
I want one strong enough to use with a
large 500-600 mm rental on occasion. So
please tell me what you are happy with or
what you'd buy if doing it again. Also please
recommend a vendor. Thanks a bunch!
Ted Evans

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

not that familiar with the gimbal head, but would suggest when you narrow it down to a few good choices, check out bh photo, adorama, ebay, and others that offer used, you may find a great price.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I am far from a Gimbal Head expert, but after looking at lots of different models and reading tons of posts, reviews, etc., I ended up buying the NEST Carbon Fiber head, which I "think" is sold exclusively in US by UUH member MT_Shooter

It is very light weight, yet plenty strong and very smooth operation. Yes, I would buy it again. I'll try to post a picture om me using the NEST on my Siuri Carbon Fiber tripod with my 7D Mark 2 and Sigma 150-600mm tele lens.

(Can't really see much of the head in this picture)

liv2paddle Loc: Wall, NJ

Don't go too cheap. I bought the opteka and it's a piece of junk. I would try the Nest

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Carter (MT Shooter) is our tripod/gimblehead expert.
Here is another happy photographer: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-364342-1.html

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Get the Nest from MT Shooter. Stand up honest guy and he knows his business. Nuff Said!
cameracottage.com

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have been using the nest for about a year. It is great!
I have mine mounted on my tripod more or less permanently with my Tamron 150-600 (heavier than the 100-400) I switch bodies between a 6D and 7DII. It is rated at 55 lbs, more than my present tripod. Oh, my 100-400 has a pistol grip attached to the tripod collar, I use it for handheld shooting. I have never had it on a tripod, yet.

Go here and click equipment up at the top, it will take you to the right page.
http://www.cameracottage.com/

cmc65

I have had the Nest from Mt and couldn't b more pleased. Use it w my Canon 7dmkII and Canon 100-400 mk II lens.

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

I have been using this since 2007 - with a 600mm lens and often with a 1.4x attached.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554099-REG/Manfrotto_393_393_Heavy_Duty_Gimbal.html

And I've added this:

http://www.hejnarphotostore.com/product-p/f67.htm

So that I can use all of my Arca-Swiss plated lenses. It bolts directly to the proprietary Manfrotto plate.

It is not a cantilever design like most of the other gimbals patterned after the Wimberley.

This is a decent overview, which includes the Nest.

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/10/28/best-gimbal-heads-6-top-options-tested-and-rated/

and there is this:

http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm

I selected the Manfrotto because of it's simplicity, strength and value. The double "U" design is inherently stable. It has two drawbacks, weight and bulk. Panning vertically and horizontally is very smooth. Hard to find anything better for the money.

CO

I was checking out gimbal heads at a photography expo a few months ago. The Wimberley WH-200 seems to be the only gimbal head that has adjustable friction on the front-to-back and side-to-side movement. The locking knobs have a range of rotation that applies variable amounts of friction. That can help to dampen fast movements that can cause blur. On other gimbal heads the movement is either locked or unlocked.

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

I have the same setup (except I use the Tamron lens). I don't have any experience with other gimbal heads but the NEST is a good solid piece of equipment (I also recommend the Sirui tripods....another great value)

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I agree have the nest and love it got rid of my mongoose

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

Yes the prices and the quality do vary ... a lot. Here is my collection of tripods and heads. If you are an old timer, you will recognize the original Tiltall on the left. Bought it brand new in the 70's; it was the best at the time and I still use it from time to time. Next to it is a ProMaster (comes with a halfway decent head) and folds into a relatively short length which could be handy. Next is a Gitzo with a Wimberly Sidekick. I bought the Sidekick because I thought I'd get the benefits of the Wimberley Gimbal at a lower cost. It certainly is a good choice ... except that I was bothered by the heavy lenses hanging sideways. I felt there was an undo amount of force on the small screws in the lens collar. I checked with Wimberley and they assured me all was OK. It still bothered me, so I spent the money on the real thing. While I was at it, I upgraded my tripod to a RRS unit. So..... over the years I have spent money and more or less constantly upgraded. My advice to you is to buy the best that you can justify buying. This means: Buy too cheap, you'll kick yourself. Buy too expensive and it will bother you. I always tried to get the best that I could afford and over the years I could afford better.
BTW the Sidekick is for sale at a reasonable price - nothing wrong, just will never need it again. BTW, if you decide to go with a ball head instead, you must look at the RRS units. The head I have is on the Gitzo and is holding the Sidekick.

My collection

(Download)

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

I the Nest from MT Shooter and it performs very well.

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut

I use one with my 500mm f/4. Love it!

Here's the link; http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment