Help with Gimbal Heads: I'm trying to figure out if there is a gimbal head that will also allow me to use my camera with a non-collared lens. I don't have a camera store nearby anymore...

wesm Loc: Los Altos CA

I'm trying to figure out if there is a gimbal head that will also allow me to use my camera with a non-collared lens. I don't have a camera store nearby anymore (the excellent Keeble & Schuchat in Palo Alto closed). Why would I want to do such a thing? Basically, so I only have to carry one tripod with one head in the field. Typically, I'd want to switch back and forth between a 150-600mm lens, and a wide-angle lens like 16-35mm. I'd like to be able to mount the camera on the tripod in normal landscape position for the latter. I think I've seen gimbal heads that allow side mounts, but I'm a little nervous that the plate would attach vertically, and fail, with the camera falling out. I have L brackets with Arca-style grooves on my camera bodies. I hope this post is specific enough and intelligent enough not to draw the ire of the resident grumps!

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

How much do you want to spend?

I use the Opteka GH-1 which allows both large lens and no collar lens mount (camera direct).

The Nest NT-530H-US Carbon Fiber Gimbal Head is another option

Bill_de Loc: US

The Sidekick is a reasonable option for all but the longest lenses.

https://tripodhead.com/products/sidekick-main.cfm

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

wesm wrote:

I'm trying to figure out if there is a gimbal head... (show quote)

Not really. Gimbals are designed for long lenses, and have rail clamps that allow for fore-aft positioning of the lens for balance purposes. camera L-brackets and plates are oriented at 90 degrees to the lens axis. I solve this by carrying one tripod, and a sturdy ball head, not ideal for birds and wildlife, but I can say that I haven't lost any shots because of it. It does take a little practice and some fine tuning of the friction setting on the ball, but it is more than adequate. Don't try this with a cheap (>$200) ball head - you will quickly get frustrated. A Markins Q10, Arca Swiss Z1 (what I use), RRS BH55, Kirk etc will all provide a good experience. When it comes to ball heads, ball size matters.

I have a 150-600, and have yet to use it on a tripod, BTW. I use the tripod with my 600mmF4 though. But I rarely take that for long hikes anyway. That's why I got the 150-600.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Yes there is an option JOBU Design has the WIDE ANGLE ADAPTER BRACKET 2 http://jobu-design.3dcartstores.com/Wide-Angle-Adapter-Bracket-2_p_72.html not inexpensive but I utilize this all the time saves changing tripod heads

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

mborn wrote:

Yes there is an option JOBU Design has the WIDE ANGLE ADAPTER BRACKET 2 http://jobu-design.3dcartstores.com/Wide-Angle-Adapter-Bracket-2_p_72.html not inexpensive but I utilize this all the time saves changing tripod heads

That looks pretty good! I have my gimbal and ball head each on quick releases,but that adds plenty of extra weight if you want a ball as well as a gimbal. That's okay for shooting out of or near the car,but the Jobu may be a good compromise for hikers.

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

wesm wrote:

I'm trying to figure out if there is a gimbal head that will also allow me to use my camera with a non-collared lens. [ ... ]

It's very easy. Get a good gimble head -- MT Shooter's Nest is the no-brainer buy -- then get a nodal plate like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Haoge-Dovetail-Focusing-Panoramic-Panorama/dp/B01APR6C22/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1486213609&sr=8-4&keywords=nodal+plate+arca-swiss

for use with non-collared lenses.

Bill_de Loc: US

mborn wrote:

Yes there is an option JOBU Design has the WIDE ANGLE ADAPTER BRACKET 2 http://jobu-design.3dcartstores.com/Wide-Angle-Adapter-Bracket-2_p_72.html not inexpensive but I utilize this all the time saves changing tripod heads

Pretty slick. Thanks for posting.

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DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Bill_de wrote:

Pretty slick. Thanks for posting.

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I am very curious,let us know how you like it,Bill! LOL!

Bill_de Loc: US

DaveO wrote:

I am very curious,let us know how you like it,Bill! LOL!

I should be getting a pretty good 'rewards' card from B&H this month. I might just check one out.

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DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Bill_de wrote:

I should be getting a pretty good 'rewards' card from B&H this month. I might just check one out.

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B&H has them under the WAA2 P/N, I wonder if a new design is coming. Not much in the way of reviews. PM me if you like it.

*There may be some slides that are necessary...don't know if I want to build another system to prevent me from carrying a 2 pound ball head.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

The side mounts are designed so that they do not fall out.

I would never mount a long zoom lens, long prime or heavy lens directly to the camera. The is one of the fastest ways to bend the lens mount. I have talked to pro's and directly to Nikon about this and they all strongly recommend using the collar when provided.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

JeffDavidson wrote:

The side mounts are designed so that they do not fall out.

I would never mount a long zoom lens, long prime or heavy lens directly to the camera. The is one of the fastest ways to bend the lens mount. I have talked to pro's and directly to Nikon about this and they all strongly recommend using the collar when provided.

Jeff, I believe the OP is talking about when he switches to a non-collared lens,like his 16-35,he wanted to mount the camera.

Bill_de Loc: US

DaveO wrote:

B&H has them under the WAA2 P/N, I wonder if a new design is coming. Not much in the way of reviews. PM me if you like it.

*There may be some slides that are necessary...don't know if I want to build another system to prevent me from carrying a 2 pound ball head.

I watched the video. It has an Arca Swiss style plate on the bottom, an A/S clamp at the top, and includes a plate for the camera.

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DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Bill_de wrote:

I watched the video. It has an Arca Swiss style plate on the bottom, an A/S clamp at the top, and includes a plate for the camera.

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Yes, I would skip the camera plate and mount by using my l-plates. I'm shaky enough to use it with a 24-70 after the collared lenses. I have a Wimberley WH-200 II that I enjoy and it may be worthwhile. I'm going to check around and see what else is out there. I could also make a federal case out of it and get the Wimberley Sidekick Ball to Gimbal Head Adapter for my BH-55. LOL! The Jobu will most likely suit me well and be more cost effective.