SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

I have recently acquired the Nikon 200-500mm zoom lens with an interest in better bird photography. As advertised, the 200-500 lens is heavy. I see some setups which appear to use a gimbal arrangement on a tripod. I would appreciate suggestions, comments or recommendations. Thank you. I shoot currently with a Nikon D-800.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I use the Nest NT-530H. Canon 100-400L with extender and Tamron 150-600 before I got the 100-400L.
MT Shooter here on the UHH is the USA distributor: http://www.cameracottage.com/ click on "equipment" to see info and specs, click on "web store" to purchase. Two versions, regular fluid dampened and a cold weather Arctic version with fluid that resists getting thick in the cold. I also have a Nest tripod.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would suggest the NEST This place is owned by a UHH Member MT Shooter
He discounts it.
http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

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

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-269999-1.html

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SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

Thank you all. I sincerely appreciate the suggestions and will follow up.

Bill_de Loc: US

Gimbal is a good choice. The 200 - 500 is relatively light so it should be easy to find a suitable one. The Nest has been very popular with users here.

I have a Wimberley (the original) which is a bit overkill for that lens. Mine is so old that there weren't any real choices. Nobody called it a gimbal, they just called it a Wimberlley. It is heavy.

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speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I think a gimbal would be overkill for such a tiny lens!

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

At 5 lbs, its is not a light lens, but it is manageable. I suggest that before you invest in a gimbal, you give hand-holding it a try. I have no experience with the Nest, but I have read that it may not be a great choice when the mercury dips - if it is true, it might be a matter of using a different lubricant in the moving parts. But there are others that don't need this.

I use a Sigma Sport 150-600 - which weighs 6.5 lbs, hand held, and a 600mmF4 which comes in at almost 11 lbs, on a tripod with a gimbal - a Manfrotto 393, which costs $180. Very simple and stable design - not a cantilever but a double "U" design. It does not get sticky in cold weather, and has three adjustment points with nylon bearings. In 12 yrs of use, at temps as cold as -5°F, I've never had a problem.

Since getting the Sigma, my gimbal has been gathering dust on the shelf, and the 600mm F4 only comes out, along with my 1.4 TC, when I need more reach, or when I anticipate shooting into the late afternoon when the lighting gets difficult. I am using my Sigma Sport 95% of the time, and it has yet to be mounted on a tripod.

It's worth a try to see how it works for you before you invest in a gimbal. But if you decide that a gimbal is your best option, look at the Manfrotto, or spend a little more and get a Wimberley Sidekick or the RRS PG-01 - a system similar to the Sidekick, which you can get for $290. You'll appreciate the fit and finish of the RRS. I don't think you can do any better for the price.

Bill_de Loc: US

The Sidekick is nice for the lighter lens like we are talking about, but it still needs to mount to a decent ball head.

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Properframe Loc: US Virginia

I use a WimberleyWH200. Had many thoughts to go with a carbon fiber Induro gimbal but ultimately did not. The WH200 is a solid piece of equipment. Smooth and well built. It is not light but I don't emphasize weight. Most people do so consider how important it is to you. Wimberley is more expensive also. You should take time to maybe test a couple using your D800 and 200-500 lens. Do what feels best for you. Just like better glass the tripod and head are important weapons.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I don't have a lens that heavy; it would slow me down too much, and the tripod would really be a problem.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

A video fluid head may be a viable option.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Having mobility and speed is a large component of successful wildlife/bird photography in places other than around feeding stations, nests or in blinds. Tripods and gimbals provide a great hindrance for mobility and speed in these other places.

Monopods and bodypods can help take the weight burdon off of you while retaining most of the mobility and speed needed.

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

The RRS PG-01 does not require a ball head even though it is a side mounted gimbal.

Bill_de Loc: US

True, but not designed for the lens we are talking about.

The PG-01 is designed to support smaller camera setups, such as mirrorless cameras or DSLRs with lenses up to a 70-200mm f2.8.

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