Gimbal mounts question: I've taken apart a less than $100 gimbal mount and would like to know if the more expensive ones use bearings. All the cheap one moves on is a cone shaped...

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

I've taken apart a less than $100 gimbal mount and would like to know if the more expensive ones use bearings. All the cheap one moves on is a cone shaped plastic seating in corresponding aluminum cone molded/ground in the mount, so as you loosen, it drops down as the cone slides down.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

If there are bearings, they have to be sealed to prevent introduction of dirt, grit, etc. Certainly, Really Right Stuff's PG-02 at $800 would.

fchretdet

The Lensmaster gimbals are made using needle bearings. They are constructed to be disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, and reassembled.
Instructions are included with the gimbals and are also available on the company's website. The Lensmaster gimbals are well and carefully made, along with obvious pride in the appearance and workmanship and They are priced reasonably.

wmurnahan Loc: Bloomington IN

fchretdet wrote:

The Lensmaster gimbals are made using needle bearings. They are constructed to be disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, and reassembled.
Instructions are included with the gimbals and are also available on the company's website. The Lensmaster gimbals are well and carefully made, along with obvious pride in the appearance and workmanship and They are priced reasonably.

Thanks, I think I see a lensmaster gimbal in my future. RRS is nice but I could buy a lens for that much.

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

Carbon Fiber Gimbals that will not break the bank... M O V O ...works with my D850 / 200-500 .., and my D7100 and 200-500 .. heavy duty and light ..

Google it ..

My 7100 and D850/ with MOVO/200-500
My 7100 and D850/ with MOVO/200-500...

(Download)

My D810 200-500 MOVO C. fiber gimbal

(Download)

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

I have what looks like a copy of the one in the pictures from Dr.Nikon. It was an ex China cheapy that I think I paid about USD 80 for. It has ball-races.

CO

I just got the Jobu Jr.3 gimbal head. I emailed Jobu with some questions about the locking knobs. They told me that it has a needle bearing and a thrust bearing on the tilt axis. The locking knob on the tilt axis applies a finely controlled amount of friction. The panning axis has a bushing they design that gives a little bit of drag.

They mentioned that the early Jobu gimbal heads had ball bearings. People complained that the gimbals were too loose so Jobu redesigned them with the needle bearing and thrust bearing for the tilt axis, and bushing for the pan axis.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

http://www.cameracottage.com/

Located in Billings MT. Click on equipment. "Nest" gimbals are very good. I think he is the exclusive dealer for "Nest" gimbals.

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

Nest is a very good gimbal head sold by MT from Billings MT. He is a member of this forum.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

wmurnahan wrote:

I've taken apart a less than $100 gimbal mount and would like to know if the more expensive ones use bearings. All the cheap one moves on is a cone shaped plastic seating in corresponding aluminum cone molded/ground in the mount, so as you loosen, it drops down as the cone slides down.

I have never had an issue with my Wimberely. BUT, I have never taken it apart either.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html?sts=pi