Gimbal mounts question.
Jul 17, 2018 09:54:49 #
Jul 17, 2018 10:04:48 #
I use a gimbal with large (expensive) lenses and camera bodies. Would I mount my equipment on any gimbal that was not superbly constructed and safe. No, not me. I would gladly spend the money ($500-$600) that will give the the performance and safety when in the field and protect a camera setup that is close to thirty times the cost of head. You bet! I use a 4th Generation Mongoose 3.6 head. Easy to mount and secure and safe.
Jul 17, 2018 10:19:29 #
Promaster, I know all about them, just came out with a lightweight gimbal head for $300. I tried one out on my 500 and it has tiny click stops that you can add to its movement, sort of like a pano head. But it's really smooth, light, and compact, fits in a camera bag and weighs less than a pound. I have a Wimberly but I'm thinking of getting one. Any one else seen them?
Jul 17, 2018 10:41:05 #
Just google MOVO 800..@ $199 ...holds 30LB ...Carbon Fiber ...it won’t break the bank and works like the $400 on up ones ...
Jul 17, 2018 12:09:34 #
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.
All the ones I know, use bearings!
Jul 17, 2018 12:10:29 #
If I didn't already own a Wimberly, I would buy a Nest from MT Shooter in an instant. I wouldn't mind the RRS version as I really LOVE their gear, but I don't really use my Gimbal enough to replace it or spend that much on a new one. Yo do get what you pay for. Best of luck.
Jul 17, 2018 12:42:31 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
aflundi wrote:
Out of curiosity, how would you use a lens as a gimbal? 
Generally speaking, gimbals are intended for use with really large telephoto lenses that have a tripod mounting ring. It's possible with most gimbals to adjust the lens and camera to equilibrium, where it will move smoothly and swiftly with a light touch, to follow moving subjects such as wildlife and sports action.
There are three or four types of gimbal heads:
1. The heaviest duty have two posts and a lens mount in between and might be needed for truly huge lenses (such as the 35 lb. Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8, for example) or with big, heavy video gear. This type is relatively uncommon and would need to be used with an equally heavy duty tripod. (Fully replaces any other type of head on the tripod.)
2. Full size, "J" shaped gimbals are able to handle moderately heavy lenses such as 8 and 10 lb. 600mm f/4 and 400mm f/2.8 primes. This type of gimbal has a single post and a lens mounting platform that "cradles" the lens, attaching with the lens' tripod mounting foot at the 6 o'clock position. Often this type has both vertical and horizontal adjustments of the mounting platform, to accommodate different size lenses. There are many different manufacturers offering this type. It's one of the most common and prices/quality range widely. (J-type gimbals also replace any other head on the tripod, making it pretty much "large lens only". I.e., you cannot mount a camera and shorter lens that doesn't have a tripod ring, without some sort of adapter or removing the gimbal and replacing it with some sort of standard head.)
3. Full size, side-mount gimbals are very similar to the J-type, except that they're designed to attach to the lens with its tripod mounting ring foot at the 3 o-clock or 9 o'clock position instead. These have somewhat lower weight capacity than the J-type and less adjustability, but generally serve the same function. In fact, some gimbal are convertible from J-type to side-mount and vice versa. (As with J-type, side-mount gimbals fully replace any other type of head on the tripod... However, it may be possible to use a camera with a short lens directly mounted in the side-mount, so long as the camera is fitted with an Arca-style camera plate or L-bracket).
4. Gimbal adapters are used in conjunction with a fairly heavy duty ballhead. While all the above types of gimbals provide both vertical axis (tilt) and horizontal axis (panning) movements, gimbal adapters only provide the vertical/tile movement and rely upon the ballhead to provide the horizontal rotation (panning) movement. To use an adapter with one, a ballhead MUST have an Arca-Swiss style quick release platform. Gimbal adapters are smaller and lighter, plus they leave the tripod set up in standard configuration and fully usable with smaller lenses and camera, simply by removing the adapter. Gimbal adapters are a bit more limited than the other types of gimbals, not recommended for the heavier lenses (though I've seen folks using them with 600mm and 400mm f/2.8). Not as common as the full size J-mount, still the gimbal adapters are typically lower cost and available from Wimberley, Jobu, Induro and a few others. All gimbal adapters are "side mount", too. Because of that, they also can be used for vertical mounting of a camera with a short lens (camera will need to have an Arca-type quick release plate... but the adapter can be used instead of having to fit the camera with a bulky, expensive L-bracket).
Wimberley (www.tripodhead.com) was one of the first companies to develop and popularize gimbal heads for still photography with BIG lenses. They introduced their original gimbal head (J-type) in 1991... which has been widely copied by many manufacturers, but is still one of the best. They also make a side-mount version and a gimbal adapter (Sidekick). There are now many to choose among, some of which offer various improvements on the original designs and/or use more advanced materials.
More info and a fairly comprehensive list of the various brands and models of gimbals available: http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm
Jul 17, 2018 17:22:36 #
Has anyone seen the Italian made Zenelli carbon fiber gimbal heads? I almost bought their compact gimbal head but just wasn't sure. They range from $744 to $1,231. I ended up purchasing a Jobu Jr.3 gimbal. It's a great, lightweight head.
Jul 17, 2018 18:59:04 #
Before you buy, just check out the Wimberly Sidekick. I have one, and a 500mm Nikon lens and it works just great.
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