Wimberly Sidekick
Aug 4, 2018 09:37:08 #
Archiefamous
Loc: Manhattan
Would this be adequate for a Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. I have an arca Ball Head.
Aug 4, 2018 09:53:56 #
Yes. I have one and use it with that lens. It's a lot lighter than a full size Wimberly, but you still need your ball head or its equivalent which adds to the weight. With a full size Wimberley you don't need your ball head. I just bought a full gimbal head, Promaster, doesn't need a ball head, which is very light weight, 1 1/2 lbs. very smooth and I like it better.
Archiefamous wrote:
Would this be adequate for a Nikon 200 to 500 mm lens. I have an arca Ball Head.
Aug 4, 2018 10:04:16 #
Aug 4, 2018 16:37:13 #
Well, my original idea was to use a Sidekick with a quick release plate attached to my ball head. That way I could detach it when I wanted to use normal lenses and just use the ball head very quickly. So I used it that way for about 3-4 years. Then I found one of the newer, stronger, lighter dedicated gimbals which saved me 1 1/2 lbs. in weight so I am going with that now. Not as versatile an option but one that is lighter and smoother.
Aug 4, 2018 16:47:46 #
Aug 5, 2018 06:39:26 #
I tried the sidekick but went to a regular gimbal easier to use and one piece less to carry
Aug 5, 2018 06:43:14 #
Is this the same one? Detroit Zoo. Nice shot!
Aug 5, 2018 09:05:12 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I've been using a Sidekick for over 15 years... Works great!
I don't have that lens, but I've used it often with a couple that are larger and heavier. No problems.
I have a full size gimbal on another tripod. But for it's versatility, the first one I always grab is the one with the Sidekick.
A side benefit of the Sidekick is that - thanks to the Arca-Swiss side mount - a camera w/short lens can be mounted in vertical orientation (so long as the camera has an Arca plate). Can't do that with a full size, bottom mount gimbal. In fact, you need another accessory to be able to mount a short lens (without tripod ring) at all.
That said, I guess we're supposed to add a lemur pic?
I don't have that lens, but I've used it often with a couple that are larger and heavier. No problems.
I have a full size gimbal on another tripod. But for it's versatility, the first one I always grab is the one with the Sidekick.
A side benefit of the Sidekick is that - thanks to the Arca-Swiss side mount - a camera w/short lens can be mounted in vertical orientation (so long as the camera has an Arca plate). Can't do that with a full size, bottom mount gimbal. In fact, you need another accessory to be able to mount a short lens (without tripod ring) at all.
That said, I guess we're supposed to add a lemur pic?
Aug 5, 2018 09:13:57 #
Aug 5, 2018 10:39:46 #
If your Arca-Swiss Head is adequate then you’ll love the sidekick. I use one when traveling. I use mine with a 150-600mm and a 500mm f/4 and have never been disappointed. I use my sidekick on a RRS BH-55 head. Oh yes, I must tell you I also have a full Wimberly Gimbal that I use often but not when traveling. Have fun.
Aug 5, 2018 10:58:48 #
Aug 5, 2018 11:31:24 #
Thanks. Looks like the same guy, around the corner from the tiger? I shot mine with the 200-500mm, probably not at the 500 end. I was surprised at how often I've been usng a focal length of Less than the full 500mm with that lens.
Yes, the sidekick and ball head with one tripod is probably a good all-around travel item.
Yes, the sidekick and ball head with one tripod is probably a good all-around travel item.
Robertl594 wrote:
Is this the same one? Detroit Zoo. Nice shot!
Aug 5, 2018 19:19:07 #
Aug 5, 2018 22:16:25 #
Fotoartist wrote:
Thanks. Looks like the same guy, around the corner from the tiger? I shot mine with the 200-500mm, probably not at the 500 end. I was surprised at how often I've been usng a focal length of Less than the full 500mm with that lens.
Yes, the sidekick and ball head with one tripod is probably a good all-around travel item.
Yes, the sidekick and ball head with one tripod is probably a good all-around travel item.
Must be the same one!
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