Gimbal head quandry (Page 2): The center of gravity does change and it affects the balance. I notice it with my 80-400mm zoom lens. I just extend the zoom to a point that I estimate I...

CO

bioteacher wrote:

I am not sure if it is true, but was advised not to get a gimbal for zoom lenses. The center of gravity changes as you zoom in and out so you would have to readjust the camera each time you change the focal length.

The center of gravity does change and it affects the balance. I notice it with my 80-400mm zoom lens. I just extend the zoom to a point that I estimate I will be shooting at and adjust the foot forward or backwards in the gimbal's clamp. I made my own Arca-Swiss plate in a machine shop. It's about 6" long and I can adjust forwards and backwards a lot. It's still the raw aluminum in this shot. I later sent it out to a metal finishing company for black hard anodizing.

You can purchase Arca-Swiss plates that are long and will have plenty of travel forwards and backwards.

(Download)

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

MadMikeOne wrote:

Nest gimbal head. MTShooter, a regular, trusted member heresells them at his shop (Carter’s Camera Cottage) in Billings, Mt. Excellent quality and won’t break the bank. I’ve had or a few years and shoot with a Tamron 150-600 mounted on either a Nikon D7200 or D500. Carter sells online.

If I ever need a gimbal head I'll be contacting MTShooter for a Nest Head....Shop America

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I bought a gimbal and tripod from MT Shooter (Carter's Camera Corner) on this site. The tripod will extend to 7 feet and hold a MAC truck. Why seven feet? (You can set up your tripod on a steep hill.) The gimbal is flawless with the largest lens.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

MadMikeOne wrote:

Nest gimbal head. MTShooter, a regular, trusted member heresells them at his shop (Carter’s Camera Cottage) in Billings, Mt. Excellent quality and won’t break the bank. I’ve had or a few years and shoot with a Tamron 150-600 mounted on either a Nikon D7200 or D500. Carter sells online.

Same here

Tom337

I've got Nest and have been very happy.

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

bioteacher wrote:

I am not sure if it is true, but was advised not to get a gimbal for zoom lenses. The center of gravity changes as you zoom in and out so you would have to readjust the camera each time you change the focal length.

This issue is raised by those that do not use a gimbal.
Since there is a tension adjustment for the axis, the lens is not loosely hanging by a thread in real shooting conditions. Minor focal length adjustments will not affect the tilt.
If you are changing the length of the lens, it is not difficult to loosen the plate clamp by a turn, slide the plate to a predetermined mark for that length and twist it back tight.
You can select a mid point that will work well if you are flipping between min and max lengths often.
In the field you are typically parked on a subject that requires no focal length changes for a while so changes are not that frequent.

I have a Sigma 50-500 that weighs over 4 lbs and use it on my LensMaster with no issues.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Thomas902 wrote:

"The Wimberly WH-200 also has adjustable damp... (show quote)

Why not a gimbal on a monopod?

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

Les Brown wrote:

I have been looking at gimbal heads for my Nikon D7200 with the Nikon 200-500 lens I use for bird photography. I see prices from $99 to well over $500. Some lower priced ones have 4-5 star reviews making choices difficult. I would like advice on a head that won't break the bank, but isn't junk. I suspect this topic has been beat to death. Pardon me if so.

You asked for advice. Well here you go. Your outfit costs in the neighborhood of $2500.00. If I was going to put a $2500.00 investment on a tripod and Gimbal head I would get a quality tripod first and then a Wimberly WH-200 Head. But, you do what you want with your $2500.00 investment.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

GrandmaG wrote:

Why not a gimbal on a monopod?

https://backcountrygallery.com/using-a-gimbal-head-on-a-monopod/

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

CO wrote:

Definitely get a gimbal head that has dampening on... (show quote)

Thanks for this good review !

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I own the origonal Wimberly and am very happy with it. If I were to replace it today I would surely give the Nest a very hard look. I have, in fact, been considering acquiring a Nest just for the weight savings. Best of luck.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Nest. I am saving up for one myself.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Les Brown wrote:

I have been looking at gimbal heads for my Nikon D7200 with the Nikon 200-500 lens I use for bird photography. I see prices from $99 to well over $500. Some lower priced ones have 4-5 star reviews making choices difficult. I would like advice on a head that won't break the bank, but isn't junk. I suspect this topic has been beat to death. Pardon me if so.

Gimbal on tripod have their place around feeding stations or in a blind or at airshow where mobility is NOT a concern. Otherwise, for MOBILITY a bodypod or monopod are much more practical and successful ! ( getting the shot, reasonably close and with a preferred backround). For birds in flight, handheld is preferred by most who are successful.

Gimbal comparisons - http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm

..

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Blaster34 wrote:

If I ever need a gimbal head I'll be contacting MTShooter for a Nest Head....Shop America

I believe these are made in China .....

NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC

I purchased a Movo GH700 Professional Gimbal Tripod Head with Arca-Swiss Quick-Release Plate from Amazon for $99 and have been very happy with it. Over 400 reviews and it got about 4.5 stars.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GK4IYP8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very smooth fluid action and well made. Mine is the aluminum version. They have a carbon fiber version that is about $50-75 dollars more if I remember correctly.