Need your input on gimbal vs. arca head on tripod.
Feb 14, 2019 15:13:19 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
Leaving aside what brand you use this is how I solved this question -
1. Make sure you have a good solid tripod (we have Manfrottos).
2. Add an arca swiss 60mm clamp to the top of the tripods.
3. At the bottom of your gimbal AND your ball heads add arca swiss plates (50 or 60 mm).
4. The gimbal (mine anyway) has an arca swiss clamp, add clamps to the top of your ballheads.
5. Add plates (or L brackets in our case) to the base of your cameras.
Now any camera, ballhead(or other type) and gimbal can be swapped at will. The cost isn't great especially if you don't use some of the especially expensive arca swiss fittings.
Some might raise the issue of stability or rigidity having 2 connections between tripod top and camera but as long as you take a little care in choosing the size of clamps and plates, believe me, you won't have any problems.
We have 6 tripods (incl monopods), 4 cameras, a gimbal, 2 binoculars, 8-10 heads and a few other fittings all connected this way. Haven't used a screw in years.
1. Make sure you have a good solid tripod (we have Manfrottos).
2. Add an arca swiss 60mm clamp to the top of the tripods.
3. At the bottom of your gimbal AND your ball heads add arca swiss plates (50 or 60 mm).
4. The gimbal (mine anyway) has an arca swiss clamp, add clamps to the top of your ballheads.
5. Add plates (or L brackets in our case) to the base of your cameras.
Now any camera, ballhead(or other type) and gimbal can be swapped at will. The cost isn't great especially if you don't use some of the especially expensive arca swiss fittings.
Some might raise the issue of stability or rigidity having 2 connections between tripod top and camera but as long as you take a little care in choosing the size of clamps and plates, believe me, you won't have any problems.
We have 6 tripods (incl monopods), 4 cameras, a gimbal, 2 binoculars, 8-10 heads and a few other fittings all connected this way. Haven't used a screw in years.
Feb 14, 2019 19:17:31 #
In my line of work, I don't use tripods often, but when I do I usually select the head to match the intended purpose and the equipment to be used. My gimbal is used, mostly, for longer, heavier lenses. Best of luck.
Feb 14, 2019 19:27:34 #
cjc2 wrote:
In my line of work, I don't use tripods often, but when I do I usually select the head to match the intended purpose and the equipment to be used. My gimbal is used, mostly, for longer, heavier lenses. Best of luck.
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