davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Better call Carter @ The Camera Cottage in Billings, MT. He is a member here. His knowledge of tripods is legendary. He also sells Nest tripods and gimbal heads. Call him @ 1-406-671-6640. Your conversation will be of great value.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

Check out both B&H and Adorama, specifically for tripods without heads. While there check their Used Dept. as well. 2 weeks ago I had your exact same problem (neat Nest gimbal head, broken tripod, tried two neew ones and could not get head of-sent both back), at Adorama found a used Manfrotto at half the new price. Ad stated slight signs of wear. On arrival I had to look hard to find 2 small scratches. Needless to say I'm a real happy camper.

Photoladybon Loc: Long Island

I have pro media gears junior gimbal and Love it! Quality product.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

An alternative you may want to consider is a leg set fitted with a ballhead and a gimbal adapter. That way you can quickly and easily switch back and forth between using the tripod for big/heavy lenses and for other uses. The ballhead stays on the tripod and, when needed, the gimbal adapter fits into it. The ballhead provides the horizontal panning axis, while the gimbal adapter gives you the tilt axis.

Ballhead needs to be up to the task... depending upon how heavy a lens you'll be putting on it, maybe a medium duty (~30 lb. capacity) or heavy duty (~50 lb. capacity) model. The ballhead also should have a separate control for the panning axis (most do) and needs to have an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release platform for the gimbal adapter to be locked into. (Nearly all gimbals use A-S compatible platform anyway... they need to, in order for the lens/camera to be slid forward or backward to achieve equilibrium. As a result, you'll be using A-S plates on your lens(es) anyway.)

There are three commonly available gimbal adapters: Wimberley Sidekick (which I've used for 15+ years with lens/camera combos 10+ lb.), very similar Induro models (3 variations), and a smaller/lower capacity Jobu adapter (probably limited to around 4 or 5 lb. capacity). There are others, including some "knock offs".

Another benefit of a gimbal adapter is - because it's a "side-mount" - it makes an L-plate on a camera largely unnecessary (saving cost, weight, bulk). With an A-S compatible camera plate and a shorter lens on the camera, the adapter can be used to mount the camera in vertical/portrait orientation (rather than tipping the ballhead off to the side, which usually makes things somewhat unbalanced).

Full size gimbal heads are fine and might even be preferable for the biggest and heaviest lenses (600mm f/4, 400mm f/2.8)... But they make your tripod dedicated for "large lens use only" while installed, pretty much requiring you carry a second head for "regular use", along with any tools needed to swap the heads, if you also want to use the tripod for non-gimbal purposes.

There's a pretty comprehensive overview of the various gimbal types, models and specs here: http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm

As to the leg set, you simply need something that's sturdy and fairly heavy duty.... How hefty it needs to be depends upon the weight of the gear you'll be using on it. Also carefully check the height, preferably without need to raise any center column. Arguably the "best" leg sets for this purpose have no center column at all. Keep in mind that to use it comfortably while standing, the tripod and head combined should bring your camera's viewfinder eyeport up to or slightly above your eye level and measure accordingly.

There are MANY tripods to choose among. Gitzo, Really Right Stuff, Nest, Feisol, Indure, Benro, Oben, Manfrotto, etc., etc. I'd recommend a minimum of 30 lb. capacity and "Series 2" size. Personally I use a Gitzo "Series 3" size Systematic tripods, which have larger diameter legs for stability (but also are heavier to haul around). Mine are older models rated for around 35 lb. Newer ones in that series are often rated for around 45 lb. "Systematic" is a term used by several manufacturers to designate modular by design... Models that can be used without any center column, although columns are available separately if wanted.

For best stability, also look for as few tripod leg sections as possible. I use three 3-section tripods and one 4-section (extra tall). Fewer than 3 sections simply isn't practical, doesn't collapse sufficiently to haul around. More than 4 sections makes things get rather wobbly... both because of the extra joints and because the lower leg sections end up very small diameter (they have to be, in order to "nest" inside the next section up).

Consider the type of leg locks used too. Personally I prefer the "twist" type because those are low profile, less likely to catch on branches, cuffs or sleeves. Lever type may be a little faster to set up, but also are more prone to wear, needing adjustment or occasional repair. The twist type are largely self-adjusting and aren't prone to wear. One minor issue with older tripods was that the twist type need to be loosened and tightened in a specific order... But newer tripods often use anti-rotating leg designs so that this is no longer a concern.

A "Leveling Platform" is an accessory I use on my two tripods that are used with gimbals (one is the Sidekick adapter with a 50 lb. rated ballhead, the other has a "full size" J-type, bottom-mount gimbal head). The leveling platform goes between the head and the legs and gives means of quickly setting the head to perfect level on uneven ground, without having to fiddle with leg length. Evey time you move the rig, the level is likely to need to be reset. With a leveling platform that can be done in a few seconds... much faster than trying to do it by adjusting the legs. The leveling platform adds about 1 lb. to the weight of the tripod, but I feel it's worth it.

I'd encourage you to spend more than you might have planned on a tripod because a good, sturdy one may last a lifetime (one of my tripods is 40 years old, another around 20 years). Plus, a tripod that you really enjoy using is far more likely to actually be used, is less likely to be left at home in a closet gathering dust!

Hope this helps!

P.S. I agree with the suggestion to shop used... I bought two of my tripods that way and ended up spending about 1/3 what it would cost to buy something comparable new. HOWEVER, you have to really know what you're looking for, to shop used.

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

I am assuming you are using the Gimbal to support a larger zoom/telephoto lens set up. Things will depend on your budget. To support a Wimberely Wh200, Nikon D4 and Nikon 400mm 2.8 VR lens, my decision process led me to TWO choices.

1. Really Right Stuff: The best, outstanding quality, have it forever. BUT pricey at $1000 +/-.
OR
2. Benro/Induro. Both well made, good value. $350-$600.

The final choice was an Induro Stealth CLT 303 (Carbon) for $389 on sale at B&H. Works great.

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Vietnam Vet

Call BnH, they know this stuff.

MDI Mainer

I too can recommend the Nest gimbal head, sold as mentioned above by MT Shooter (a/k/a Carter or Camera Cottage) (also sells tripods). I use mine on a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber tripod I've had for a number of years.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

If you have a solid tripod and a ballhead that will hold the arca-swiss plates I strongly suggest you get the Wimberly Sidekick. It is cheaper than the full gimbal head, takes less space and works well. I have mounted my Nikon D810 camera with my 200-400mm f4 lens and even used it with a rented Nikon 600mm lens and had no problems. You get what you pay for and this rig just works great. I've used it for 8 years with no problems and ithas yielded great results.

Bri Loc: NZ

Very happy with my nest. One leg converts to monopod which is very handy.

awesome14 Loc: UK

Sirui is probably the best deal in carbon fiber tripods right now. You get about double what you pay for. But only purchase from an authorized Sirui dealer.