Gimbal Head Recommendations
Oct 29, 2019 09:36:52 #
I do a lot of wildlife photography with my Nikkor 200-500 and am thinking of investing in a gimbal for my Gitzo carbon fiber tripod (my Kirk ball head is great for stationary subjects but not so much for moving creatures). I've looked at RRS, Wimberley, and Benro heads. Both RRS and Wimberley are fairly expensive whereas the Benro GH2 retails for about $250-$325 - a much more affordable option. The Benro seems to get pretty good reviews but I'd like to get some opinions from folks who use gimbals before buying anything.
Oct 29, 2019 09:55:00 #
This one for you to consider.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
Oct 29, 2019 09:55:27 #
Abinoone wrote:
I do a lot of wildlife photography with my Nikkor ... (show quote)
Do yourself a BIG favor and try a fluid head. You won't buy a gimbal.
Oct 29, 2019 09:56:24 #
Suggest you contact UHH member “MT Shooter” regarding Nest Gimbals and Tripods. MT Shooter is the U.S. representative for Nest. They make reasonably-priced, high quality gear! Highly recommended.
Oct 29, 2019 10:00:56 #
joer wrote:
Do yourself a BIG favor and try a fluid head. You won't buy a gimbal.
Out of curiosity, why would suggest a fluid head which is used mostly for videos? I have not seen one person use one that was shooting birds in flight or wildlife.
Oct 29, 2019 10:14:12 #
rjaywallace wrote:
Suggest you contact UHH member “MT Shooter” regarding Nest Gimbals and Tripods. MT Shooter is the U.S. representative for Nest. They make reasonably-priced, high quality gear! Highly recommended.
I second that comment ... I recently bought a Nest Gimbal (as did a fellow I often shoot with) based on the recommendations of fellow Hogs. I have to tell you, the price was right ... & that head is awesome & my friend agrees. They are very smooth, well built & priced right in my opinion. I'm hugely grateful for the advice here on UHH. With shipping, it was slightly over $300. You can contact MT Shooter at the store Store Website: https://www.cameracottage.com/
If you want to look at the Gimbal itself, go to this link: https://www.cameracottage.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6026071
PS: I use my Gimbal with Canon 100-400mm & an 800mm lenses ... my friend uses his with a Canon 100-400mm & a 500mm lens. So they handle large lenses very well.
Oct 29, 2019 10:15:13 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
I have a Nest 530H carbon gimbal and am happy with it. I routinely use it with an 11.15lb 600mm f/4 on a D500 with power grip for another 2.66lbs for a total of just under 14lbs with no issues.
https://www.cameracottage.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6026071
https://www.cameracottage.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6026071
Oct 29, 2019 10:41:03 #
Feiertag wrote:
Out of curiosity, why would suggest a fluid head which is used mostly for videos? I have not seen one person use one that was shooting birds in flight or wildlife.
I have a ton of images on UHH shot with one...never looked. Some sample shots with a fluid head.
No need for the handle. My preferred head for big lenses although any lens and camera will work just fine. Sold my Wimberley last year.
Oct 29, 2019 11:04:48 #
Oct 29, 2019 13:19:21 #
spaceylb
Loc: Long Beach, N.Y.
Feiertag wrote:
This one for you to consider.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
Excellent gimbal head. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jobu-Design-Jobu-Jr-3-Gimbal/333377347389?hash=item4d9ed69f3d:g:OYkAAOSwfcNdtjN2
Oct 29, 2019 13:54:11 #
I'm on the Nest band wagon. I have used one, with a nest tripod for years now. Works great.
MT's version is a special US product, not the same as the ones sold direct from China. Plus he has two versions, one for extremely cold conditions.
I wonder why someone in Montana would think of cold weather versions of gear??? Let's see - weather channel - Oh, Yeah! now I get it.
MT's version is a special US product, not the same as the ones sold direct from China. Plus he has two versions, one for extremely cold conditions.
I wonder why someone in Montana would think of cold weather versions of gear??? Let's see - weather channel - Oh, Yeah! now I get it.
Oct 29, 2019 16:54:38 #
joer wrote:
I have a ton of images on UHH shot with one...never looked. Some sample shots with a fluid head.
No need for the handle. My preferred head for big lenses although any lens and camera will work just fine. Sold my Wimberley last year.
No need for the handle. My preferred head for big lenses although any lens and camera will work just fine. Sold my Wimberley last year.
Very nice shots. Do you have a make and model of your fluid head?
Oct 30, 2019 05:50:15 #
Oct 30, 2019 05:59:22 #
mrtaxi
Loc: Old Westbury NY, Fort Lauderdale, FL
I really like my Jobu design jr3 that I use on a Gitzu series 3 systematic tripod with lenses up to Sigma 150-600
Oct 30, 2019 06:04:37 #
Feiertag wrote:
This one for you to consider.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
I have this same head. It weighs only 1.5 lbs. but can support up to 12 lbs. It has finely adjustable dampening on the tilt axis and they designed a bushing for the pan axis that gives just the right amount of dampening. There's also the Jobu Jr. 3 deluxe which is the same but the clamp is machined into the swing arm instead of being bolted on. Jobu makes a large gimbal head also with a 25 lbs. capacity.
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