Quick change for gimbal head: I would like to be able to quickly change my gimbal head (for DSLR with long lens) from my tripod, to a window mount, to a monopod. What do I need to do...

rngdmn

I would like to be able to quickly change my gimbal head (for DSLR with long lens) from my tripod, to a window mount, to a monopod. What do I need to do that quickly, yet securely?

TBPJr Loc: South Carolina

rngdmn wrote:

I would like to be able to quickly change my gimbal head (for DSLR with long lens) from my tripod, to a window mount, to a monopod. What do I need to do that quickly, yet securely?

ProMediaGear makes a GT1 Tomahawk--it is a gimbal arm with an ARCA-compatible base. You would have to have an ARCA-type clamp on each of your tripod, monopod, and window mount, but it should do the trick. I think there are a couple of others that make something similar, but I remembered this one from my search for a gimbal.

https://www.promediagear.com/GT1-Tomahawk--Add-on-Gimbal-attachment-for-Ball-Heads_p_42.html

rngdmn

Thanks for the reply. I already have my gimbal head, but as is I need to unscrew it from my tripod and screw it back into the window mount (for example) which is kind of slow and awkward. My DSLR attaches to the gimbal with an ARCA Mount. I guess I need an ARCA Mount on each support device and a plate on the bottom of the gimbal?

TBPJr Loc: South Carolina

rngdmn wrote:

Thanks for the reply. I already have my gimbal head, but as is I need to unscrew it from my tripod and screw it back into the window mount (for example) which is kind of slow and awkward. My DSLR attaches to the gimbal with an ARCA Mount. I guess I need an ARCA Mount on each support device and a plate on the bottom of the gimbal?

I apologize--I thought of the ProMediaGear item and similar ones because I couldn't really picture moving an entire gimbal. Most gimbals are meant to fasten directly to a tripod, so installing it with an ARCA-plate and clamp would add two pieces between them, and with much less sturdy connections. I don't know whether that would be a good solution or not. Good luck.

rngdmn

Thanks again. Yep, more connections to keep track of. There are times when each support device is the best, but I still need the maneuverability of the gimbal. I’m shooting birds with a 200-500 mm. f5.6 lens.

Bill_de Loc: US

I shot with a guy who used his Gimbal on a tripod and on a ground pod. He simply switched the gimbal by spinning it off one item and on to the other. Turns out it's very convenient.

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fchretdet

Steve Perry has a YouTube video: Swapping Heads the Fast Way. It shows a clamp and plate from Really Right Stuff. Clamp: RRS B-2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm)
Plate: RRS TH-DVTL-40 Round Dovetail Plate
He suggests possibly using blue Lok-Tite on the screws for security. The video is about 5 minutes.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

fchretdet wrote:

Steve Perry has a YouTube video: Swapping Heads the Fast Way. It shows a clamp and plate from Really Right Stuff. Clamp: RRS B-2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm)
Plate: RRS TH-DVTL-40 Round Dovetail Plate
He suggests possibly using blue Lok-Tite on the screws for security. The video is about 5 minutes.

I was gonna suggest the Same video.

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

Same as I do. Fit an arca swiss plate to the bottom of the gimbal and arca swiss clamps to the monopod and tripod and one to whatever you use for the window mount. Probably cost you about $50-60. Try and use 60mm fittings as it makes the mount just a little more solid but 50mm is okay. You will find the arca swiss fittings will make a very solid support.
To complete this also mount a plate to the bottom of the camera and you can then fit this to the top of the anything you have already fitted the clamps on. Believe me you won't regret doing this for the convenience it gives you.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I use basically this RRS setup with plate and can swap in 10 seconds or less... I think the dovetail plate is about $50 from RRS. Give them a call and they can help you understand fully.

fchretdet wrote:

Steve Perry has a YouTube video: Swapping Heads the Fast Way. It shows a clamp and plate from Really Right Stuff. Clamp: RRS B-2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm)
Plate: RRS TH-DVTL-40 Round Dovetail Plate
He suggests possibly using blue Lok-Tite on the screws for security. The video is about 5 minutes.

Howard5252 Loc: New York / Florida (now)

fchretdet wrote:

Steve Perry has a YouTube video: Swapping Heads the Fast Way. It shows a clamp and plate from Really Right Stuff. Clamp: RRS B-2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp (60mm)
Plate: RRS TH-DVTL-40 Round Dovetail Plate
He suggests possibly using blue Lok-Tite on the screws for security. The video is about 5 minutes.

Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocL4jO346_w
I bought the parts; it's a little expensive but is the perfect solution for the problem of swapping heads on a tripod and I'm glad I spent the money.

dugeeeeeee

Howard5252 wrote:

Here's the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocL4jO346_w
I bought the parts; it's a little expensive but is the perfect solution for the problem of swapping heads on a tripod and I'm glad I spent the money.

👍👍👍😁

Canisdirus

https://www.amazon.com/iFootage-Cobra-C180-Monopod-Profile/dp/B071P2W6SN/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1Y5MDDO6K6LED&dchild=1&keywords=ifootage+tripod&qid=1592830086&sprefix=IFootage%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-7

I have this monopod...and it has a quick release (very quick) pull down clamp. I can go from the top of the monopod...to the bottom feet (mini tripod for macro) in a few seconds.
If you need a monopod...this one is very hard to beat.
But if not...there must be something like this around.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

rngdmn wrote:

I would like to be able to quickly change my gimbal head (for DSLR with long lens) from my tripod, to a window mount, to a monopod. What do I need to do that quickly, yet securely?

I use the Manfrotto hexagonal plate system for head interchange - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manfrotto-625-RC0-Rapid-Connect-Adapter-with-030-14-Plate/332575935817?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

It works very GOOD - and, IMO better than a straight A/S connection .....
.

rngdmn

Hey, many thanks to all who replied. You've given me a lot of ideas and resources to explore.
Wildlife don't always wait for me to fumble with my gear!