Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I was looking to buy a gimbal head for my new Tamron 150-600 lens on my Canon 77d camera. I realize this should be one time purchase. I did a search and found reviews on here but would like new up to date information.
Looking at Wimberley WH-200 or less expensive by $200.00 the Sirui PH-20.
Srpome negative reviews about the stiffness of the sirui. I read reviews but only somewhat trust them
I would like some Uhh's for new opinions and thoughts. Use would be birds, wildlife. and some astronomy. Currently using a ball head but fine movement tough. Weight of cameta and lens 7 #. I have telescopes and mounts for them so adyronomy not a big issue.
Thanks for any advice

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would go with the Wimberley WH-200 for quality.

Hereford Loc: Palm Coast, FL

I, like you have moved into bird and wildlife photography. I first tried to use a ballhead for my Canon 6D Mk II and Sigma 150-600 zoom. This lens is a brute when jacked out to 600mm. I knew I needed to get a gimbal to do birds successfully. I did a fairly exhaustive search of gimbals and test reports. Money no object everyone would likely buy a Wimberley. I did not want to pay $1000.00 for a gimbal.

When the dust settled from my research I purchased a Benro gimbal MSRP $325.00 that I found on Amazon sale price of $276.00. This gimbal is not fitted with ball bearings, but it moves in all directions easily and smoothly on its sleeve bearings. It can be adjusted and balanced out just like a Wimberley. I am very happy with the purchase and want for nothing more in my wildlife photography. I have no experience with other brands so can't help you there.

pquiggle Loc: Monterey Bay California

What about the Gitzo fluid gimbal. I have not tried it and have not read many reviews but it sounds interesting.

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

Many reviews of gimbals and related gear at TheDigiralPicture.com. I had a WH200 but switched to Really Right Stuff which I consider more of a system.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I've been using a Manfrotto 393 since 2006. It's a very simple double "U" design that is not only extremely stable, but it moves very smoothly in all kinds of weather, is maintenance free and indestructible. The best $180 you'll spend. I made one modification to it. I purchased an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp so I could use it with all of my lenses that have feet or plates with Arca dovetails.

The "cool" photographers use Wimberley - and they aren't wrong. It is a very good piece of equipment with an excellent reputation that is well-earned. However, those who are looking to save some $$$ and don't want to compromise performance get the 393.

But these days 99% of the time I use my Sigma 150-600 Sport with a D810 hand held. Fewer missed shots, greater flexibility, no tripping over tripod legs while panning, and my gear when shooting birds and wildlife is now only 8.4 lbs vs the 28 lbs I use to carry around - 14 lbs for a 600mm F4+D810, 6 lb for a sturdy tripod (Feisol CT3472+Manfrotto 393), and about 8 lbs for a camera bag to carry it all - A LowePro lens Trekker 600 AW III.

I also have an excellent Arca Swiss ball head that I use, on occasion, when I am shooting landscapes/closeup/macro and I bring my long lens "just in case" - A lot of photographers don't like using a long lens on a ball head, but I have gotten some great shots using one with my 11.5 lb 600mmF4. There is just a little learning curve to learn how to set up the drag on the ball correctly. I also have a lighter duty ball head, a Sirui K30X - and though it is a "good enough" ball head for many types of shooting, it is pretty much useless with a heavy lens and camera.

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

Look into the Wimberley Sidekick.

KR Pletzer

I second Gene51’s recommendation for the Manfrotto 393. I’ve been using it for about 3 years and have been very pleased with it. Very simple to set up and use and as Gene51 said, no maintenance needed.

I also find that the vast majority of my shooting with my Nikkor 200-500 on either my D500 or D850 is done hand-held. I find it to be more flexible with better freedom of movement/tracking.

Good luck with your search!

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Thanks to everyone for great advice. Its hard decision and appreciate the help.

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

Since you have a Tamron any gimbal head should do. Personally, I use the Wimberley, they were the first and still the best.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I have the Manfrotto 393 and the WH-200 and while the 393 is generally adequate, I use the Wimberley exclusively. I jumped to the WH-200 mainly due to the goofy plates I wasn't clever enough to change. I even have an extra clamp for use on my mono as well as a couple extra plates. I converted over exclusively to arca-swiss and never looked back. Makes for using l-brackets as well. (Not on the gimbals.)

RonM12 Loc: Washington State

I have the Sirui PH 20 and have been very pleased with it. In all fairness, I haven’t used another move expensive gimbal, so I don’t have a basis of comparison. That being said, the Sirui works for me.

jtang2

Have the Wimberley, which has served very well. Also, the service from them is excellent!

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

I use a Benro tripod $185 and a MOVO gimbal...$100....35 ld approx. rated. Haven't had an issue yet with either device. Good Luck sir.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I have this one and it has served me well for 10 years.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1157906-REG/benro_gh2_gimbal_head_with.html