Ed D Loc: Virginia

I've never owned or used a gimble. Could use advise on what features to look for and any recommendations for a particular model.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Here is a start. Link https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/best-gimbal-heads-for-tripods
I have a Manfrotto 3421 which is quite good when I use it, but I rarely do. Best of luck with your purchase.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

The best gimbal heads are practically essential tools if you're working with heavy cameras and lenses. Much more effective than a standard ball head, a gimbal head gives a camera a lower centre of gravity; it effectively hangs alongside the head, rather than balancing on top.

check on a Wimberley WH-200 Version II

Technically the best, but you’ll need to justify the outlay of $600
I love my gimbal for long range telephotos

Ed D Loc: Virginia

Thanks! This is very helpful.

Ed D Loc: Virginia

Thanks!

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

The Bogen 3421/Mafrotto 393 was my choice 15 yrs ago. I no longer have a 12 lb lens, so it rarely gets used, but for my $$$ it was the simplest and strongest device with the least number of issues. I modified mine with an Arca-Swiss clamp - I like the A-S plates much better, and my current lens has a tripod collar with an integrated A-S dovetail. At the time $180 was really easy to justify, as is the current price of $200.

MDI Mainer

Frankly, unless you need a gimbal to make your living, it's hard to justify the cost of a Wimberly. The incremental difference is just not that great over something like the Nest. Bought mine from UHH member MT Shooter back when he ran Camera Cottage in Montana. No longer available in the US (at least that I can find), but still a good deal for a pro-grade carbon fiber gimbal.

https://www.protog.com.au/nest-carbon-fibre-gimbal-mk-ii-head-25kg-capacity/NT530H

$200 less than a Wimberly, even with shipping to Virginia.

The Nest has gotten good reviews from many UHH members. Here's one thread, you can search for others if you want. My experience --- smooth and very sturdy, just what you want in a gimbal.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-374249-1.html

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Gimbals work well but they are heavy, bulky and expensive. I gave up my Wimberley for a pivoting tilt head in order to reduce size and weight. One manufacturer calls their version "Long Lens Head."

An other alternative is a fluid head. Manfrotto has a line up that works well and is comparatively inexpensive.

Canisdirus

Just buy a fluid head...it will perform just as well as a gimbal, and can be used for every other kind of photography.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

Gitzo makes a fluid head gimble that might work for you.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...what features to look for and any recommendations for a particular model..." Ed it really depends on your needs, your kit and your client's expectations. Also your physical strength plays into the mix here.

However first and foremost... Gimbals only work exceptionally well on large, heavy Internal Focusing optics.
The takeaway here is Internally Focusing... Meaning the lens does not change length in use... i.e. it's length remain constant with either focusing or zooming. These are "high end" lenses... Here on UHH more cost effective (Pumper) lens are extremely popular... They typically can (and do) experience major changes in length while in use. Especially lens with a wide zoom range... a.k.a. more than 3x.

Pumpers are not a wise choice for a gimbal in as their CG (Center of Gravity) constantly changes. What this translates to is you'll be fighting your "rig" constantly as you zoom since it becomes "unbalanced" and will either pull the lens down (likely) or up at shorter focal lengths. While this may not initially cause major concern however if you are shooting for an extended period of time your arm and back muscles may start to complain. And you many feel muscle soreness the next several days. However even worse if you forget and let go of the rig the lens may come crashing down... Not good!

Ok so you've got a IF lens and are interested in what other folks have found that works best.
I have and shoot an AF-S 200-400 f/4G IF ED VR with a Kirk Tripod Collar Swiss Arca foot which weighs over 7.5 lbs. While I can hand hold this for maybe 2 or 3 minutes it lives on either my Sirui P424 Monopod with a Sirui L-10 head or my Wimberley WH-200 Version II Gimbal on Manfrotto 55-ProB sticks.


While there are more cost effective gimbals out there none even come close to the Wimberley WH-200... my nearly 10lb rig floats effortlessly in perfect balance only requiring the light touch of a single finger to preposition.
btw, if you are buying used, the Version II of the Wimberly WH-200 is like 1.5 lbs lighter and actually better designed.

That said, again much depends on your needs and expectations... I shoot commercially and my AF-S 200-400 f/4G IF ED VR pays the bills both on the soccer pitch and in my studio. Please keep in mind a heavy lens on a Gimbal is NOT easy to carry... And is best deployed in a static location.

I do however have an Induro GHB-1 Gimbal that I use in my studio as an elegant "L -Bracket" solution for my Nikon D3x and D810... allows me to use superb AI-S Nikkors in portrait orientation... Love it! It's more than paid for itself in time savings alone... While not a perfect Gimbal "Solution" it does what I need and has likely the most robust build quality of any side mount gimbals on the market.

Also I concur completely with other inferences that fluid heads can be an elegant alternative to a Gimbal.
I have a Magnus VT-4000 Fluid Head that I use frequently in my studio... Love it!
However it would not be a viable replacement for my Wimberly WH-200 on a soccer pitch and likely virtually useless for BIF where instantaneous positioning is the rule not the exception. Besides most BIF shooters I know hand hold.

Hope this helps Ed.
Wishing you all the best on your photographic journey...

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Steve Perry has a good video on YouTube on using a gimble head.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I've been using a Benro GH2 for 10 years now with no complaints.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Two designs on gimbals. Side mount and bottom mount. I find side mounts easier but I haven’t practiced with a bottom mount much. I have two, Joni is and mongoose 4th generation. Had success with both.

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

Wimberley.