kcooke Loc: Alabama

Im wondering if anyone knows if the WH-101 is any good. I know it’s the predecessor to the WH-200. I have found a good deal on one that has been rebuilt on the wear parts. It’s $50. Thanks

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I have no experience with the 101 head, but did find something on google by KEH camera
Make sure it uses the Swiss Acra plates otherwise you may have trouble getting plates for your camera and lens.
Just google Wimberly WH-101 heads.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Thanks. I’ve already googled it. It does have an arca Swiss plate fir mounting. I’m just wanting to see if anyone here has experience with it to see if they are generally ok or should I steer clear

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Here is what it looks like

(Download)


(Download)

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

A Gimble that is in good working order for $50 is a good deal, the fact that it is a Wimberley, well, I have never owned any of their stuff but that is because I didn't want to fork over a child for a tripod or a tripod head, suggests that you should probably just buy it. $50 for a Gimbal is pretty cheap, if you try to purchase something new for under $200 it probably will not survive for the long haul.

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Yes I figured how can I go wrong. He rebuilt it with the factory rebuild kit 3 years ago. I found that This model was made from 1991 to 2006. I was hoping someone here has owned or used one so I could get an idea if they liked the unit. Nonetheless I will buy it next week as he is holding it for me.

McQ6 Loc: Florida

I have had the WH-200 for years and can attest that Whimberly makes a superior product.

photoman43

I used to own the Wimberley 101 model. It is heavier than the current model. Both work about the same. You cannot go wrong for $50.

If you can see it before you buy it, make sure that the Clamp that holds the lens'tripod collar foot is long enough for your longest lens. If it is too short, you may need to buy another clamp from someone like Really Right Stuff or Kirk Enterprises or Wimberley. On my 101 (I bought it used) I had to buy a longer QR clamp for my 500mm f4.

A clamp about 2 to 3 inch might be too small. One closer to four inches is better for 500mm f4 and 600mm f4 lenses.

https://www.tripodhead.com/products/c30-features.cfm

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

$50?

Seriously, you've got nothing to lose! BUY IT!

If it's actually a Wimberley (there have been many Chinese clones), it sold for more than 10X that new. And the Wimberley stuff is very well made. I've been using their SK-100 Sidekick for 20 years. It's seen A LOT of use and is still working fine.

Even the Chinese clones sell for more than $50.

Things you need to know....

Once it's installed on your tripod, replacing whatever head is on there now, for all practical purposes the tripod will ONLY be usable with big, long telephoto lenses that have a tripod mounting collar. You will need a Arca-compatible lens plate (unless you have a recent Tamron or Sigma lens, many of which now have an Arca-compatible dovetail built in). You say the head under consideration includes a lens plate... it needs to have some sort of "anti-twist" design, to prevent accidental loosening. Wimberley, Kirk Photo, Hejnar Photo, Really Right Stuff and others list specific lenses and the plates they recommend for use with them. Just be sure any plate you use is correct for the lens.

While the WH-101 is installed on the tripod, you won't be able to mount a camera with a short lens using the tripod mounting socket on the bottom of the camera... Unless you buy additional products such as Wimberley's M8 (Module 8, $85) "Perpendicular plate" AND have an Arca-compatible plate or L-bracket on the camera as well. If you put a plate or L-bracket on your camera, I recommend avoiding the "generic" ones and getting the camera-specific ones that have an anti-twist design to prevent accidental loosening (those typically cost roughly $50 to $150).

Alternatively, carry another head (whatever you have now) and any tools that are needed to swap with the gimbal head, when needed.

The reason I use the Sidekick is because it cost less and it works in conjunction with my tripod's ballhead, so the tripod can quickly be converted back and forth from use with a big telephoto lens to use with a camera and short lens.

By the way, on another tripod I have one of the Chinese clones of the Wimberley WH-100/101/200... it works fine and only cost around $100. It probably won't hold up as well as a Wimberley and I'm sure won't be possible to repair if it's ever needed. But, what the heck... 1/5 the price of the "real thing". I'm not knocking Chinese stuff. Some of it is pretty good and works well. Many years ago, just for fun I bought my Dad a "Fake-o"... a fake Seiko wristwatch... a $15 Chinese knock-off. He laughed about it, loved it and wore it daily for 15 or 20 years!

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Thanks. I know they do make good equipment

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Thanks for the info all these are good points for me to consider. At this price I can afford to buy new clamps and plates if needed. The guy that has it uses it for a 600 f4 L Canon so I think the clamp part that mounts to the gimbal will be ok. I am using a 100-400L canon

kcooke Loc: Alabama

Alan thanks for all the tips on mounting and other things to consider. I will probably take the gimbal and ball head and change out as needed. Even though it’s a hassle. At least for right now. I’m definitely going to get it.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

If I were you I wouldn’t buy it! But send all his contact info to me so I can berate him for trying to cheat you! 😜🤪

kcooke Loc: Alabama

😎👌