rwoodvira

I've looked through the various posts on getting a gimbal. It looks like the place that sold the NEST Gimbal is out of business; and I wasn't sure I wanted to go that high anyway as I will only be infrequently using this. I saw on an earlier post that the Benro GH2 can be had on ebay for around $240 from China. I also saw positive reviews on the MOVO GH700 and Movo GH800.

Right now the lens I will be using on it would be the Sigma 100-400 with the Canon to Sony adapter on my Sony a body. If I moved up any the biggest lens I would get is either the Tamron 150-500 or the new Sigma 150-600 (the latter if it tests well). I'd trade in the 100-400. Primarily use would be wildlife - birds, etc. If manna fell from heaven (retired) the Sony 200-600.

A lot of the gimbal comments are from 5-6 years ago. What's the current thoughts on these gimbals now.

Many thanks for your help.

Ollieboy

I have a Movo for $99 from BH. Since I don't use it in extreme weather, it suits my needs. I cannot justify $500 for the occasional use.

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

The Movo GH700 is quite capable. I have seen some negative reviews about it, but mine is perfectly fine. I found mine on Ebay "open box" for half the going price. They are good for 30 lbs. of load.

KR Pletzer

I recently purchased a Magnus GH-M1 gimbal head from B&H for $49 (Deal Zone price-normally $70). Works really well for my infrequent use and will handle weights up to 30 lb. I also have a Manfrotto MA393 head which has a 44 lb. capacity. Both handle my D500 or D850 with my Nikkor 200-500 easily.

willy6419

Check Fotopro

JFleming Loc: Belchertown, Ma

Amazon has the MOVO GH700 for $99 plus several others to choose from that are inexpensive!

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

I've been using this for 15 years. A Manfrotto 393 with an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp from Hejnar Photo. the QR plate that comes with the gimbal is garbage, but it did accept Arca-Swiss clamp with two screws so it is very secure. the It cost me about $225, and has been in -5°, 100°, at the beach, got dunked in a waterfall, and used in a freezing rain/snowstorm. I used it with a 600mmF4+1.4 TC and various Nikons, the heaviest being a D3S (about 14 lbs). It doesn't lock, but I never had any expectations that I would need/miss that feature.

I wouldn't trust a cheaper head, especially one that is a cheap Wimberley knock off. Even if you use it just once a year, that one time you use it you should be able to do so without the worry about it failing. I've seen and read about horror stories with the cheap stuff, including the Nest. If you are going to put several thousand dollars worth of camera gear, you should not hesitate to spend a few dollars and get something tried and proven. This Manfrotto head has been around a while, and very solid, using a double "U" design for maximum strength and stability.

(Download)

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Why not consider a Long Lens Head instead. Similar function and much smaller and lighter.

Acrotech and Leophoto supply them. They are also known as two way heads.

I have been using one with the 100-400 GM lens on my Sony cameras and it works great. I was using a Wimberly in the past and prefer the two way head.

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

There is no such thing as a GOOD inexpensive Gimbal Head. The Sony 200-600 cost you $2000.00. Why trust it to a cheap Gimbal Head.
I use the 200-600 Sony for my current wildlife work in Florida Wetlands, hand holding is the only way to go with this lens. Putting any lens on a Gimbal Head will only slow you down.
If you plan to stay in one place and shoot sitting birds, you don't need a Gimbal Head, you only need a tripod.
If your planning on taking images of birds in flight a Gimbal Head will limit you to about 75% of the images available to you. A Gimbal cannot compete with hand holding for Birds in Flight.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Sigma 100-400 does not have a tripod collar - something you will NEED with any gimbal ! !

I have seen good words for the Newwer ........

The immobility of using a tripod/gimbal is a serious compromise for most wildlife work ! .....

For extended use situations I use a video fluid head on a monopod and move quickly where needed.
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Peter Boyd Loc: Blyth nr. Newcastle U.K.

No such thing as a GOOD, CHEAP gimbal.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Third party tripod collars are available for the Sigma. I bought one from Amazon…. $50-$60. Works fine.

As for a gimbal head… I don’t use one very often, so I bought a Movo GV800 carbon fiber, ~$200. So far, it’s served me well.

rwoodvira

Thanks to everyone for their replies - still undecided. My Sigma does have a tripod collar that I bought from a guy in Germany whose names escapes me. I prefer hand holding, but unfortunately due to chemo/radiation still quite a bit weak. I can finally walk around a lake nearby this is more of a temporary or occasional fix.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Does the third party collar allow the camera to be turned/rotated 90 degrees within the collar ??
.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I bought this one and it does not allow for rotation within in the collar. My only complaint. And I think it's because the contact area of the lens ring would be too narrow. It seems to be the case for the Canon and Nikon variants.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DTJV1B9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For E/L mounts, because the lens barrel design is different, this collar does allow for rotation.

https://www.amazon.com/iShoot-Compatible-100-400mm-Support-Arca-Swiss/dp/B08JCFM4TV/ref=psdc_3190374011_t3_B07KXWBCFN