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head for tripod
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Nov 12, 2012 13:20:09   #
fergal
 
Hi

Can anyone help please - i would like some advice on whether to get a gimbal head or a geared 3 way head to hold a sigma 150 - 500 on a tripod - this wont be used out in the field so weight is not an issue

Grateful for any advice

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Nov 12, 2012 13:24:01   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
Well that is the easiest question to answer.

http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/index.htm

I have BOTH versions and would not swap them for anything, I also have Giottos MH5001 and Manfrotto 496 ball heads.

If you get the 3 way head good luck to you, believe me, as I said I have two 3 way heads, and two ball heads.

My Giottos MTL9271B legs have the RH2 gimbal, and my Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and my Manfrotto Gruppo monopod swap between the Lensmaster RH1 and the ball heads, though when shooting video I do use the Giottos MH5001 head.

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/jser1/Image1-19.jpg



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Nov 12, 2012 18:42:59   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
fergal wrote:
Hi

Can anyone help please - i would like some advice on whether to get a gimbal head or a geared 3 way head to hold a sigma 150 - 500 on a tripod - this wont be used out in the field so weight is not an issue

Grateful for any advice


I use the Sigma 150-500mm lens interchangeably between a Bogen 3055 ball head and a Gimbal. I have a lightweight Desmond Gimbal head set up on a set of Bogen 3046 legs just for use with the Sigma in the field when I don't have to pack them a long ways. Take a look at the Desmond, for the price it is a very good combo. The downside to it is that it is not heavy enough for my long prime Nikons and I have to use a Wimberly Gimbal for them.

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Nov 13, 2012 10:50:40   #
Pony Loc: Findon Valley, UK
 
Fergal

Have a look at the jobu gimbal heads, they are made in Canada and are made well, there are three sizes, I have tested them all and I am so impressed with them, really worth a look

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Nov 13, 2012 10:55:23   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
They are steel though and the welding is not that good, would not use them near salt water. The lensmasters are top quality alloy.

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Nov 13, 2012 10:58:58   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
Put a Wimberly Gimbal next to a Lensmaster, and pay the extra for a name and design, as for use and savings I prefer Lnesmaster.

Als I bet you cant speak with the Proprietor of the Wimberley manufacturer direct do discuss your requirements and talk about what you as a photographer would like to see in a design in the future as you can with the gentleman at Lensmaster.

An no, to answer the up coming question I am NOT related nor do I benefit.

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Nov 13, 2012 11:14:08   #
Pony Loc: Findon Valley, UK
 
JR1

Sorry Jobu gimbal heads are ali castings for lightness, not steel and are lightweight, many pros in the UK have changed from Wimberly to Jobu from the Pro2 heads and the smaller models as well.
The BWG-HD used to be steel, has not been made for years, they now make the BWG-HD3, BWG-Pro2 & the BWG-J3K
Have a look - www.jobu-design.com or www.jobu-design.co.uk
some people like them others do not guess we are all different, what works for one does not for another.

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Nov 13, 2012 12:08:49   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
Pony wrote:
JR1

Sorry Jobu gimbal heads are ali castings for lightness, not steel and are lightweight, many pros in the UK have changed from Wimberly to Jobu from the Pro2 heads and the smaller models as well.
The BWG-HD used to be steel, has not been made for years, they now make the BWG-HD3, BWG-Pro2 & the BWG-J3K
Have a look - www.jobu-design.com or www.jobu-design.co.uk
some people like them others do not guess we are all different, what works for one does not for another.


I weas refering to the cheap indian ones

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Nov 13, 2012 20:46:24   #
ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA
 
fergal wrote:
Hi

Can anyone help please - i would like some advice on whether to get a gimbal head or a geared 3 way head to hold a sigma 150 - 500 on a tripod - this wont be used out in the field so weight is not an issue

Grateful for any advice


I have the Sigma 150-500 and a 3-way head that came with my tripod. It works fine but a Gimbal would be much better for wildlife. The Wimberly Gimbal is on my list of gear to get.

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Nov 17, 2012 05:28:20   #
fergal
 
thanks everyone for the advice - realy need both so will prioritise

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Nov 17, 2012 06:35:15   #
craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK
 
fergal wrote:
Hi

Can anyone help please - i would like some advice on whether to get a gimbal head or a geared 3 way head to hold a sigma 150 - 500 on a tripod - this wont be used out in the field so weight is not an issue

Grateful for any advice


Hi Fergal,

The longest lens I have is a 70-200mm with my Nikon DSLR. I wanted a stronger support to put on my tripod legs. Having been in touch with JR1, and living only 60 miles from "Lensmaster", I went to learn about the RH-2. Everything JR1 says is true. I was treated like royalty. Nothing was too much trouble for this guy. He gave me his undivided attention. Not once was there any "sales pressure". His gimbals "do what it says on the tin". It may be a little "overkill" for my camera and lens, but heck, I'm happy ! He did put a Canon 500mm lens on his gimbal on my tripod. Absolutely no problem. Please take the time to watch his video on his website. I cannot give him a better recommendation. Check out his site (it's in JR1's post) and compare his prices with the competition. There is no need to pay a higher price for this kit than Lensmaster's. And, if you contact Lensmaster, by all means use me as a reference. You can see that I'm in Nottingham, UK. If you live in the UK by all means get in touch for more info.

Just curious - but if you're not going to use your 150-500mm "in the field", just where are you going to use such a big lens?

Hope this helps and you find what you are looking for.

Lensmaster with 70-200mm lens
Lensmaster with 70-200mm lens...

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Nov 17, 2012 06:37:18   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
I am so pleased you are happy, I have no connection other than having bought three and re sold one, the chap has always come over as a genuine man, MAKING them in his own workshop.

You will find after use that the paint chips off, especiall if like me you just dump them in the boot, I use car touch up paint to get back to perfect condition.

If you take apart to clean remember the order of the washers.

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Nov 17, 2012 09:42:59   #
ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA
 
JR1 wrote:
Well that is the easiest question to answer.

http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/index.htm

I have BOTH versions and would not swap them for anything


JR1 - I hadn't heard of Lensmaster until the discussion here. I read several reviews, watched videos and am impressed. When comparing the RH1 & RH2 what do you consider the pros/cons of each and which would you recommend for birding and all around use and why. Thanks very much!

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Nov 17, 2012 09:59:07   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
You can't compare them as they are chalk and cheese.

As you can see from craggycrossers above this is the full gimbal and great, aircraft grade alloy, HAND NOT Machine made, and believe me when I say my 17 year old son has STOOD on it when I was doing the review.

The other model is this.

Shown on my Unilok simply because we needed a stand for my"shooting" shots in another post.

I stays on my Monopod and to me cant be beaten.

Se the difference, one has the moving swing arm, the other does not.

IF you don't have a LENS mounted bracket like the one on a telephoto you will be limited to PORTRAIT orientated shots

Go for the swing arm version for 100% versatility, if and when you need a stunning pod head get the other one.



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Nov 17, 2012 10:02:11   #
JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK
 
The man who makes them himself sells 100% on word of mouth making just 5 at a time or more if needed, you can call and talk to him, do that with Wimberley or any others, and he never ever TRIES to "sell" to you.

The one above has been over a cliff, in the sea and off a car roof, when it gets too tatty I will simply spray with black car paint.

Oh and I don't have a 500mm Canon lens as I have no need for one but I lent the other gimbal to a friend who used it with a 500mm and 1.5 canon converter, it was rock solid.

BUT remember no matter how good the head if the mount is CARP ...........

That is why I got my Giottos legs after speaking with Rob at Lensmaster, that is what he uses.

See his site

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