Randy Smith

Save up and go for a Wimberley and you won't be disappointed.I purchased a nest three years ago and had a great deal of trouble with it.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

You can also look at 4th Generation Mongoose 3.6. Like mine a lot but not in the same price range as NEST.

ggttc Loc: TN

Yeah...count me in on this . Nice gimbal at a good price. MT shooter. Camera cottage...Billings MT.

RRS Loc: Not sure

I use the Jobu, can be ordered from B&H and it's made in Canada. They are primarily used for long lenses and when set up right, balanced, even an 800mm f/5.6 lens works as if it is weightless. They do need to be used in conjunction with a very good tripod and most likely you will be spending more on the tripod then a gimbal. Imagemeister is correct, not much mobility but if you go to Yellowstone and look at most of the people lined up shooting wolves or bears with long lenses the majority are using tripods with a gimbal, unless you are 22 and a weight lifter!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

See http://www.carolinawildphoto.com/gimbal_list.htm for more info about the different types of gimbal heads.

I use a "full size" gimbal on one tripod (called a "J-post, horizontal clamp" at the above site). This type completely replaces any other head on your tripod. It works with lenses that have a tripod mounting ring and can handle really big, heavy lenses very well. But, without additional accessories you can no longer use the tripod with shorter lenses. So it basically makes tripod "long lens only", unless you also carry around another type of head as well as any tools that might be needed to swap heads.

Another tripod I use with a heavy duty ballhead and a gimbal adapter. This allows quicker switches back and forth for use with both big telephotos and other lenses. But adapter weight capacity is a bit limited. Depending upon model. The one I use is not recommended for the heaviest 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses, but has no problem dealing with 500mm f/4 that I use upon it (and I've seen people use it with those 400mm and 600mm lenses!) Some other gimbal adapters have lower capacity. To use this type requires the ballhead have an Arca-compatible quick release platform.

Almost all gimbal use Arca-type quick release platforms, so you'll also need a compatible plate on your lens' tripod mounting ring (a "generic" plate might be included with the head). Usually a somewhat long lens plate is used, making it possible to adjust the balance of the lens and camera to near equilibrium by sliding slightly forward or backward in the mount, so that the whole rig be moved around with a very light touch.

Obviously, a pretty sturdy tripod is needed, too. (Both of mine are Gitzo Series-3 Systematics.)

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

I have had a Wimberly II Gimbal in the past and have a Really Right Stuff now. Both are very good but the RRS is much much more versatile. It is more of a System than the Wimberly. I even use it with lenses as small as a 24-70 in studio situations. Neither of these are inexpensive but if you get one you would not be disappointed. Good luck with your decision.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

The Nest is a great Gimbal, I would certainly recommend it. However, last year, I moved to a Fluid Head, yes even for stills. But it works fantastic for birds or other wildlife. Very fast setup, fantastic of pano's. Yes, by the time you mount it to the correct tripod, it is a bit heavier than most.

Catfish Media Loc: East Texas

Thumbs up on the nest gimbal fro MTShooter. I love mine.

Fat Gregory Loc: Southern New Jersey

I have both the RH-1 from Lensmaster and the warm weather Nest from MT Shooter... both are very good, no great, Gimbals. I guess I give the nod to Nest not based on any serious analysis, it seams to be the one I reach for more frequently...
Carter is a good man who shares his photographic information freely with UHH members at all skill levels. Plus he “puts his money where his mouth is” and started a Bricks and Mortar Store when many are closing, so I suggest Nest.

Greg

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

I have one of those cheap Chinese gimbals imported directly from Hong Kong. From memory about USD80. So ideal for testing to see if you really did want a gimbal. Took years to convince my wife to try it and now she won't go anywhere without it. It is a little stiff but a couple of drops of oil and it is fine. I suspect that some would say it is still too stiff but we have found that the stiffness acts like some damping so we have no problems with it. To the bottom I fitted a Manfrotto quick release plate and instead of the Arca type fitting I changed it to a Manfrotto clamp. Now one tripod but the ability to swap cameras and heads quickly. The addition of the two sets of clamps doesn't appear to add any instability to the setup. I am buying a second one sometime and intend to add a couple of motors to it so that it can be altered from a distance.

Steve Mc

I highly recommend Camera Cottage in MT. Very satisfied with my Nest Tri Pod Service is the best! Top quality equipment.

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Robeng Loc: California

If money and convenience is a issue look at a Wimbledon Sidekick