Gimbal advice

[Robert S]

This depends a lot on the specific type of bird and the location. For instance, I always use a tripod for shorebirds because they land, rest, and take off into the wind. It's a narrow cone of activity and works well with a tripod. Sandhill cranes can be similar - a long predictable path. One birding walks, I never use a tripod because the photos can be in any direction. For the same areas if I have time to work on my own, a tripod can be very useful because I spend long periods working a single subject in the top of a tree, feeding, or near a nest. On a boat or kayak, I usually don't want a tripod because it picks up the movement or gentle rocking of the boat, but a tripod set up low can be a good way to stay on a subject for long periods or for video with a long lens. It's important to understand what you need for the context and your photo objectives - sometimes with a tripod and gimbal and sometimes with a monopod or handheld if mobility or flexibility are needed.

I have been thinking about the points you raised. The doc that puts a needle in my eye suggested an answer to my photographing from a boat might be found in machine gun assasination of terrorists. In 1969 I started a BSc in Mech Engineering. Spent most of my time getting drunk. Long story. Anyway one of the lecturers had worked on the gun control of Chieftan tanks. He was still doing research on it. [ I'm guessing a lot here but he was working on control systems and played with gyros the size of a golf ball a lot. ] The tank had a stabilised gun. Once locked onto a target the tank could zoom along and the gun stayed on the target. I guess the target was stationary. When photographing birds in flight we try to follow the bird and the stabilization and auto focus eye recognition do their jobs. However it is still us that point the camera. In WW2 fighter pilots pointed their planes and shot at other planes. According to my in-depth research [ I watched both Top Gun movies ] Tom Cruise could 'lock onto' the target. It seems to me that a future photographer may well have a gymbal that connects to the camera and once we lock onto the bird the gear takes over. The photographer may need to 'say' when to click the shutter. If this were ever to be developed I might be tempted to buy a gymbal. Then again I'd probably be a dollar short and many days dead.

 

[bwest]

Once again, thank you all for advice and comments.

I have settled on Lensmaster RH-2 from Lensmaster after reading a review on https://photographylife.com/reviews/lensmaster-rh-2-gimbal-head

And absolute excellent service from Robert Hardy.

Within an hour or two after placing my order, the gimbal was shipped out.

Thanks again for all your advice.

 

[DurhamWolf]

I replaced my Nikon D500 with a Z6iii a few months ago.

To make my camera complete for wildlife, I added Nikkor 180-600mm last week.

Realizing it will be difficult to handhold the camera, I will be using my Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod.

However, that would require an investment in a gimbal as my Vanguard SBH-250 ball head would not work.

I would appreciate any advice for a reasonable priced gimbal for the above setup.

As always, any help is appreciated, thanks.

I bought a YLU A19 Carbon Fiber DSLR Camera Gimbal Tripod Head and am very happy, I replaced one that was not carbon fibre, incredible difference

 

[apanella]

+1 on BH-55 Head; Had buyers remorse for the first 3 months of the highly optioned ball-head.... but buyers content for the last... uhmm... not sure.. maybe 10+ years.

+1 on sturdy tripod : Gitzo is probably the better choice, but the Manfrotto 055 has been working for me for probably 20+ Years

For a gimbal.... Because of the stout BH-55, I took a chance on the Sidekick/Tomahawk as a "ballhead-to-gimbal adapter" for the last 9 or so years. I stuck with the ProMediaGear Tomahawk as it is physically located in the Chicago area and the ability to mount in two axis. The gimbal adapter has proven to be a great addition allowing me to "carry compactly" and change back/forth from ball-head to gimble operation in the field. Version1 shown in images, they now have a v2 which I think is lighter.

I use the head + tomahawk on both tripod and/or monopod.
Shown in the images: Aluminum 055 tripod + Z6iii + smallrig cage + BH-55 + Tomahawk Gimbal adapter + z400mmTC (heaviest lens I have)

Easy to balance; smooth operation; zero sagging/drift when hands are off.

Note: The panning clamps in the both axis are part of the secret sauce when it comes to easiest operation in the field and why I choose a gimbal attachment instead of a proper stand-alone gimbal.

 

[Raymo]

I replaced my Nikon D500 with a Z6iii a few months ago.

To make my camera complete for wildlife, I added Nikkor 180-600mm last week.

Realizing it will be difficult to handhold the camera, I will be using my Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod.

However, that would require an investment in a gimbal as my Vanguard SBH-250 ball head would not work.

I would appreciate any advice for a reasonable priced gimbal for the above setup.

As always, any help is appreciated, thanks.

I have the exact same camera and lens that you refer to, viper. I did some research and ended buying a Sirui PH-20, which looks exactly like the Jobu Jr.3 DLX, but is much less expensive. It is well built and works great. I took it to Costa Rica in February and used it for hours with my 180-600mm

 

[O]

I picked up a pre-owned in original box as new, totally mint, MH 200 I can’t remember the exact price now it was that long ago, I think it was around $200 AUD ( $130USD) there are some real bargains out there used, just a consideration.

For mono pod use , less is more, what is it you can’t do with this MH 100 , its small light strong versatile.

Really, the cheap Chinese knock offs work very much the same and are so inexpensive by comparison.

I have a lot of high end premium Gitzo gear i picked up from Gear attic's chasing the next model, i got them all in the used market over time at a real fraction of the cost new.

Only an opinion

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[Antonia]

Before I used a ball head, but now I am very happy with the Sirui Gimbal Head PH-10. Light weight and perfect for my 180-600. Game changer.

 

[soundwatts]

I picked up a pre-owned in original box as new, totally mint, MH 200 I can’t remember the exact price now it was that long ago, I think it was around $200 AUD ( $130USD) there are some real bargains out there used, just a consideration.

For mono pod use , less is more, what is it you can’t do with this MH 100 , its small light strong versatile.

Really, the cheap Chinese knock offs work very much the same and are so inexpensive by comparison.

I have a lot of high end premium Gitzo gear i picked up from Gear attic's chasing the next model, i got them all in the used market over time at a real fraction of the cost new.

Only an opinion




View attachment 113195


View attachment 113194

Same combo for me

 

[Jo Wuori]

Take a look at the Flex Shooter. All the advantages of a Wiberley but less weight. I use the Flex Shooter mini with OM 2 and 150-400 lens

 

[viper699]

I second this recommendation for the Jobu Jr. I used a Wimberly for 15 years and wanted a solid but lighter weight alternative. The Jobu Jr isn't as adjustable so you can't perfectly "tune" the balance of the camera/lens. I was a bit concerned this would be a problem but it hasn't been the case. It's been well worth the switch to reduce the size and weight.

What prevents one from tuning it? Just trying to avoid buying, trying, returning etc

 

[Box Brownie]

What prevents one from tuning it? Just trying to avoid buying, trying, returning etc

I would surmise that as the Jobo Jnr does not have the height adjustment on the likes of the Wimberley, it will not fully balance i.e. in full CoG balance when you let go of the camera it will remain, at whatever angle, still & stable !

As illustrated in this video, mainly from approx 2mins 55 secs about raising the combo to align the lens to the pivot point....

 

[viper699]

I would surmise that as the Jobo Jnr does not have the height adjustment on the likes of the Wimberley, it will not fully balance i.e. in full CoG balance when you let go of the camera it will remain, at whatever angle, still & stable !

As illustrated in this video

Thank you! I find looking at gimbals and fluid heads a bit daunting primarily because I have no way to try before I buy. My LCS has nothing.

I’m trying to figure out if I should go with a gimbal or the Manfrotto 502a that many people across the net like. I don’t want to drop 400-800$ on either as I’m saving that $ for more glass.

Seems its Wimberly vs Manfrotto for me

I certainly don’t want the camera to move when I let go, otherwise there’s no point in me owning it for my needs.

I own the Wimberly piece that is made for monopods, small portable, but would like to upgrade a bit now.

 

[Box Brownie]

Thank you! I find looking at gimbals and fluid heads a bit daunting primarily because I have no way to try before I buy. My LCS has nothing.

I’m trying to figure out if I should go with a gimbal or the Manfrotto 502a that many people across the net like. I don’t want to drop 400-800$ on either as I’m saving that $ for more glass.

Seems its Wimberly vs Manfrotto for me

I certainly don’t want the camera to move when I let go, otherwise there’s no point in me owning it for my needs.

I own the Wimberly piece that is made for monopods, small portable, but would like to upgrade a bit now.

FWIW

If this one was available at the time I bought my Wimberley, I would have given it serious consideration.

Carbon Fiber Gimbal Head (PH-10)

Buy the SIRUI BCH-20 Video Head. Get a sturdy and reliable support system for your camera with our professional range of tripods and heads.

store.sirui.com

Note ~ I have not looked at any user reviews but the few Sirui items I have bought show their quality. (their Tilt Head used on my monopod) and the couple of lens plates.

 

[viper699]

FWIW

If this one was available at the time I bought my Wimberley, I would have given it serious consideration.

Carbon Fiber Gimbal Head (PH-10)

Buy the SIRUI BCH-20 Video Head. Get a sturdy and reliable support system for your camera with our professional range of tripods and heads.

store.sirui.com

Note ~ I have not looked at any user reviews but the few Sirui items I have bought show their quality. (their Tilt Head used on my monopod) and the couple of lens plates.

Thanks! What do you like about this one over the Wimberly. The price is right for me.

 

[Box Brownie]

Thanks! What do you like about this one over the Wimberly. The price is right for me.

FWIW and without checking the specs .....

The visually smaller form factor
Lighter weight as Carbon Fibre
The lower price

 

[fcotterill]

What prevents one from tuning it? Just trying to avoid buying, trying, returning etc

With reference to shared links etc [ #39 previous page], a properly designed gimbal must allow vertical adjustment to align the centre of the lens barrel to the top spindle axis.

An adjustable vertical rail is one of several features distinguishing better quality gimbals. These cost more, as do longer lived, quality tripods

Appended Video link refers, and Scroll down to the diagram on this page:

PG-3L - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

leofoto.com

 

[viper699]

With reference to shared links etc [ #39 previous page], a properly designed gimbal must allow vertical adjustment to align the centre of the lens barrel to the top spindle axis.

An adjustable vertical rail is one of several features distinguishing better quality gimbals. These cost more, as do longer lived, quality tripods

Appended Video link refers, and Scroll down to the diagram on this page:

PG-3L - Leofoto

Leofoto was founded at the beginning of 2014. It is located in Zhongshan, beautiful Pearl River Delta area in China. Leofoto team has been designing and manufacturing series of camera support systems by comparing and studying the high-end photographic accessories made in China and abroad and...

leofoto.com

On the linked pg, the Point Focal Aligned Pan Axis on the right side is where you want me to observe correct?

 

[fcotterill]

Yes
And the Camera-Lens rig is positioned to balance on the lens clamp
Steve's video explains all this in detail

 

[viper699]

Yes
And the Camera-Lens rig is positioned to balance on the lens clamp
Steve's video explains all this in detail

Thanks the one you pointed me to seems like a good gimbal, but I’m no expert. It does have the vertical rail. I can’t figure out the difference between it and the Wimberly 200, which is significantly more- other than being made in different countries etc.

I know everyone swears by the W200. Other than its weight, size for trip packing, I haven’t come across any other common comments about it.

 

[NorthernFocus]

What prevents one from tuning it? Just trying to avoid buying, trying, returning etc

The Wimberley has a sliding plate which allows perfect alignment of lens axial centerline with the tilt/pivot point of the gimbal. The jobu has three discreet adjustment points.

 

[viper699]

The Wimberley has a sliding plate which allows perfect alignment of lens axial centerline with the tilt/pivot point of the gimbal. The jobu has three discreet adjustment points.

Thanks!! That sounds easier/faster to me.