Gimbal/fluid head recommendation for wildlife

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My photo buddy has not had a problem with weight with the Jobu Jr. (not sure which model) but his heaviest lens is the 600mm pf which he frequently uses with tc.
 
My photo buddy has not had a problem with weight with the Jobu Jr. (not sure which model) but his heaviest lens is the 600mm pf which he frequently uses with tc.
Ah thanks, any of the newer Nikon PF's are way lighter than the Canon 500mm F4 MKI.

I found a used Jobu jr 3 Deluxe for £179/$224, I hope it'll balance my lens even without replacing the lens foot as jobu's replacement lens foot for my lens is now discontinued and I can't find it anywhere.


Haha if anyone here have it and doesn't want it anymore... my lens would love it :D or if anyone else know an low profile lens foot for Canon 500mm F4 MKI.
 
It is definitely confusing. I actually may have the Jobu Jr. 2 (I bought mine 10 years ago) which has been replaced by the Jobu Jr. 3 (and there is a much heavier standard Jobu gimbal as well). Not sure how the version 2 compares with a 3. My Jobu Jr I did use with the 500mm f/4 and still use with the 300mm f/2.6 (6.5 pounds plus a camera) though these days much more wit the 800mm PF. So I think you will be okay.
Ah thanks for the info, did you change your lens foot at all for a lower profile one or just added an arca plate?
 
Ah thanks for the info, did you change your lens foot at all for a lower profile one or just added an arca plate?
I always change the feet. Partly these days because Nikon started putting on "rapid release" feet which IMO is the dumbest thing. Have heard of people losing the lens since the foot came off.
But you can buy a longer arca plate? Or buy a Hejnar foot? That is the brand I have been buying and looks like they may have one for the Canon 500mm f/4 (not sure which model is yours)?

 
I always change the feet. Partly these days because Nikon started putting on "rapid release" feet which IMO is the dumbest thing. Have heard of people losing the lens since the foot came off.
But you can buy a longer arca plate? Or buy a Hejnar foot? That is the brand I have been buying and looks like they may have one for the Canon 500mm f/4 (not sure which model is yours)?

Ah yeah I have a long acra plate attached to the stock Canon 500m F4 MKI IS foot. It's just their description says I might have to replace the stock foot to something low profile in case it won't balance.

Ah thanks, sucks it's US based. Maybe I should have mentioned in my original post that I'm a UK based member heh.

I can only find leofoto or ishoot brands but not sure how low profile they are compared to stock lens foot.
 
Ah yeah I have a long acra plate attached to the stock Canon 500m F4 MKI IS foot. It's just their description says I might have to replace the stock foot to something low profile in case it won't balance.

Ah thanks, sucks it's US based. Maybe I should have mentioned in my original post that I'm a UK based member heh.

I can only find leofoto or ishoot brands but not sure how low profile they are compared to stock lens foot.
Ah, sorry didn't realize you were in UK. Maybe have a friend in US order it and ship it to you? Or offer to pay the extra to ship to UK? And maybe your plate will be fine, so try it out first?
 
Ah, sorry didn't realize you were in UK. Maybe have a friend in US order it and ship it to you? Or offer to pay the extra to ship to UK? And maybe your plate will be fine, so try it out first?
Got the gimbal and tried it, it can somewhat balance it if I put a little tension on the swing arm but not 100% balanced when there is no tension. So I think I'd need a lower profile foot but jobu UK don't have any in stock, I found another brand (haoge chinese brand from amazon) but the mounting holes aren't aligned so I think it's for MKII and I can't find any lower profile foot in the UK -.-.

So I'll probably have to return it and just go for a full gimbal, such a shame as I quite like it because of the size but I want to completely open the swing arm and not lock it every time. I might try a longer plate before I return it to see if that will be any help with the balance at all.

this is the one I tried
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While I can appreciate not wanting to spend more than you can afford, it helps to appreciate that a tripod or head are long term investments in your photography. A tripod and a gimbal can last for decades.

In research equipment I look at the negative reviews on BH Photo to learn of a piece of gear failing outright or having some other problem. What I like about BH Photo is that they are not going to sell an item where many buyers return it for any reason. They also make customer returns incredibly easy in every respect.
 
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