I use the Benro carbon fiber gimbal, GH5C. It’s kind of mid range but perfect for my uses. Wimberley is the best but the nickel and dime you like certain auto brands. I researched a lot and this was a the best bang for the buck for me.
Gimbal head
- Thread starter ScubaChuck
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@arbitrage I just received the Jobu Jr 3 Deluxe! Picking it up - as compared to my MH200 - is TRULY amazing! SOOOOO much lighter. And overall size of the Jobu is much smaller, too, so packing will be easier. I'm quite impressed!
I set it up on my tripod with my 600mm TC. Now I have two questions:
1. The clamp tightening knob is right on top of the rotating knob. Have you tried raising the swing arm to the middle position or even higher?
2. With the Z8 and the 600mm TC, I think I will have trouble balancing the 600mm. I am using a Hejnar replacement foot, 6.75" long. What set up are you using?
I set it up on my tripod with my 600mm TC. Now I have two questions:
1. The clamp tightening knob is right on top of the rotating knob. Have you tried raising the swing arm to the middle position or even higher?
2. With the Z8 and the 600mm TC, I think I will have trouble balancing the 600mm. I am using a Hejnar replacement foot, 6.75" long. What set up are you using?
arbitrage
Well-known member
Hi,
I'm using it with Sony A1 (with battery grip) and the Sony 600/4 GM with or without 1.4TC. I have a Kirk replacement foot on the lens. I haven't had any issues with my setup but obviously balancing could be different with the Nikon gear. I think my swing arm is in the stock position as I don't remember moving it.
Hard for me to help since I don't have that same Nikon gear. Try moving the arm and see if that helps. You could reach out to Jobu as they are responsive and often have suggestions about getting certain gear to balance. Sorry it didn't work straight out of the box for you.
I think I am keeping it.....just want to fine tune the set up.
I appreciate you recommending this gimbal!
If I had a trip to say, Costa Rica, where I KNEW I would do 80%+ of my shooting with the tripod and 600mm TC, I would take the MH200. But I have an upcoming trip with about 50-65%+ of the shooting will be hand held with my 400 F4.5, and this will be a much lighter solution to travel with and still be able to use the 600mm TC on tripod during "off" periods!
According to Canon, the lens weighs in at 3lbs. One thing to consider is your overall kit weight. In other words, how much are you schlepping including the tripod and whatever head you put on it? If you have good ballhead, then the Wimberly Sidekick is both cost and weight effective. I used one for years with my 300 2.8 and teleconverters. You can often find them used at a discount too if you are so inclined. When I got my 600 f/4 G VR (11.25 lbs), I looked at a lot of full gimbals and settled on this one from Leofoto. Overall, I have been very happy with it and it balances the 600 just fine.
leofotousa.com
Leofoto PG-1 Lightweight Gimbal Tripod Head w/ Plate & Bag (Black/Camo)
Leofoto PG-1 Lightweight Gimbal Tripod Head w/ Plate & Bag (Black/Camo Color) Travel lightly with the Leofoto PG-1 Gimbal Head constructed from T6061 aluminum. The PG-1 enables you to capture fast-moving subjects with a large and heavy telephoto lens that you otherwise could not do manually...
leofotousa.com
ScubaChuck
Member
Thanks, that makes a lot of sense.According to Canon, the lens weighs in at 3lbs. One thing to consider is your overall kit weight. In other words, how much are you schlepping including the tripod and whatever head you put on it? If you have good ballhead, then the Wimberly Sidekick is both cost and weight effective. I used one for years with my 300 2.8 and teleconverters. You can often find them used at a discount too if you are so inclined. When I got my 600 f/4 G VR (11.25 lbs), I looked at a lot of full gimbals and settled on this one from Leofoto. Overall, I have been very happy with it and it balances the 600 just fine.
Leofoto PG-1 Lightweight Gimbal Tripod Head w/ Plate & Bag (Black/Camo)
Leofoto PG-1 Lightweight Gimbal Tripod Head w/ Plate & Bag (Black/Camo Color) Travel lightly with the Leofoto PG-1 Gimbal Head constructed from T6061 aluminum. The PG-1 enables you to capture fast-moving subjects with a large and heavy telephoto lens that you otherwise could not do manually...
Pundamilia
New member
Ditto! Another happy Jobo Jr. user. And the company responds to questions!
nmerc_photos
Well-known member
these are all the ones I've owned, and still own.
for a monopod head - the Wimberley MH-100 is pretty widely accepted as the best.
for a tripod head - lots of people like the Wimberley WH-200, but I find it to be expensive and heavy. the Leofoto PG-1 does all the same things while shaving 30% of the weight. so it's my choice.
then the Acratech Long Lens head is a perfect travel head since it's lightweight, can fit in your pocket, etc.
this is the first time I've ever heard of Jobu, but their Jr. 3 Deluxe that keeps getting recommended is only 1.5lbs. though out of stock it seems. may be worth a visit as well
for a monopod head - the Wimberley MH-100 is pretty widely accepted as the best.
for a tripod head - lots of people like the Wimberley WH-200, but I find it to be expensive and heavy. the Leofoto PG-1 does all the same things while shaving 30% of the weight. so it's my choice.
then the Acratech Long Lens head is a perfect travel head since it's lightweight, can fit in your pocket, etc.
this is the first time I've ever heard of Jobu, but their Jr. 3 Deluxe that keeps getting recommended is only 1.5lbs. though out of stock it seems. may be worth a visit as well
I've been using the ProMediaGear GK Jr. Katana Pro with Side Mount Clamp and really like it. Very smooth motion and relatively light.
Chiguy
Member
Lecycliste
New member
I’ve used both the Wimberley Sidekick on an Arca Swiss ballhead and more recently, the Zenelli Carbon ZC. The Sidekick combination is very stable, but heavy. The Zenelli ZC is light for a complete gimbal head at 1.9 lbs. I used it most recently supporting a 9+ pound first version EF 500/4L IS and EF 1.4X II on an EOS R7 for eclipse pictures. I also intend to use it for airshows and wildlife with an RF 200-800/6.3-9 IS that arrived too late for the eclipse.
You can remove the bottom tray mount from the Zenelli ZC and use it like a Sidekick if you want the absolute lowest weight. Here’s an eclipse pic I shot using it in Texas.
You can remove the bottom tray mount from the Zenelli ZC and use it like a Sidekick if you want the absolute lowest weight. Here’s an eclipse pic I shot using it in Texas.
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I just received the Jobu Jr 3 Deluxe from B&H.......it is in stock there.
Figaro
New member
I think the Leofoto PG-1 Gimbal Head is amazing. If you're looking for smooth bearings, this thing will spin and spin and spin. Price is also great.
Scuba Chuck, just my 2 cents worth. I'm 70 and use a Really Right Stuff Carbon Fiber tripod. I purchased a Benro GH-2 gimbal head several years ago and used until switching recently to the Wimberley Sidekick. I already had a RRS BH-55 Ball Head and attached the Sidekick to it with Quick Detachable mount. Now, I basically have two heads in one and can easily switch in under 3-seconds, if the need calls for it. I'm shooting a Nikon Z9, 180-600mm lens, and 800mm f/5.6 "F" mount lens with the FTZ adapter and have not experienced any problems whatsoever. I'd like to add that the Benro GH-2 worked flawlessly and is still in daily use by a friend.
jimfromno
Member
I agree, I'm 71 and own a Wimberley and wish I could retrofit the RRS quick release clamp and recently tried with no luck. I shoot a Nikon Z9 usually with a 180-600mm lens. The combination of the two are fairly heavy to seat on the Wimberley side clamp and then have to endless screw in the knob. I've had two instances where I thought the camera was mounted properly but it wasn't and came sliding down after I let go but luckily I caught it both times this happened. With a side quick release like the one I have on my ball head this would not happen.
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fcotterill
Well-known member
My costly experience, a Screw-gate cradle clamp on a gimbal is a pending destroyer of your camera- telephoto rig. Besides they're too slow in use. Been there once and lost a D500, which slipped out of the foot plate on a 300 f2.8G....
The only remedy is to mix and patch components, which can require machining and altering to fit parts together. I bought the RRS PG-CC cradle plate (discontinued) for the Leofoto PG1. However its Lever Clamp cannot adjust the throw (ie tolerance) of the locking plate; unless it's disassembled to insert shimming washers inside the lever shaft recess to adjust the QR lever throw. (Different makes of A-S foot plates differ in width, because Arca-Swiss is not a strict standard.)
It's frustrating there's little effort by the prominent Gimbal brands to design Arca-Swiss compatible Cradle arms with an adjustable locking throw on the QR lever. Looking at you - Jobo, Leofoto in particular.
Leofoto already has a 70mm Lever Clamp. UThey could offer this QR mechanism as an option in cradle arm of their PG series gimbals; the PG-2S weighs 0.85kg only.
The only remedy is to mix and patch components, which can require machining and altering to fit parts together. I bought the RRS PG-CC cradle plate (discontinued) for the Leofoto PG1. However its Lever Clamp cannot adjust the throw (ie tolerance) of the locking plate; unless it's disassembled to insert shimming washers inside the lever shaft recess to adjust the QR lever throw. (Different makes of A-S foot plates differ in width, because Arca-Swiss is not a strict standard.)
It's frustrating there's little effort by the prominent Gimbal brands to design Arca-Swiss compatible Cradle arms with an adjustable locking throw on the QR lever. Looking at you - Jobo, Leofoto in particular.
Leofoto already has a 70mm Lever Clamp. UThey could offer this QR mechanism as an option in cradle arm of their PG series gimbals; the PG-2S weighs 0.85kg only.
LR-70 - 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
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I use a Benro GH2, and love it. The gimbal is very well built, stable for big rigs, smooth as silk, and significantly less expensive than the Wimberley equivalent. I've tried the Wimberley and, to be honest, I like the Benro a smidge more (don't ask me why, I just do). The Benro gimbal is my go-to tripod head whenever I'm not traveling by air. For the latter situation, I use a Flexshooter Pro hybrid head (part gimbal, part ball), which works well as a gimbal-like device (but not quite as well as a true gimbal), and weighs a fraction of what toting both a gimbal and ball head along on trips.
Figaro
New member
I use the Leofoto PG-1 for my Nikon 600mm f6.3 PF with the screw type release & Kirk foot, no problem at all and the PG-1 is great!.
I went with the Wimberley sidekick that you can use on your ball-head with dovetail clamp. Love it. It saves space and weight. I've had 600mm 4 mounted and it works great. Most often I pack it in the back country with Nikon 200-500 5.6 to save weight and its wonderful. Link below.
Wimberley Professional Photo Gear - The Sidekick Gimbal Adapter
Wimberley, Inc is a designer and manufacturer of professional photography equipment
www.tripodhead.com
This thread seems to be 3 or 4 months old but it's a good one!
I was using an Oben GH-30 gimbal until I upgraded to a Z9/600pf, at which point the balance was never quite right. I then started using a Feisol carbon fiber ball head w/ the Wimberly sidekick combo and all was good with the world again. But now I'm using the z600 TC and using that sidekick with the 600 TC is like standing on the edge of a cliff all the time, one slip while adjusting or removing and the camera/lens is gone. So now I'm back the Oben, flat footed, etc.
This Oben was only $200 when I bought it years ago and seems to work and balance fine with my current rig, although movement is a bit rough and it's a heavy gimbal (3.2 lbs). I'm eyeballing the BWG-J3K Jobu Jr.3 Gimbal Kit with Swing-Arm HM-J2 to bring my weight down by a few pounds (1.7 vs 3.2) and smooth out the swivel a bit. But there doesn't seem to be a vertical adjustment knob, just screws with 3 different levels.
Anyone using the Jobu have any issues/problems with that (lack of) vertical adjustment? And...can the Jobu actually handle the 10lbs rig long term? 10 lbs looks to be at the top end of the specs.
Pundamilia
New member
I have the Jobu Jr. for my Z8 and 100-400, although I must confess that I haven't used it a lot (not a reflection on the equipment, rather on my shooting style). If you have concerns about using it or suitability with your equipment, you can contact them directly at <[email protected]>. When I sent in a question, I got a reply back within a couple of hours.
I would encourage you to go for the classic proven solution.
With this heavy and expensive equipment I would go for the classic cradle mount Wimberly 200. The lens mounts from underneath instead of the side so it is much more secure. The Wimberley balances really well and its movements are butter smooth plus you have precise level adjustment to get the balance perfect. They are proven quality and proven reliable. Worth a couple pounds. You know it will handle anything you throw at it.
With this heavy and expensive equipment I would go for the classic cradle mount Wimberly 200. The lens mounts from underneath instead of the side so it is much more secure. The Wimberley balances really well and its movements are butter smooth plus you have precise level adjustment to get the balance perfect. They are proven quality and proven reliable. Worth a couple pounds. You know it will handle anything you throw at it.
Vincent_VdB
Well-known member
Could not agree more. I have 3 gimbals, 1 Wimberley 200 and 2 from Benro one from carbon. It sure is the lightest of the 3 but quality wise does nothing compares to the Wimberley WH-200. That is just 1 slick mechanical piece. You can adjust the drag so much more fine compared to the Benro.
Not sure what I was thinking, but I've snapped out of it
, thanks. It's funny, my carbon fiber Benro tripod (3.0 lbs) weighs less than the actual gimbal head (3.2 lbs). It seemed appealing at the time to try to lose a few pounds with a lighter gimbal. And although a smoother gimbal would be nice, I think I'll stick with the Oben I have. It looks almost exactly the same as the WH-200, just a cheap knockoff.
Anyone ever hear of a gimbal head (any brand, cheap or expensive) actually breaking/cracking?
I have used the Induro Sidekick Induro_485_000_GHBA_Gimbal_Head_655338.jpg
I use it with my lightweight tripod and find it works well with lenses up to my Z9 plus 100-400 lens.
Modest price. Adequate quality and easy to carry/use with my $150 tripod.
PS - I am 72 with mobility and muscular issues. Light weight enough for this lens/camera combo.
I use it with my lightweight tripod and find it works well with lenses up to my Z9 plus 100-400 lens.
Modest price. Adequate quality and easy to carry/use with my $150 tripod.
PS - I am 72 with mobility and muscular issues. Light weight enough for this lens/camera combo.