Gimbal head

[KurtH]

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.

Hi Joe, thanks! Light is an appealing word.

I have (and was using) a Wimberly sidekick with smaller setups, that's what I'm trying to get away from when I transitioned to the 600TC (with the Z9). It felt very precarious while putting it on and taking it off the side mount, like one misstep and the rig would be on the ground. I didn't like that feeling. I'm back to using my older flatfooted Oben gimbal, albeit a cheap knockoff.

I'll probably end up getting the WH-200 and use my Oben as a backup.

 

[xxx]

I have at least $3000 worth of tripod gadgetry I bought over the last 25 years. Its all still rattling around under the seat in my truck. Never used it once, but got it just incase.

 

[jimfromno]

I have the WH-200 and RRS Ball Head for lighter shooting days. The WH-200 although great is not perfect, I wish it had the RRS Quick Release Lever on Arca plate connection that my ball head does. That being said I would never consider buying the cheaper knock off. I can picture throwing the tripod legs with camera attached over my shoulder and marching a mile out of some river bed and being confident that Gimbal Head is not going to snap with the tension sending my Z9 and whatever lens I happened to have mounted down the hillside to the river. A made up scenario you say, well not quite. In addition, I wonder how well the cheaper head balances a heaver camera with a long lens attached?

 

[ButlerKid]

I have the WH-200 and RRS Ball Head for lighter shooting days. The WH-200 although great is not perfect, I wish it had the RRS Quick Release Lever on Arca plate connection that my ball head does. That being said I would never consider buying the cheaper knock off. I can picture throwing the tripod legs with camera attached over my shoulder and marching a mile out of some river bed and being confident that Gimbal Head is not going to snap with the tension sending my Z9 and whatever lens I happened to have mounted down the hillside to the river. A made up scenario you say, well not quite. In addition, I wonder how well the cheaper head balances a heaver camera with a long lens attached?

I put a RRS quick release under my WH200. You do could that also.....

I also just purchased and used the Jobu Jr 3 Delux and find it an acceptable solution when I want to go as light as possible. I tested it with the Z 600mm TC.....

 

[KurtH]

sending my Z9 and whatever lens I happened to have mounted down the hillside to the river. A made up scenario you say, well not quite.

Ok, I'll bite. What's the "not quite" part?

 

[KurtH]

I put a RRS quick release under my WH200. You do could that also.....

I also just purchased and used the Jobu Jr 3 Delux and find it an acceptable solution when I want to go as light as possible. I tested it with the Z 600mm TC.....

In what scenario should u go back to the 200 if the jobu does what's expected, at a lighter cost?

 

[ButlerKid]

In what scenario should u go back to the 200 if the jobu does what's expected, at a lighter cost?

The Jobu does work as expected. Acceptable - but not as precise and easy to work with as the WH-200. When I will be using my Z 600mm TC almost exclusively, I will take the WH-200.....even when flying.

When using the 600mm only occasionally/sporadically, I will take the Joby Jr 3 Deluxe.

Both are tools - each for different use situations.

 

[anandgiridhar]

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

View attachment 87775

Hi, I noticed you had the leofoto PG1 and the PG3 but retained the PG1. Just wanted to know any reason you would recommend the PG1 over the PG3 or any issue with the PG3. I am at the cusp of choosing between the two! Many thanks!

 

[nmerc_photos]

Hi, I noticed you had the leofoto PG1 and the PG3 but retained the PG1. Just wanted to know any reason you would recommend the PG1 over the PG3 or any issue with the PG3. I am at the cusp of choosing between the two! Many thanks!

I just like the PG1 because it's lighter and cheaper

The PG3 is a "heavier duty" model, but I'm no longer using 12lb setups so it's a lot of overkill.

 

[anandgiridhar]

I just like the PG1 because it's lighter and cheaper

The PG3 is a "heavier duty" model, but I'm no longer using 12lb setups so it's a lot of overkill.

Thank you so much for your really immediate reply!

I'm getting both of them at a similar price, - a camo PG1 or a carbon fiber PG3. In that situation, what would you suggest - was there anything less smooth or good about the PG3? Any technical or capability or operational reason you would advice me to stick to PG1?

 

[wotan1]

I just recently got the Really Right Stuff PG-02 pano-gimbal head. I found it to be a remarkable device and it is now my favorite gimbal head. I now prefer it to the Wimberley.

Really Right Stuff gear is typically more expensive but highest quality. I paid 700 something for the side mount. In my opinion it is well worth the extra cost.

Most gimbals allow adjustment ion the lens mount in two directions, vertical and forward/back. The PG-02 does this and also allows you to adjust the position the lens side to side. This allows you to center the lens nodal point over the rotational axis of the tripod. This works for panoramas because it allows you to control parallax when shooting panoramas. By placing the nodal point of the lens over the axis of rotation foreground objects do not shift relative position against the background making panoramic shots easier.

The PG-02 side mount can be disassembled into two parts, making it easier to store and transport. The unit is built like a tank and balances really well. It also has a clever system of paddles for pan and tilt controls. You can adjust both on the fly with one hand while operating the camera with the other. hand.

The PG-02 has a quick release base that allows you to mount the gimbal to the tripod using a quick release clamp. The RRS lever quick release clamp is a very capable device which has been reviewed favorably and strongly recommended by Steve.

I learned a technique for mounting using the RRS lever clamp that I now find is more secure than a cradle mount. You support the lens from underneath while you hook the lens foot into the clamp mechanism. Tightening the RRS lever clamp half way captures the lens while still allowing you to adjust the position to balance the lens. You keep supporting the lens from underneath while doing that. Once balanced close the clamp all the way and the unit is secure. I find this technique more secure because you keep the lens supported from underneath during the process and don't release the support until the lens is fully secured in the gimbal.

This is a great unit works better than anything I have ever used and is now my favorite. Strongly recommended.

 

[KurtH]

I just recently got the Really Right Stuff PG-02 pano-gimbal head. I found it to be a remarkable device and it is now my favorite gimbal head. I now prefer it to the Wimberley.

This is a great unit works better than anything I have ever used and is now my favorite. Strongly recommended.

Thanks for the post, appreciate you letting us know about your mark of approval! Claiming it's a "remarkable device" are pretty big words

My setup lives on the Wimberley and it seems to adjust fine front to back and up and down (to balance the center of gravity). And my cheaper Oben backup gimbal works the same, albeit a bit clunkier. Is there something I'm missing? What's the main advantage you're referencing over the Wimberley (what makes it remarkable)? Weight? Ease of use?

And the "under the lens support" technique you mentioned, is that needed due to use of the side mount (vs. the flat-footed Wimberley)?

I always enjoy hearing about how folks find an easier or better way of doing things. Some I end up using, many I do not. But I at least like to understand them to see if it fits my specific needs/wants. Thanks for sharing

 

[wotan1]

Thanks for the post, appreciate you letting us know about your mark of approval! Claiming it's a "remarkable device" are pretty big words

My setup lives on the Wimberley and it seems to adjust fine front to back and up and down (to balance the center of gravity). And my cheaper Oben backup gimbal works the same, albeit a bit clunkier. Is there something I'm missing? What's the main advantage you're referencing over the Wimberley (what makes it remarkable)? Weight? Ease of use?

And the "under the lens support" technique you mentioned, is that needed due to use of the side mount (vs. the flat-footed Wimberley)?

I always enjoy hearing about how folks find an easier or better way of doing things. Some I end up using, many I do not. But I at least like to understand them to see if it fits my specific needs/wants. Thanks for sharing

I have been happy with the Wimberley. My only criticisms before using the RRS unit were that it was big and took a lot of space to pack away. I also found getting the balance dialed in perfectly was a bit difficult, I sometimes found getting it to the point where it balanced with zero resistance tricky.

What I noticed immediately about the Really Right Stuff PG-02 was first that it got into balance very early and stayed there. It then became really smooth and easy to operate. The ease of use was seductive.

Next I was impressed by the two levers they use to control pan and tilt. they placed those controls next to each other so it is possible to manage both clamp mechanisms with one hand while you use the other to control the camera.

The RRS is built like a tank but then again so is the Wimberley. No question either can handle the biggest lenses. The RRS is also lighter than the WImberley.

The RRS is very compact especially in the side mount version. It breaks down into two pieces for easy storage and even comes with a really high quality padded carrying case. You can then clamp those two pieces together for storage as a unit or else keep them apart and store in the padded case.

One of the things that makes the side mount work well is the great RRS lever quick release clamp. Steve has previously reported favorably about this device, and has recommended it be added to the WImberley. The problem however is the RRS piece that fits the Wimberley 200 is no longer available.

I took a look at a video put out by RRS describing how to work the side mount version. In that video the head guy at RRS shows how to mount the lens onto the PG-02 side mount. I tried that technique and really liked it. I liked it because you always support the lens from underneath with your hand and you don't release the support until the lens is fully clamped down. in the past, while loading the cradle mount, there are awkward moments while you shift from hand carry to resting on the cradle clamp. I have sometimes had to take steps to do this from a protected position such as a table top until I got it clamped down.

All of that plus being able to work panoramas with no parallax problem.

As is typical with RRS they do a really quality job with everything they do.

 

[nmerc_photos]

Thank you so much for your really immediate reply!

I'm getting both of them at a similar price, - a camo PG1 or a carbon fiber PG3. In that situation, what would you suggest - was there anything less smooth or good about the PG3? Any technical or capability or operational reason you would advice me to stick to PG1?

Nah nothing less smooth or good about the PG3 other than cost/weight.

I try (though don't always succeed) to be a value oriented consumer... the PG1 is lighter and cheaper, so it wins with no consideration to the PG3 for me. If you like the look, feel, or the "higher-end" allure of the PG3, go for it.

 

[KurtH]

I have been happy with the Wimberley. My only criticisms before using the RRS unit were that it was big and took a lot of space to pack away. I also found getting the balance dialed in perfectly was a bit difficult, I sometimes found getting it to the point where it balanced with zero resistance tricky.


As is typical with RRS they do a really quality job with everything they do.

I appreciate the info! I do like the lighter, more compact aspect...always appealing. And checking it out on the B&H website, I like the knobs and quick release. But I've never had issues dialing in my balance with the Wimberley and I've grown fond of its beefiness and ease of use. At a better price point, I may have bought the RRS on a recommendation just to try it out. But wow, they're expensive.

 

[wotan1]

They are expensive

 

[anandgiridhar]

Nah nothing less smooth or good about the PG3 other than cost/weight.

I try (though don't always succeed) to be a value oriented consumer... the PG1 is lighter and cheaper, so it wins with no consideration to the PG3 for me. If you like the look, feel, or the "higher-end" allure of the PG3, go for it.

Totally agree with your " try and don't always succeed... on value..."! Great Acquisition Syndrome is actually there and gets the better of us many times!

Thank you so much for your really quick and so helpful advice!

Have gone for the PG3!

 

[sib]

I bought the Wimberley WH-200-S Sidemount last year. Worked great for a Z9 with 400 f/2.8 TC attached for shooting polar bears in Churchill. Smooth as oiled butter It had no trouble handling the weight and I'm sure could have gone heavier.

The gimbal itself is much lighter than the "full" Wimberley and takes less space in your luggage (also costs less). It mounts well on both my midsize Gitzo and heavyweight RRS tripods.

Product page at Wimberley site

 

[arbitrage]

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

View attachment 87775

Did you ever pick up a Jobu Jr 3? I've been using the Jobu brand forever. Currently have the HD4 and Jr3 deluxe. Had the HD-3 originally until the HD-4 replaced it. I haven't tried all the other brands as I've been happy with the Jobu. But I'm curious how they compare. Now a days I use the Jr3 for everything.

With the current US to CAD exchange you guys in the US could pick one up for a very cheap price. I always just buy their Factory 2nd ones for an even better price.
Currently a Jr 3 Deluxe factory second is $340 CAD which would be like $240 USD or so. That is a steal for this small, lightweight and high quality gimbal.

Jobu Jr.3 Deluxe Kit, Factory 2nd, No Bag | Jobu Design

Jr.3 Deluxe 2nd with small blemishes in the paint or anodizing. 100% new with full warranty. This is the lowest price of the year on a fantastic product. Grab one while you can, our prices will go up when we need to replenish inventory.

www.jobu-design.com

 

[nmerc_photos]

Did you ever pick up a Jobu Jr 3? I've been using the Jobu brand forever. Currently have the HD4 and Jr3 deluxe. Had the HD-3 originally until the HD-4 replaced it. I haven't tried all the other brands as I've been happy with the Jobu. But I'm curious how they compare. Now a days I use the Jr3 for everything.

With the current US to CAD exchange you guys in the US could pick one up for a very cheap price. I always just buy their Factory 2nd ones for an even better price.
Currently a Jr 3 Deluxe factory second is $340 CAD which would be like $240 USD or so. That is a steal for this small, lightweight and high quality gimbal.

Jobu Jr.3 Deluxe Kit, Factory 2nd, No Bag | Jobu Design

Jr.3 Deluxe 2nd with small blemishes in the paint or anodizing. 100% new with full warranty. This is the lowest price of the year on a fantastic product. Grab one while you can, our prices will go up when we need to replenish inventory.

www.jobu-design.com

I have not used any of the Jobu.

I really don't use tripods much these days. Maybe 1 or 2 outings a year. Handheld or monopod for me generally.

The specs of that Jobu Jr 3 Deluxe look interesting. 1.5lb weight. But it says not generally recommended for 600 f4 lenses which is what I would be using it for.

I thought this was a new brand, but looking at their old videos - the Jobu Jr 3 has been out for at least 11 years lol. Crazy.

 

[MMoretti]

Jobu Jr 3 here which I use with a Leofoto leveler on a 5 series Gitzo when shooting my 120-300. I’m traveling later this month with my 600/6.3, so will bring along a Sidekick to mount on a Sirius pan-tilt head. This trip will mainly be astro and landscape (Uyuni salt flats); possibly some condors in the lower lands.

 

[Pundamilia]

Jobu support is very responsive to questions about specific configurations and their product line.

 

[Jose Raposo]

I've been using a Fotopro E-6H gimbal for a number of years now. It's super compact which is ideal for travelling and the smaller telephoto lens such as the 300GM. I have recently ordered a Leofoto PG-01 for an upcoming trip to Portugal and Spain to shoot raptors. Planning to replace the Leophoto cradle with a RRS PG-CC gimbal clamp which uses a lever release clamp which I prefer.

 

[arbitrage]

I have not used any of the Jobu.

I really don't use tripods much these days. Maybe 1 or 2 outings a year. Handheld or monopod for me generally.

The specs of that Jobu Jr 3 Deluxe look interesting. 1.5lb weight. But it says not generally recommended for 600 f4 lenses which is what I would be using it for.

I thought this was a new brand, but looking at their old videos - the Jobu Jr 3 has been out for at least 11 years lol. Crazy.

I only use it for my 600/4 and gripped A1. I also rarely use support and usually on monopod where this small gimbal shines.
I dislike the popular MH100 (which I own) so the Jr 3 is my solution for the monopod.

 

[fcotterill]

I've been using a Fotopro E-6H gimbal for a number of years now. It's super compact which is ideal for travelling and the smaller telephoto lens such as the 300GM. I have recently ordered a Leofoto PG-01 for an upcoming trip to Portugal and Spain to shoot raptors. Planning to replace the Leophoto cradle with a RRS PG-CC gimbal clamp which uses a lever release clamp which I prefer.

My FotoPro E-6H is light and an innovative design, including for close ups using a telephoto such as 70-180 or 100-400. The tilt forward facility works well. It's also useful for panoramas with a wide angle on a Side mounted L plate.

However, I was unimpressed by the quality. The lens foot clamps, in particular, suffer from too little aluminium in the jaws and feeble fasteners of inferior quality. Bearings are also inferior. (Poor show considering the price, but perhaps Leofoto will clone a high quality version.)

So I modified my E-6H fairly radically, and replaced both the lens clamps.

PG01 is solid, well made and relatively light, but it's stupid of Leofoto to have still failed to provide a lens plate foot with Lever release. Their LR70 (see above #41) could be modified to fit I think.

I replaced mine was the RRS clamp but inexplicably it's impossible to adjust the lever throw, unless it's shimmed with thin washer(s). This requires disassembling. Irritating for such an expensive product, and it's also unnecessarily heavy.

Best travel tripod/gimbal setup?

I'm going on some bird trips this year and need help choosing the best travel tripod with lightweight gimbal head set up for my Sony A1 with 200-600. Closer to home I use a monopod and Wimberly head. I have a fine RRS tripod with gimbal head - but it's too heavy to carry more than a short...

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