Thoughts and recommendations on best Tripod heads for long lens?

[Marcus]

I'm bucking the trend then. Just switched to a cheap Manfrotto fluid head, for 600TC on my 3 legged tging tripod. Loving it so far, does all that a gimbal does but smaller, lighter and that little bit of resistance from the fluid makes it a joy to track birds/critters..

 

[DKBirds]

I'm bucking the trend then. Just switched to a cheap Manfrotto fluid head, for 600TC on my 3 legged tging tripod. Loving it so far, does all that a gimbal does but smaller, lighter and that little bit of resistance from the fluid makes it a joy to track birds/critters..

What model of the fluid head are you using? Heavy enough to support the 600TC, but light enough to carry around?

 

[DKBirds]

Flexshooter Pro

Allan, what do you like about this unit, and what, if any, downsides are there?

 

[DKBirds]

Here is my list of tripods, monopods, and heads that I've tried/owned and which ones I kept.

I prefer the PG-1 for a wildlife gimbal above all else, but use the Acratech Long Lens head when traveling or if I need something smaller.

View attachment 100231

Thanks! Your experience with these heads is informative, and helpful.

 

[Marcus]

What model of the fluid head are you using? Heavy enough to support the 600TC, but light enough to carry around?

Using the Manfrotto MVH500AH. Very basic pan and tilt, but gives me the same range (Pan/Tilt) as my old gimbal. It is totally enough for the 600TC, if you look at the specs then you wouldn't think so but the specs relate to video where you want nice slow steady movement, with a big lens like the 600TC on it it overrides the fluid to a degree, giving you a more gimbal like motion, not sure i am missing anything with this vs the Flexshooter except it is a little heavier and a 5th of the price!

 

[Anjin San]

Wimberly MH100 on my monopod. Had a FlexShooter Pro on my tripod as its smaller and lighter than a gimbal but replaced it with a SmallRig fluid head for CR to het a higher angle ability. It’s not quite as good as a real gimbal would be I agree…but it means I don’t need to have and carry two heads on travel and is more than good enough.

 

[Anjin San]

Allan, what do you like about this unit, and what, if any, downsides are there?

It’s a nice head…quasi gimbal in nature but not as close as a fluid head. Big drawback is heavier than Fluid but not as much as gimbal and the maximum 15 degree elevation limit. Of you decide you want one…PM me as mine could be for sale, haven’t used it or wanted to since I got the fluid SmallRig.

 

[EricBowles]

The RRS PG-02 MK2 side mount gimbal gets my vote for long lenses, or actually for any lens. I used the old model for years and was very happy with it. The new design, which I've used for most of the past year, is even better. There's an excellent review at https://shuttermuse.com/really-right-stuff-pg-02-mk2-pano-gimbal-head/

This is what I use as well. While a bit heavy, it is a joy to use with any lens. I bought it for the 600mm f/4, but most recently used it photographing auto racing with the 800mm PF and 400mm f/4.5. It works very well for birds in flight because you can adjust it in so many ways. It works for panos and the components can be separated for easy packing.

I also have a Wimberley Sidekick for occasional use with my BH-55 head. It's great for moderate weight and size lenses like the 500mm PF and 600mm PF. It can handle heavier lenses, but I prefer a gimbal head for heavier lenses.