Tripod, Ball Head, Gimbal

[DaveyDitzer]

I did a video about the system Fred mentions:

Steve, your stuff is always so valuable

thank you

 

[Nikondale]

Great idea. I have done the setup but I use clear nail polish on the threads.

 

[EricBowles]

FWIW, I'd say a WH-200 is overkill if that's your longest lens. I generally don't break out the big Wimberly gimbal unless I'm shooting much larger lenses and am happy to run the 70-200mm f/2.8 class lenses off my BH-55 ballhead if I'm not handholding. If anything I might use a Sidekick style gimbal with a lens of that size if you really want gimbal action on that lens but it's pretty small to balance well on a big WH-200 and the big gimbal doesn't really seem necessary. But if you plan to move into bigger lenses with your move to mirrorless then perhaps the WH-200 or similar makes sense.

I agree with DR. If your future lenses are no bigger than the 200-500 or 500 PF, a RRS TVC24L, BH-55, and Wimberley Sidekick would be all you need. For extended work on birds in flight, a gimbal of some sort is nice. The Sidekick is a good compromise and it works nicely with the BH-55. IF you were stepping up, the TVC-34L is a very good tripod and the additional size and length is quite modest. But I see that tripod as being best for the 400 f/2.8, and 500 or 600 f/4 lenses.

 

[SMB]

I have recently been researching the Fotopro Eagle series tripod with Gimbal head. Very interesting innovations to the standard set up. I have not been able to shoot with the system and it appears that you have to use the larger/heavier gimbal to accommodate larger barrel lenses like a 600mm. I contacted the company and they were not that clear about the size capabilities of the smaller heads but felt sure the E9 would hold a 600mm. Kinda strange they wouldn't have those specs right at their finger tips.
Waiting to find someone who has experience with the system.

https://www.fotoprousa.com/

 

[MYount]

I have recently been researching the Fotopro Eagle series tripod with Gimbal head. Very interesting innovations to the standard set up. I have not been able to shoot with the system and it appears that you have to use the larger/heavier gimbal to accommodate larger barrel lenses like a 600mm. I contacted the company and they were not that clear about the size capabilities of the smaller heads but felt sure the E9 would hold a 600mm. Kinda strange they wouldn't have those specs right at their finger tips.
Waiting to find someone who has experience with the system.

https://www.fotoprousa.com/

I've heard good things about the eagle series. I really like the double lock feature. At the present I shoot with a fotopro gmax pro ball head with a wimberley sidekick. My largest lens at present is a 200-500 and it works great. now that my girlfriend's getting into shooting I might be able to get one of the eagle series for a second tripod.