Woodpecker, thanks for your in depth comments. I have the small Wimberley on a monopod, using it with a tamron 150-600 with no problem, and have been wondering about that horizontal connection to the lens foot on a heavier lens. Will there be too much weight on the collar over time? I don’t have an arca Swiss plate or new foot for the 500 f/4 to try it out yet, it I’m hoping it works. If I get the flex shooter will I be using that on my monopod as well?
I am intrigued by the flex shooter pro as well, but I’m wondering about the 22 degree limitation on a tripod on tilting up and down. What do you think about that?
I'd slow down a little. You're talking about spending $600 for something that is effectively a modified ballhead. It's one thing to use that combination with a 150-600, 200-500, 300 PF or even a 500 PF, but you have the 500 f/4. That's a lot more lens, and I don't think that solution is appropriate. Even a full Sidekick on a high quality ballhead is at the margin.
I've used the Markins equivalent of this head and it's fine for light weight lenses when you simply want gimbal convenience and need a light package. But the performance falls short of a real gimbal head.
I'd get a lightweight gimbal head and know that it is appropriate for the lens. Take a look at ProMediaGear GKJr. Katana Pro. It's a much more appropriate head for a 500 f/4.
ProMediaGear GKJr. Katana Pro
GKJr. Katana Pro Aluminum Gimbal Head with Arca Type Cradle for Telephoto Lenses, 50 lbs Capacity
www.adorama.com