fulltimewanderer
Well-known member
Have own and used only the Wimberley WH-200 for about 15 years and love it. But as DRwyoming points out there are other options available today. The Wimberley handles my 600 f4 with ease.
Why Arca Swiss?
- Thread starter DaleJr
- Start date
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A UK wildlife photographer - Bob Brind-Surch - has produced this excellent review of 11 gimbals. He has tried all of them so is able to give real-world comparisons.
His summary might surprise you.
His summary might surprise you.
fcotterill
Well-known member
Here is a fairly complete review of current Gimbals for wildlife ie to support a telephoto rig. He missed the Gimpro and Zenelli ( links on previous page above)
shuttermuse.com
I have also tried a few different models - chasing after the optimum of features combining Lightest with Reliability and Haptics. My modified Jobu Jnr works well enough and it scores quite well on decent Luggabilty. A Quick Release on the lens-plate is essential for my list.
I have been asked to test a Leofoto PG1 (blatant clone of Promedia Katana Jr), and have ordered the FotoPro E-6H, which has a couple of unique features.
EDIT - since posting this I completed a Review of 4 gimbal heads with comparisons and some context to modifications I made:
https://chambeshiphotographyblog.wo...aphy-comparing-4-models-for-heavy-telephotos/
The Best Gimbal Tripod Heads in 2024 - My Top Picks
A gimbal tripod head allows you to perfectly balance the weight of a camera and telephoto lens so it can be moved effortlessly in all directions. These are the best ones.
shuttermuse.com
I have also tried a few different models - chasing after the optimum of features combining Lightest with Reliability and Haptics. My modified Jobu Jnr works well enough and it scores quite well on decent Luggabilty. A Quick Release on the lens-plate is essential for my list.
I have been asked to test a Leofoto PG1 (blatant clone of Promedia Katana Jr), and have ordered the FotoPro E-6H, which has a couple of unique features.
EDIT - since posting this I completed a Review of 4 gimbal heads with comparisons and some context to modifications I made:
https://chambeshiphotographyblog.wo...aphy-comparing-4-models-for-heavy-telephotos/
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Thank you all! I have spent a LOT of time going through the provided materials, and while I have some time before purchase of the lens and gimbal, I now have a much better understanding of what I will need in terms of a Gimbal to go with my new lens.
Curious, is there a way for me to pin or mark this thread to make it easier to find when it is time to make my purchase?
Wink
Curious, is there a way for me to pin or mark this thread to make it easier to find when it is time to make my purchase?
Wink
Not that I'm aware of, but it's easy enough to go back through your own posting history and check the threads you've contributed to including this one. Just click on your user name in the upper right hand portion of the screen and then click Your content to see every post you've made and each thread you've contributed to.
[edit] I just checked my own posting history and it only appears to go back a month or so or perhaps a fixed number of posts.
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Most browsers allow you to bookmark a page. That's what I do. some are in a folder structure and others in a pool of 'other' bookmarks, but that pool is searchable, so I can find pages very quickly.
I see the bookmark icon on the upper right hand of each message and bookmarked this page. It even allowed me to add a message and labels to the bookmark.
Thank you both for the information.
Thank you both for the information.
fcotterill
Well-known member
Here is the RRS 1.5" standard for Araca-Swiss plates. Note "...We analyzed a collection of plates from various manufacturers and found many inconsistencies, as there was no industry standard for a dovetail rail. We reached out to those companies and began to work with whomever was willing to cooperate to adopt a common dovetail standard. In conjunction, we standardized our dovetail drawings so that any manufacturer could understand them."
Unfortunate that these companies are not named. Further to the linaks in post #11 above, the dovetails are compared in the appended photo. IME a A-S plate such as Gimpro or Leofoto can pull out of an adjustable clamp [namely Acratech) under load, particularly if the rig falls or is jolted.
rrssoar.com
Unfortunate that these companies are not named. Further to the linaks in post #11 above, the dovetails are compared in the appended photo. IME a A-S plate such as Gimpro or Leofoto can pull out of an adjustable clamp [namely Acratech) under load, particularly if the rig falls or is jolted.
Really Right Stuff SOAR - Product Catalog
Really Right Stuff Sport Optics and Rifle Product Catalog
rrssoar.com
Attachments
The Arca Swiss TYPE seems to be the most commonly used – especially on L brackets.
Probably as many as 90% of those sold not be made by Arca Swiss and often vary to some extent in machining detail.
One brand may not be fully compatible with another with 100% safety, especially when it comes to the size of the top surface (as with the Gitzo), or the placing of so-called safety stop screws.
I suggest careful checking for safe compatibility when mixing Arca Swiss type plates and heads from different manufacturers.
Just out of curiosity, which causes?
In an effort to keep politics out of this thread, you may want to do an internet search. You should be able to find some information that can answer your question.
Thanks,
--Ken
You might reach out to the member that posted that via a private conversation as political discussions are not permitted on this site.
Noted. Good idea.
Calson
Well-known member
There is the standard Arca-Swiss plate and also the wider plate used with video cameras. I use adapters on my video heads to attach lenses and bodies with standard Arca-Swiss plates as it simplifies things. I also have an Arca-Swiss plate mounted to my spotting scope so I can use it with my regular tripods.
Manfrotto dominates the lower end of the video head and tripod market with Sachtler and Miller at the upper end.
Manfrotto dominates the lower end of the video head and tripod market with Sachtler and Miller at the upper end.
FB101
Well-known member
I answered in private. Thanks for asking.
fulltimewanderer
Well-known member
Do the research, buy the equipment that will meet your requirements and needs. I’ve used RRS for years and have zero complaints and as my needs change I will definitely to consider RRS to fill those needs.