I just got a 500mm Nikkor F4 P, and am wondering about how Wimberley's current head compares to the Jobu Black Widow Pro. I'll be using the 500mm with a TC-14B on a D700. From what I can already tell on the 'net, the Jobu is the better choice, but I'd like to hear from fellow FMers about their experiences. Also, are these two heads more or less overkill when used with a 500mm? Would I be better off with a Sidekick or some other option? I ask because I already own a Markins M20-NQS. That said, what do I lose if I opt for something like a Sidekick combo instead of a full gimbal head?

Thanks!

Jan C.

Both the Winberly and the Jobu BW are outstanding heads. I chose the Jobu simply because it was less expensive and have not regretted the decision. Build quality is excellent! I don't think a heavy duty gimbel head is overkill for a 500mm lens. I use the Jobu with my Canon 500 and the performance it top notch. I've heard the sidekick works ok with a 500 but you lose some swivel control and stability.

Ken

Both heads are excellent. In my opinion the Wimberley is the # 1 gimbal head and Jobu # 2 out of all the gimbal heads brands. Go for the full gimbal head instead of the Sidekick. It's a rather big difference

Lars, what makes Wimberley #1? I'm just wondering because, while I haven't used their gimbal head, I have their F-2 bracket and plamp and IMHO, they're way overpriced for their finish quality and what they can do.

I suppose it's because they're made in America and labour is more expensive there, but to be honest, their (macro) products still look like they were made in China.

n0b0 wrote:
Lars, what makes Wimberley #1? I'm just wondering because, while I haven't used their gimbal head, I have their F-2 bracket and plamp and IMHO, they're way overpriced for their finish quality and what they can do.

I suppose it's because they're made in America and labour is more expensive there, but to be honest, their (macro) products still look like they were made in China.


I think the finish on my Wimberley Gimbal head and all my Wimberley plates are very good. I also have a replacement foot from them on my 800 lens. It has good finish. Yes it cost a bit, but the Jobu are made in Canada and cost about the same. Nobody has better service or warranty than Wimberley on their products also.
What gimbal head do you belive is much better ? Or has a much better finish ?

Lars Johnsson wrote:
What gimbal head do you believe is much better ? Or has a much better finish ?

I have no idea what's better. I'm still saving up for a 500L but I thought I'd give myself a head start to learn a bit more about gimbal heads. I was just asking for your opinion on what makes the Wimberley better than other brands because their other products don't impressed me very much.

I'll chime in on this...
I've tried all the Gimbal'd heads including the Asian stuff and found that the Wimberley Gimbal Head has the best bearings and the smoothest action. I've also found that the "Drop Arm" of the Wimberley is longer and allows you to drop the lens(600mm) below the center of balance for more stability. I've been useing a Wimberley for 6 years on the beach with no failure, rust or problems. It's has tight tolerences/seals and sand/dirt infiltration into the bearings is not an issue. Maintence is a simple wipe down....
Their sales/customer service is top notch, but, I can't speak for their repair service, because, I never had to use it!

mrogers wrote:
I'll chime in on this...
I've tried all the Gimbal'd heads including the Asian stuff and found that the Wimberley Gimbal Head has the best bearings and the smoothest action. I've also found that the "Drop Arm" of the Wimberley is longer and allows you to drop the lens(600mm) below the center of balance for more stability. I've been useing a Wimberley for 6 years on the beach with no failure, rust or problems. It's has tight tolerences/seals and sand/dirt infiltration into the bearings is not an issue. Maintence is a simple wipe down....
Their sales/customer service is top notch, but, I can't speak for their repair service, because, I never had to use it!

I also think the Wimberley is the best gimbal

I have a Wimberly II, but the BWG-Pro looks very good. I think the BWG-Pro has only been out for about a year? I doubt if there are too many people who have compared both heads, but I wouldn't be surprised if the quality was equivalent. The price is equivalent, and Jobu makes a good product. The BWG-Pro actually looks it might be a little beefier.

Wimberly offers a free trial. Jobu offers a free refund if returned within 45 days. Get both and test them out - maybe trial shots from 1/30th to 1/500th to see if their is any difference in softness in your images. Keep the one you like. If the BWG-Pro had been available when I purchased my Wimberley, that's what I would have done.