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Lightweight Gimbal options?

uintaangler
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

Getting ready for an early 2024 trip to Costa Rica - birds, birds, birds!!!
Family trip so I can't take all the photo gear along that I would for a photo tour trip
So I'll be leaving my Nikon F-mount 300mm and 500mm lenses behind ( heavy beasts ) and relying on the Z100-400mm zoom.
Makes no sense to pack my heavy Wimberly Gimbal head but I do prefer a gimbal head for birding
Are there any good, lightweight gimbal heads I should look at?
Thanks

Oct 17, 2023 at 11:48 AM

CanadaMark
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

Monopod or tripod?

For a monopod these are the best options:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1513932-REG/wimberley_mh_100_monogimbal_head.html

or

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1627940-REG/leofoto_vh_10s_2_way_aluminum_monopod.html

Honestly for a 100-400 I would probably go with a monopod if it would suit your needs for that trip. Personally I use the above Leofoto head for birding/BIF and I love it. I would probably be just as happy with the Wimberley monopod gimbal option.

If you are bringing a tripod and ballhead anyway for macro/landscape work, then I would suggest just bringing a Wimberley Sidekick (or one of the many copies) to turn your ballhead into a gimbal:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/205329-REG/Wimberley_SK_100_Arca_Sidekick_Ball_to.html

If you want a lightweight/carbon full gimbal for a tripod, I don't think it would be worth spending another $500++ USD to save a pound or so from your existing Wimberley Gimbal.

Oct 17, 2023 at 12:06 PM

Abbott Schindl
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

I agree with CanadaMark. I prefer my ProMediaGear GKJr. Katana Pro over Wimberley, but it's only ~3/4 pound lighter than the Wimberley and pricey. Unless you're planning on shooting in dim light AND relatively low ISO (say >6400) AND small aperture, you probably don't need a gimbal at all. Have you tried alternatives, like resting your elbow on a static object? Or working with the camera and your technique?

I'm sure you know that there are several very nice birding areas around Portland including Ridgfield NWR, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, and Jackson Bottom Wetland Preserve, where you could work on technique if you feel there's room for improvement.

I've been shooting with an EOS R5 + RF 100-500L and usually don't need additional support unless I've got an extender mounted. When I travel abroad, I bring a Gitzo travel tripod and the PMG gimbal "insurance; just in case", but haven't needed to use them so far.

Oct 18, 2023 at 12:12 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

Abbott Schindl wrote:
I agree with CanadaMark.

Me, too.

Oct 18, 2023 at 02:42 PM

sjms
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

PMG GKJr though the Wimberley SK100 with the proper head will do just fine also

Oct 18, 2023 at 02:52 PM

jeffbuzz
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

For a 70-200 or 100-400 size lens, my favorite is the Jobu Jr 3 Deluxe. "Deluxe" version has one piece swingarm + clamp.

Oct 19, 2023 at 12:59 PM

sjms
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

when it comes to "give and take" i'll take the GKJr as i had a Jobu for a short time before

Oct 19, 2023 at 01:59 PM

uintaangler
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

The Side Kick looks like a good solution.
I would prefer not to have to travel with my beefy RRS BH-55 ball head.
Can I use something smaller and still have a felicitous setup?
What ball heads would you guys recommend I look at for use with a Side Kick and my Nikon Z 100-400mm lens - - 3 lbs, 3 oz. on the Gitzo GT3541LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs?
Thanks

Oct 21, 2023 at 05:15 PM

Flowernut
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

uniqball
4th generation
don't like sidekick althogh very popular

Oct 21, 2023 at 08:16 PM

Abbott Schindl
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

I’ll repeat what I said before, but with more detail: for a light, effective travel kit, I take a Gitzo 1545 Traveler + Katana GKjr head. The light head for the Traveler is more than adequate for use with all of my Canon RF IS lenses and was fine for my EOS 5D Mark IV and 100-400L lens with a 2X Extender. Whenever using the longer lens (which is currently a RF 100-500L on a R5 body), the Traveler is fine for all but the toughest conditions I’ve been shooting (eg it’s not sufficiently stiff for use in a fast stream or in surf, but fine for slow streams, solid land).

The Katana decouples the camera load from the tripod legs, so even my little Traveler works great. For short lenses, the little head works fine except for panos.

I used the tripod/gimbal very successfully on a birding trip to Japan several years ago (5DIV/100-400/2X) and am bringing it with me on the same trip next year, only with R5/100-500/1.4X & 2X Extenders.

Frankly, I rarely use my Gitzo Series 3 tripod (earlier version of the one you have) equipped with nice FLM ball heads much anymore, as I’ve learned to use the Traveler pretty effectively with my gear.

I’d recommend differently if you were bringing a 500 f/4, 600 f/4 or similar big, heavy lens, but apparently you’re not.

And I’ll again suggest that you hone your technique close to home. I gave examples of locations in my earlier post.

Oct 21, 2023 at 08:18 PM

RobbyT
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

I agree with CanadaMark and echo his opinion about the Sidekick.

My experience with the Sidekick has been great with an asterisk. Side mounted heavier lenses (like my 600/4) don't rotate as smoothly on their tripod collar as they do when mounted on a conventional gimbal with the mount below the weight of the lens. With that being said, the size advantage completely makes up for that in my opinion so long as you are already bringing a tripod and a ball head. How big of ballhead? How tight does it crank down. Any slip could result in an unpleasant and potentially expensive experience.

Oct 28, 2023 at 12:27 PM

nmerc_photos
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

for monopod, the clear choice is the Wimberley MH-100 Wimberley MonoGimbal Head

as for tripod heads, this was the sheet I made comparing when purchasing

having owned them all, I find the Leofoto PG1 to be the best bang for the buck, and use the Acratech Long Lens head for travel if space is a concern

Oct 29, 2023 at 10:54 PM

Ancocene
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Lightweight Gimbal options?

I third the Leofoto. Good balance of price and weight.

Nov 12, 2023 at 11:27 AM


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