Is there anyone using this ballhead? Just noticed this and looks like it's a reasonable replacement for gimbal and great ballhead .
I shoot most of my wildlife hand held these days. My heaviest lens is only 5.5LB. But it'd be nice if you have a tripod that works when I want to wait at one spot for long. But don't need a gimbal for that. In other words if one head that'll work for everything (macro, occasional video, family stuff etc), I'd like to get it. Anyone?
I use the Flexshooter Pro. I dont have a gimbal. Having said that, Flexshooter is not a gimbal nor a ball head. It is great for travel and if you dont expect it to fully work like a gimbal or those video heads.
sathsy2017 wrote:
I use the Flexshooter Pro. I dont have a gimbal. Having said that, Flexshooter is not a gimbal nor a ball head. It is great for travel and if you dont expect it to fully work like a gimbal or those video heads.
That's what I'm reading. Now I have a small smallrig video head which can handle small cameras. I also have a macro rail. I think this will work to replace these and occasional gimbal use.
I much prefer Flexshooters to gimbals particularly if you do any video. While not as good as a fluid head you can dial in a level of somewhat predictable resistance on a Flexshooter that allows you to pan and tilt much smoother than you can with a “freewheeling” gimbal. Gimbals more times than not when filming results in jerky footage for anything other than filming static subjects. IMO a quality fluid head is the best “almost” do it all head but Flexshooters would be my second choice. Don’t underestimate the Flexshooter Mini as it is more than capable on lenses up to 200-600 size, very compact and the Mini version is also fantastic head on a monopod.
My Flex head functions exactly like a gimbal. It locks to prevent lens axis rotation and rotates freely around the vertical axis. You place your long lens foot in the clamp at the right spot to achieve balance and you're all set. Works with any FL lens. Watch the video on their website.
Tom RC wrote:
I much prefer Flexshooters to gimbals particularly if you do any video. While not as good as a fluid head you can dial in a level of somewhat predictable resistance on a Flexshooter that allows you to pan and tilt much smoother than you can with a “freewheeling” gimbal. Gimbals more times than not when filming results in jerky footage for anything other than filming static subjects. IMO a quality fluid head is the best “almost” do it all head but Flexshooters would be my second choice. Don’t underestimate the Flexshooter Mini as it is more than capable on lenses up to 200-600 size, very compact and the Mini version is also fantastic head on a monopod....Show more →
Thank you very much for the info. I have a 800mm f/6.3 lens which is slightly heavier than 200-600. So may be full version is better? Also full version should be future proof.
Jeffrey wrote:
My Flex head functions exactly like a gimbal. It locks to prevent lens axis rotation and rotates freely around the vertical axis. You place your long lens foot in the clamp at the right spot to achieve balance and you're all set. Works with any FL lens. Watch the video on their website.
Thanks for the encouraging words. I will give it a try
I shoot APS-C (Fuji X-H2S) and use the Flex Mini with the quick-release lever, which allows me to quickly lift the camera off the tripod when I want to use it handheld. I never use a ballhead and the Flex works for me most of the time. The only time I still use a regular gimbal is when I'm trying to shoot fast moving birds, because the Flex doesn't manuever quite as fast or as far up and down.
Dave_E wrote:
I have one and use it with my RF 600 f4 and sometimes the RF 400 f2.8 when stationary for long periods. It’s compact light and a pleasure to use.
xtabber wrote:
I shoot APS-C (Fuji X-H2S) and use the Flex Mini with the quick-release lever, which allows me to quickly lift the camera off the tripod when I want to use it handheld. I never use a ballhead and the Flex works for me most of the time. The only time I still use a regular gimbal is when I'm trying to shoot fast moving birds, because the Flex doesn't manuever quite as fast or as far up and down.
Good to know. I'm not planning to use tripod for BIF any time soon. As an ex Wimberley user I know how great they are. But no comparison for hand held shots. I need something to use if I wait on a nest for a long time or need rest for the hand. Would be nice if I can use it for videos and macros. Looks like flexshooter is a great for these.
I got a used head for $450. It's the pro version, not mini. I tried with 800 PF lens which is around 5.25 LB. It balances perfectly. I can pan without any issues. But up/down movement is nowhere close to a gimbal. (I heard it's a gimbal replacement, but it's not). As I already knew there's a limit how much up/down it goes.
The square QR system is not the easiest to attach lens/camera. But it need to be like that since lens attaches front/back and camera attaches left/right. Overall it's a great compromise of gimbal/ball heads. Works for me. So keeping it. Honestly don't think it's worth $600. It's my humble opinion.
If it's the RF lens I understand. Not sure if it can be used with a 8-10LB lens. Well, it'll work and can use it. But a regular gimbal would be much nicer.
I generally like Scott's reviews. Agree with his opinion on flexshooter too
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EGrav wrote:
I use my Flexshooter Pro with Canon 600. Love it.
