What is the best gimbal tripod head?

Bill16

Senior Member
I think I found the best tripod for my needs, and now I want to find out what is the best gimbal head to get! Eventually I plan to have several more lenses, and likely a big lens like the Nikkor 300mm f2.8 as an example and will need a gimbal head to use it without hurting myself! Lol :)
I don't have any set brand that I am stuck on, though I heard Wimberley was good, I have no real knowledge about which brand makes the best!
So I could sure use some help on which brands are really good and which gimbal heads are the best! For how much it can cost, I'll say up to $1000.00 max and I really hope they don't run that high!lol :)

It must be able to handle any large camera lens that goes on a DSLR!

Please help me learn how to tell the best from the rest, and what to look for when shopping for a great one!

Thanks!:D
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
As you say wimberly is a good make,across this side of the water these are popular,thought i would include the link for any one reading the thread,i bought cheap as i knew i wouldn't use it enough to pay for bearings instead of nylon sleeves.

LensMaster Gimbal RH-2
 

pforsell

Senior Member
Another vote to the Wimberley. I use the WH-200 II and have been extremely happy with it.

Just a side note, 300mm f/2.8 is such a small lens that a good ballhead is enough. I shoot my 300VR mostly on monopod with a ballhead and sometimes I just hand hold it. So if you consider getting longer than 300 in the future, get the Wimberley, otherwise it is not necessary, IMHO.

When you go heavier, a gimbal or a fluid head is invaluable. For example my 400mm f/2.8 VR needs a gimbal to be agile enough. It is not the weight of the lens as such, it is actually not heavy in any meaningful sense (I am used to lifting/pushing 40-50 times as much in the gym) but the fact that it is so front-heavy. Because of the weight distribution only a gimbal is solid enough support.

The Nikkor 300/2.8 VR is well balanced, short and light lens. You will love hand holding it and/or shooting on monopod giving you the possibility to move around fast.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
A fluid head like that one is way out of my budget! Lol Wow!lol :)

BTW, fluid heads are better than gimbals, but the price gets pretty high if you want quality gear. Look how a 600/4 handles on Sachtler:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rx8Un-KOXo


Then consider what you have to shell out for the best experience:

Sachtler DV 12SB Fluid Head (100mm) 1205 B&H Photo Video


A $600 WH-200 II is a bargain, IMHO. You'll get 80% of the fluid head handling at 20% of the cost.
 

Roy1961

Senior Member
Contributor
i tried my friends gimbal head yesterday, cant rem the make, cheaper one $150ish, liked it ok, dont know if it works better than my ballhead and the amount of time i have my camera on my tripod?? going to try a moon/star shot tonight before i return it.

Buy the best you can Bill, especially if you will use it alot.
 

NealB

Senior Member
I think I found the best tripod for my needs, and now I want to find out what is the best gimbal head to get! Eventually I plan to have several more lenses, and likely a big lens like the Nikkor 300mm f2.8 as an example and will need a gimbal head to use it without hurting myself! Lol :)
I don't have any set brand that I am stuck on, though I heard Wimberley was good, I have no real knowledge about which brand makes the best!
So I could sure use some help on which brands are really good and which gimbal heads are the best! For how much it can cost, I'll say up to $1000.00 max and I really hope they don't run that high!lol :)

It must be able to handle any large camera lens that goes on a DSLR!

Please help me learn how to tell the best from the rest, and what to look for when shopping for a great one!

Thanks!:D

Take a look at the nest fluid head. Go to camera cottage.com to view it. I bought one about a year ago and love it.
 

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
I've got a Wimberley and love it. I purchased it on eBay for well south of $300 over a year ago. It had one small blemish from the previous owner's use, which meant nothing to the function of the head.

WM
 

Rick M

Senior Member
I really like gimbals, it comes down to where you like the center of gravity. I move better with the swing like motion of the gimbal, but again, it comes down to personal choice.
 

Rick M

Senior Member
BTW, fluid heads are better than gimbals, .

No, it's really a matter of choice. You are assuming more expensive is better, a common misconception among beginners. Gimbals and fluids feel different on the shoulder of the tripod, you have to experience them to find what works best for you and your shooting style.
 
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Blacktop

Senior Member
Depending on how heavy the 200-500mm lens will be, I may also be looking at a Gimbal head myself.
I would rather shoot BIF handheld, but it might get heavy after a few hours of shooting.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Depending on how heavy the 200-500mm lens will be, I may also be looking at a Gimbal head myself.
I would rather shoot BIF handheld, but it might get heavy after a few hours of shooting.

Bet it doesn't,your shooting time is a fraction of your carrying time so its the carrying that makes them heavy
 

pforsell

Senior Member
No, it's really a matter of choice. You are assuming more expensive is better, a common misconception among beginners.

I am assuming nothing. I have 20+ years experience with gimbals (30+ with ball heads) and I have extensively loaned/tested/used fluid heads. What I wrote was not an assumption of any kind, it was a personal opinion based on personal knowledge.

Gimbals and fluids feel different on the shoulder of the tripod, you have to experience them to find what works best for you and your shooting style.

I have and I know. As I previously wrote based on my experience, a Sachtler fluid head is worlds better with my AFS 400/2.8 VR than my WH-200 II, but I cannot justify the $3k price tag. The gimbal provides 80% of the handling at 20% of the cost.

Will I buy a good fluid head in the future? It depends. The Wimberley is adequate with 400/2.8VR and 300/2.8VR, and despite the front-heaviness of the 200/2VR2 it's so short it works well even on a ball head. And all but 400/2.8VR are easy to hand hold too.

If I were to get a 600/4 in the future I'd probably get a fluid head to go with it. But not based on assumptions, as you assume, but based on personal experience and personal needs.
 
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NealB

Senior Member
I am assuming nothing. I have 20+ years experience with gimbals (30+ with ball heads) and I have extensively loaned/tested/used fluid heads. What I wrote was not an assumption of any kind, it was a personal opinion based on personal knowledge.



I have and I know. As I previously wrote based on my experience, a Sachtler fluid head is worlds better with my AFS 400/2.8 VR than my WH-200 II, but I cannot justify the $3k price tag. The gimbal provides 80% of the handling at 20% of the cost.

Will I buy a good fluid head in the future? It depends. The Wimberley is adequate with 400/2.8VR and 300/2.8VR, and despite the front-heaviness of the 200/2VR2 it's so short it works well even on a ball head. And all but 400/2.8VR are easy to hand hold too.

If I were to get a 600/4 in the future I'd probably get a fluid head to go with it. But not based on assumptions, as you assume, but based on personal experience and personal needs.

I totally agree you, but would add do not buy one with just enough load capacity for the heaviest lens you plan to use today. Always up size slightly because who knows what you will buy in the future. I should know because I am the master of making that mistake many times in the past.
 

bandit993

Senior Member
I have a sigma 150-600 C and was thinking of a gimbal head for that. My camera is a D7200. What are your ideas for that combo? I am thinking a Manfrotto 055xpro3 tripod to put it on.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
No, it's really a matter of choice. You are assuming more expensive is better, a common misconception among beginners. Gimbals and fluids feel different on the shoulder of the tripod, you have to experience them to find what works best for you and your shooting style.

I am assuming nothing. I have 20+ years experience with gimbals (30+ with ball heads) and I have extensively loaned/tested/used fluid heads. What I wrote was not an assumption of any kind, it was a personal opinion based on personal knowledge.

I think his comment stems from the fact that your experience level is listed newbie. You might want to change it under your settings. ;)
 

Bill16

Senior Member
I'm not sure who you are asking, but since I started the thread, I think the gimbal head post in my first post would be a pretty great choice since I have heard nothing to the contrary! Lol :)
But as for Manfrotto tripods I'm completely in the dark. I have been addicted to Gitzo tripods, and plan on buying the best Gitzo traveler tripod I have seen yet! Luckily I am short so it should work well for me without buying a center column! Lol:)

I have a sigma 150-600 C and was thinking of a gimbal head for that. My camera is a D7200. What are your ideas for that combo? I am thinking a Manfrotto 055xpro3 tripod to put it on.
 
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