Help me understand the different type of heads

I need a new tripod and head as my little tripod isn't going to cut it any longer. My head is spinning trying to figure out what type of tripod head I should get much less what brand and model. Normally I would research this subject to death but I don't have the time as I just decided to purchase the Nikon 200-500 5.6 lens for a Alaska trip next week.

This is what I have: D5300, Nikon 18-140 1.3-5.6, Nikon 35 1.8, Tokina 11-16 2.8, Tamron 70-300 4-5.6.
A slik sprint mini tripod, great little travel tripod but creeps from the 70-300 weight, never going to work for the Nikon 200-500.

Purchasing Nikon 200-500 5.6
Looking at Manfrotto tripod but haven't decided yet.

I need to decide what head to get for the new tripod and 200-500 lens.
Unfortunately, I am on a budget and hope to stay under 200 for the head.

Sounds like people like Manfrotto tripods but not heads?
If I use a gimbal head for my large lens can I still use it for my other lenses?

So many choices, I'm confused and cant decide! Please explain the differences, advantages or disadvantages of the different head types.

For that price, I'd recommend either a joystick head, a pan-and-tilt head or a telephoto lens support.

I like some manfrotto heads, but not all of them, same as the other manufacturers. Yes you can use a gimbal head with the rest of your lenses, as the mounting plate will attach to the camera and you can shift the plate in the mount for balance. Don't neglect to look at used items.

Good luck.

WM

Any advantage of one over the others or is it personal preference? This is totally new to me, first big lens and I do want to be sure it is supported correctly.

Would the lens support be used on a ball head or ?
B&H has a Kirk lens support for the Nikon 200-500
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1192195-REG/kirk_ls_2_lens_support_for.html

I mainly shoot landscape and wildlife so I'm often not on level ground.
Thanks

i used the regular plate that came with my ballhead with my 50-500 sigma, works fine, bought the larger plate when i got my gimbal head. Tough choice you have to make, just do your research and buy what suits you, remember you are supporting a $1400 lens, dont go to light.

Any advantage of one over the others or is it personal preference? This is totally new to me, first big lens and I do want to be sure it is supported correctly.

Would the lens support be used on a ball head or ?
B&H has a Kirk lens support for the Nikon 200-500
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1192195-REG/kirk_ls_2_lens_support_for.html

I mainly shoot landscape and wildlife so I'm often not on level ground.
Thanks

Wimberley Professional Photo Gear - Quick-Release Plates

this is what i used, according to this you want a P30. you can get a gimbal for about $100 and up.

Great thanks much.

I went with a Vanguard AltaPro 264 and added a Gimbal for my 200-500 F5.6 and it works very well. it is big, but it made life a lot easier for me with the big lens.

I just orders the 55mm ball head ($160) and I am VERY happy with it!
Amazon.com : Desmond DLOW-55 55mm Low Profile Ball Head Arca / RRS Compatible w Pan Lock for Tripod : Camera & Photo

Its smooth and will hold anything you throw at it!