Gimbal: carrying, transporting, storing

**Kevin Fulton Ann Arbor** · 03-29-2021, 04:16 PM

I recently bought a gimbal head to use with my Sigma 150-600 C telephoto lens attached to a D5300 which I plan to use mainly on a monopod. Although I've seen photographers carrying their cameras/tripods slung over their shoulders when moving to a different shooting location to get a better angle, it seems that carrying a combination with a gimbal over the shoulder might be impracticable – if not hazardous to the equipment.
1. What is the best way to carry such a setup (monopod/tripod, camera and lens)? Should I cradle the heavy part in my arm, much like carrying a long gun?
2. When changing locations (1-2 miles on smooth/paved road with little traffic) is it advisable to dismantle the combination, or can it be transported safely if secured in the rear seat of a vehicle?
3. Regarding storage: can the gimbal remain attached to the monopod when not in use? My concern has to do with reducing the stresses caused by removing/attaching the equipment.
All suggestions welcome!
Thanks!

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**STM** · 03-29-2021, 10:55 PM

I carry mine over my shoulder all the time when it is mounted on a tripod. I just make sure I lock it in both axes before carrying it.

If I might be so bold, why would you use a gimbal head on a monopod? That does not seem to make a lot or sense. I would think a gimbal head atop a monopod would be rather wobbly and difficult to control. Gimbal heads are generally intended to be used on something that is steady, like a tripod.

**Kevin Fulton Ann Arbor** · 03-30-2021, 02:48 AM

Originally Posted by STM

[snip]
If I might be so bold, why would you use a gimbal head on a monopod?

Unfortunately I don't have the muscle tone I had as a younger man, nor even as a 60-year-old, so handling a large lens requires some support. I appreciate the portability of a monopod and have been using one with a ball head for some time now. Someone suggested that I try a gimbal to get more flexibility when shooting BIF. I bought the gimbal last week, have tried it a few times and have gotten several shots that I might have otherwise missed. It will take more practice to get used to it, but I'm not dissatisfied.

**[email protected]** · 03-30-2021, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by STM

If I might be so bold, why would you use a gimbal head on a monopod? That does not seem to make a lot or sense. I would think a gimbal head atop a monopod would be rather wobbly and difficult to control. Gimbal heads are generally intended to be used on something that is steady, like a tripod.

A gimbal head works excellent on a monopod. however, you keep the panning knob tight at all times or it becomes unstable. Tilting is great. Works awesome in a hide too. Steve Perry has a video on the subject, I got the idea from him.

**hark** · 03-30-2021, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by [email protected]

....Steve Perry has a video on the subject, I got the idea from him.

I was just going to say Steve had a video on how to adjust the Gmbal head for use on a monopod - the video was posted here on Nikonites a few years ago. In fact, I'm pretty sure Don Kuykendall (may he RIP) mentioned using a Gimbal head/monopod combo before Steve's video was ever shared here. In theory it sounds kind of unusual, but when watching him use the Gimbal and how easily the camera stays positioned, it seems to work better than a traditional monopod head (except for the additional weight to carry).

**Kevin Fulton Ann Arbor** · 03-30-2021, 02:18 PM

Thanks, I watched that video when I bought the gimbal.

**Kevin Fulton Ann Arbor** · 03-30-2021, 02:19 PM

Thanks. I've found a couple of his videos mentioning the subject.

**FredKingston** · 03-30-2021, 02:22 PM

I tried the monopod with my gimbal head, and 200-500mm and D810... It sounds nice, but if you're moving around a lot, it becomes tedious. You have to hold on the the thing continuously... unlike the tripod, the mono isn't gonna stand up by itself... Finding a spot to "lean" it against to give you a minute or two of hands free isn't easy with 30+ pounds on the end... I went back to my tripod pretty quickly.

When I move... I just tighten everything down, fold the legs in, and let it seek its own balance on my shoulder. I have a Manfrotto 055 tripod which is in the very beefy category, and a beefy carbon fiber gimbal... I wouldn't suggest throwing it over your shoulder with a medium or light weight system...

**Patrick Molloy** · 03-30-2021, 05:03 PM

Having watched Steve Perry’s video, I got the monogimbel for use with a monopod for an Antarctic cruise a year ago now. D7500 with the 200-500 attached. When balanced it’s simply superb. On deck for hours and I could easily swing up for birds or down for seals, whales or whatever. There were others shooting with tripods and monopods, but I have to say they were keen to see how I garnered the sheer flexibility this this gave me!

**STM** · 03-30-2021, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by [email protected]

A gimbal head works excellent on a monopod. however, you keep the panning knob tight at all times or it becomes unstable. Tilting is great. Works awesome in a hide too. Steve Perry has a video on the subject, I got the idea from him.

This would not work for me. This might work if your lenses are autofocus but since all of my lenses are manual focus AI/AIS and I was unfortunately born with only two arms I could not hold the monopod and camera and focus the lens all at the same time.