NRF help me spend my money.

Parke1953

I have saved a $1,000.00(It's burning a hole in my pocket) and I want to buy a Gimbal Head. Those of you that have one(or any one else that may have used or seen one) what are the pros and cons of what you have and do you like what you have(would you have got something else now). What is best a full Gimbal or a side mount Gimbal. Where I live the store does not carry them and the next closest is Dallas some 5+ hours away so I have not been able to look at any, or is there some other type of head for a long lens. Please Help. [-O<

Ironheart

How much weight? i.e. Which lens and body?

Parke1953

D800 + 80-400mm. Will put a tc-14 on soon and in the not so far future (maybe a year) I hope to go to 600mm. I shake some so I need something stable. I can hand hold for a while but it's hit and miss.

framer

What type and size of tripod are you using?

framer

Ironheart

These two are the gold standard, and within your budget. The RRS will not disappoint and will feel like a luxury automobile; the wimberly is a rock solid workhorse. You will be able to pass either of them onto your grandchildren's grandchildren.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Pano-Gimbal-Heads-Components/PG-02-FG-Full-Gimbal-Head.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404536-REG/Wimberley_WH_200_Gimbal_Type_Tripod_Head.html

Parke1953

framer I am using a Sirui M-3004 with a short column and is quite stable with a ball head and short lenses. The only problem I have with it is that it is a tiny bit short for me so a taller tripod may be in my future. The height of the gimbal may help there and also thinking about a leveling base. I think I have enough money for both. Maybe I can steal some extra from the wife when she's not looking (most of the time that doesn't work).

Ironheart yes RRS and Wimberley I have read until my head Is spinning. I guess my real problem is what one do I get and it would sure be nice to be able to see and touch one. I am going to California at the end of November or early December going to be a granddad. Yeah. Might be able to see some there but don't know if I can wait that long. You know how it is when you have money in your pocket you have to spend it before the spouse does.

So what do you all think about a full gimbal head or a side mount gimbal and what is the real difference.

I need a cup of ~O)

Ironheart

Just order it from RRS, they have a great return policy:
"The goal of Really Right Stuff is to deliver products of soul satisfying uncompromised quality. If, for whatever reason, you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you can return it to Really Right Stuff within 30 days of receipt."

Your local camera shop should have a Wimberley in stock if they are worth their salt.

Parke1953

My local shop is small and are the only one between here and Dallas unless you want to count BestBuy. Will order the RRS PG-02-FG tomorrow.

haroldp

If you are tracking wildlife with a long lens, a gimbal head maintains level and tracks in two dimensions. A ball head tracks 3, which I think is one too many.

A full gimbal on a leveling base is the best setup geometrically.

Side mount uses a ball head as a leveling base and pan bearing, and puts weight on the weakest mode.

The RRS gimbal head will also serve as a pano head, and is the most flexible bout lens height and girth.

The wimberly works as well within its range.

Knock offs may be fine but you should try them first.

Camera support stuff will last through many generations of digital bodies becoming obsolete and imho is a poor place to save.

spraynpray

If you are tracking wildlife with a long lens, a gimbal head maintains level and tracks in two dimensions. A ball head tracks 3, which I think is one too many.

I don't get that Harold, surely it is the camera that tracks the third?

Ironheart

Three dimensions X,Y,Z otherwise known as pitch, yaw, and roll.
Gimbal will do pitch and yaw, no roll.
Ball will do pitch, yaw and roll.

donaldejose

Parke1953

donaldejose nice gimbal $1500 a bit over what I have but still very nice. I don't think I could beg $500 more maybe $200. I have one question for anyone that may know. In another video review that I saw on this gimbal head the guy made a comment that the manufacture of the head put some thought into the location of the mounting plate so that it is centered over the rotational axis of the mount to the tripod. Is this not true with most gimbal heads. Is there a standard size for all manufactures that make Arca type plates and lens foots. If the width was to change would your lens then not be centered and would that make a difference.

donaldejose

Anyone have experience with any of these on e-bay? Really low prices.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l2632.R2.TR4.TRC2.A0.H0.Xgimbal+head.TRS0&_nkw=gimbal+head&_sacat=30090

Or anyone have experience with one of these on Amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer®-Professional-Arca-Swiss-Standard-Release/dp/B00DIXYI36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1445703877&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=neewer+gimbal+head

http://www.amazon.com/Movo-GH700-Professional-Arca-Swiss-Quick-Release/dp/B00GK4IYP8/ref=pd_sim_421_3?ie=UTF8&amp;dpID=41LOP57gTEL&amp;dpSrc=sims&amp;preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&amp;refRID=0GXYC8QMKSAJYC1N7XBP

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083DKKWO?psc=1

spraynpray

Ah gotcha. I got confused for a while because Trey Radcliffe used an RRS one which had s built-in ball head in the bottom so it waggled like a ball head would. Thx guys.

Parke1953

spraynpray I found that review I think and what was on the bottom was a RRS leveling base and I'm sure it was not locked. I've ordered one with the gimbal head and will see if it's as bad as that video shows. I can send it back if it doesn't work out.

spraynpray

I'm pretty sure that Trey isn't the sharpest tool in the box about that gear, although he obviously is pretty sharp about other things. The RRS gimbal head is going to be great I'm sure.

Parke1953

I got that from the video. I'm sure it will be just fine and top notch.

BabaGanoush

One possible issue I see with the Zenelli is that neither its swing arm nor its pan arm is adjustable. Both arms of the RRS gimbal are adjustable. Plus, the RRS arms are detachable for easy transport. That doesn't look to be the case for the Zenelli.

Parke1953

Well the RRS Gimbal and leveling base will be here tomorrow about 9:45 am. Yeah

Parke1953

Well my internet has been off since last night and just came back about an hour ago. Well anyway met the UPS guy this morning at 10. RRS Gimbal head and leveling base. What a dream. Hope to go out with it Monday morning also need a couple more items. It never stops does it.

Thanks to everybody for the help. I think I just needed a little push.