Gimbal Head Advice

Hi everyone,

For all my action photography I have like most been using a Wimberley Sidekick with a Ball Head. However there have been a few occasions when I have found this set-up to be taxing, such as when the wind kicks up (It isn’t uncommon for me to be out in 55mph plus winds – If I didn’t I’d rarely get out).

I have a new 500mm f4 VR arriving next week and I am seriously thinking of changing the Sidekick set-up for a full blown Gimbal Head. I have been looking at the three different models and wondered if anyone has used one or more of the heads and could give me their preferences and what they loathe of a particular model.

1. Wimberley Gimbal Head Version II V2
2. Kirk King Cobra Head
3. Dietmar Nill Gimbal Head

Many thanks,

1)

May I suggest the Jobu black widow? It looks like the whimberly but is considerably lighter. I bought one last August and it performs superbly. Out of your choices, I would go for #1

Although i dont use a Gimbal head anymore as i use a fluid head, i would go for the JOBU as well. I used it and it is as good as the Wimberley.....and cheaper
Rene de Heer

Same as Tom - 1.
Better still, 1. + GS5120L levelling base - saves SOOOO much 'pratting about' with pod legs.

use the Jobu, goos action and lighter + cheaper
instead of Dietmar look manfrotto 393, very cheap and works well.

Surely trying to stabilising the tripod more in high winds is going to reap bigger benefits than a change of head? The Sidekick should be more than man enough to control a 500F4 it is universally used for lenses up to this size

What is your precise issue with the Sidekick?

Mike

Hi Mike,

Don’t get me wrong here, I love the sidekick for it versatility and ease of use and I am fully aware it will take lens up to 500mm. However at the present moment I am trying to combat camera shake caused by high wind situations. In situations like this I often use a stone bag to anchor the tripod down to create a rock solid platform and have no problems if I just use the ball head and turn the VR on. The problems begin when I connect the sidekick. With this set-up four links are created allowing vibration to incur far more easily – in my opinion I believe the weakest link occurs between the ball and the platform when tilted over for the sidekick to be connected.

So I thought if I used a gimbal type head there are only two links which will reduce the amount of vibration (hopefully by 50%).

---

The main reason for not mentioning the Jobu in my list was simply that I couldn't find a UK supplier. Anyone know of one?

Weight isn't such an issue for me. So may go with the Wimberley, unless anyone else has a thought.

I use No. 1 with a 500mm and couldn't be more pleased - the best head I have used!

David

Hi Paul,

I also use a Wimberley gimbal v2 with a 500F4 , I highly recommend this combo.

Regards

Andy...

The Wimberley does the job, is the industry standard, costs and arm and a leg but you will not be disappointed with it's performance. It's a delight to use.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all your replies and emails. It appears that most of you favour the Wimberley or the Jobu. As the Jobu has no UK supplier at the moment, as far as I can gather mind, I'll probably opt for the Wimberley (I'll just ask for a discount!).

Many thanks,

For those who are interested I ended up getting a Wimberley Gimbal V2 - The verdict simply awesome! Just waiting for the Camo Cover!