Wimberley Sidekick question

I am thinking of buying set piece of equipment and have only found good reviews but I would like to get some first hand experience so a couple of questions

Firstly for those that have the sidekick what tripod and ballhead do you use and how have you found it.

Secondly does anyone have one that they are not using and would like to sell.

Regards

Dave

Personally i wouldnt have a sidekick, i have seen too many fall over through having a loose ballhead. I would go for the Mk11, much safer, although i have had a lot of success with a Manfrotto 393.

You'll get the same recommendation from me too Dave - MkII all the time.

The other thing to remember is that with a sidekick mount the weight of the rig is acting at 90 degrees to the lens foot, trying to snap it and also trying to lever the mounting plate out of its clamp.

MkII is a much safer design - that's my HO at any rate

I have a Sidekick and whilst I completely agree with the risks/issues raised by Steve and Andy, I'd only add that I find the flexibility it offers in terms of being able to switch from using it with my 500mm and then straight to the Kirk Ball head I use for landscape work is a big bonus on certain occasions.

If you see the need for this flexibilty as important it's a good (and cheaper) option, if however you're only looking to use the big lenses and see this as a less expensive way in then the Mk 11 is your best bet imo.

Mark

I've used the Sidekick with no issues, in fact I'm really happy with it. I use it with a 500 on a car window mount and Gitzo tripod with a Kirk ballhead. Yes there is a risk if the ballhead isn't tight, but you lock it into position to use it so this isn't any more likely than forgetting to lock a leg. Size and weight make it easy to travel with too. I think Wimberley would replace your entire kit if one snapped, such is their reputation...

A

Hi Dave,

I used the Sidekick for years but now I prefer a full blown Wimberley Gimbal V2. I raised this a little while in one of my posts.

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%).

I used it with a Kirk BH-1 Ball Head which is superb and never experienced any slipping when I used the Sidekick with it! I can recommend this combo but ideally a full blown Gimbal is a better option!

I'll still use the Sidekick when I need to carry a lot of gear but may not be taking in-flight shots!

Hope this helps!

There I was thinking this was going to ba an easy decision.

back to the drawing board, bank manager and wife.

Thanks for the comments

Dave

I use a sidekick with a 600mm f4 which is not normally recommended, and although I am aware of the possible issues that have already been mentioned, I've never experienced them myself (touch wood). I use it because of its versatitlity and portability, being able to switch between Gimbal and ball head is important to me as well as how light it is to carry and to travel with. I have to say though 80% of the time I don't use a tripod with the 600mm, I much prefer using a beanbag.

By the way I use it with a Markins M20 ballhead.

Mark

I've no experience of other systems but can say I've had no problems with a G1325, AS B1 head and sidekick. In fact i love it and suits my purpose fully weight-wise and stability wise with a canon 500 and 1d2. Good luck, it's a tough choice and one not to rush into..or your wife may well beat you if you get it wrong