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Driline · 06-06-2014, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

Some folks love their DA*300s, others their FA*300s, but I think most people appreciate that the F* version is lighter, smaller and fitted with a better mounting foot. I certainly do.

BTW, I've found that a cheap Chinese gimbal head makes mine much more useable on a tripod, and the Pentax FLUcard in the K-3 makes the setup just that little bit more flexible again.

I'll take that cheap Chinese knock off if you have that info.

littledrawe · 06-06-2014, 09:27 AM

Originally posted by Driline

'll take that cheap Chinese knock off if you have that info.

Beike Gimbal head. Usually available for $100.00-150.00 on ebay.

Driline · 06-06-2014, 11:28 AM

Originally posted by littledrawe

Beike Gimbal head. Usually available for $100.00-150.00 on ebay.

Wow. $91 and free delivery on flea bay all the way from Hong Kong.

**RobA_Oz** · 06-06-2014, 01:34 PM

Originally posted by Driline

Wow. $91 and free delivery on flea bay all the way from Hong Kong.

The only extra I found that mine needed was a stainless steel thread insert to reduce the mounting hole on the gimbal to the correct size for my tripod head. If your tripod head is detachable, so much the better, but I've not found it necessary because, correctly adjusted of course, your camera with lens will be centred on the gimbal's two axes of rotation so the head won't tend to tip because of weight imbalance.

littledrawe · 06-06-2014, 02:44 PM

I don't think I would use the gimbal on a set of legs with an attachment smaller than its native 3/8" I would be worried about the weight capacity they can handle. I had the beike and it had some sag when the up/down knob was loosened. I noticed that it was stiff in cold weather when I was outside shooting eagles on a frozen lake. However between that and the second hand bogen monster legs I bought it was a very solid telephoto setup for under $200.00 which is hard to beat.

**crewl1** · 06-06-2014, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

Some folks love their DA*300s, others their FA*300s, but I think most people appreciate that the F* version is lighter, smaller and fitted with a better mounting foot. I certainly do.

The Fanotec LF-1 with 100mm plate addresses any mounting foot envy and makes the DA*300 a dream to use.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/231003-sal...apter-q-k.html

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06-06-2014, 08:29 AM	#16
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,708 Original Poster	Originally posted by RobA_Oz Some folks love their DA300s, others their FA300s, but I think most people appreciate that the F* version is lighter, smaller and fitted with a better mounting foot. I certainly do. BTW, I've found that a cheap Chinese gimbal head makes mine much more useable on a tripod, and the Pentax FLUcard in the K-3 makes the setup just that little bit more flexible again. I'll take that cheap Chinese knock off if you have that info.

06-06-2014, 09:27 AM	#17
littledrawe Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Red Rock Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,514	Originally posted by Driline 'll take that cheap Chinese knock off if you have that info. Beike Gimbal head. Usually available for $100.00-150.00 on ebay.

06-06-2014, 11:28 AM	#18
Driline Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,708 Original Poster	Originally posted by littledrawe Beike Gimbal head. Usually available for $100.00-150.00 on ebay. Wow. $91 and free delivery on flea bay all the way from Hong Kong.

06-06-2014, 01:34 PM	#19
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Originally posted by Driline Wow. $91 and free delivery on flea bay all the way from Hong Kong. The only extra I found that mine needed was a stainless steel thread insert to reduce the mounting hole on the gimbal to the correct size for my tripod head. If your tripod head is detachable, so much the better, but I've not found it necessary because, correctly adjusted of course, your camera with lens will be centred on the gimbal's two axes of rotation so the head won't tend to tip because of weight imbalance.

06-06-2014, 02:44 PM	#20
littledrawe Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Red Rock Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,514	I don't think I would use the gimbal on a set of legs with an attachment smaller than its native 3/8" I would be worried about the weight capacity they can handle. I had the beike and it had some sag when the up/down knob was loosened. I noticed that it was stiff in cold weather when I was outside shooting eagles on a frozen lake. However between that and the second hand bogen monster legs I bought it was a very solid telephoto setup for under $200.00 which is hard to beat.

06-06-2014, 02:50 PM	#21
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by RobA_Oz Some folks love their DA300s, others their FA300s, but I think most people appreciate that the F* version is lighter, smaller and fitted with a better mounting foot. I certainly do. The Fanotec LF-1 with 100mm plate addresses any mounting foot envy and makes the DA*300 a dream to use. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/231003-sal...apter-q-k.html

Some 'Lovin' for the Pentax F* 300

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