Still debating on tripod and gimbal

panoguy · 08-15-2013, 06:49 AM

Originally posted by pearsaab

larry also suggested the sidekick but i am going to use this with the sigma 500 and want to make sure that it is rock solid...

Give the folks at Wimberley a call and ask their advice about a Sidekick-like device vs. a full gimbal. They've consulted many other photographers, and the Sigma 500/4.5 is one of the lenses that make people consider a gimbal head, so I'm sure they've tested it. Really, they won't say you have to buy one first...

**pearsaab** · 08-15-2013, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by panoguy

Give the folks at Wimberley a call and ask their advice about a Sidekick-like device vs. a full gimbal. They've consulted many other photographers, and the Sigma 500/4.5 is one of the lenses that make people consider a gimbal head, so I'm sure they've tested it. Really, they won't say you have to buy one first...

thanks panoguy...in discussions with several people the impression i have is the sidekick won't be strong enough for the sigma 500 so sounds like i need to focus on the full gimbal

panoguy · 08-15-2013, 09:18 AM

Originally posted by pearsaab

thanks panoguy...in discussions with several people the impression i have is the sidekick won't be strong enough for the sigma 500 so sounds like i need to focus on the full gimbal

Which is odd, since I borrowed another guy's 500/4.5 (mightymike around here) and put it on my sidekick with no problem. I don't own that lens to use it every day, but the collar on the Sigma is definitely big enough, and I had a long arca-plate to balance it nicely. There might be an issue with feeling confident, but that's different from being strong enough... the Sigma may be 3 kilos, but I think my tripod and head weigh more than that! (=confident)

**LaurenOE** · 08-15-2013, 09:32 AM

Go with the Katana. It's overbuilt and tough.
It's milled from solid 6061 Aluminum.
It's has multiple heavy-load bearings to support ANYTHING.
It's a heavy gimbal that absorbs vibration.
It's the best gimbal money can buy.
It blows the doors off Wimberly.

You can't clone a Katana because of how it's built.
Wimberly clones are everywhere.

panoguy · 08-15-2013, 11:12 AM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

Go with the Katana. It's overbuilt and tough.
It's milled from solid 6061 Aluminum.
It's has multiple heavy-load bearings to support ANYTHING.
It's a heavy gimbal that absorbs vibration.
It's the best gimbal money can buy.
It blows the doors off Wimberly.

Oh, quit beating around the bush and tell us what you really think!

Originally posted by LaurenOE

You can't clone a Katana because of how it's built.

**pearsaab** · 08-15-2013, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Which is odd, since I borrowed another guy's 500/4.5 (mightymike around here) and put it on my sidekick with no problem. I don't own that lens to use it every day, but the collar on the Sigma is definitely big enough, and I had a long arca-plate to balance it nicely. There might be an issue with feeling confident, but that's different from being strong enough... the Sigma may be 3 kilos, but I think my tripod and head weigh more than that! (=confident)

Originally posted by LaurenOE

Go with the Katana. It's overbuilt and tough.
It's milled from solid 6061 Aluminum.
It's has multiple heavy-load bearings to support ANYTHING.
It's a heavy gimbal that absorbs vibration.
It's the best gimbal money can buy.
It blows the doors off Wimberly.

You can't clone a Katana because of how it's built.
Wimberly clones are everywhere.

my buddy larry is going on vacation so is loaning me his katana so i can check this monster out...looking forward to checking it out...will let you know

**LaurenOE** · 08-15-2013, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by panoguy

Oh, quit beating around the bush and tell us what you really think!

Too funny!

snostorm · 08-15-2013, 04:10 PM

The Sigma 500/4.5 is not really a heavy lens at just under 7 lbs. The FA* 300/2.8 weighs 6 lbs 10 oz which is less than 1/2 lb lighter. The Sidekick handles this weight class easily, but some users have said that anything bulkier than 300/2.8 class lenses are better handled by the full WH200 gimbal. The differences that I see between the Katana and the WH200 are -- almost 2 lbs in weight with the Katana at @ 5 lbs and the WH200 at 3.14 lbs, and functionally, both the horizontal pivot and panning base knobs are on the same side on the Wimberley, so both can conveniently be found by feel and adjusted by the left hand. I learned early on to set up my ballhead's panning knob on the same side as my Sidekick's knob to achieve the same convenience. I like to keep my right hand on the camera grip while shooting, and frequently lock the gimbal down to give me maximum stability since the added height of the gimbal reduces any tripod's stability to some extent. In the heat of battle with those pesky birds, little things like this make a difference, IMO.

The Katana alone, at @ 5 lbs, weighs more than my lightweight tripod legs and ballhead together (4 bs, 5 oz). In my recent obsession to reduce the weight of my kit, this would be a deal breaker because it would drive the weight of my big support setup to well over 10 lbs., and at that weight, I'd rarely choose to carry it.

Scott

**LaurenOE** · 08-15-2013, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by snostorm

The differences that I see between the Katana and the WH200 are -- almost 2 lbs in weight with the Katana at @ 5 lbs and the WH200 at 3.14 lbs, and functionally, both the horizontal pivot and panning base knobs are on the same side on the Wimberley, so both can conveniently be found by feel and adjusted by the left hand.

Yeah baby. Built like a TANK.
3 extra pounds of beefy-goodness!!
Also, with the Katana you can move the pan knob to whatever side you like!

Originally posted by snostorm

The Katana alone, at @ 5 lbs, weighs more than my lightweight tripod legs and ballhead together (4 bs, 5 oz). In my recent obsession to reduce the weight of my kit, this would be a deal breaker because it would drive the weight of my big support setup to well over 10 lbs., and at that weight, I'd rarely choose to carry it.

Scott

I totally understand light weight, and the Katana is definitely NOT.
You can also put extra attachments on the Katana like the Flash doubler bracket.

Gimbal Head Flash Doubler

The Katana also has extra 1/4-20" holes in great places and Arca compatible slots on the arm.

derekkite · 08-16-2013, 11:03 PM

I've been using the Jobu Jr3 for a while now. Works very well, nice and light. It is on my tripod right now, but I use it on my monopod. It isn't as solid as some of the heavier ones, but it is light. You can remove the swing arm and use it like the sidekick to save weight. Far better than a ball head, especially for tracking with a long lens.

RockvilleBob · 12-05-2014, 03:42 AM

I am considering the Custom Brackets Gimbal for three reasons: looks solid, collapsible for transport, limited pano capability. Right now for travel I take a large ball head, Sidekick and Nodal Ninja 5 with leveler and rotator. I sense I can reduce this down to the Custom Bracket Gimbal. What I give up is the pitch capability of the Nodal Ninja for interior scenes. Does anyone have hands on experience with the Custom Brackets Gimbal? Thanks

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08-15-2013, 06:49 AM	#16
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by pearsaab larry also suggested the sidekick but i am going to use this with the sigma 500 and want to make sure that it is rock solid... Give the folks at Wimberley a call and ask their advice about a Sidekick-like device vs. a full gimbal. They've consulted many other photographers, and the Sigma 500/4.5 is one of the lenses that make people consider a gimbal head, so I'm sure they've tested it. Really, they won't say you have to buy one first...

08-15-2013, 08:59 AM	#17
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900 Original Poster	Originally posted by panoguy Give the folks at Wimberley a call and ask their advice about a Sidekick-like device vs. a full gimbal. They've consulted many other photographers, and the Sigma 500/4.5 is one of the lenses that make people consider a gimbal head, so I'm sure they've tested it. Really, they won't say you have to buy one first... thanks panoguy...in discussions with several people the impression i have is the sidekick won't be strong enough for the sigma 500 so sounds like i need to focus on the full gimbal

08-15-2013, 09:18 AM	#18
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by pearsaab thanks panoguy...in discussions with several people the impression i have is the sidekick won't be strong enough for the sigma 500 so sounds like i need to focus on the full gimbal Which is odd, since I borrowed another guy's 500/4.5 (mightymike around here) and put it on my sidekick with no problem. I don't own that lens to use it every day, but the collar on the Sigma is definitely big enough, and I had a long arca-plate to balance it nicely. There might be an issue with feeling confident, but that's different from being strong enough... the Sigma may be 3 kilos, but I think my tripod and head weigh more than that! (=confident)

08-15-2013, 09:32 AM	#19
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Go with the Katana. It's overbuilt and tough. It's milled from solid 6061 Aluminum. It's has multiple heavy-load bearings to support ANYTHING. It's a heavy gimbal that absorbs vibration. It's the best gimbal money can buy. It blows the doors off Wimberly. You can't clone a Katana because of how it's built. Wimberly clones are everywhere.

08-15-2013, 11:12 AM	#20
panoguy Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Washington, D.C. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,327	Originally posted by LaurenOE Go with the Katana. It's overbuilt and tough. It's milled from solid 6061 Aluminum. It's has multiple heavy-load bearings to support ANYTHING. It's a heavy gimbal that absorbs vibration. It's the best gimbal money can buy. It blows the doors off Wimberly. Oh, quit beating around the bush and tell us what you really think! Originally posted by LaurenOE You can't clone a Katana because of how it's built.

08-15-2013, 12:25 PM	#21
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,900 Original Poster	Originally posted by panoguy Which is odd, since I borrowed another guy's 500/4.5 (mightymike around here) and put it on my sidekick with no problem. I don't own that lens to use it every day, but the collar on the Sigma is definitely big enough, and I had a long arca-plate to balance it nicely. There might be an issue with feeling confident, but that's different from being strong enough... the Sigma may be 3 kilos, but I think my tripod and head weigh more than that! (=confident) Originally posted by LaurenOE Go with the Katana. It's overbuilt and tough. It's milled from solid 6061 Aluminum. It's has multiple heavy-load bearings to support ANYTHING. It's a heavy gimbal that absorbs vibration. It's the best gimbal money can buy. It blows the doors off Wimberly. You can't clone a Katana because of how it's built. Wimberly clones are everywhere. my buddy larry is going on vacation so is loaning me his katana so i can check this monster out...looking forward to checking it out...will let you know

08-15-2013, 03:13 PM	#22
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Originally posted by panoguy Oh, quit beating around the bush and tell us what you really think! Too funny!

08-15-2013, 04:10 PM	#23
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	The Sigma 500/4.5 is not really a heavy lens at just under 7 lbs. The FA* 300/2.8 weighs 6 lbs 10 oz which is less than 1/2 lb lighter. The Sidekick handles this weight class easily, but some users have said that anything bulkier than 300/2.8 class lenses are better handled by the full WH200 gimbal. The differences that I see between the Katana and the WH200 are -- almost 2 lbs in weight with the Katana at @ 5 lbs and the WH200 at 3.14 lbs, and functionally, both the horizontal pivot and panning base knobs are on the same side on the Wimberley, so both can conveniently be found by feel and adjusted by the left hand. I learned early on to set up my ballhead's panning knob on the same side as my Sidekick's knob to achieve the same convenience. I like to keep my right hand on the camera grip while shooting, and frequently lock the gimbal down to give me maximum stability since the added height of the gimbal reduces any tripod's stability to some extent. In the heat of battle with those pesky birds, little things like this make a difference, IMO. The Katana alone, at @ 5 lbs, weighs more than my lightweight tripod legs and ballhead together (4 bs, 5 oz). In my recent obsession to reduce the weight of my kit, this would be a deal breaker because it would drive the weight of my big support setup to well over 10 lbs., and at that weight, I'd rarely choose to carry it. Scott

08-15-2013, 04:25 PM	#24
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Originally posted by snostorm The differences that I see between the Katana and the WH200 are -- almost 2 lbs in weight with the Katana at @ 5 lbs and the WH200 at 3.14 lbs, and functionally, both the horizontal pivot and panning base knobs are on the same side on the Wimberley, so both can conveniently be found by feel and adjusted by the left hand. Yeah baby. Built like a TANK. 3 extra pounds of beefy-goodness!! Also, with the Katana you can move the pan knob to whatever side you like! Originally posted by snostorm The Katana alone, at @ 5 lbs, weighs more than my lightweight tripod legs and ballhead together (4 bs, 5 oz). In my recent obsession to reduce the weight of my kit, this would be a deal breaker because it would drive the weight of my big support setup to well over 10 lbs., and at that weight, I'd rarely choose to carry it. Scott I totally understand light weight, and the Katana is definitely NOT. You can also put extra attachments on the Katana like the Flash doubler bracket. Gimbal Head Flash Doubler The Katana also has extra 1/4-20" holes in great places and Arca compatible slots on the arm.

08-16-2013, 11:03 PM	#25
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	I've been using the Jobu Jr3 for a while now. Works very well, nice and light. It is on my tripod right now, but I use it on my monopod. It isn't as solid as some of the heavier ones, but it is light. You can remove the swing arm and use it like the sidekick to save weight. Far better than a ball head, especially for tracking with a long lens.

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12-05-2014, 03:42 AM	#26
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	I am considering the Custom Brackets Gimbal for three reasons: looks solid, collapsible for transport, limited pano capability. Right now for travel I take a large ball head, Sidekick and Nodal Ninja 5 with leveler and rotator. I sense I can reduce this down to the Custom Bracket Gimbal. What I give up is the pitch capability of the Nodal Ninja for interior scenes. Does anyone have hands on experience with the Custom Brackets Gimbal? Thanks