[csa]

I've read the few reviews on Gimbals here, but still want some input from those that have one of these inexpensive units (around $100). I'm considering the Movo GH700; however I've read that the "J" arm is not @90 degrees. Would this be a problem for photographing birds, etc.?

Any suggestions, comments would be greatly appreciated. This will be used with the Bigma, 50-500 lens, on a tripod rated for 22lbs.

Thanks!

[boriscleto]

With gimbals you get what you pay for. Consider spending a bit more...but not necessarily a Whimberly

LensMaster Gimbal Head - USA Sales

[csa]

Those really look nice, but I'd prefer the "bottom" mount over the "side" mount; all of these show the side mount.

[boriscleto]

Those really look nice, but I'd prefer the "bottom" mount over the "side" mount; all of these show the side mount.

Those are the RH-1s. The RH-2 is the full gimbal.

LensMaster Gimbal RH-2

[csa]

I don't see a US place that sells these. Even though I really like the looks of these; I really don't want to purchase overseas.

[boriscleto]

The only middle ground between the cheap junk and the expensive pro stuff available from a US seller is the Manfrotto 393.

It uses a proprietary quick release plate and the twin arm design can make using the controls on the lens awkward.

Manfrotto Heavy Telephoto Lens Support with Quick Release 393

[csa]

I'll keep looking, there's bound to be some middle ground available in the US for gimbals. I would not want the Manfrotto you linked to.

[LaurenOE]

The "semi-annual-gimbal-thread".
I've got ya covered!

Katana Gimbal Head Review

[csa]

Ouch! $750!! Uh, no.

[crewl1]

The Katana is worth the $$, I can attest.

But back to your budget, if you already have a good ball head, a sidekick style gimbal like the RH1 is not a bad option for the Bigma that has a rotating collar.

The problem with all the cheap eBay gimbals is that the movements are not ball bearing supported, so the little adjustments you need to make when on a long focal range will not be smooth.

This is why better gimbals cost so much. The RH2 seems like a good compromise as they use bearings in the pivot points.

[csa]

The Opteka GH1 does use ball bearings, @$150.

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-GH1-Heavy-Gimbal-Supports/dp/B0071BIQZC

[csa]

The RH1 sadly is only available in England. I want to buy in US, in case of a return; and not go thru the hassle of shipping back overseas.

[crewl1]

The Opteka GH1 does use ball bearings, @$150.

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-GH1-Heavy-Gimbal-Supports/dp/B0071BIQZC

Yes it does say that. From the exploded view the bearings do not support the arm weight.
That type of bearing will work on the central pivot but will probably still not give smooth motion on the swing.
For the swing you need to have bearings of the type found in roller blades.




The critical review here 'bears' this out.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Opteka GH1 Pro Heavy Duty Metal Gimbal Head (Supports up to 30lbs)

Anyway the Bigma does not weigh too much and so the gimbal will probably work fine. it does look bettter than the eBay ones that I disassembled and found no bearings at all, just some nylon washers inside.

[LaurenOE]

Ouch! $750!! Uh, no.

Trust me. It's worth it. It really is.

---------- Post added 05-15-15 at 02:01 PM ----------

Yes it does say that. From the exploded view the bearings do not support the arm weight.
That type of bearing will work on the central pivot but will probably still not give smooth motion on the swing.
For the swing you need to have bearings of the type found in roller blades.


The critical review here 'bears' this out.
Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Opteka GH1 Pro Heavy Duty Metal Gimbal Head (Supports up to 30lbs)

Anyway the Bigma does not weigh too much and so the gimbal will probably work fine. it does look bettter than the eBay ones that I disassembled and found no bearings at all, just some nylon washers inside.

All Gimbal roads lead to the Katana.

[csa]

Thanks Larry; your posts helps alot!