Head for 200-400 VR

Hey guys,
I need a head that can hold a Nikon 200-400 f/4 + TC + Falsh &BB + D700 with MB-D10, Are there any lighter/cheaper alternatives to the Wimberley?

You should be able to put together a used decent ballhead and a Wimberley Sidekick for around $400.00. Pretty reasonable to hold an expensive lens and camera set up safe and secure. Shop the photo forums and you should be able to find what you need for a reasonable price.

Cheers,

Jim

I use a Sidekick with a Markins M-10, D300 and D700, with or without MB-D10, Nikon 200-400 and 500 f/4P, 1.4 TC with either, SB-900 with BB. The M-10 locks solidly, I can't budge the Sidekick at all - even using the legs for extra leverage. It makes a light and portable setup, my wife and I regularly hike several miles with it. The M-10 isn't cheap, but I wanted a good ball head for general use anyway so consider the "gimbal cost" to be just the Sidekick. Overall I think the Sidekick is a great rig if weight, dual use, and total cost are important. Just be very careful when attaching a lens to make sure it really is grabbed properly. The vertical orientation of the mount plate is the only disadvantage.

My combo is similar to Alan's, except I have the Markins M20, in combo with the Sidekick & 500VR it's a perfect match and very solid.

I use the Sidekick with a RRS BH55 and very happy with the combo with the D700, 200-400, 1.4 or 1.7x and flash. Only issue is the vertical plate as Alan mentioned. I always hold the camera/lens - lock it in and then make sure it is solid by lifting the rig by the lens before letting go of the lens.

The Mongoose is lighter and cheaper than the Wimberly and will work for that lens.

Yep, try the Mongoose 3.5a, very light. Their plates are lighter too.

4th generation designs is the name of the company.

-- V

I use the Markins M-20 with the same gear (except D300). I don't use a side kick, I find it works just fine in that arrangement with the caveat for things like BIF or airshows or sports I handhold it. But shooting shore birds and such I find the M-20 is great as-is.

I've got a Mongoose 3.5a with this set-up and am happy with it.