Head for 200-400 VR

[arash_hazeghi]

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?

[James Prudente]

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

[Alan Lillich]

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.

[Marc Mol]

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.

[Tony Whitehead]

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.

[Sarah Jessup]

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

[Vivek Khanzode]

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

4th generation designs is the name of the company.

-- V

[Linwood Ferguson]

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.

[Steve Fines]

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