Gimbal for 400mm DO?

[Chris Brennan]

My "long" lens is a Canon 400mm f4 DO which I use frequently with a 1.4x on a 7D. Although I use it most of the time handheld, there are times when I'd like to use it on a gimbal head. I have a Wimberley WH-200 on a Gitzo 3541XLS which was fine when I used a 500, but now seems like overkill for the DO. In fact, the head seems to act stiffer with the lighter lens on there. I don't anticipate ever going back to a heavier lens so I'm considering selling the full-size Wimberley in favor of getting a getting a Sidekick to use with my Acratech head, or buying a Mongoose 3.5b. Either combination would be much lighter, and probably better matched to the lens/camera combination.

Thoughts/suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks.

[Harold Davis]

mongoose!!!!!

[James Prudente]

The difference in weight and balance of your 400 from the previous lens you had mounted on your w 200 requires that the swing arm base be readjusted (probably up) to effect a proper balance and smoothness in operation. If you can't find the information sheet that came with your W200 these links should help.

http://www.tripodhead.com/WH-200%20%...D%20080606.pdf

http://www.tripodhead.com/faqs-WH-balancing.cfm

Jim

[Harold Davis]

here's a link to a bulletin that might help clear things up for you. http://www.birdsasart.com/bn254.htm

[Chris Brennan]

The difference in weight and balance of your 400 from the previous lens you had mounted on your w 200 requires that the swing arm base be readjusted (probably up) to effect a proper balance and smoothness in operation. If you can't find the information sheet that came with your W200 these links should help.

http://www.tripodhead.com/WH-200%20%...D%20080606.pdf

http://www.tripodhead.com/faqs-WH-balancing.cfm

Jim

Jim -

Actually, the very first thing I did when I put the DO on the Wimberley for the first time was to re-adjust the swing arm. I've tried it too at various positions... below and above the point that Wimberley recommends.

[Chris Brennan]

here's a link to a bulletin that might help clear things up for you. http://www.birdsasart.com/bn254.htm

Thanks, Harold...

[Brad Manchas]

I am using a Jobu Jr for my 400 DO, it works very well. It will support the 500mm f/4 but I use a Jobu BWHD for that lens 99% of the time. Each of course on their own Gitzo tripod. Jobu makes some very nice pieces of kit IMO.

With the Jr at 1.5 pounds, and the Mongoose a few ounces less; either of these choices are going to be lighter than a Sidekick when the weight of the head is included in the mix. And having the horizontal and vertical movements integrated in a single unit as opposed to using a ballhead makes for a smoother movement and less risk of accidents if the head isn't set correctly.

[Giulio Zanni]

I would take a look at the new Jobus, they are excellent.

Giulio

[philperry]

I have just purchased a Mongoose 3b - which the manufacturers recommended to me specifically for the 400 DO. I have not yet had a chance to try it - but I am hopeful of good things when I do.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Chris Would go with the Mongoose 3.5 perfect fit !! ...btw also use the 3.5 for the 600 when traveling !!