Is the full Wimberley the best option for very long lens?

[Ofer Levy]

Hi all,
I have been using the full Wimberley Gimbal head I for about 10 years now and I love it. However, I would like to replace it as it is a bit too heavy. I know the type II is slightly lighter but I wonder whether anyone can suggest an even better head.
Thanks,
Ofer

[Doug West]

I wonder if the Mongoose might be something to look at...https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=274
The info says it can handle the big glass.

I've never tried it...been using my Wimberley I since 2006.

Doug

[Ofer Levy]

I wonder if the Mongoose might be something to look at...https://store.birdsasart.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=274
The info says it can handle the big glass.

I've never tried it...been using my Wimberley I since 2006.

Doug

Thanks Doug!
Price of the two heads is pretty much the same. I wonder whether there is a good reason to leave Wimberley which I know and get the Mongoose...? Input from people who used this head or even better both are appreciated!
Cheers,
Ofer

[Michael Wolf]

I sold my Wimberely Version 1 and bought the Monggose 3.6 for the weight difference.
I can say that while it is lighter you need to make sure you have excellent long lens technique with the Mongoose
as it is a vibration machine without it. The Mongoose Flash Bracket system lacks sorely to the Wimberely as well.

I am going back to the Wimberely and will use the Mongoose for long hikes or trips only, if that.

[Ofer Levy]

I sold my Wimberely Version 1 and bought the Monggose 3.6 for the weight difference.
I can say that while it is lighter you need to make sure you have excellent long lens technique with the Mongoose
as it is a vibration machine without it. The Mongoose Flash Bracket system lacks sorely to the Wimberely as well.

I am going back to the Wimberely and will use the Mongoose for long hikes or trips only, if that.

Thanks Michael!
With the Canon 800mm plus the 1.4 converter which I often use - I can not afford any vibrations. Will get the good old (new) Wimberley....

[allanrube]

One of the print photography magazines reviewed various gimbal heads a few months ago. I think they concluded the wimberley and 1 other were smoother than the others but the non-wimberley one was heavier.
I could be wrong with this. If anyone knows the review I am speaking of please post a link for Ofer.

[allanrube]

I think this expensive Jobu was the one they liked.

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks Allan, I think I will go with the Wimberley as I like the type I and I don't see the real benefit of the Jobu.

[Clemens Vanderwerf]

Ofer, I use the Mongoose 3.6 exclusively with my 800 and 1.4x and 2.0x without any issues. I get sharp images at shutter speeds as low as 1/30s, obviously you need to have the proper lens holding technique. I sold my Wimberley II because it is way to heavy. It is all about personal preference, but making sharp images does not solely depend on the gimbal head.

[Ofer Levy]

Ofer, I use the Mongoose 3.6 exclusively with my 800 and 1.4x and 2.0x without any issues. I get sharp images at shutter speeds as low as 1/30s, obviously you need to have the proper lens holding technique. I sold my Wimberley II because it is way to heavy. It is all about personal preference, but making sharp images does not solely depend on the gimbal head.

Thanks Clemens! I had a look at your website - looks like the Mongoose does work great for you - awesome work mate!!!

[Roman Kurywczak]

I really like the wimberly V1 version......not so much 2. The Induro reminds me of the version 1 Wimberly in functionality but price is definitely better: http://www.huntsphotoandvideo.com/de...nduro&show=yes

I have heard and seen the mongoose in action.....not by myself though.

Just another option.

[Ian Cassell]

I use the Induro and have been very happy with it, but don't have a very long lens. Since I bought it, someone told me that it was a Wimberly I rip-off.

[Ofer Levy]

Thanks guys!

[Roman Kurywczak]

Looks wise.....the Induro is the Wimberly V2. When I tried the V2 Wimberly.....it's not as smooth as V1......even totally loosened. The Induro works exactly like the V1 in smoothness. BTW.....the Induro also includes a foot plate.....Wimberly it is extra. Just more info to help decide but I highly recommend you test drive an Induro.

[allanrube]

Ofer, the jobu is a bit lighter than what you have but heavier the the wimberley v2

[Humberto Ramos]

I think Artie uses the mongoose on with the 800mm, and he says it very stable...

[ericbowles]

Take a look at the Really Right Stuff gimbal head. I've had it for about a year and it is exceptionally well made. The design lends itself to subjects that are high overhead - a weakness in other models. And the three pieces can be separate for packing flexibility.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...al-Head&key=it

[Ofer Levy]

Take a look at the Really Right Stuff gimbal head. I've had it for about a year and it is exceptionally well made. The design lends itself to subjects that are high overhead - a weakness in other models. And the three pieces can be separate for packing flexibility.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...al-Head&key=it

Thanks evryone!
Eric, price is a bit too high IMHO considering the Wimberley is 200$ less expensive.
I will stay with the Wimberley for now.