Wimberley Sidekick Vs. Full Gimbal Wimberley

[calicokat]

Looking to get either a full Wimberley Gimbal Head or a Wimberley Sidekick with Arca Swiss Monball B1. I will be using it on a Gitzo 1327. Main lenses used will be a 300 F/2.8L IS and eventually a 500 F/4L IS. I am leaning towards the sidekick with ballhead for its versatility. How does a 500 perform on the sidekick, I would love to get some opinions on this :)

[TammieO]

I've tried the 500 on both the sidekick (RRS ballhead) and the full wimberley. I find it's easier to mount on the full wimberly. Both are sturdy enough to support the 500, but I think it's easier to move the camera and lens on the full wimberly.

[calicokat]

I've tried the 500 on both the sidekick (RRS ballhead) and the full wimberley. I find it's easier to mount on the full wimberly. Both are sturdy enough to support the 500, but I think it's easier to move the camera and lens on the full wimberly.


Thanks for the reply, I am so torn as which to get, this helps though :)

[scottbergerphoto]

I use the full Wimberley with the Sigma 500mm and it's wonderfull. The lense sits fully balanced and steady.

[calicokat]

But if I were to get just one, either the full wimberley or the sidekick & ballhead, what would you do.

[scottbergerphoto]

But if I were to get just one, either the full wimberley or the sidekick & ballhead, what would you do.

What is your current tripod head?

[calicokat]

What is your current tripod head?

A gitzo 1276m

[scottbergerphoto]

That's a great head. I guess it all depends on how often you'll use the long lens. If you are going to use it often, I'd keep the Gitzo head and get the full wimberley.

[calicokat]

That's a great head. I guess it all depends on how often you'll use the long lens. If you are going to use it often, I'd keep the Gitzo head and get the full wimberley.

I agree with you, I guess its just my preference on use. Can the full head be used with all lenses with the head mounted to the camera on say a 1D and 24-70L

[PacAce]

I agree with you, I guess its just my preference on use. Can the full head be used with all lenses with the head mounted to the camera on say a 1D and 24-70L

One advantage of the full Wimberly is that you can balance the camera and lens combo on all axes so that you can leave the lens pointed in any direction and it will stay that way without you holding it.

If you want to use the full Wimberly with all lenses (and I've heard of people doing this and getting rid of their regular heads), you will need to get an Arca-type plate on the camera and an M-8 plate to adapt the camera plate to the full Wimberly. The problem is using the camera in the portrait orientation. To do that, you'll need to use an L-plate instead of the regular camera plate.

[calicokat]

One advantage of the full Wimberley is that you can balance the camera and lens combo on all axes so that you can leave the lens pointed in any direction and it will stay that way without you holding it.

If you want to use the full Wimberley with all lenses (and I've heard of people doing this and getting rid of their regular heads), you will need to get an Arca-type plate on the camera and an M-8 plate to adapt the camera plate to the full Wimberley. The problem is using the camera in the portrait orientation. To do that, you'll need to use an L-plate instead of the regular camera plate.

thanks for the info, I will have to weigh all the options and make a decision. I like the idea of the full wimberley, but I also like the arca swiss head too

[scottbergerphoto]

One advantage of the full Wimberley is that you can balance the camera and lens combo on all axes so that you can leave the lens pointed in any direction and it will stay that way without you holding it.

If you want to use the full Wimberley with all lenses (and I've heard of people doing this and getting rid of their regular heads), you will need to get an Arca-type plate on the camera and an M-8 plate to adapt the camera plate to the full Wimberley. The problem is using the camera in the portrait orientation. To do that, you'll need to use an L-plate instead of the regular camera plate.

Thanks Leo. You just cost me $85 for an M Plate.:lol: I didn't know they had that. The Wimberly is an awfully heavy head to carry around for short lenses. The M plate will be good to have if I'm out with my 500 and I want some shots with a shorter lens.

[PacAce]

Thanks Leo. You just cost me $85 for an M Plate.:lol: I didn't know they had that. The Wimberly is an awfully heavy head to carry around for short lenses. The M plate will be good to have if I'm out with my 500 and I want some shots with a shorter lens.
;) :)

[calicokat]

Maybe I'll get the ballhead and full wimberley. Is it bad at all to change out heads on a tri-pod, does it strip anything out in time

[PacAce]

Maybe I'll get the ballhead and full wimberley. Is it bad at all to change out heads on a tri-pod, does it strip anything out in time

I don't think anything gets stripped out but it may also depend on how the heads are attached to the tripod. I have the 3221 which has a removeable center column. It has a metal top where you can screw your head to and it's got three set screws to keep the head in place. There's also a screw base (not sure what it's really called) at the bottom of the column which is comes off and it made of heavy plastic. When you take the center column off, you can place this plastic base on the tripod and attach a different head on it. So, my Wimberly is screwed onto the center column proper and the 486RC2 head is screwed on to the plastic screw base. When the tripod is set on its legs with the Wimberly head on top, the 486RC2 is hanging upside down at the bottom of the center column.

If you don't have a center column that works like mine does, it might be a pain to be screwing off one head and screwing on another though.

[calicokat]

I don't think anything gets stripped out but it may also depend on how the heads are attached to the tripod. I have the 3221 which has a removeable center column. It has a metal top where you can screw your head to and it's got three set screws to keep the head in place. There's also a screw base (not sure what it's really called) at the bottom of the column which is comes off and it made of heavy plastic. When you take the center column off, you can place this plastic base on the tripod and attach a different head on it. So, my Wimberly is screwed onto the center column proper and the 486RC2 head is screwed on to the plastic screw base. When the tripod is set on its legs with the Wimberly head on top, the 486RC2 is hanging upside down at the bottom of the center column.

If you don't have a center column that works like mine does, it might be a pain to be screwing off one head and screwing on another though.

Interesting, I will be doing all this on a Gitzo 1327

[PacAce]

Interesting, I will be doing all this on a Gitzo 1327
Ah! Excellent choice. I'm looking at the G-1325 myself (G-1327 without the center column) and the G-1321 level base to go with it for faster leveling of the head.

Does the G-1327 center column come with a screw on both ends like some of the Bogen center columns do? If so, that may very well solve your two heads, one tripod dilemma. :)

[calicokat]

Ah! Excellent choice. I'm looking at the G-1325 myself (G-1327 without the center column) and the G-1321 level base to go with it for faster leveling of the head.

Does the G-1327 center column come with a screw on both ends like some of the Bogen center columns do? If so, that may very well solve your two heads, one tripod dilemma. :)

I am not sure about the screws on the 1327, I wonder if anyone else knows

[PacAce]

I just did a search for the 1327 and all the images I saw which were large enough to show the center column in detail had a hook at the bottom of the column.

[calicokat]

I just did a search for the 1327 and all the images I saw which were large enough to show the center column in detail had a hook at the bottom of the column.

So that means no duel threads for two heads

[PacAce]

So that means no duel threads for two heads

I'm afraid that looks to be the case unless that hook is removeable and reversible to reveal a 2nd thread. :confused:

[calicokat]

I'm afraid that looks to be the case unless that hook is removeable and reversible to reveal a 2nd thread. :confused:

We shall know soon enough ;)

[scottbergerphoto]

I have the G1228. The hook doesn't come off to reveal another screw.

[calicokat]

I have the G1228. The hook doesn't come off to reveal another screw.

Thanks for the info, what do you think about screwing and unscrewing heads on the 1327, will it damage anything in the long run

[scottbergerphoto]

I change heads without a problem. Just be gentle the first few turns, never forcing anything. I go cw and ccw a few times just to be sure I'm not crosss threading.

[calicokat]

I change heads without a problem. Just be gentle the first few turns, never forcing anything. I go cw and ccw a few times just to be sure I'm not crosss threading.

Thanks for all your help on this, sounds like the full gimbal is the way to go :)

[MDJAK]

Come on, Calico, real men don't use umbrellas, and real men don't need a sissy tripod to hold a camera steady, especially when you've got IS lenses.

Now toughen up, will ya? As it is, you've got your poor wife toting the backpacks. What, she's gonna shoulder the load of a wimberly now too?:lol:

BTW, is that the lovely woman who said you're sick in the head when it comes to buying gear? :lol: :lol:

mark

[calicokat]

Come on, Calico, real men don't use umbrellas, and real men don't need a sissy tripod to hold a camera steady, especially when you've got IS lenses.

Now toughen up, will ya? As it is, you've got your poor wife toting the backpacks. What, she's gonna shoulder the load of a wimberly now too?:lol:

BTW, is that the lovely woman who said you're sick in the head when it comes to buying gear? :lol: :lol:

mark

LOL, thats the woman indeed :)

[twebster]

I shoot avian images for a living and I feel the Sidekick is more than adequate to hold the 500mm lens. If I were to buy a 600mm f4 or the Sigmonster then the full wimberley head would be worth it. As for me, I would rather go for the lighter weight. My 500 is supported by a Gitzo 1325, a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head, and the Sidekick. I use this combo continuously 4 to 5 days per week without a problem.

[calicokat]

I shoot avian images for a living and I feel the Sidekick is more than adequate to hold the 500mm lens. If I were to buy a 600mm f4 or the Sigmonster then the full wimberley head would be worth it. As for me, I would rather go for the lighter weight. My 500 is supported by a Gitzo 1325, a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head, and the Sidekick. I use this combo continuously 4 to 5 days per week without a problem.

Thanks for your info, I am still torn as which way to go, but this helps alot :)

[Steve Beck]

I have seen a lot of guys using the sidekick for motorsports.

I think if all or 90% of your shooting rewuires the longer heavy lens's then i would go for the full. But if shorter lens's is used most fo the time or soe of the time I would get a good ball head and the sidekick. Dont want to do a family portrait with the full head i dont think.

[calicokat]

I have seen a lot of guys using the sidekick for motorsports.

I think if all or 90% of your shooting rewuires the longer heavy lens's then i would go for the full. But if shorter lens's is used most fo the time or soe of the time I would get a good ball head and the sidekick. Dont want to do a family portrait with the full head i dont think.

Thats a great point, not sure what to do :confused:

[calicokat]

Well, I made a decision. I found a used Gitzo 1348 and Arca Swiss Ballhead for a great price, so I will be going with the sidekick for the time being. Thank you all for the help. Now, what plates do I need for this set-up.

[Rumjungle]

Here's the list from RRS:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/lens_plates/canon/index.html

I'm very satisfied with the quality of their products.

[calicokat]

Here's the list from RRS:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/lens_plates/canon/index.html

I'm very satisfied with the quality of their products.

Thanks for the link :)

[snowbird]

I don't think anything gets stripped out but it may also depend on how the heads are attached to the tripod. I have the 3221 which has a removeable center column. It has a metal top where you can screw your head to and it's got three set screws to keep the head in place. There's also a screw base (not sure what it's really called) at the bottom of the column which is comes off and it made of heavy plastic. When you take the center column off, you can place this plastic base on the tripod and attach a different head on it. So, my Wimberly is screwed onto the center column proper and the 486RC2 head is screwed on to the plastic screw base. When the tripod is set on its legs with the Wimberly head on top, the 486RC2 is hanging upside down at the bottom of the center column.

If you don't have a center column that works like mine does, it might be a pain to be screwing off one head and screwing on another though.

I use a Monfrotto 394 quick release plate on top of my Gitzo 1548 in order to conveniently switch between my full Wimberley head, my Manfrotto pano head, and a Gitzo ball head. I think the Manfrotto release mechansim is very safe and secure. I have drilled and tapped both the Manfrotto top plates and the tripod mounting plates, and inserted set screws in order to make sure that the plates can't twist off accidentally. The last thing I need is to be carrying a 600mm f/4 and tripod over my shoulder and have the head fall off!

My priorities, after 50+ years of photography: 1. The best tripods and heads I can afford (and can lift) for the given application. 2. The best lenses I can afford. 3. The best technique and vision I can master. 4th and last: The best and most modern camera I can afford. 1 though 3 will beat number 4 any day of the week. So far, I've gone through 6 35mm film bodies, 1 6x6 body, 3 4x5 cameras, two 5x7 cameras, one 8x10 camera, one 8x16 camera, and now two digital cameras (350Xt and 30D); plus six or seven (don't remember) Pentax lenses, both screw mount and bayonet, 14 or more Nikon lenses, seven Schneider view camera lenses and a couple of others including an Apo-Dagor, and so far nine Canon Ef and EF-S lenses, from the 10-22 up to the 600mm f/4L non-IS.

But in all that time I've only owned one Leitz Tilt-All, two Letiz tabletop tripods for use as a chestpod (still used), the aluminum Gitzo Tele-Studex Giant Cremellier (some 10 feet high, currently in storage in Utah and inaccessible, a slightly smaller Gitzo (numenclature not remembered, also in storage), and my curent favorite, the 1548 carbon fiber wth leveling column (and crank column) and my new suitcase-sized 1258 LVL

A good tripod and head should last almost forever, unless you run over it wil a truck. Buy a good one the first time, and you'll never regret it. Ansel Adams was right, if not completely practical: "The best tripod is a cubic yard of concrete with a 1/4" stud on top." I might prefer a 3/8" stud, myself.

[calicokat]

I have got a 1348 now and I am loving it :)

[Rumjungle]

I decided to go with the Sidekick and like the way it works...very smooth. However, it does have fitment issues with the RRS lever clamp. Initially, I was worried that it would be too loose. It turns out that it's too big and I can't clamp it all the way down. I may have to switch out the ball head and/or clamp.:confused:

[calicokat]

I decided to go with the Sidekick and like the way it works...very smooth. However, it does have fitment issues with the RRS lever clamp. Initially, I was worried that it would be too loose. It turns out that it's too big and I can't clamp it all the way down. I may have to switch out the ball head and/or clamp.:confused:

Interesting info, I am still thinking of getting the full wimberley, in the long run, it makes more sense I believe