Need help on gimbal lens plate

[Methodical]

I need your expert advice as gimbal heads is to me. I am used to the old cheap one for all tripods.

I just ordered the Manfrotto 055xprob tripod. Now I'm about to purchase the Jobu Jr. gimbal head (see links below). I need to decide which lens plate to get for either the side mount or horizontal mount gimbal head (have not decided which one yet). Again all this is pretty new to me.

Just some facts that may help with your suggestion(s). I use the 400 5.6 and 300 f4 IS along with a 1.4tc and I mainly photograph birds, wildlife etc. and I use the 580ex ii and better beamer flash when out and about. I read that the lens plate shoud be at least 1" longer than the tripod ring base. Also, from what I gather the plate helps in balancing the lens by being able to move it back or forth - is this true? If so should I go with an even longer lens plate than what is suggested (i.e. 1" rule).

The bottom line here is

1. Which is better - side mount or horizontal mount gimbal head?
2. what lens plate is best for this style gimbal head?
3. what is the minimum length lens plate that I should purchase?
4. are the lens plate interchangeable or proprietory (i.e. wimberly etc.)

http://www.jobu-design.com/catalog/item/2588354/4163794.htm
http://www.jobu-design.com/catalog/item/2588354/6009620.htm

Thanks for any help

Al

[Vulcan58]

Personal preference was to go for the Wimberley head (horizontal mount) as opposed to side mount - just makes me think it could slip off if not screwed up tight for some reason.
If you look at Wimberleys quick release plates info, that should help you select the right size plate for your lens.

http://www.tripodhead.com/products/lens-plates-main.cfm

[Vulcan58]

Forgot to add, you ought to have lens plate for each lens or you'll have to rebalance each time you put the plate back on.
Once you have your lens plate attached & properly aligned on the gimbal head, the camera /lens combination should sit in whatever position you've chosen, and not start dipping down or tipping upwards.
Obviously if you then add TC, the centre of gravity will shift & you'll have to slide the plate further along the gimbal.
Personal thing I did was to mark both the lens plate & the clamp with a pencil mark, so each time I slip the lens on I can find the balance point every time.

[Methodical]

Cool. Thanks for the response and tips

[jhom]

The several lens plate manufacturers including RRS, Kirk, Wimberley. RRS seems to have the most selection.