Really Right Stuff Gimbal Head

So tell me, anyone worked with the RRS Gimbal ? Impressions ?

https://system.na1.net​suite.com …6&addrcountry=U​S&gc=clear

Chances are it will be just like everything else RRS makes (awesome).

But I look forward to some experienced too.

Their stuff is that good eh ?

Albino_BlacMan wrote in post #16965437
Chances are it will be just like everything else RRS makes (awesome).

But I look forward to some experienced too.

Time was we would say "it's the Rolls Royce " of yada yada. Nowadays most people don't have the same feeling about RR, so now we just say it's the "Really Right Stuff" (RRS) of (insert mechanical product here)

In all seriousness, there are many tripod and support products that are very well made, but I think it's pretty near universally understood that RRS is the absolute pinnacle.

no, Jake, YOU are the absolute pinnacle.

itw wrote in post #16965499
Their stuff is that good eh ?

It's very good and their customer orientation can't be beat.

I own the RRS PG-02 Full Gimbal Head and I really like it. I like that it easily breaks down and is extremely well made and finished. Before owning this I owned an INDURO GHB2 which also worked well but I prefer the smoothness of the RRS PG-02. When I purchased the RRS I purchased it for the gimbal feature but as I am getting more into landscape I like that it is a very good setup for panos.

itw wrote in post #16965499
Their stuff is that good eh ?

Yup

I recently did a ton of research and was mostly deciding between a RRS PG-02 Pano-Gimbal (Full Gimbal) and a Wimberly II. In the end, I went with the RRS Full Gimbal because it breaks down into smaller pieces and I can use it for single and multi-row panos as well.

I have never used a Wimberly Gimbal and they have an outstanding reputation, but I can tell you that I am over-the-top pleased with my RRS Gimbal. The quality, fit, form, and function are superb! (As one would expect from RRS.) I can't believe how smooth the action is on the gimbal too. It really is a fine piece of precision equipment.

I've only had it for a short amount of time, but the smile on my face when using the Gimbal says it all.

Bryan

Well, the Wimberly has been around for a long time. It was likely the first dedicated Gimbal (other than the very heavy monsterous Bogen/Manfrotto unit)

It and the little brother Sidekick have a much deserved reputation. Most other products are simply poor copies.

The RRS is obviously a different story, as with most RRS products, if they bother to make it, than the plan is to make it better.

Being an owner of a long time Wimberly, I don't think it's likely I'll ever "upgrade" to the RRS, as I';m not made of money, but I can say that I covet the ability to break it down, and mix and match it with other RRS products, another hallmark of the RRS line.

And just to add on to Jake's wise-words, the Wimberly is an outstanding product that's stood the test of time. If all you need is a gimbal and nothing more, then it's very hard to justify the extra cost of the RRS Full Gimbal over the Wimberly Gimbal. So if a Gimbal is all you're after, the Wimberly will do a sterling job.

Bryan

Evenin' all.....

I appreciate everyone's insight and willingness to take the time to share their experiences and knowledge thus far.

Tell me, what is your take on the side mount option vs. the full gimbal ?

Full gimbal is good if you want to do multi row panos, other than that it is personal preference.

I have two RRS Gimbles.... Not the pano version....

Got rid of the wimberlys to get them

Moving parts are mounted on roller bearings not pressed brass bushings and they are slick and smooth.... They have a lock to prevent lens FLOP,,,, They also have a level in them, as well as a few other features Wimberly doesn't have....

I think at BH they cost a bit less too...

Really great products..

Mark H

itw wrote in post #16970253
Evenin' all.....

I appreciate everyone's insight and willingness to take the time to share their experiences and knowledge thus far.

Tell me, what is your take on the side mount option vs. the full gimbal ?

This is a good question. There was a time I was very unhappy with the Sidekick as compared to the full Wimberly gimbal. Two things have changed that view. Most important is I matched the sidekick to the correct ballhead. The other advantage is portability.

If I'm packing the 500 for an international flight and taking a tripod, I will NOT pack a full Wimberly. Also a lot of the time I'm unsure what I'll be using, handheld, monopd or tripod. Again I throw my tripod bag in the backseat, which already has the ballhead attached, and the sidekick in the side pocket. So despite my earlier preference for the larger setup, I tend to use my sidekick more often.

In a nutshell, full gimbal is a greater pleasure to use. Sidekick far easier to pack and have on site when you need it.

Also, financially, if you already own a solid ballhead that pans well, the cost of the sidekick is very appealing.