Tripod head for 600F4 L IS II - Acratech "Long Lens Head"

I recently acquired one of these and need a tripod head solution.

I have a Acratech Ultimate and like it, so I naturally went to their site.

Their "Long Lens Head" looks interesting - anyone got one?
http://www.acratech.ne​t …lens-heads/long-lens-head

I know the usual recommendation is a ballhead + Wimberley sidekick, but just thought I'd explore other options.

Quite happy with http://www.reallyright​stuff.com …-FG-Full-Gimbal-Head.html. Pretty big and heavy, but solid and very smooth. -alex

If you're interested in heads other than gimbals, have a look at the Uniqball too.

I have a proper gimbal and the Acratech LLH. There really is no comparison, the gimbal allows the camera to be rotated and tilted with just the lightest of touches. The LLH is OK if you're only wanting to rotate - tilting requires setting the friction just right, normally it's too tight and tiliting is jerky.

I no longer use the LLH for photography - but it is great for birding from a wetlands hide.

Markins Qi20 with BV-22 gimbal. Markedly reduces size of gimbal, holds all weight directly over tripod pivot. The head is rated to 100 lbs specifically for these long prime lenses.

I recently replaced my Q20 with this one.

Heya,

Have you considered something like the Manfrotto 393?

Very best,

DionM wrote in post #17293590
I recently acquired one of these and need a tripod head solution.

I have a Acratech Ultimate and like it, so I naturally went to their site.

Their "Long Lens Head" looks interesting - anyone got one?
http://www.acratech.ne​t …lens-heads/long-lens-head

I know the usual recommendation is a ballhead + Wimberley sidekick, but just thought I'd explore other options.

Having owned the 600 F4 L IS Mk1 for quite a while and now using the 800 F5.6 L IS I would not recommend anything other than a full Gimbal head. Anything else is going to be a compromise. Even the, much vaunted Uniqball has it's compromises - but it is very good!
Which Gimbal is best seems to be a matter of personal opinion. I use the Wimberley 2 and have, yet, to find anything as good - but I haven't tried them all! The Wimberley Sidekick is very good but it doesn't work so well with a lens as big as the 600, is very dependent on the quality of the ball head below it and does not allow vertical balancing of the lens - quite important if you use a 1 series of battery grips.
Have a look at the Wimberley site (my recommendation) but don't discount the larger Jobu and RRS gimbal heads as I hear good things about them too. Also, if possible, try them out first as some models (whist very strong) can have some vibration damping issues. If you have to buy blind then go for the Wimberley 2, it just works!

Totally agree on the above recommendation for the Wimberley 2. And if you watch the sell forum you can find one once in a while for under $500. I got mine for about $475. And now that I sold my 600 II, it's sitting unused unfortunately.

MDJAK wrote in post #17295126
Totally agree on the above recommendation for the Wimberley 2. And if you watch the sell forum you can find one once in a while for under $500. I got mine for about $475. And now that I sold my 600 II, it's sitting unused unfortunately.

Give it to Omar - he can use it as a bike maintenance stand. :{)#

I would, but he's got my 16-35 that he's currently holding hostage. One loan at a time.

Thanks all. Think I will go for a full/dedicated gimbal - most likely the Wimberley (as I'll be buying blind from afar).

MDJAK wrote in post #17295196
I would, but he's got my 16-35 that he's currently holding hostage. One loan at a time.

Still waiting for the ransom

DionM wrote in post #17295225
Thanks all. Think I will go for a full/dedicated gimbal - most likely the Wimberley (as I'll be buying blind from afar).

you won't regret it. Once the lens is balanced on it, you can move it with one finger in any direction.

Just be sure your tripod is up to the task.

vipergts831 wrote in post #17295238
Still waiting for the ransom

I'll give you 50,00 yen. And Jon as your personal lens cleaner for a year.

MDJAK wrote in post #17295241
I'll give you 50,00 yen. And Jon as your personal lens cleaner for a year.

Ah, Mark. You know you can't manage either of those. Better offer him the gimbal as the ransom; at least you'd get your lens back.