Wimberley Sidekick?

Has anyone used this, or the Movo brand sidekick. I was thinking this might be a good way to go since I shoot a lot of landscape and wildlife on the same trips. I can switch out without having to have two tripods. Any thoughts, or if you use them, how do you like them?

I have one and have used it a few times with a 300/2.8 and 400/2.8. It is well made, works great and is easy to add to your bag.

There is a thread somewhere here showing how to use one on a monopod that looks interesting.

Ive got one. Only use it with my 100-400L though as thats the longest lens I have. Love it with that though! Pretty much anything Wimberley is top notch.

bpalermini wrote in post #17898633
I have one and have used it a few times with a 300/2.8 and 400/2.8. It is well made, works great and is easy to add to your bag.

There is a thread somewhere here showing how to use one on a monopod that looks interesting.

What ball head are you using?

ben_r_ wrote in post #17899177
Ive got one. Only use it with my 100-400L though as thats the longest lens I have. Love it with that though! Pretty much anything Wimberley is top notch.

What ball head are you using?

cole4570 wrote in post #17904680
What ball head are you using?

I have a couple but I use my Wimberley Sidekick on a Markins Q20.

I use a Really Right Stuff BH-55. It is a great ball head.

Big fan of the Sidekick, even though I also have a "Full Wimberley" I find I use the Sidekick a little more often. It travels much easier for one thing, and the going from ballhead to gimbal in seconds is a HUGE plus.

The Markins M20 is PERFECT with the sidekick and my go to combo. It's got the smoothest pan! (BH55 is also tops)

On the cheap, the best head option would be the SIRUI K40x, but you'd have to decide if that beefy a ball is what you want for landscapes etc,. but less than half the price of the Markins or BH55.

what lens are you looking at? Your sig show 150-600mm SIGMA contemporary, in which case you could easily get away with "less" ballhead than those listed above. I'm using the Markins with a 500mm f/4 which weighs 8.5 pounds!


Others heads I have tried;
It will do on a SIRUI K30x, which is a little less huge than the k40 and would easily handle that 150-600mm

It works very well on the "Desmond/AKA/SunwayFot​o" BH55 knock off which is another bargain head for about $150.00

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17911490
Big fan of the Sidekick, even thoug I also have a "Full Wimberley" I find I use the Sidekick a little more often. It travels much easier for one thing, and the going from ballhead to gimbal in seconds is a HUGE plus.

The Markins M20 is PERFECT with the sidekick and my go to combo. (BH55 is also tops)

On the cheap, the best head option would be the SIRUI K40x, but you'd have to decide if that beefy a ball is what you want for landscapes etc,. but less than half the price of the Markins or BH55.

Hey CDS, how does the Sidekick handle the big telephotos? I have been contemplating one for my 100-400, but
there's a looming possibility of a super tele joining the family toward the end of the year, and I'd hate to pick it up and find out I need a o drop another chunk of change on a full gimbal

bpalermini wrote in post #17898633
...

There is a thread somewhere here showing how to use one on a monopod that looks interesting.

Love this set up with the SIGMA 120-300mm or 150-600mm C, 200mm f/2! On occasion I;'ll use it with the 100-400mm even though that's primarily hand held only for me.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1429801

Snydremark wrote in post #17911514
Hey CDS, how does the Sidekick handle the big telephotos? I have been contemplating one for my 100-400, but
there's a looming possibility of a super tele joining the family toward the end of the year, and I'd hate to pick it up and find out I need a o drop another chunk of change on a full gimbal

Absolutely fine. with the right ballhead, it handles the 500mm with no issue at all.
I also use that Monopod rig with the 500mm on occasion!

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #17911522
Absolutely fine. with the right ballhead, it handles the 500mm with no issue at all.
I also use that Monopod rig with the 500mm on occasion!

Excellent; thank you. Have the Q-20 on a good, solid Benro, so that part should be met

I will be trading my Sirui g20 for the 30x next week and ordering the sidekick. Thank you all!

Have the k-30x ball head, the sidekick should arrive today....

Bumping up an older thread... CDS, you mentioned the K-40X for the 500mm F/4. How about the K-30X? Is that sufficiently beefy, or should I stick with the K-40X? The price difference is only $20, so I am more concerned about the weight. It is the right price point for me, rather than a RRS BH55 or the Markins M20.

Thanks!

If the idea is to use it with a sidekick and a 500mm lens I'd definitely say K40x.

If you decide to go with the 300mm, then the K30 will be fine.

I like the K30 a little more as a "do all" as it's size is just that much more "normal".
It can be pressed intro service with a lens the size of the 500mm in a pinch, but if this is the intended use, the k40's extra beef is the way to go.