Gimbal head to use with 055xprob - 5d3 / sigma 150-600 C / 70-200 2.8 ii / 2x ii extender

I was using my new Sigma 150-600 on my trusty old manfrotto 055xprob w/ 488RC2 last weekend to take some pics of the moon, and also popped the canon 2x extender on there for good measure. I think it captured some decent pics, but noticed that it was very difficult to position using the ball head.

I would loosen the ball, line up the moon, tighten the ball again, and then the weight of the lens would pull it down and I'd lose the moon out of the view. I'm thinking either the 488RC2 is either not big enough for this? Or maybe balanced on a gimbal head would be a better solution for the size of equipment I'm working with now.

Also noticed lots of vibration / bouncing whenever I would let go of the camera after setting up the shot. Is that something that would be fixed by changing the head, or is a carbon fiber tripod a better answer (or just a waste of money!)?

Edit: Here's a crop of the moon I took at 1200mm with the 150-600 and canon 2x extender. I think it's decent, though there is some blur to it. Not sure if it's due to the shutter speed, or vibration of the mount.

IMO that setup is too heavy for the RC2 system. I recommend beginning the upgrade to an Arca-Swiss style system, RRS being the top of the line that route but there are many other options.

At high magnifications you are always going to have some vibration, especially if there is wind. But yes a better quality ballhead, better quick release system and high quality CF tripod legs will all work to reduce that.

I think I'm going to try out the Manfrotto 393 gimbal type mount on my 055xprob... It's worth a try for ~$175 vs nearly $600 for a (probably utterly astounding) Wimberley

Just FYI, the 393 is the biggest heaviest gimbal made. It is low cost because it is steel as opposed to aluminum, allow, etc..

With your set lens/body combo, a much lighter weight set up will suffice,. take a look at the Lensmaster or Wimberly sidekick solutions.

I would agree with Cyberdyne's suggestions - either will do a good job. The 393 works well with heavy lenses (I used to have one) but they are big, heavy lighting supports that happen to be fairly good for lenses. They work but they are not ideal!

My personal suggestion would be that after you have sorted your tripod head I would look for a better tripod - a used Gitzo 3 series perhaps?

Yeah, I was looking at a review of my old 055xprob series lineup, and it had a video comparison of the vibration damping. Between the 055xprob taking ~4 seconds to come to rest after hitting the side of the camera, the 055cxpro3 only took like 1.5 seconds. Before I had the 150-600, I would have never noticed the difference!

Also, just compared weights on the Sidekick and 393... Quite a difference, the Sidekick is listed as 1.3 lbs and the 393 is 3.5 lbs. But I'd been comparing against the WH-200 (3.15 lbs., and way out of my price range), the Oben GH-50 (3.3 lbs.), and Benro GH2 (3 lb.). I'm not a big hiker, so I'm not planning on the extra 6-8 oz. being a big dealbreaker (or backbreaker!)

talz13 wrote in post #18296128
Yeah, I was looking at a review of my old 055xprob series lineup, and it had a video comparison of the vibration damping. Between the 055xprob taking ~4 seconds to come to rest after hitting the side of the camera, the 055cxpro3 only took like 1.5 seconds. Before I had the 150-600, I would have never noticed the difference!

Also, just compared weights on the Sidekick and 393... Quite a difference, the Sidekick is listed as 1.3 lbs and the 393 is 3.5 lbs. But I'd been comparing against the WH-200 (3.15 lbs., and way out of my price range), the Oben GH-50 (3.3 lbs.), and Benro GH2 (3 lb.). I'm not a big hiker, so I'm not planning on the extra 6-8 oz. being a big dealbreaker (or backbreaker!)

Another vote for the Lensmaster RH-2. I use it regularly with my 055XPROB, 5DIV or 7DII, and the Tamron 150-600. It works very well and costs WAY less than the most expensive models. It is very reliable, and easy to set up and use. Also, the shipping was quick and easy.

If you have any specific questions please let me know

Take a look at the Siri products. Good quality, reasonable price. The K-30 (or K-20) would be about right.

regards,
dms

Were you thinking of one of the Sirui heads with a Sidekick type attachment? I ask because I use the Sirui K40X, and whilst it is a very good ball head, I would not consider it suitable for long lenses on it's own.

My K40X will handle the biggest lenses that Canon/Nikon currently make - it is just that long (300mm +) lenses are a nightmare to handle on ball heads.

Another vote for Lensmaster RH-2. Its amazing how good it is and its not that heavy. I've had other people ask me what it is and then tell me how freely it moves compared to theres.
Problem with it is its just not that widely known, except for people who really look. Its definitely worth a look.

Another vote for the lensmaster rh-2. Works great with a 300f2.8 + 2x on a 7d2 with grip. My limitation is my tripod which is totally inadequate for that combo, so that will be next on my list. The gimbal also works great with a monopod too.

Quite happy with my Lensmaster RH1 for my 300 F2.8 - lighter than the RH2 and does a nice job! For the bigger stuff the Wimbeley 2 is just the ticket!