Gimbal head for 500mm lens

Suggestions for the most affordable gimbal to use with my 500mm f/4 , Arca Swiss Z head and Gitzo heavy duty tripod?
Thanks!

I have a Wimberley II permanently on a Gitzo tripod. A great alternative which I consider to be just as good and a third of the price which I have on a custom made hide stand is a Calumet Large lens Gimbal.

The Calumet looks the same, feels the same as the Wimberley and easily takes the weight of my 600 f/4 II.

There are some cheap Copies around don't take chances with them, my friend has had a bad experience with one. I've heard the Benro one is Very good as well.

https://www.theflashce​ntre.com …2h2QNmEAQYASABE​gIPT_D_BwE

I went with a Lensmaster RH-2 and am happy with it, easily takes the 500 + 2x plus 1DX2.

I use a Wimberley II and Gitzo 5series for my 1dx and 600mm f4 is. It’s a mki lens and very heavy compared to the newer mki mkiii. Supports and functions great and a friend of mine had cheaper versions and was amazed of the difference. The tensions on the knobs are more accurate and with no binding also when unlocked no sloppiness in the joints. A couple other friends with benro one had there gear detach from the head and fall to the ground. When carrying over your shoulder the knob on the plate would rub on the shoulder and undo. I never had that problem with the Wimberley and have full confidence with it.

After picking up my first used 500 I was also in this same situation on what gimbal to buy .looking at them on line watching reviews until I went to the store once I got to touch and operate them in person the whimberly was by far the smoothest and well built . So I bit the bullet. Now to find a tripod without breaking the bank .any suggestions out there?

skagitrat wrote in post #18966295
After picking up my first used 500 I was also in this same situation on what gimbal to buy .looking at them on line watching reviews until I went to the store once I got to touch and operate them in person the whimberly was by far the smoothest and well built . So I bit the bullet. Now to find a tripod without breaking the bank .any suggestions out there?

I use the same as Filam a 5 series Gitzo. You can have absolute 100% confidence in this Tripod, perfect combination with your Wimberley.

Which 5 series do you have I stand 5’10 and a little taller would be fine since it will double as my night photography tripod .
Joe

skagitrat wrote in post #18966537
Which 5 series do you have I stand 5’10 and a little taller would be fine since it will double as my night photography tripod .
Joe

I have a three section one. Not sure on total height but I’m only 5ft 5” and I extend both leg sections full bar 2” it puts the view finder at eye level. At times I could do with a four section one fir when the setup is pointing high up. I like my one as the bottom leg is just over 1” in diameter so very stiff

skagitrat wrote in post #18966537
Which 5 series do you have I stand 5’10 and a little taller would be fine since it will double as my night photography tripod .
Joe

I am 6ft 4 and own the Gitzo GT5543XLS model.....If I recall fully extended it's 200cm. You would have to be 7ft tall fully extended with a Wimberley on.

I use the 'Lensmaster RH2' Gimbal on my Gitzo 5532. - I'm 6ft and rarely have it fully extended, unless on a downward slope.

You should take a serious look at the 'Lensmaster', which is hand made in the UK and NOT a chinese copy of the Wimberley. - At £185.00, it represents amazing value for money and great stability.

Ok after trying out a friends gitzo I pulled the trigger on a series4 from b&h on the weekend then noticed yesterday they where giving away lens coat leg covers Got home and had a email from b&h telling me I was eligible for the leg covers can’t wait to get out with my new used setup

Another vote for the Lensmaster. It takes my 500mm with teleconverters easily.
And the owner is an active member of this forum!

I use the Gitzo gimbal - a great bit of kit.