Anybody Know Anything About Jobu Design Gimbal Heads?

I am looking for a second gimbal head, there are two of us shooting. I have a Wimberley head but want a second lighter weight head. I dont want to get a Wimberley Sidekick because I would need to get a new ballhead for $300 to mount it. We found an add in Outdoor Photographer for Jobu Design Gimbal Heads. Checked their web site, www.jobu-design.com and t looks like their Jobu Jr. 2 is just what I'm looking for. Trouble is I never heard of them before. How about you???

Thanks
Guerry

Jobu is a well respected brand. Tom Webster, an avid BIF shooter, reviews one of the Jobu gimbals here: http://www.naturescape​s.net …p?t=103310&high​light=jobu

Stew

Thanks Stew! I really enjoyed Tom's review and will be contacting Jobu today.

Guerry

Granted you'd have to buy another ballhead if you got a Wimberley Sidekick, but the idea of having another tripod with a ballhead is a good one. I use the Sidekick for my 100-400 L on a Manfrotto 488RC2 head that has been modified with an Arca-Swiss compatible clamp from Kirk. I find this to be an excellent combination and I still have the ability to use the tripod and head with my RRS L bracket-equipped 20D.

I think if you got the Jobu Jr. you might find yourself hampered by the lack of a standard head on the tripod. Just my opinion...

Bumping this thread because I am kicking around getting a Jobu Jr for my 100-400L. Anyone have any more to add about the Jobu Jr? I am still thinking about the Wimberly Sidekick too, but you have to buy the arca-swiss plate for it as well which is another $50 making it a $300 head instead of $250.

ben_r_ wrote in post #6219645
Bumping this thread because I am kicking around getting a Jobu Jr for my 100-400L. Anyone have any more to add about the Jobu Jr? I am still thinking about the Wimberly Sidekick too, but you have to buy the arca-swiss plate for it as well which is another $50 making it a $300 head instead of $250.

+1

I'm currently looking at the Sidekick or Jobu Jr. 2 for my 400 5.6.

I'm wondering if mounting the Jobu directly on the tripod head mount and not having a head would be a pro or a con?

cowboylife wrote in post #6220124
+1

I'm currently looking at the Sidekick or Jobu Jr. 2 for my 400 5.6.

I'm wondering if mounting the Jobu directly on the tripod head mount and not having a head would be a pro or a con?

Personally I think it would be a pro over the way the Wimberly Sidekick mounts on the ballhead in portrait orientation. Of course Im sure some would argue that if you go the Wimberly route youd have the advantage of being able to quickly remove the gimbal head and have your ballhead right there ready to go for you. Well to that I have two things to say: 1) I really dont see myself doing that unless I also was going to change lenses and if I were going to change lenses Id have plenty of time to do both otherwise Id keep shooting, and 2) ALL the most expensive gimbal heads, all the best that the pros use are all directly mounted to the tripod base with no center column. Thats got to say something about which option is better.