Head for 400mm f5.6 + 1.4 tc

At the moment I use a Manfrotto 055 ProB Tripod with 488RC2 ball head. Has anyone tried a Sidekick, or Gimball type head with the 400mm f5.6 + 1.4tc. I am thinking that it would give a bit more freedom than the ball head.
Also anyone tried this combo on a Manfrotto 393 head (it has been suggested that the lens is not heavy enough to get the best out of it).

Check this out ... you can get a clone Kirk King Cobra, which is what I chose, or full Wimberley for silly money. Recommended.

condyk wrote in post #5401845
Check this out ... you can get a clone Kirk King Cobra, which is what I chose, or full Wimberley for silly money. Recommended.

Thanks for that Condyk. Having read the link it indicates that there could be a problem balancing the 400 f5.6 + tc on the head.

I really don't see having fingertip/feather weight control as a big deal to be honest. It is perfectly balanced, manoeverable and works well with a 70-200/Tcon and I will likely as not use it with a 400mm L too. Plus, the guy is talking about a full Wimberley and a 5D with grip or 1D. This isn't a full Wimberley and I ain't using those bodies! His comments are just irrelevant to me.

The 393 is my Gimbal head and yes I use the 400L sometimes with the 1.4x on it. It works just fine and balances with no problems. The 393 is built to Manfrotto's usual high standards and comes with a very good clamp/plate.

Downsides are the size and weight of the 393 and that the left side of the U shape hinders access to lens controls and gets in the way if you like to press down on the lens with your left hand while shooting to dampen mirror slap.

I use the Manfrotto 3421

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …3421_Heavy_Tele​_Lens.html

Manfrotto calls this a Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support (Quick Release).. They have called it several names but, it is the same mount.

I use it opposite to the way Manfrotto has it set up in the picture. I mount the camera "on top" of the interior gimbal support which hangs in a "U" shaped configuration within the exterior "U" shaped support.

I love this mount using my 400mm f/5.6L as well as my 300mm f/4L and 1.4x IS. I can balance it so that it will stay still if I take my hand off the camera but, will move with finger pressure.

I shot a hydroplane race with the 400mm f/5.6L and a 30D on the 3421 Gimbal Mount and it was very easy to follow the 150+ mph boats.

The mount comes with an "Arca-like" quick release which works like the Arca but is not interchangeable. The mount and plates are larger.

When I purchased the 3421 last year, it was very inexpensive (It was under $100 with lens plate) but, has increased in price almost 50% since I purchased it. It is still a worthy gimbal-mount candidate but, I think that at today's prices, I might investigate the rip-off gimbal mounts on eBay these days.

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RPCrowe wrote in post #5404425
When I purchased the 3421 last year, it was very inexpensive (It was under $100 with lens plate) but, has increased in price almost 50% since I purchased it. It is still a worthy gimbal-mount candidate but, I think that at today's prices, I might investigate the rip-off gimbal mounts on eBay these days.

Thanks for the info, I see that the Indian Knock-off gimbal is around the same price as the Manfrotto (Borgen) head and the Sidekick Indian job is cheaper still - three choices by the look of it.

The Manfrotto is pretty good but too heavy for my needs. A good buy otherwise. Note the so-called Sidekick clone fits direct to the tripod rather than needing a ballhead to fit onto. That's why it's more akin to the Kirk. Very similar. Just lacks the same excellent, smooth finish.