Wimberley vs Jobu Full Gimbals

I recently bought a 400 f2.8L IS and will be buying a full gimbal for it. I would like to hear some comments from users of the Wimberley II and/or the Jobu BWG-Pro. In particular, I would like to hear from users of both gimbals.

jhom wrote in post #7720332
I recently bought a 400 f2.8L IS and will be buying a full gimbal for it. I would like to hear some comments from users of the Wimberley II and/or the Jobu BWG-Pro. In particular, I would like to hear from users of both gimbals.

Thanks for asking this, Jim. I've been reading that the new Jobu BWG-Pro is the cat's meow in terms of design and workmanship. It's also heavier than the Wimberley II. Prices look similar (~ $600 each).

I have the 500/4 and I've been using the Wimberley Sidekick, but recently I tried a Wimberley II with the lens and it just felt more stable to me.

Here's something for you: I had the lens attached to the RRS QR clamp slip on its screw attachment to my Markins M-20 while in the perpendicular position required with the Sidekick, which didn't exactly thrill me. Fortunately I was right there to stop it from completing its arc, but that wouldn't have been good.

Anyway I'm thinking seriously of the Jobu BWG-Pro at this point, but I'd love to hear from others with experience in this regard.

jhom wrote in post #7720332
I recently bought a 400 f2.8L IS and will be buying a full gimbal for it. I would like to hear some comments from users of the Wimberley II and/or the Jobu BWG-Pro. In particular, I would like to hear from users of both gimbals.

Do you have a particular question or issue or just want an overall impression? If it's the latter, the only thing I would change about the Wimberley is the price tag, it's a sweet head. I've never seen/played with the Jobu.

One thing to think about getting would be the Wimberley f-9 flash bracketthat clamps onto the head (not the lens) and maybe an extension post as well if the flash needs to be extra high up off the lens.

Well, I decided to take the Wimberley test drive. I love it. I have been testing it out with my new 400 f2.8L IS. Even on a 2 series Gitzo, the Wimberley gimbal is amazing stable and simple to use. I'm going to keep the Wimberley and not worry about the Jobo.

Mark, The Jobu looks like a great gimbal. After using the Wimberley, it is hard to see what can be improved. I only wished there were some reviews comparing the two. Regardless, the Wimberley is a great product.

Tim, I appreciate the concern about the price. However, I've come to accept the high prices for quality gear when it comes to photography. I've gone the upgrade route too many times in buying photography gear that I've decided to get the best the first time from now on. I will be taking your advice about buying the flash brackets for the Wimberley. By the way, when I opted for the Wimberley test drive, I asked whether there were any price discounts. I got a break for a demo Wimberley. I would not know it wasn't a new one. The price break was good.

Jim,
You said that the kit on a 2-series Gitzo was not too bad - are you going to bother with a beefier tripod, or stay with what you have?
I've got a 2-series as well, and am looking into a Canon tele and full gimbal...and don't really want to have to replace the tripod. Any thoughts?

Yabbie,

The preferred setup for the Wimberley is a 3 or 5 series Gitzo. I will likely get a 3 series shortly so that I don't have to constantly switch off my Markins from the 2 series. Otherwise, I will be using the 2 series with the Wimberley. Like I stated earlier, the 2 series does an excellent job. It starts showing its weakness when I stack a 2x extender on the 400. With the 1.4x, I don't see any problems. At least in non-significant windy days.

I have the Jobu BWG-Pro and really like it, however this is my first gimbal so I can't compare it to anything. My decision was price driven - I bought a cosmetic second and at the time, the exchange rate was favorable (I'm in the US, they are in Canada) so with those two factors I was able to get it for almost 30% off.

For me, the weight difference is not an issue - between the 400 and the 1D3, a few extra gimbal ounces doesn't make a difference. And when you consider the price difference, I am also carrying a heavier wallet

After using it with the 400 2.8 IS, I would have to say I really like it. It is incredibly smooth, rock solid and very easy to use. Jobu's customer service was impeccable and am I very happy with the purchase.

Shaun

jhom wrote in post #8129452
Mark, The Jobu looks like a great gimbal. After using the Wimberley, it is hard to see what can be improved. I only wished there were some reviews comparing the two. Regardless, the Wimberley is a great product.

Right. The other advantage to the Wimberley is the availability of the flash head attachment (F-9). You've convinced me.

as a side note, I use the f-9 as a macro flash bracket too...it works like a champ as long as you have an l plate on your camera body.

b.d.bop wrote in post #8139409
Right. The other advantage to the Wimberley is the availability of the flash head attachment (F-9). You've convinced me.

Mark,

I don't think you will go wrong with either the Wimberley or Jobu. My interaction with Wimberley has been excellent. They are very professional and friendly. Ultimately, I decided on the Wimberley because of its common use by many shooters. As mentioned by Shaun, the Jobu is probably as good as the Wimberley. I love when you have choices that give you a win-win outcome.

Now, if only someone can come up with a gimbal designed for smaller gear that is compact in size and lightweight giving all the features of a full action of a gimbal. I'd trade out my ballhead in a heartbeat.

scot079 wrote in post #8139684
as a side note, I use the f-9 as a macro flash bracket too...it works like a champ as long as you have an l plate on your camera body.

Terrific!! That's very nice to know! Thanks, Scott!

jhom wrote in post #8139701
Mark,

I don't think you will go wrong with either the Wimberley or Jobu. My interaction with Wimberley has been excellent. They are very professional and friendly. Ultimately, I decided on the Wimberley because of its common use by many shooters. As mentioned by Shaun, the Jobu is probably as good as the Wimberley. I love when you have choices that give you a win-win outcome.

Now, if only someone can come up with a gimbal designed for smaller gear that is compact in size and lightweight giving all the features of a full action of a gimbal. I'd trade out my ballhead in a heartbeat.

I hear ya, Jim!

No comments comparing the Wimberley and Jobu, but Lensrentals.com has a video comparing the Wimberley II, Sidekick, and standard ballhead:

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=5pY1VT8jaEA

Roger,

Nice demonstration of the three types of mounts for the super-teles. What is not quite shown is the finger-tip control and precision of a correctly tuned super-tele on the Wimberley gimbal. it is a thing to behold once you got the setup on right. The additional axis of the tripod collar makes shooting so much more convenient than a ballhead.