Which Gimbal Head?

[skippy89]

I have a Sigma 150- 500 lens and want to look at getting aGimbal head ,there seems to so many different ones with a wide price range. Would be using it for photographing birds . Tips for purchasing would be helpful

 

[ecoleman]

Depends on what you are prepared to pay.
I wasn't prepared to spend £500-600 for a Wimberley so bought a lens master

http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/index.htm

I did try a cheap £40 version from eBay and they're not worth it IMO. Very badly made.

 

[TimHughes]

I've had good experience with a cheap one - Bieke Bk-45 I think is the model name. There's a YouTube video review that's positive too.

 

[James24]

I bought a Benro GH-2 a few years ago. It's well built and does the job well.

Here's an example for sale.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-B...100-Plate-Kit-EXPRESS-SHIPMENT-/262084396476?

 

[Brachytron]

+1 for the Benro GH1. Around half the price of the Wimberley.

 

[wardy07]

I agree the Benro GH2 is a fantastic gimbal for the money compared to some of the high end ones at nearLy twice the price. It worked fine with my 600mm Canon f4 mounted when I had it but the Sigma is a lot lighter lens so I'm sure the Beike at £55 would be okay as I used that before I got the Benro with no problems at all.
It's really down to your available cash, the Lensmaster falls somewhere between the other 2 for price and is well regarded and used widely these days.
Don't be put off too much by the low price of the Beike though as its a decent head imo.

 

[crofter]

I agree the Benro GH2 is a fantastic gimbal for the money compared to some of the high end ones at nearLy twice the price. It worked fine with my 600mm Canon f4 mounted when I had it but the Sigma is a lot lighter lens so I'm sure the Beike at £55 would be okay as I used that before I got the Benro with no problems at all.
It's really down to your available cash, the Lensmaster falls somewhere between the other 2 for price and is well regarded and used widely these days.
Don't be put off too much by the low price of the Beike though as its a decent head imo.

I agree,the Beike is more than adequate for the Sigma 150-500,that's what I use.

 

[skippy89]

Thanks for your replies narrowed it down to a Benro but not sure whether GH2or pay the extra for the 3?

 

[rob-nikon]

I found the Beike hit and miss, ok for the money but not very smooth. The Benro GH2 is a good compromise in cost and quality, well made and operates smoothly. I'm not sure exactly what the differences are between the GH2 and GH3. Another option is the Benro GHA, it's the sidekick type that needs a good ballhead but you get the best of both worlds with a little loss of stability that would be fine with a 150-500.