So I finally invested in a gimbal head awhile ago.
First -- what an INCREDIBLE thing for a nature photographer!!!! OMG!! The ability to really use a heavy camera/lens combination without killing your arms, neck and shoulders.
Anyway, I purchased the Oben, because it was less expensive than the wimberely's, but still had good reviews.
I've had a problem with it, and expected a fight on warranty.
Not only did I not get a fight, I got the best customer service that I think I've received from almost any company! (almost, because I received incredible service from platypod).
I'm so surprised and thankful that there are still companies that care for their customers, that I had to post it here. Will be doing the same on facebook.
If you're into wildlife photography, and haven't yet gotten a gimbal -- do it! You'll be amazed!
It looks like there's a carbon fiber option, as well
What a timely thread. I just had shoulder surgery a week ago and it is will be difficult to hold a camera unless it’s on a tripod for quite a while. This looks like a perfect solution. Are there any accessories that you recommend? Thanks for the recommendation.
It looks like there's a carbon fiber option, as well
Wendy - How does that work for taking BIF photos? Does it pan smoothly, or is it cumbersome for that?
Extremely smoothly! That's what's it's best for, imo.
The only thing that it doesn't work for is if you're doing one shot and then moving on, since it's a tripod attachment. But once you get used to having a tripod with you, it makes a huge difference. I'm able to hand hold my 200 to 600 leanse, but not very well. My shots are so much better since I started using it. You give a little frustrated when something is flying straight overhead, because your tripod isn't set up for that. But there are very few shots that you miss with it.
It looks like there's a carbon fiber option, as well
Wendy - How does that work for taking BIF photos? Does it pan smoothly, or is it cumbersome for that?
Extremely smoothly! That's what's it's best for, imo.
The only thing that it doesn't work for is if you're doing one shot and then moving on, since it's a tripod attachment. But once you get used to having a tripod with you, it makes a huge difference. I'm able to hand hold my 200 to 600 leanse, but not very well. My shots are so much better since I started using it. You give a little frustrated when something is flying straight overhead, because your tripod isn't set up for that. But there are very few shots that you miss with it.
For my bigger lens, I found the long plate worked better for getting the balance right
...I purchased the Oben, because it was less expensive than the wimberely's...
Sounds like you made a good gimbal gamble!
That Oben gimbal is certainly something I would consider adding to my kit if I were in the position of doing more sports or wildlife with longer lenses.
What tripod are you using? I want to get a tripod that does not have a center pole so I can get lower to the ground. Thinking about having two tripods - one with a gimbal and one for normal shooting.
Looking at these more seriously now and one thing hit me; it's more important to have your tripod level with these isn't it, than say a 3-way tilt head? Right now, if I'm not 100% level, I can adjust the tilt part of the 3-way to get a level horizon. With a gimbal you can't do that ... right?
Looking at these more seriously now and one thing hit me; it's more important to have your tripod level with these isn't it, than say a 3-way tilt head? Right now, if I'm not 100% level, I can adjust the tilt part of the 3-way to get a level horizon. With a gimbal you can't do that ... right?
Barry, after reading Wendy's comments I researched and bought the Oben gimbal. I have played around with it for just a few days and find it very useful for my purposes. I have used it on my Canon 100-400 mm and 70-200 lenses. They have an adjustable ring on them that attaches to the gimbal and helps compensate for small required adjustments. I have not had any problems leveling it. Any minor adjustments can be done in editing.
Looking at these more seriously now and one thing hit me; it's more important to have your tripod level with these isn't it, than say a 3-way tilt head? Right now, if I'm not 100% level, I can adjust the tilt part of the 3-way to get a level horizon. With a gimbal you can't do that ... right?
Barry, after reading Wendy's comments I researched and bought the Oben gimbal. I have played around with it for just a few days and find it very useful for my purposes. I have used it on my Canon 100-400 mm and 70-200 lenses. They have an adjustable ring on them that attaches to the gimbal and helps compensate for small required adjustments. I have not had any problems leveling it. Any minor adjustments can be done in editing.
Thanks. I went ahead and picked up a less expensive model and will see how it goes. :-)
