When I was in Death Valley, I had the opportunity to see a Wimberly head. Wow, is it awesome. It really allows for freedom of movement, and I think really separates itself from other heads I have seen. The question is, is there something similar for less? 600 bucks is a chunk of money.

I know from my trip to Death Valley that I also need better legs...I just don't want to spend 1200 bucks for a tripod and head if I can avoid it. The system I have is perfect for weddings and other such things here in the City...just not for when I want to do nature/wildlife photography.

James

you are talking about the gimbel heads, and yes there are othes, Wimberley, Sidekick, King Cobra, or Black widow but they all are $$$. there is a Jr. model that is cool, but still you have to have a good ballhead and tripod or it wont work! It's called the sidekick.

why do you want a gimbel head? they really are good for panning, but that's about it. A good ballhead with do the same that a gimble head will do, albeit not as nicelcy, but it will. Again panning is the big deal and balance, the gimbles are nice to use but not for the money in my view. If money were no object I'd own one. I put the money into good tripod legs and a good b1 or super foba or something like that.

here's a link to some discussions from another board, hope I did not break the rules by posting this. . .

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000P71&tag=

Your leggs should still be in fine shape, youre not very old!

Hi James,

I have been in contact with Ian at Jobu Design (who makes the Black Widow Light Weight gimbal head) and pre-ordered one of their new Black Widow Jr gimbal heads. Yea... I know... I'll be the Guinea-pig but it will only be $230 and they will have a batch of 25 ready within a month. According to Ian, it will be good for more than a 300/2.8.

Cheers, Jens.

Hey Tony,

Don't worry about posting links to other sites. If the material is appropriate, why re-type if you don't have too??????

Thanks for the link. I hear you about the costs of these things. I want to get a better pair of legs and head this year. I just want to get the best for the money. I don't want a tripod that is more than 6 or 7 pounds. This will cost $$. I also want a head that will allow me some freedom. I want to get some bigger lenses over the next 12 to 18 months and a solid system seems to be key to getting everything out of the lens.

James

PS Jens, thanks for the link. I will definitely check out the link!

Might I suggest the Really Right Stuff BH-40 Pro?

Its one I am going to invest in. $345 for the head...and RRS gets GREAT reviews from the likes of Moose Peterson and George Lepp.....Luminous Landscape and Digital Outback Photo.

Here is the site:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html#

I think you will be impressed.

Find some good carbon fiber legs and your set..

Roman

The BH-40 is not a big enough head for the lenses that I am going to buy. I am looking at the RRS BH55, Kirk BH-1, Markins 20 or the AS B-1. All are great ball heads that will handle the same amount of weight. It just boils down to the ergonomics of the indiviual head. 10 years ago, we only had the B1, now we have a choice of 4 equal ball heads.

I agree with Dave. I still love you Roman, but the B1 and rrs55 are great heads and capable of handling the 10+ pound lenses.

I use a Foba Supper Ballhead becuase they work great, the handles are very large so they can be opperated with thick padded gloves on, and you can pick them up on ebay for less than $250 with the dovetail plate! I really like mine! and decided to go with one after talking with a couple of my mentors about it (they both use the Foba).

The rule of thumb for choosing a ball head is the capacity of the ball head should be 3 times greater than the combined weight of camera, lens, flash, flash bracket, flash extender, etc. I think James has a lens, camera, flash set up that weighs more than 6 lbs. My 80-200 and my 300mm on my cameras weighs more than 6 lbs. On the 4 ball heads I mentioned, the cheapest is $355 and the most expensive is $455.