----- Original Message -----
From: "David S."
Subject: Re: With a fluttering heart...
I got the Wimberly head as soon as I got the 600. Unfortunately you can
not go to your local camera store and compare different models of this
type of head, but information that I could find on the web indicates that
the Wimberly is the best gimball type head to get. I used the Wimberly on
a Manfrotto 075 tripod that I already owned for about 2 years before
getting a Gitzo 1548 (in late 2003). The stability difference between the
Manfrotto 075 (which is a fairly heavy tripod) and the Gitzo 1548 is
incredible. Don't compromise on the head/tripod combination, get the best
you can.
I am so lucky with my Zone VI tripod. It is pretty much the ideal set of
legs for a big lens.
It is quite heavy though.
The lens that Joe bought looks like it's balance point is pretty well where
it should be.
I had a hell of a time with my A600 to get it to balance, and finally ended
up modifying the quick release plate to get something that worked.
As far as I can tell, both the Wimberley gimbal and the King Cobra are
really nice heads. I would probably have gone for a King Cobra, as I had
recommendations for it from both Ken and another erudite list member whom I
have come to know and like.
Sadly, I was looking at a bit of a wait for the King Cobra, and the
Wimberley was delivered the next day. It's hard to look at a nice lens and
not be able to use it, so the Wimberley won out.
Ken let me hold his tripod while he was mounting his 600 at the cathouse at
GFM.
The King Cobra requires that the lens be mounted sideways to the head, while
the Wimberley allows the lens to be dropped into place from above.
I suspect I am better off with the Wimberley, as I am enough of a klutz that
I would probably drop my lens off the King Cobra.
OTOH, the King Cobra is the smoother head, if my recollection is correct.
Joe, if you go for a Wimberley, go for an entire head, and not the
attachment thing.
William Robb
