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Post by Romy Ocon on Dec 12, 2007 2:43:31 GMT
Gimbal heads are very convenient mounts for large and heavy birding lenses. One can mount a heavy lens/camera combo, balance the rig, and point the lens effortlessly in any direction. Once pointed, the combo stays in that position unless moved again. Gimbal heads allow panning for flight shots, and good support for long shots at static subjects. After over three years years of field use of this gimbal head, and thousands of long shots with it, I guess I've formed my decision whether I'm happy with the 3421 or need to upgrade to a more expensive one. Here's how the 3421 looks in field use at Malasi Lake, Isabela province, with the Sigmonster + Canon 2x TC on a 475B tripod: I was initially a bit disappointed with the 3421. While it worked smoothly and flawlessly in panning shots, it had a slight play/wobble in its panning base. I mitigated this problem by placing my left hand on the lens (also to reduce mirror/shutter slap), while my left wrist rested on top of one of the U-legs (to steady the play/wobble). Then I found out that Manfrotto factory-set the panning knob resistance to minimum, probably for use in lighter lenses. So I got myself a 2.5 mm Allen key (not supplied with the gimbal head) to loosen the locking screw of the panning knob. Once the lock screw was loosened, I was able to tighten the panning knob so resistance is just right for the monster lens. The slight play/wobble is gone, and it now works like a dream. I can now consistently shoot shake-free pics with the combo at 1600 mm and as slow as 1/50 sec shutter speed. Here's a Coppersmith Barbet in the tree canopy at Mt. Makiling - 350D + Sigmonster + Canon 2x TC, 1600 mm, f/18, 1/50 sec, ISO 400, 3421 GH + 475B tripod: My longest shot with this gimbal head is a 4525 mm attempt at Jupiter taken at 1/30 sec. As every astronomical shooter knows, any slight vibration with such focal length at such a dim target will result into a featureless disc. Here's a slow shutter shot of an Indigo-banded Kingfisher in the dark understory by a stream in Tiaong, Quezon province - 350D + Sigmonster, 800 mm, 0.8 sec, f/10, ISO 200, 3421 + 475B, MLU + remote switch: Lastly, here's a demonstration of the panning prowess of the 3421 - a 5 frame burst at a Philippine Duck in full speed flight over Candaba wetlands: I guess I won't be a customer of more expensive gimbal heads for a long time. The 3421, once the panning knob is tightened to suit a specific lens, works very, very well, at a fraction of the cost. Here's a link to B&H listing for this gear: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/126663-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_3421_3421_Heavy_Tele_Lens.htmlUPDATE (March 7, 2008) : I bought a second 3421 so my Sigmonster and 500 f4 IS can be mounted and used at the same time. Romy
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Post by Bob Kaufman on Dec 14, 2007 4:55:00 GMT
I agree with Master Romy regarding this equipment. As a matter of fact, it was he who recommended this when I was looking for a gimbal head. Very indispensable especially when using big lenses. I got mine at One Call www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=27896
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Post by Ding Carpio on Dec 16, 2007 3:38:15 GMT
But I use it with a monopod.
I don't have as long a lens as The Master's so I'll have to make do with stalking and this means max mobility, and quick set-up, hence the monopod.
At first, I was disappointed at the weight. I had to heft the thing through hikes. I then went back to my old monopod head, the cheap Bogen Swivel-Tilt 3232 head and that's when I discovered the value of the 3421.
I realized that the 3421 allows me to aim much faster. Didn't have to fight with the head's friction to "lock" into an aim as I did with the swivel-tilt head.
So, if you can live with the weight (and it's really heavy!), I recommend the 3421.;
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Post by ka rene bajit on May 12, 2008 10:48:29 GMT
hi ka romy, master photobug, im finally resurrected after soooo many months. just got my nikkor 180-600mm cleaned last week. i really had to find time for it. and the next thing is, to find time to shoot!! but yes, i must confess that the lens is really heavy. my D80 is just a piece of a marshmallow compared to the huge lens. it is something like 8kg or more! this lens is one of the few nikon built for it fans, and will only do so if it receives an order. i think im quite blessed to own one. i had it cleaned by a trustworthy and expert cleaner for a price worth 2 full tank of gas. but i think its worth it. im looking at d pix of your gimbal head. with the equipment i have within my reach- the lathe machine, bender, precise hi speed steel saw, bench power tools, i think i can make one. hehehe.. till then, when ive got one, will hit the fields and tan my skin for the first shots. i hope so. good to connect with you guys.. till then..
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Post by Martin Alvendia on May 12, 2008 11:57:10 GMT
Wow! Can't wait to see that 600mm in action! It's time for us nikonites to show some meat! Haha!
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Post by Romy Ocon on May 12, 2008 12:27:01 GMT
Does the NikMonster look like this, Ka Rene? Can't wait to see it in the field.... about the longest Nikon glass I ever saw "in lens" is the 200-400 VR that Raymond B. and TJ use. ;D
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Post by Teddy Regpala on Jul 22, 2008 5:47:51 GMT
I recently bought this gimbal-type head, as it seems highly recommended in this board.
Yes, it's heavy, but I kind of expected that already. It pairs nicely with my Manfrotto 190CXPro3.
For now, I only have the AFS 300/4 + TC to mount on it. And it's a bit overkill, but I really don't mind. I bought it with future bigger lenses in mind.
The jury is still out as to it's performance, as I haven't used it outside my residence yet. Yeah, it's been used in the backyard and around the house already. So far, I'm liking it. I haven't encountered any problems using it yet.
I have one question though. How do you guys carry the tripod when this head (392/3421), lens, and camera are all mounted? The most practical is to rest the head on my shoulder, but it does hurt big time. Maybe I need a shoulder padding? Or rest the tripod legs on my shoulder instead?
Please share your experiences, or any tips. I have a local birding trip in 2 weeks, and I'm currently preparing for it.
Thanks a bunch.
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Jul 22, 2008 7:26:40 GMT
I have one question though. How do you guys carry the tripod when this head (392/3421), lens, and camera are all mounted? The most practical is to rest the head on my shoulder, but it does hurt big time. Maybe I need a shoulder padding? Or rest the tripod legs on my shoulder instead? Please share your experiences, or any tips. I have a local birding trip in 2 weeks, and I'm currently preparing for it. Thanks a bunch. Hi Ted, Here's one way of carrying the whole assembly from one place to the next. You just have to look at my avatar..he he he. Anyway, here's the bigger picture taken by the Mastah himself.
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Post by Ding Carpio on Jul 22, 2008 13:14:58 GMT
He-he. But if you carry it the way Neon does in his avatar, you'd have to watch for bird poop from the sky or always remember to puton the lenscap (which I always neglect).
I use mine 90% of the time on a monopod. Carrying is much easier and great for stalking.
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Post by Teddy Regpala on Jul 22, 2008 16:52:52 GMT
Ding, I fully agree with the monopod setup, it's so much easier as far as mobility and carrying the full assembly is concerned. But the pro who I met in one birding trip told me he used to have the monopod setup, and he said it just doesn't cut it and tripod is still the way to go. And from what I read, there must be some truth to it. So when my monopod clamps broke, it gave me the chance to try this gimbal. For now, I can't afford the Wimberleys, King Cobras, Jobus, and the likes. And it seems the 393/3421 will do the job for now and my next lens upgrades. Neon, my tripod do have a center column as well. In fact I tried holding it that way too. But the problem I'm expecting when the legs are fully spread, is that I might accidentally hit some people in the group. Maybe not a good idea for the type of trip I've been doing (local Audubon). Moreover, my 190CXPro3 don't have any neophrene padding on the first section. Maybe I should get one of those Lenscoat for tripods? Another thing, the balance. If I rest the tripod's first section on my shoulder, it's going to be way too top heavy, and I can imagine it creeping down and will end up the 393 head on my shoulder eventually. Which of course is not padded. Am I overly conerned? ;D Should I just go out there and try it? Thanks guys.
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Post by tina mallari on Jul 23, 2008 0:51:23 GMT
Ted, I carry my tripod the way Neon carries his - well almost - I hold my tripod on one of the legs and not the center column. You must remember that I am a woman and I am not really used to carrying heavy stuff ;D I'm almost sure that you can carry your set up easily. It just takes getting used to the whole thing. You can practice at home before your outing. Only you will be able to determine what's the most comfortable way of carrying your tripod Nice to leave the legs of the tripod open so people will give you space - hit them and pretend you didn't mean it so that they will move away from you and when you finally put down your tripod - you have all the space that you need and will be able to take a clear shot of the bird/birds - HAhHAhHAhHAhaAHa ;D ;D
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Post by Toto Gamboa on Jul 23, 2008 3:26:51 GMT
where do you buy this locally guys? how much are these wonder gears?
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Post by tina mallari on Jul 23, 2008 6:52:07 GMT
where do you buy this locally guys? how much are these wonder gears? Hi Toto, You can read up on the gimbal head HERE
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Post by Teddy Regpala on Nov 4, 2008 20:21:01 GMT
How tight do you guys set the resistance of the panning base of the 393 (3421) ?
My 300/4, due to it's design, is very prone to shake. I already replaced the lens collar/foot with a Kirk, it made some improvements but not quite. I'm still seeing shake once in a while even with a remote trigger. So maybe it's the support? The D300's strong mirror slap somehow contributes to the shake, but I can't do anything with that.
I tightened the panning base of the gimbal the first time I used it. Enough for me to pan and swivel without exerting too much effort. But maybe it's not enough. I feel a need to tighten and increase the resistance more. In my attempt to loosen the locking screw the other night, I broke the Allen key! Goodness, I never knew I tightened it so hard before. Anyway, I just used a pair of pliers to turn that damn thing off. So I tightened the base again, enough for it not to move when the rig is slightly touched. Is this how you guys set the resistance of the 393/3421?
I haven't tried/tested it yet, as the weather is not cooperating, winter is fast approaching and we're experiencing rains and gloomy weather more often now.
In my frustration, I ordered an RRS BH-55 ballhead with an arca-swiss type quick release plate, for the kirk collar of my 300mm f/4.
I might still use the 393 with a yet to be purchased monopod though.
I'll see how things go with the new resistance. I hope it's not too tight.
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Nov 4, 2008 22:46:18 GMT
Ted, With my experience with a bigger lens the 393 was not the problem but the sturdiness of the tripod. With the added weight of the gimbal on your setup, smaller tripod designed for a particular lens would not be enough. Even with slight breeze the whole rig resonate so I guess you try and touch the tip of the lens when it's mounted and see where the movement is coming from.
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Post by tina mallari on Jan 14, 2009 10:00:09 GMT
According to Sylvia, available na daw the Gimbal head at Island photo - Yuhoooooooo !!!!!! They were able to buy one today
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Post by Ding Carpio on Jan 14, 2009 23:44:43 GMT
How much and which model?
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Post by tina mallari on Jan 15, 2009 1:39:05 GMT
same as our gimbal head Ding
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Post by tina mallari on Jan 20, 2009 6:18:57 GMT
I need help please. Got a new tripod and now I can't remove my gimbal head from my old tripod
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Post by Neon Rosell II on Jan 20, 2009 6:52:34 GMT
I have the same problem!! To unscrew it, you have to turn counter clockwise. Would the screw driver damage the hole if you apply a good amount of force to unscrew it? You have to use a screw driver that barely goes into that hole to have a good leverage. I hope someone comes up with a better solution. ;D
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