Gimbal Heads: CB vs Mongoose 3.5

[brad_n]

<p>I am looking to upgrade to a gimbal head for shooting birds. I've seen the CB Gimbal and it looks to be all that you could ask for in construction quality and precision $580. Arthur Morris flouts the Mongoose 3.5 at 500. I am currently using a Pentax k20D, DA*300, Sigma 50-500, but naturally I have dreams of larger lenses.<br>

Does anyone have experience with these two heads? Opinions and advice?</p>

[bruce_margolis]

<p>Sorry Brad, the only one I have ever used is Wimberly. Their less expensive Sidekick might be all you need for the 50-500 but you can check their specs. Otherwise, their full size head is a monster but very highly rated..........</p>

<p><a href="http://www.tripodhead.com/index.cfm">http://www.tripodhead.com/index.cfm</a></p>

 

[tbelleza]

<p>I have a Jobu Design Black Widow Gimbal Head <a href="http://www.jobu-design.com/index.html">http://www.jobu-design.com/index.html</a> on my Gitzo carbon tripod. It is perfect for my 1dIII + EF500/4LIS set up. I tried the Wimberly knock off from India and did not like it one bit.</p>

[tien_pham]

<p>If you are thinking about long lens, get a Wimberly and you're done. CB and Mongoose have too many joints and therefore can not be as good as one piece like the Wimberly. They can be good for traveling though, beccause they can be taken apart for space.</p>

[alex_lofquist]

<p>The Wimberley Sidekick on a good ball head is perhaps the most versatile as you have the choice of both heads when you need them. The Sidekick will hold a 500 f/4 and TC very effectively.</p>

[fischerphotos]

I was going to get the wimberly brand in the future. It looks great for big lenses, but is sort of pricey.

[brad_n]

<p>An aquaintence recently changed from the Sidekick to the CB Gimbal for his Canon 50D w 120(?)-300 2.8 and teleconverters he swears the CB was worth every penny.</p>

[deano]

<p>I have the Mongoose and Sidekick (couldn't decide) and am currently using a friends Full Wimberly. In my experience the Full Wimberly is the best, second is the Sidekick. But, for travelling the Mongoose is best. Art Morris can get sharp images using the Mongoose and an 800mm lens (I was at Bosque and saw him using it). The Mongoose is basically one single piece, it doesn't break down into smaller pieces, but it is so much lighter to carry around. You do have to adapt your long lens technique a little, but all of these heads will do the job.<br>

Try before you buy - if you can.</p>

[malcolm_baba]

<p>Well, if you did need a little more in the way of construction and precision, check out the 3.5 lb. Jobu BWG Pro. I'm using one to support a D300 / Sigma 300-800. It's a beefy one piece casting with a large mounting area and a vertical lock out switch. You can dial in any amount of smooth drag using the large rubber knobs. This might be overkill for your current lenses. Unfortunately, I've noticed their price has increased since my purchase. <br>

http://www.paulburwell.com/blog/2009/05/bwg-pro-gimbal-head-video-review/?wscr=1344x840</p>