Jobu JR-3 Gimbal Head

FiestaRed

FiestaRed

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Mike
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There's been quite a few threads on the site about the various gimbals that are available and it seems to be a fact the the Wimberley reins as King.

For those of us with a smaller "long" lens, this can be a bit of an overkill. With this in mind I searched all the threads and asked different questions looking for something suitable as an alternative for a lighter lens combo. Many thanks to those who helped, GrumpyBadger especially and his good lady wife. Quite a few suggested I look at the Jobu JR-2 gimbal. As I couldn't find the overall size on any of the websites, I asked the makers in Canada for the dimensions.

The sizes came back with their reply and they also listed the Jobu JR-3, a new model to their range, this was the shortest of the lot. It also had a rounded main stem like their bigger pro models, not the I beam shape of the current JR-2. As the JR-3 was not available in the UK I ordered one direct from Canada, five days later it arrived on my doorstep. To say the least it "looked" very impressive. The lateral arm now has a strengthening bar added where the JR-2 doesn't.

I took it out yesterday and all I can say I was very pleased with the performance. The adjustments were easy to make and it was extremely smooth to use. Never having used the Wimberley I can't say how it compares with that but I have used the Indian copies and the Manfrotto 393 and it's a big improvement for me over those. Much lighter to carry and far less bulky, I'd say it's ideal for my smaller D300s and AF-S 300mm combo.

Not sure when they'll be here in the UK or what the cost will be when they arrive but they are certainly well worth a look.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682023-REG/Jobu_Design_BWG_J3K_BWG_J3K_Jobu_Jr_3_Gimbal.html
 
I have the BWG-LW Mk2, it is superb ... what I really like is if I want to convert it to a horizontal plate (ala wimberley), I can buy the parts and carry out the simple conversion.

The Benro version is a really poorly made bit of kit, the Kirk King Cobra is as solid as a rock, however it is heavy. The Jobu gives the better elevation before the lens hits the mount, and is pretty stable.
 
Hi Martyn,

Apologies, I forgot to mention, thanks for all your help as well.

Having tried the JR-3 as a side arm only, I think it's even more stable than with the lateral arm. Problem is I'm a bit worried when moving the lens on and off the clamp. I'm definitely going to give it another try that way though.

I also should have mentioned that my 300 AF-S lens has one of the Kirk lens collars fitted and this fits straight into the Jobu QR clamp.
 
FiestaRed said:
Hi Martyn,

I forgot to mention, thanks for all your help as well.

I tried the JR-3 as a side arm only and I think it's even more stable than with the lateral arm. Problem is I'm a bit worried when moving the lens on and off the clamp. I'm definitely going to give it another try that way though.

I also should have mentioned that my 300 AF-S lens has one of the Kirk lens collars fitted and this fits straight into the Jobu QR clamp.
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Brian .... you need to try it with a 500 f4 :D

Open clamp wide ... engage bottom lens plate dovetail ... ease lens plate in ... tighten clamp.

With the 500mm I extend two sections of tripod leg so I am working just above waist height, I keep both arms below the lens so if it did slip I can cradle it .... once locked in I extend the last leg sections ... then carry it attached to the tripod :thumbs:
 
Martyn... said:
Brian .... you need to try it with a 500 f4 :D

:thumbs:
Click to expand...

Martyn, I'd love to try it with a 500 f4, that's already on my wish list for Santa or any other generous soul come to that.
 
Hairyduck said:
utter tosh, it's almost identical to the wimberley in every way
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I have a GH-1 here, I also have a Wimberley Sidekick, like chalk and cheese, I bought it following glowing reports on this forum, absolute waste of money, the friction knob hardly moves, it does not pan properly ... but you pay your money and you take your chances.

The machining on it is poor, the horizontal bearing is off centre, but do not let that stop you telling me I am talking utter tosh ;)
 
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