Recommend me a wildlife tripod for a Wimberley Head

S

Steve-T

Messages
525
Edit My Images
No
I am about to bite the bullet and order a Wimberley head in anticipation of getting a 500mm soon.

Im a bit unsure of where to go with tripods, I envisage carrying the rig a fair way over moors and so on so weight comes in to it.
I also dont think I want an extending centre column, both from a stability point of view and also so I can get real low.
Im pretty sure that some tripods dont fit the Wimberley thread so I need to know it will fit.
Whilst cost is an issue I will ot let it stand in the way of the right peice of kit.
Im pretty new to this so advice appreciated.

Thanks
 
The Gitzo Systematic Carbon Fiber range doesn't have a centre column, though you can get one for it if need be. Rock solid. Be prepared to pay a few hundred £££'s for one (£400-£500).

Only problem I have with Gitzo is their numbering system...it is crazy.

Weight isn't as much an issue as you may think. After the Wimberley head, camera body and lens, the tripod isn't going to make the setup that much lighter.

Just make sure you get the right height for you, which usually entails either a 3 section or 4.

Best if you can find a camera shop near you to have a look at them.
 
Cheers for replies

I think I'm going to go for the Benro GH2 Gimbal head.
Cant decide on Benro tripods, not enough info as I could see on minimum maximum height weight etc
Think I will go for the 3 series syestematic and sod the expense? Can you recommend an online supplier?
 
Have a look at the Jobu heads, I have the Black Widow Light weight II good quality and good value, has the best range of elevation before the camera hits the head, I use one with a 500/4 lens on a Gitzo 3531

Here is a link you can buy the same thing with the horizontal arm (like a wimberley) or add it later
 
Steve-T said:
Cheers for replies

I think I'm going to go for the Benro GH2 Gimbal head.
Cant decide on Benro tripods, not enough info as I could see on minimum maximum height weight etc
Think I will go for the 3 series syestematic and sod the expense? Can you recommend an online supplier?
Click to expand...

Here you go http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BENRO-C37...40706465484?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item20c2c246cc Optional geared centre column is v nice too :)

Be aware that you are liable for duty/VAT though as far as I'm aware nobody round here has been asked to pay. I haven't, twice, but the last time was a year or so ago.

I think 'buckas' is one of a few that have bought this and a Benro gimbal combo, if you seach against his name.
 
HoppyUK said:
Here you go http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BENRO-C37...40706465484?pt=US_Tripods&hash=item20c2c246cc Optional geared centre column is v nice too :)

Be aware that you are liable for duty/VAT though as far as I'm aware nobody round here has been asked to pay. I haven't, twice, but the last time was a year or so ago.

I think 'buckas' is one of a few that have bought this and a Benro gimbal combo, if you seach against his name.
Click to expand...


Similar to mine C3770T super build quality, very sturdy and quick lock works really well, been in rivers mud etc and proved very reliable...... however one word of warning, I broke a leg on mine and it took masses of emails, phone calls and a great deal of frustration to get a replacement .. Finally after having virtually no help from the supplier, manufacturer or the UK distributor and countless stupid emails, I found a place in France who supplied one at I think about £60.00..... took two weeks to sort. Would I buy another one.... yes, I just wouldn't break it :)
 
Last edited:
Steve-T said:
Thanks for info, the Benro do look good, pity nobody seems to stock in the UK (or at least those models).
I will trawl a bit more.
Click to expand...

I wasted nearly £200 on a Benro head, based upon recommendations on this forum, I do not buy many pups I did with this one, had to be the biggest pile of cheap junk I had ever seen, it was poorly engineered using the cheapest materials and components possible, it did not even work.

The box was nice ... ;)
 
Steve-T said:
Thanks for info, the Benro do look good, pity nobody seems to stock in the UK (or at least those models).
I will trawl a bit more.
Click to expand...


Yep that was part of my problem, stand by my comment re the tripod but never used a Benro head so cannot comment.
 
I still stand by my benro head it's been all over the world with me and has been spot on. Tripod wise I've two of the gitzo systematics GT35 and GT55 series I always take the heaviest I can fit in my baggage
 
I have been using the Benro GH 2 head for a few years now without issue. I would say its about 75% as good as the Wimberley. I have tried both and yeah the Benro isnt quite as smooth and not as well engineered but it fits in the hole in the price bracket and has been a good buy for me. I use it on the Gitzo 5541LS tripod and love the combo. Martyn what didnt work on your version?
 
markyboy.1967 said:
Martyn what didnt work on your version?
Click to expand...

Mine would allow about 5-10mm of movement, the bearing sleeve through the main arm was drilled off centre, even with a lens mounted way off centre it still would not move.

A friend is in engineering, he offered to get it going, we discovered that vast amounts of super glue had been used in it's assembly, screw heads stripped with the slightest pressure, eventually we managed to get it to a point of function.

Seriously the Jobu represents the best value for money, and will give the maximum vertical movement before the camera body hits the tripod.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top