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Out of interest, how good is the Wimberley Sidekick on a good ball head?

Is it still no subsitute for the real thing?

Kipper,

kipper wrote:Out of interest, how good is the Wimberley Sidekick on a good ball head?

Is it still no subsitute for the real thing?

I enjoy using the Wimberley Sidekick on my Markins M-20 BH. From Wimberley website "We’re sorry, but this item is currently on backorder".

Here it is with the Nikon 70-200VR aboard:



After this shot I added the Markins TB-30 plate to fill the void between bottom of BH and top plate of tripod (GITZO G-1327) to increase stability and reduce vibration:

,

Cheers

fozzie,

you got any more pics of this setup from different angles?? im interested in a sidekick myself and these pics are just plain sexy; from a hardware geek point of view that is

<thread hijack>
Now you have had it for a while, what do you think of the Markins?? Would you get the M20 again, or just go for the M10?? Did you consider any other ballheads before getting the Markins, such as the RRS or the Kirk BH-3?? If so, why did you end up choosing the Markins?
</thread hijack>

cheers
rob.

rob,

robboh wrote:fozzie,

you got any more pics of this setup from different angles?? im interested in a sidekick myself and these pics are just plain sexy; from a hardware geek point of view that is

<thread hijack>
Now you have had it for a while, what do you think of the Markins?? Would you get the M20 again, or just go for the M10?? Did you consider any other ballheads before getting the Markins, such as the RRS or the Kirk BH-3?? If so, why did you end up choosing the Markins?
</thread hijack>

cheers
rob.

The Markins M-20 is suited to the G-1327.

I am very happy with the Markins M-20 and would not even consider the M-10 as the price difference is minimal. The Markins was available immediately and shipped from Korea within 5 working days.

For the G-1325 you can use either the 'Really Right Stuff' BH-55Pro or Markins M-10 or M-20

I couldnt justify the Gitzo to myself when I went tripod shopping and ended up getting a Manfrotto 055. Was thinking that maybe the M10 would be a little better on the 055 as it would be a little less topheavy etc.

That looks like the normal version, do you find the control's ok to use, or do you think the lefthand version might be worth looking at?? Im presuming with this one you need to use your righthand to control the main knob, and then back to the camera to take the shot??

Speaking of friction knobs, whats the friction-adjust like to use, is it hard to move around with your fingertip when its cold or anything like that??

Firstly I am familiar with the Manfrotto 055.

If you are going to get the 'Markins', I personally would get the M-20 for the extra US$50 (One drop down notch) + Shipping US$20. M-20 control knobs are very easy to use, and whether left or right controls depends on the individual. I have right hand controls.

I can not speak about the BH-55Pro as I have not used one. Birddog speaks very highly of the BH, and will also recommend over the Markins.
I must admit that I have recently bought the 'RRS' BH-25Pro for my 'GITZO' G-1588 CF Monopod which is on order from Hong Kong, and will hopefully be with me before month's end. This can also been seen on the website below.

The advantages of the 'RRS' BH-55Pro is that it has dual drop down slots and has a smaller profile. Comes in at US$415 + Shipping:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ballheads/index.html

Hi Robboh,
I have the RRS BH 55 pro. I must say I am more than happy with it, but as it is the only top end ballhead I have owned cant really make a valid comparison. After playing with it and others at Birddy's (great resource, you really should move from NZ to take advantage of the minimeets ), I preferred it for a number of reasons- Big adjustment knob makes it easy to apply leverage - lower profile implies it should be more stable - big 55mm ball- two slots instead of one . It wasn't much more than the others so on the buy it once principle bought what appeared to be the best to me.

Here is a pic or use Fozzies link above

Glen,
Have you taken my ballhead? I couldn't find it in my bag
It's on my Gitzo 1325, 100% time of my outing, what can I say about this beast

I'm planning to take your D2X, or anyone elses if I can prise it out of their hands or they leave it on the table at a minimeet

Glen,

Better still, move in and enjoy all the goodies

fozzie wrote:Glen,

Better still, move in and enjoy all the goodies

Guys, thanks for all the comments.

You know, a 6 months ago I would never even have considered spending this sort of dosh on a complete tripod, let alone JUST a ballhead

As for lenses...

So much for my nice semi-cheap upgrade to the D70. The only lens I still use out of my old kit is the 50mm 1.8

Anyway, so the consensus seems to be either the Markins M20 v's the RRS BH-50. Can anyone comment on the standard screw for the head v's the new lever option??

I do see they are talking about a BH-40 at some stage around now, I wonder what feature-set that will have and whether it will have more in common with the -25 or the -50

Glen wrote:Great resource, you really should move from NZ to take advantage of the minimeets

Tempting... tempting... very tempting...
I wonder if there is any sort of D70 user group here in NZ?? Maybe I should look at joining a camera club or something?

robboh wrote:Anyway, so the consensus seems to be either the Markins M20 v's the RRS BH-50. Can anyone comment on the standard screw for the head v's the new lever option??:

What's standard screw that you're talking?

I do see they are talking about a BH-40 at some stage around now, I wonder what feature-set that will have and whether it will have more in common with the -25 or the -50

BH-40: maybe by the end of this year. Never seen it in real so I can't comment it between the BH-55.
The BH-25 is the baby one, use for/ with small tripod, monopod, macro works.

robboh wrote:Can anyone comment on the standard screw for the head v's the new lever option??

Hi robboh,

I bought the RRS BH-55 with the lever option, and am really happy with it. (I too use it on a 1325.) The lever action is fatastic for a truly "quick" release. The heaviest lense I have is the 70-200 VR, and it is totally secure. As this is the only ballhead I have ever owned or used, in terms of an actual comparison with the standard knob version quick release, I am afraid I can't be of any assistance.... but you can definitely count my vote as being for the lever version.

Birddy, Robboh means the arca swiss std screw as on the RRS BH 55 Pro versus the lever. Robboh, have seen reports which say the lever doesn't work with all plates but does work well with RRS. Birddy recommended the std screw thread and I went with that recommendation. Lever would be quicker, screw is safer.

Yes, I should note that I have only used it with RRS plates as I have both the D-70 L-plate and the 70-200 VR replacement foot... and I have no problem with either. Not sure about the issue Glen mentions above, re other plates.

Cheers

Glen wrote:Hi Robboh,
I have the RRS BH 55 pro. I must say I am more than happy with it, but as it is the only top end ballhead I have owned cant really make a valid comparison.

Hi glen

you think this ballhead will fit(the screw) on a Bogen Manfrotto tripod
http://i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/6d/b6/b0_3.JPG

OK, now while your setup looks nice Fozzie, I think the question still hasn't been answered. How much of a downgrade is the Wimberley Sidekick compared to the Wimberley Head.

Btw, I think Birddog is the only one who can answer because I'm sure he has both and also has the big lenses to try out on them

Edit: this ain't an M-20 vs BH-55Pro thread either, I have the M-20, it's a nice head....haven't used it much though. BH-55Pro is better from what I've heard though.

Wendell, only two screw sizes for the top of tripods 1/4" or 3/8" and most ballheads have adaptors, so yes is the answer. (Sorry Kipper for further diluting your thread, I think Birddy or RobW have the lenses to answer your question)

wendellt wrote:

Glen wrote:Hi Robboh,
I have the RRS BH 55 pro. I must say I am more than happy with it, but as it is the only top end ballhead I have owned cant really make a valid comparison.

Hi Glen
you think this ballhead will fit(the screw) on a Bogen Manfrotto tripod
http://i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/6d/b6/b0_3.JPG

Wendell,

Most of the common, known-brand, tripods that have the ability to have a seperate head put on them use a 3/8" screw. The tripod screw is usually a standard 1/4".

That looks like a US model Manfrotto?

Edit: Clarification, the tripod screw in the bottom of a camera (and at the top of the ballhead) is 1/4". My monopod has a dual screw where the 3/8th screw is a springloaded tube around the solid 1/4" in the middle.
Cheers
Rob

kipper wrote:OK, now while your setup looks nice Fozzie, I think the question still hasn't been answered. How much of a downgrade is the Wimberley Sidekick compared to the Wimberley Head.

Btw, I think Birddog is the only one who can answer because I'm sure he has both and also has the big lenses to try out on them

Edit: this ain't an M-20 vs BH-55Pro thread either, I have the M-20, it's a nice head....haven't used it much though. BH-55Pro is better from what I've heard though.

Apologies Kipper.
I hadnt quite intended to hijack your thread that much

Im actually very interested in hearing too. My gut feeling would be that the Sidekick is probably more than good enough if you are only occasionaly needing a gimbal, or had a need to be able to carry a gimbal head around compactly in addition to the normal ballhead.

How do you use them?? Im presuming you use the pan on the ballhead for the side-to-side movement and then the sidekick handes the vertical? Are they still very well balanced, like the full wimberly is supposed to be??

Kipper,

kipper wrote:OK, now while your setup looks nice Fozzie, I think the question still hasn't been answered. How much of a downgrade is the Wimberley Sidekick compared to the Wimberley Head.

Btw, I think Birddog is the only one who can answer because I'm sure he has both and also has the big lenses to try out on them

Edit: this ain't an M-20 vs BH-55Pro thread either, I have the M-20, it's a nice head....haven't used it much though. BH-55Pro is better from what I've heard though.

Just for other readers information:

http://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm

I believe Birddog is the best one to answer this question. Also believe already in his inventory. If this is the case, it is something that I will be looking at over the course of my stay in Sydney 5-10 August. Not that I will be ordering one.

Glen wrote:Birddy, Robboh means the arca swiss std screw as on the RRS BH 55 Pro versus the lever. Robboh, have seen reports which say the lever doesn't work with all plates but does work well with RRS. Birddy recommended the std screw thread and I went with that recommendation. Lever would be quicker, screw is safer.

Glen,

Yup, thats exactly what I meant, thanks
Do you find the screw much of a pain in the butt to use, or is it still pretty quick??

Rob.

kipper wrote:OK, now while your setup looks nice Fozzie, I think the question still hasn't been answered. How much of a downgrade is the Wimberley Sidekick compared to the Wimberley Head.

Kip,

Have you read this??
Wimberley Head vs. The Sidekick

Rob.[/url]

Sorry to hijack again but I can't agree with going for the M20 over the M10. You pay an extra $50 for something that is 20% heavier and can carry 45kg instead of 40kg. Unless you are swinging off the head you'll never see those kind of weights, plus your legs will collapse first. Save the money and get an extra lens plate.

Also buy the red one. It looks better than the black.

Robboh, the screw is still pretty quick to use, I have RRS plates with the option of keeper pins which you can leave in or if out mean two turns is enough to release the plate to slide out

ps Robboh, with the benefit of using both Markins and RRS side by side at Birddy's I chose the RRS. Birddy, who owns the lot, uses the RRS.

Glen wrote:Robboh, the screw is still pretty quick to use, I have RRS plates with the option of keeper pins which you can leave in or if out mean two turns is enough to release the plate to slide out

Kewl, thanks Glen. I see you are at your multiple post trick again

I use the RRS BH-55 with the Sidekick all the time and it's the only head which I recommend if member tries on the big zoom lenses as 200-400VR or 400 AF-S.
On the other side, the full gimbal head is perfectly with the 500 or 600, I've tried those lenses on the gimbal without any complaints or difficulty to maneuver, to use the 500 or 600 on the sidekick is little bit of tricky due to its size, weight and the unbalanced lenght.
Again, the Markins 10 is real bad with the side kick due to the size of the ball, the Markins 20 is just OK with the 70-200VR and none of those pass the RRS BH-55Pro. The Markins 10 won't have enough balance with the sidekick. Yes, and tripod is another matter as well.
Pls. remember the height is lower and the base of the BH-55Pro is lot bigger then the Markins 10 or 20, you can see its solidity and sturdy as soon as you have the 200-400VR on the Sidekick.
These above are the answer why I have the BH-55Pro and use it extensively with the Sidekick or Gimbal head.

Having said that petal. Why does Birddog swear by the RSS 55PRO over the Markins M-20? One can carry 50kg the other 45kg, from experience he says the 55PRO is more stable yadda yadda yadda.

Kipper/Darryl,

I use the Markins M-20 with Wimberley Sidekick and Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4 + TC-17EII without any difficulty on a 'GITZO' G-1327. Solid as a rock.

fozzie wrote:Kipper/Darryl,

I use the Markins M-20 with Wimberley Sidekick and Nikon AF-S 300mm f/4 + TC-17EII without any difficulty on a 'GITZO' G-1327. Solid as a rock.

The size of Nikkor 300 AF-S/ f4 is about 1/10 of the 500-AF-S and 1/3 of the 70-200VR, so problem is not with the SideKick and small lenses even with the 200-400VR, I'm not talking about the head.

So Birddog, you'd recommend the Wimberley Head?

I've been reading that they recommend it for telephoto from about 400 ->

kipper wrote:So Birddog, you'd recommend the Wimberley Head?

I've been reading that they recommend it for telephoto from about 400 ->

Well, if you're investing in the 3 top Nikkor zoom lenses, then it worth it with the gimbal head as Wimberley, Cobra etc...