Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: boku on May 05, 2006, 08:52:10 am

Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on May 05, 2006, 08:52:10 am
I've decided I need a long reach and can't justify a Canon 500 L, so I ordered a Sigma 50-500 since it will only see occasional use. I know I need a gimbal head to track birds (my first attempt at this sort of thing), but I can't justify spending $600 for a full Wimberley to mount $900 worth of glass (Dell discount). I looked on the Wimberly site and they don't really mention this lens as being recommended for the Sidekick adapter, so I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I like the Sidekick approach because it is roughly half the price and would not require me to dedicate a tripod to it. My target tripod is a Gitzo 1325 with a leveling base and a RRS BH-55 ball head.

Another question...

What would be a recommended way of carrying this monster lens into the field?
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: kbolin on May 05, 2006, 09:50:26 am
Quote
I've decided I need a long reach and can't justify a Canon 500 L, so I ordered a Sigma 50-500 since it will only see occasional use. I know I need a gimbal head to track birds (my first attempt at this sort of thing), but I can't justify spending $600 for a full Wimberley to mount $900 worth of glass (Dell discount). I looked on the Wimberly site and they don't really mention this lens as being recommended for the Sidekick adapter, so I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I like the Sidekick approach because it is roughly half the price and would not require me to dedicate a tripod to it. My target tripod is a Gitzo 1325 with a leveling base and a RRS BH-55 ball head.

Another question...

What would be a recommended way of carrying this monster lens into the field?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=64588\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

The sidekick is fine with the Canon 500L.  Its specs are: 15" long and 8.5lbs.  The sigma you speak of is about 10" long and 4.0lbs.  I see no reason why you would need anything more than the sidekick.

As far as carrying it into the field.... are you married?  have kids?       Just kidding.

Have fun!

Kelly
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: DarkPenguin on May 05, 2006, 10:42:45 am
Get the Sigmonster instead.  Then the Wimberly will seem like a cheap accessory.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on May 05, 2006, 03:37:44 pm
Quote
Get the Sigmonster instead.  Then the Wimberly will seem like a cheap accessory.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=64596\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

800mm? I think I would need to build an observatory to keep it in. Does anyone actually use those things?
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on May 05, 2006, 03:40:07 pm
Quote
The sidekick is fine with the Canon 500L.  Its specs are: 15" long and 8.5lbs.  The sigma you speak of is about 10" long and 4.0lbs.  I see no reason why you would need anything more than the sidekick.

As far as carrying it into the field.... are you married?  have kids?       Just kidding.

Have fun!

Kelly
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=64591\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Thanks! That is good insight.

If it is that small (I should have looked), I suppose it would fit in my larger LowePro pack (Computrecker Plus AW). I just wondered if folks tend to carry these in a separate bag (and why).
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: kbolin on May 05, 2006, 03:40:31 pm
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800mm? I think I would need to build an observatory to keep it in. Does anyone actually use those things?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=64610\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I can't imagine using an 800mm without IS... although having said that I would love to see somebody use one and show me the images they get with it.

Kelly
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: macgyver on May 05, 2006, 03:47:46 pm
Bob, I'm sure youve seen this, but this page shows the Bigma next to a 50 1.8, that might give you some idea of the size.  Doesn't look all that huge.

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/si...0_463/index.htm (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_50500_463/index.htm)
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on May 05, 2006, 03:52:37 pm
Quote
Bob, I'm sure youve seen this, but this page shows the Bigma next to a 50 1.8, that might give you some idea of the size.  Doesn't look all that huge.

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/si...0_463/index.htm (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_50500_463/index.htm)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=64614\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Looks like my problems are over. Same bags I already use. Just buy a Sidekick and a big-mamu polarizer.

I hope this lens lives up to its good reputation.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: DarkPenguin on May 05, 2006, 04:25:12 pm
I actually saw some nice samples from the sigmonster on DPReview.  Unfortunately I can't find them now.  I can't imagine shooting the thing.  (I hear it is easily handholdable when the sun novas.)

I did find this while looking.  The sigmonster at 12,800mm...

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp...essage=18284148 (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=18284148)

I think I've decided to get the new tokina 80-400 when it comes out next month.  The polarizer turning wheel has sold me on it.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: Krug on May 07, 2006, 04:29:59 pm
I use the Sidekick with the Minolta 400/4.5 and it is fine. Hope that helps.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: nigeldh on July 04, 2006, 05:13:00 am
My Google search for sigma 50-500 came up with a couple of references to the Bogen 3421 Gimbal mount.

In the US, Dell is running that deal again and giving a few months to pay if you qualify.

Nigel
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on July 04, 2006, 09:49:13 am
Quote
My Google search for sigma 50-500 came up with a couple of references to the Bogen 3421 Gimbal mount.

In the US, Dell is running that deal again and giving a few months to pay if you qualify.

Nigel
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=69732\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Long ago I cancelled the Bigma due to advice from former owners that mentioned that the auto focusing was inaccurate and slow. Add to that the lack of IS and the small aperture and you realize that your get what you pay for. Good for the money, but probably not entirely useful for me.

I decided to pony up. Currently in-house and learning to use...

- Canon 500mm f/4 L IS
- Wimberley Sidekick
- RRS flash bracket
- Better Beamer
- Art Morris' "Birds as Art" book
- Lightware 600 bag
- Op/Tech lens cap
- Tons of welcome advice

This is all mounted on Gitzo G1325 pod with a RRB BH55 ball head. The RRS is a bit short for this to my taste when the ball is tipped 90 degrees in the socket (as needed for the Sidekick). I am going to try out the larger Markins head. (arriving tommorow) I might sell the RRS if the Markins proves to be handier to use.

The Sidekick is quite handy. I am pleased with it. I don't feel compelled to investigate the full Wimberley.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: Geoff Wittig on July 04, 2006, 10:52:42 am
Best of luck.
I've gotten consistently excellent results with the 500 f:4 L IS lens using the Sidekick on a solid tripod, even with the 1.4x converter. I generally carry the lens in a Scope Pack, as the side pockets are perfect for the Sidekick and teleconverters.
Back in my film days I used a Pentax 600 mmm f:4, which weighed 16 lbs. plus; this monster required something more substantial, and worked well on Kirk's "king cobra" gimbal mount, similar to the full sized Wimberly but a bit more compact.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: MikeMike on February 11, 2007, 07:08:57 pm
if you end up getting the markins ill buy your bh-55, for the right price  
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on February 12, 2007, 09:48:32 am
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if you end up getting the markins ill buy your bh-55, for the right price 
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100394\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Amazing how an old thread doesn't age very well!

So much has transpired...

I cancelled the Bigma and got a Canon 500.
I decided to not use the sidekick and went for the full Wimberley.
I tried the Markins, disliked it, and decided to stick with the RRS.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: stever on February 12, 2007, 10:03:03 am
what didn't you like about the Markins (which one?)?
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: boku on February 12, 2007, 08:23:06 pm
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what didn't you like about the Markins (which one?)?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100472\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I bought the mid-size one (forgot the model number).

I had 2 negative experiences...

1) The rotation lock never locked down tight, just snug. I could grab the end of a long lense and cause the unit to rotate.

2) I left the unit in my car overnight in about 30 degree F temprtature. The next day, the ball seized until I took it indoors to warmup. It ruined a sunrise shoot in the Adironacks.
Title: Ordered a BIGMA and need a gimbal head
Post by: Sheldon N on February 27, 2007, 11:27:33 pm
Quote
I bought the mid-size one (forgot the model number).

I had 2 negative experiences...

1) The rotation lock never locked down tight, just snug. I could grab the end of a long lense and cause the unit to rotate.

2) I left the unit in my car overnight in about 30 degree F temprtature. The next day, the ball seized until I took it indoors to warmup. It ruined a sunrise shoot in the Adironacks.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=100581\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

I have the Markins M20, it was a bit finicky in the cold weather similar to Bob's situation. Apparently the manufacturer recommended solution is to wipe down the ballhead with a bit of WD-40 with a clean cloth, wiping off any excess.

I did that for my Markins, and it's like a new ballhead.