I just read Michael's
post on using the TOMAHAWK - GIMBAL ATTACHMENT FOR BALL HEADS with a monopod. The Tomahawk is similar to the Wimberly Sidekick, which was
reviewed by Michael earlier, but the former has threaded holes in both the horizontal and vertical axes of the Arca style mounts allowing it to be attached to a monopod via a screw as well as the tripod mounted ballhead in both axes. The Sidekick has the Arca mount only in the vertical orientation and can not be easily attached to the monopod. Since I might occasionally want to use the gimbal mount with a monopod, I am leaning toward the Tomahawk. Wimberly seems to be a more established company with a reputation for excellent quality, and I would be interested in the experience of other forum members with these two devices before making my decision. Michael does vouch for the quality of the Tomahawk, but does not compare it to the Wimberly.
I am interested in a sidekick style gimbal for use with my new 80-400 Nikkor AFS zoom, primarily for use on my tripod with the RSS BH-55 ballhead. If one uses the lens with the BH-55 in a loose configuration (ball not clamped down), the lens/camera tends to flop to one side and the experience is frustrating. Another question is whether one should use VR when in this loose configuration on a tripod or on a monopod. Nikon suggests that one can use VR in this situation, but I have heard conflicting reports. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Bill