Wembley, King Cobra or Mongoose?

[donaldmullaney]

With my new Canon 500mm lens onboard, I'm thinking about moving on from ball heads to gimbal type heads for my tripod. My question is, can any of the owners of the above mentioned brands share their experience? I plan to add a Better Beamer as well.
Thanks!

[mikebaker]

I only have experience with the Wimberly SideKick and Wimberly replacement feet and plates, but the experience is all positive. I've used the SideKick pretty hard for about three years with no issues. I wouldn't be without one, or a product that equaled it, for use with my longer lenses. Although, I don't have a 500mm, I've used 200 f4, 300 f4, 20-200 f2.8 and 200-400 f4 on the Sidekick.

Thought I had lost the SideKick one night on a recent field trip, but ended up locating it the next day. Had I lost it, I would have ordered another one without any hesitation.

Mike
York,SC

[epayne]

Hello Donald,
I have a Wimberley Sidekick which I use with lenses up to the Nikkor 500mm f4.0 as well as the 200-400mm f4.0. When used with a quality ball head like an Arca Swiss B1, RRS BH-55, Kirk or Markins it is more than adequate for field support. It is also easier for carrying the system to your shooting location. I do however have the full Wimberley for my 600mm f4.0. It is significantly heaver than the 500mm f4.0 and needs the added support. I have a 1410 series Gitzo tripod dedicated to this head.
One thing to consider is the flash bracket attachment options for your strobe and Better Beamer. I am not sure how the King Cobra or Mongoose work with a flash bracket. I have the Wimberley flash bracket but think if I had it to do over I would go with RRS for the bracket. I also would replace my Sidekick without hesitation if lost.
Best regards,

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[jlphoto]

Another vote for the sidekick here. I just got a hold of one recently and would hate to think about going back to just my BH-55 for my big lens. The best part, in my opinion, is that you have both a gimbal mount for your big lens, and then a ballhead for landscape work - all in one package. More practical in my opinion. You'll be really happy you got one.


Jared

[Steve_e]

I went with the Wimberley II for my 500 and it's a great mount. Nice and solid.

Steve