Gimbal vs Video Head for Wildlife Photography (Full Breakdown)

[@cameraprepper7938]

I also have the MANFROTTO VIDEO MVH502AH Flat Base, which I most use for spotting tele scope, I can very highly recommend the MANFROTTO VIDEO MVH502AH Flat Base !

[@davidjones3635]

Thanks for the video Simon, I have that exact video head and have mounted my 120mm aperture and one metre focal-length Astro refractor on to it for wildlife photography, even for a scope bigger than a f4 600mm lens it handles the astro scope easily.

[@wattyler6075]

I currently have a Benro gimbal head,but have been looking @ a Benro S6PRO fluid head. Only just starting to look @ video,but when I'm panning @ drag racing, I find the gimbal a bit of a handful. I do wildlife as well.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Wat, I find the Video head a lot more useful than a Gimbal. I can do both stills and video with the one bit of kit👍🏼

[@jamesfroese9232]

Thank you for this video. I think I got it figured out now. I've ordered a carbon fiber tripod with built-in leveling bowl, and have been trying to figure out what kind of head unit to get to use primarily for my new Sony 200-600 zoom. Another Canadian wildlife photographer really likes his Manfrotto 502 video head. You prefer it too. Done.

[@tomhath8413]

A few years ago everyone insisted that a ball head was the way to go. I tried one and didn't like it at all. Now everyone seems to think a gimbal is the way to go; I've never tried one but your analysis makes a lot of sense - I expect I'll stay with the tilt/pan head.

[@DaikoBilskie]

Hello, Simon. Jim here from Utah in the US. Came to your channel through Richards Nightscape channel. Your field episodes are my favorites though all your presentations are interesting. Putting on the boots and squirming about in the brush to find the opportunities and compositions is where nearly all good wildlife images begin. That and spending some time with the critters to learn their behavior and become connected with them. No particular questions. Just want to thank you for inspiring me and for your attention to making good video. You're the real deal and fun to watch. Your classic accent makes it a fun challenge at times. Your dialogue is rich with down-to-earth colloquialisms. Good video. I really enjoy setting up simple hides and just sitting and observing--especially when no pesky insects. But that's part of it too. I've watched but a few of your videos and look forward to the balance. Perhaps I'll be able to offer some comments. Kind regards, Jim

[@simoneardley]

Hi Jim, welcome to the channel. Great to hear from the other side of the pond. I love the scouting and watching side to wildlife photography, like you say its where you can learn so much about that particular species and of course you cant beat just getting out there even if you dont get any shots. All the best and take care, Si 👍🏼📷👀🌳🌲

[@kennypringle4580]

I bought a gimbal over a year ago but I haven’t used it much. I recently bought a Manfrotto video head and I’m going to give it a go fir wildlife. I think the video head is a better system and a smaller smoother setup.

[@simoneardley]

I agree Kenny 👍

[@kimw7433]

I was ready to throw down $500 on a used Wimberley gimbal head when I stumbled on your video. I remembered that a Sirui monopod i purchased came with a fluid video head which I removed since I don't shoot video. I tried it on my tripod for wildlife and wow, what a difference. Thank you for the great advice.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Kim, great when you can save a bit of cash eh!!👍🏼

[@joeklase690]

Thanks for this video. I took your advice and purchased the fluid head and tripod. Just received them today and couldn’t be happier. Manfroto does have quality gear and a joy to use

[@simoneardley]

Yeah you get what you pay for👍🏼

[@ungavaproductions]

Excellent comparison ! Good job. Interesting point of view. Thanks to share

[@patricksalt6797]

Just brought myself a Manfrotto 502 , just need to put it to the test it looks a good piece of kit nicely made even if made in China now. Thinking I may keep my gimbal head for my monopod.

[@ppac5903]

Hi Simon, did you consider the Manfrotto MVH500 before the MVH502? It is cheaper and lighter, (670g lighter) than the 502 Not so much control though. It can also take 5kg max as opposed to 7kg max for the 502 Also Kirk do replacement tops (WEX) for the 500 to convert to arca (502 version on Kirk website as not yet stocked by WEX) I am very keen to keep size and weight down

[@simoneardley]

Never looked at that one Paul, I know what you mean about weight though. I think I'll have to stick with this one for a while. The missus would go mental if i swapped it!!😆😆The 502 is a great bit of kit.

[@michaelgray42]

Simon, like your videos. Check out Innorel tripods. Well built & less expensive than the name brands. They have a bowl so you can make minute adjustments for level. Made of aluminum( no extra I in it LOL), 8 or 10 layers of carbon fiber, large base for your fluid head, come with spikes for the feet.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the tip Michael, i'll have a look at them. 👍🏼👀

[@stuartking4128]

I've been using a fluid head for years Simon and never looked back!

[@simoneardley]

Yeh i see why. I love mine 👍🏼

[@abhinavpooniavideo]

Superb , I am using a Benro GH2 Gimbal and can really relate to the content , really informative video

[@Raevenswood]

a lot of people that use these manfroto video heads bolt an Arca Swiss base plate to the Manfroto plate and then they can use their lens on any Arca Swiss style head also.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh , Ive heard of a few people doing that. Might just give it a try 👍🏼

[@SimonWantling]

Great video Simon. Totally agree with you I barely use my gimbal anymore.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Simon, I ended up selling my Gimbal and I must say I dont miss it at all. I think its the fact that youre shooting stills and video and the video head is perfect for both. 👍🏼📷🎥

[@alangeorgebarstow]

Ayup, Simon, and thanks for the tips. As a long-time birdwatcher just starting out with camera work I already have a collection of tripods, tripod heads and telescopes. My main combination is a Manfrotto 055 tripod with a Manfrotto 128RC fluid video head. This version is a lot smaller and lighter than the 502, it has Manfrotto's standard quick-release plate system (quite unlike the Arca Swiss plate system) and it is utterly superb for telescope use. I can see no reason why this set-up won't be just as good for wildlife photography with a good Nikon camera and a decent telephoto lens. I suppose the only downside would be a lack of fore-and-aft adjustment on the centre of gravity that the Arca system gives you.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh fair shout Alan, always handy to have that adjustment especially with a zoom lens. I love the 502, its a bit of a beast but does everything i need it to do 👍🏼📷

[@matthewbrookes8561]

Thanks Simon, I've been weighing up pros and cons Gimbal vs Video Head and based on this am going VH though probably the Manfrotto 500 as its smaller and lighter

[@simoneardley]

Glad it was helpful Matthew, I have the 500 as well and its a great unit too👍🏼

[@JockyT1]

Thanks for making the comparison - a gimbal and two way fluid video head are quite different products. If smooth video filming is your aim, then you need a fluid head - no question. If free moving fast tracking of motion, where a camera will handle stills with fast shutter speed and frame rate, a gimbal is ideal. Gimbals do take a lot of practice to get good results but if you can't hand hold, its the best way to take the weight. Personally, I use a spotting scope and a DSLR with telephoto zoom and have found the Gitzo fluid gimbal to suit both very well. Clearly its not a video head but is does allow slow fluid tracking and is better than a free gimbal in this respect (for scoping and photography). It also allows fast tracking, where the fund action reduces.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh youre right Stuart. If i only did stills I'd have a gimbal but having the channel I need video so the video head is the way for me👍🏼🎥

[@recymec]

Simon!! well that's done me I was all set to invest in a gimbal head watching countless videos for the reviews and now I'm gonna have to start all over again cheers Pal lol great videos fella

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Keith, certainly worth looking at the Manfrotto head. Surprising how effective it is.👍🏼📷

[@MetallaCaine]

Exactly the comparison I was after. Great video, thanks

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching!

[@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913]

Great vid again Simon i use a very similar manfrotto video head on a manfrotto o55 tripod its sturdy as hell i used to use it with my old hawke 64x 100mm spotting scope before i got into my photography which turned out to be a great set up for my camera and lens only downside i would say is it weighs a bloody ton weight lol but the pay off is it keeps everything steady as a rock ive also got a cheap gimbal head to but to be honest ive never used it i keep it on a mono pod as a stand by in the boot of the car. Andy from Cumbria 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, yeh ive seen a few people using gimbals on monopods. Youve got me thinking now!!🤔🤔😆

[@miguelangel9066]

Hi Simon, First of all I want to thank you a lot for your time and dedication in this video. Secondly, I am very grateful that you answered a question to my question in the last video, in relation to the video support or Gimbal head. With your explanation, I now understand the importance of the 2 systems and you have convinced me regarding the Manfrotto 502 AH Video Head, in my case I will get more out of this option, since I use the hide Stealth Gear chair a lot. Once again, I am very happy and grateful for this video, thank you very much for your help, for sharing and answering my question. A greeting.

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome Miguel, glad to be of help. You wont be disappointed with the video head, its a great piece of kit.👍🏼📷

[@JoseCisneros-m8o]

Simon What’s your opinion on the Manfrotto vs Edelkrone headplus v2. For wild life filming and photography ??

[@simoneardley]

Hi Jose, I'm not aware of the Edelkrone so I cant comment on it I'm afraid.

[@MDMiller60]

I believe that one and my Induro have a polymer wafer in the base to provide smoothness. After a short time it jumps a little if you try to move it a really small amount. So, I reviewed Promediagear, Wimbley, and Really Right Stuff. They all use ball bearings for the horizontal and smaller ball bearings for the vertical movement (or a polymer). I didn't buy the expensive of these, but I should have. Another photographer, not even as old as I am, told be before I bought my Next Tripod, buy YOUR LAST TRIPOD. The $200-$400 won't seem as big 10-15 years from now if it's still working.

[@simoneardley]

Wise words Michael. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@lutracanadensis101]

Thank you, Simon, very informative video, as I've been on the fence about gimbal vs. fluid head. Can the fluid head provide the same experience as the gimbal, in terms of your camera being balanced and not tipping forward or backwards when you let go of it? Thanks for any feedback you can provide.

[@simoneardley]

Good question, you get the same balance as a gimbal if your using a prime lens or internal zoom telephoto. The issue of balance arises when youre using a telephoto where the objective lens extends to lengthen the lens dimensions and alter the centre of gravity. Until you use one its hard to explain but i will not be returning to a gimbal, I find the video head a superb piece of kit. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheGreatLoco]

Hi Simon, should I get the Gitzo 3-way fluid head or a 500AH? The problem with the 500AH is that when using a non-collared lens, it's problem to get the camera in portrait mode. One needs an L-bracket, but those are Arca Swiss. Then one needs a slider with a clamp to balance the camera. Then to attach the slider, that's also Arca Swiss, one needs a bridge with an Arca Swiss clamp. And all together gets more expensive and much heavier than the Gitzo. In the case of the Gitzo 3-way fluid head, one can put the camera in landscape or portrait, or anything in between, and lock it there. When it's locked it would only pan and tilt and be similar to the 500AH. Plus it has knobs to set fluid resistance, like the 502AH.

[@simoneardley]

Its a tough one but my primes have the ability to rotate on the lens foot collars so the portrait issue is'nt an issue. Sorry I cant be of more help

[@grahamhall6832]

Hi Simon. Loving your videos. I like the look of the video head but feel a little unsure about the safety of the tilt. Is there a position / tention combination that will result in the camera/lens maintaining its position when you let go like it will on a gimbal head ?

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Graham👍 Theres plenty of positions where the camera and lens can be moved to, to maintain a neutral position. Its just a case of using it and getting used to how it works. I always have a decent bit of tension on mine so theres no danger of the camera suddenly falling forward or backward. hope this helps👍📸

[@eddiek0507]

Good video, One quick question: Monopod and their stands, Do you find that the stands support the weight of the equipment placed on them, or do you find them not so steady and the equipment a bit 'top heavy' ? ..😎👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Hi, if the monopod is fully extended then it can be a bit wobbly but i generally use it at half height and just for my vlogging camera.

[@paulbennett429]

Ive just ordered one along with the kirk leveling base to go on my Gitzo mountaineering Series 3 tripod, Whilst on the kirk website i noticed they do a replacement top plate for the 502AH to convert to a swiss arca so i dont need to swap the plates on all my lens each time, the swiss arca clamp can also be rotated 180 deg so i can still use my camera with smaller lenses with my L brackets, i,m hoping this will be as close to a one set up does all as i can get for wildlife/stills/landscapes etc :)

[@simoneardley]

Sounds like thats gonna be a decent set up Paul, let me know how you get on with it👍🏼📷

[@paulbennett429]

@@simoneardley - Cheers Simon ! Just a quick one, whats your thoughts on the Sigma 150-600mm lens ive seen you use. I predominately shoot landscapes but the lockdown got me interested in Wildlife and i'm looking for a lens to cover the extra reach, my 70-200mm is just a tad too short.

[@fusion-music]

That was worth watching, as with everything you have produced. I've used video heads, Manfroto, Vinten foe 20 years and I much prefer the video head to the gimbel.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Steve, yeh i wont be going back to a gimbal any time soon. Really like the video head for my kind of shooting👍📸

[@WalterBaliero0850]

Very clear review, thanks for that, but my conclusion is different from yours. I am a bird photographer and I usually walk a lot carrying my equipment in rough environments with many slopes and obstacles - in my case climbing in the Andes mountain range of Chile or the wildness of Peru - so it is always welcome to go as light as possible. With that said and going to your review, the Manfrotto Fluid Head weighs 5.3 pounds against - say - 3.15 pounds of the Wimberley WH-200 gimbal-head, so 2.15 pounds of difference is not a piece of cake when you have to reach almost inaccessible places hundreds of meters away in the above conditions. The other thing that I highlight in your review is that you compare it to a Kenro gimbal, and that we all know is not one of the best brands in terms of construction and reliability, so it obviously succumbs to the Manfrotto Video Head. For my part, I will remain faithful to my "old system" in its version of the Wimberley WH-200, even though it is more expensive. Greetings from Chile.

[@simoneardley]

Completely get where youre coming from Walter in regard to the weight and if it was all down to the weight I would always choose the gimbal but my main reason for the video head is the ability to be able to shoot smooth video footage which I cant do on the gimbal. ATB, Simon 🙂

[@robbiedeville]

such good value for money, its solid.

[@michaelharvey4925]

Hi Simon. Great video. I'm using the same manfrotto video head. Need a bit of help. If I use my 150-600mm on it there's no problem. If I put my camera directly on it for some reason it doesn't fasten up and moves slightly. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Miller makes good tripods.

[@CamillaI]

Probably going for the Sirui VH-10X video head with friction control personally. Another option is the pro-shooter ball head system by Andy Rousse it sits between a gimbal and a video head well worth checking out! A specialist area if money is no option over £600!! Good video nice presentation👍😀

[@simoneardley]

Looks a nice bit of kit and thanks 👍🏼📷

[@Henry30065]

I have just watched your 3 year old video on the use of a video head and/or gimbal I wonder if you could help me Simon. I use a Sony A7R IVA camera together with a 200-600mm G lens and a 70-200mm G Lens. Until now, I have shot most of my still photos handheld I now wish to shoot in challenging - in thick woodland, late evening and early mornings, etc. I have received conflict caring advice about what do about the camera and lenses image stabilisation- some advise turning both off. Some say, just turn the stabilisation off on the lens and some leave image stabilisation on on both camera and lens. Very confusing. What is your advice. Many thanks in advance for your assistance. Alun

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Simon super video. I use the Manfrotto MVH500 fluid head with an i-photo Gazelle tripod for the bowl attachment to allow me to level the camera super easy without fiddling around with the legs, great for being level for that panning video. I think it was a video on Hudson Henry's channel that made me switch.Kind of wish I had gone for the carbon fibre tripod now as this aluminium one ways a tonne!!👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Scott, yeh I'm looking at getting a new large tripod. Definately going for carbon, so damned expensive though!!😩😩

[@hawaiirealmedia5610]

Don't forget to check out the higher-end fluid video heads like Sachtler. I have owned a Sachtler for 20 years and it's still worth 50% of what I paid for it today.. Pro video people use Sachtler for a reason. Great quality that maintain their value in the long run. Fluid movement with variable resistance in both the vertical and horizontal plane. But expect to pay $500+. I found one for $555.. It's the Sachtler Ace XL Fluid Head (75mm Bowl). It's a great brand that is the gold standard in pro video.

[@simoneardley]

I'll check it out! Cheers 👍🏼

[@cerealkiller4248]

Hi Simon. Does the fluid head stay put if you let the camera go, or do you need to lock it down........... ?

[@simoneardley]

It depends on the size of the lens and how much resistance youve added. If you slacken it off completely it wont act the same as a gimbal and return to its balance point.

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks for this video. Only just came across it and it confirms a decision I took just a few days ago. I recently started making a few wildlife videos for KZbin (if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!!) and tried using my Benro gimbal head - a great piece of kit for stills, but, try as I might I just couldn't get a smooth pan shot. I was about to order the Manfrotto 502AH fluid head after watching a number of comparison videos here on KZbin, but then I noticed that the price of the Manfrotto 504X has dropped significantly and, although still more expensive than the 502, offers some significant benefits and the price difference isn't too much so placed an order yesterday. Hope to get it within a week - fingers crossed!!

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Brian, I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the Manfrotto gear. It's great equipment 👍🙂

[@mikeez666]

I bought the Video Fluid head based on your review. Brilliant really happy.

[@simoneardley]

Hope you enjoy it Mike 👍🏼

[@BuckRogersLive]

I have used the Gitzo GHFG1 gimbal fluid head since it was released. I will be changing it to the manfrotto video head asap. Keep up the good work Simon, just subscribed to your channel last week, I've watched nearly all your videos since then. Cracking stuff, all the best from Scotland :-)

[@headshotke]

I don't know if I'm switching, it's a very pleasant head for stills, but doesn't deliver on the fluid video movement, like the name would suggest

[@simoneardley]

If you film video it makes sense but if you don't theres not much point👍🏼

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the sub and welcome to the channel, yeh ive heard a few mixed reviews about the Gitzo.🤔👍🏼📷

[@balgavieslochospreys6836]

@@simoneardley , ordered one last night, so hopefully it comes tomorrow. Im putting my Gitzo gimbal up for sale. Mainly stills I do, I do shoot some 4k video. Looking forward to getting out and putting it to the test. Amazon and Wex both the cheapest for the 502, free delivery from both, £149 incl Vat, cracking ;-).

[@simoneardley]

@@balgavieslochospreys6836 Good luck with the new head, youre in a cracking spot to try it out for sure👍🏼📷👀😊

[@KGsPhotography]

You have not the nail on the head Simon. I too have exactly the same Kenro gimbal which was great whilst I was doing only still photography. However now I am doing more video for my channel then I have the same problem that I can not get smooth panning on video. I am definitely going to consider the fluid head. Cheers Keith

[@simoneardley]

You wont be disappointed Keith, for the money you cant go wrong👍🏼

[@vimalneha]

This was the video I was looking for. I won't buy GIMBLE. I have a video head and it is enough for me.

[@Gazzab6]

I wanted to buy the Video Head from the Photography Show on Monday but had to pull out Sunday evening. Fortunately a mate who I was going with still attended and managed to get me the Video Head for £126. What a saving compared to the online price. I’m chuffed to bits.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Gary, we like a bargain. I'm sure you'll be impressed with it!!👍🏼

[@RickTOutdoorAdventure1969]

Grest advertisement for the video head 👍. Very thorough comparisons and information on the features of both bits of kit. Cheers Simon, great conclusion. P.s love the man cave 👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Rick thanks for the comments. Hopefully get out next week with ya. Catch ya soon 👊👀👍🏼

[@NikCan66]

Excellent advice

[@steveloudon7491]

The problem with that video head is the lack of ability to adjust the horizon. If you're out in the woods it's likely you're not going to always find level ground. I sold mine and now have one that has 3 way adjustment that allows for horizon control.

[@simoneardley]

I get that point Steve but i use the Ifootage TC9 with a fastbowl levelling head that allows you to get a level head whilst the tripod is on unlevel ground.

[@steveloudon7491]

Thanks

[@Gazzab6]

I’ve been meaning to ask for a while. I’m thinking of buying the Video Head to use with my D500 and Nikon 500 mm PF lens which has a small foot like your Sigma 150-600mm. Have you had any problems with the small foot on the plate?

[@simoneardley]

No problem at all Gary, I bought an Andoer Arca swiss convertor clamp to go on the Manfrotto head so that I could use the arca swiss system rather than the Manfrotto plate.

[@PortofinoArts]

Perhaps gimbal best for photography?

[@simoneardley]

Personal preference really, as i shoot both stills and video I find the video head is perfect for both.👍🏼📷🎥

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Hudson Henry has a video in which he explains why he uses a video head for landscape photography.

[@rogermullins7877]

An interesting take on the two heads. Firstly if photographers want to shoot video I'm sure none would consider a gimbal head, for the reasons you gave. One fact that you didn't fully discuss was the issue of weight. Your fluid head weighs 1.6 kilo's. The Benro gimbal weighs 1.44 kilo's. Both on the heavy side. I've had a couple of gimbals but switched to the "Flexshooter Pro" head. That weighs 680gms. I sit a Canon full frame body and Canon 600mm lens on it and feel its the best thing since sliced bread. Heres a YT video with Andy Rouse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amLRc4qkp6h2g7s It's rated to carry 45 Kilo's.

[@simoneardley]

Hi Roger. Wow, just checked them out, my pockets aint that deep!!😳€810 for the extreme head!!! Personally i think the weight isnt that big an issue as the video head will handle both disciplines(stills and video). Not sure about the Flexshooters ability to handle smooth video work?? Great weight capacity though. 👍🏼📷

[@rogermullins7877]

@@simoneardley Hi Simon. Wish I could tell you about the Flexshooter's ability for video but I never shoot video, so it would only be guesswork. It has a tensioning knob which I suspect would allow you to set up for video panning etc. You don't need the "Flexshooter Extreme" Too big! Check out Arthur Morris's (Well known American Pro Bird Photographer) website "Birds as Art". He uses the Flexshooter Pro and the Flexshooter Mini. Another great feature is that once you set up your tripod, the head has a second ball, which you use to level up the head, prior to shooting, so shooting a Pano for example, is a breeze. I really don't understand the "mechanics" of the device, it seems to defy logic in my opinion, as a normal ballhead would flop over, it the tension was backed off.

[@TrancezFreak]

Oh why I didn't see your video 3 months ago... perfectly describing my current situation but with Benro GH2. Great gimbal head but can't make that smooth video shots. My budget is off the charts but I guess wrong purchases are part of the craft sometimes, haha.

[@simoneardley]

I love the video heads Krasimir, always worth looking for a used unit.

[@Bo_Hazem]

Great video and I'm going to that direction as well. Starting with a Chinese (Cayer) fluid head (K3) that us recieving lots of 5 star reciews and very cheap on Amazon. Maybe get a Manfrotto later if not happy enough.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Bo, always worth looking for a used Manfrotto. Ive found that some of the Chinese copies dont last too long.

[@Bo_Hazem]

@@simoneardley No worries there, would be happy if it lasts for for a few months or a year then get a high-end Manfrotto or Sachtler fluid head and maybe newer legs if needed (if current Neewer carbon fiber legs show shakes at 600mm).

[@jfphotography69]

Each have their pros and cons, the gimbal is not designed for videography, it's designed to be used with large telephoto lenses that help you in panning and vertical shooting situations, and at the same time you don't have to hold the lens and camera and worry about it slamming on your tripod when you release it, or tipping over completely. That's not the case with the fluid head.

[@KGsPhotography]

cybertec69 good points made and the Gimbal does give more protection for safety of you gear. However if you have the fluid head set properly I would think it is ok.

[@jfphotography69]

@@KGsPhotography with the fluid head you still have to tighten it up before thinking of releasing your lens and camera from your grip.

[@KGsPhotography]

@@jfphotography69 yes fully agree.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

But you can use those cameras and lenses for video, if the support is up to the job.

[@HorstTonyH]

Its a very good Video Simon, i have a Benq H2 Gimbel, that Video Head from Manfrotto is very better. Great from Germany, Horst.

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Horst and welcome to the channel 👍🏼

[@mdkphotography2370]

Great video. These are the same reasons I brought that video head earlier this month. It is a lump but what a difference it makes. Yeah never thought about the head on the tripod. I might see about adapting the one I have as I'm tight 😂

[@simoneardley]

It is a lump youre right but its a great piece of kit, super smooth.👍🏼

[@mdkphotography2370]

@@simoneardley it's even better now after watching your video and realised I was adjusting the wrong bit for the tilt fluid option doh 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@danw4930]

Excellent video!

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much Dan 👍🏼

[@PortofinoArts]

11:06 good point!

[@PortofinoArts]

Nice watch too!

[@allyinlivvy]

I have found that it comes to gimbal heads, if you buy cheap, then you buy dear. Another good vid from you. Cheers.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh youre right there, cheers Al👍🏼📷

[@graemehogg4465]

Nice vid Si still not to sure which way to go what is the weight comparison ?. ps What is Santa bringing you for Christmas ? Stay Safe 👍

[@simoneardley]

Hi Graeme.The weight difference is about 100g if you dont have the panning arm attached. I find the arm a bit restrictive if youre in a hide and ive never felt the need to use it. The arm weighs 270g. Hopefully getting a new tripod!!👍🏼🤞

[@robertlawrence7958]

Video head every time. I have 3 of them now. My old manfrotto 501 I have had since 2001 and only replaced it with the new 502AH about 18 months back. I only replaced the 501 because I lost the tensioning knob from it so treated myself. I also have a Benro video head. It's slightly smaller than the 502 and it is attached to a manfrotto hide clamp for locking onto hide shelves. Ball heads are not at all suitable for big lenses. Only used a gimbal once, a borrowed one, and never liked it.

[@simoneardley]

I'm with you Robert. I like the sound of the hide clamp. 👍🏼📷👀

[@robertlawrence7958]

@@simoneardley Hi Simon, the hide clamp I very useful. I have the Benro video head (I think it's the S6) attached to a short centre column and that is inserted into the hide clamp. A good alternative is to attach the video head directly to a manfrotto super clamp. The only downside to that is you don't have any vertical movement which makes it a bit awkward when the hide window is higher than the shelf. Benro do a decent tripod series with the flat head. It comes with a half ball base plate as well which can then be used with a manfrotto half ball adjustment plate.... brilliant for levelling your head without having to adjust the legs. Highly recommended. I'm crap at remembering names and numbers but I will check my kit and let you have the details.

[@tomhughes5123]

i photograph deer , and any change in light reflections theyre on it .. i want a video head

[@simoneardley]

Theyre a great bit of kit 👍🏼📷

[@roiloubia4483]

There is one major pareter you have not talked about, is the maximum load of the two systems..the Manfrotto 502 AH has a max load of 12 to 13 lb. No way it can handle properly a long telephoto lens like a canon fd 800mm f5.6 L with a camera body attached to it a bit more than 13 lb. The head has to support at least double of the weight it is suppose to support. I am not saying that the fluid head is bad, not at all. Ballheads. 3 pan heads, gimbal heads. And fluid heads are just tools in the box..Each type has its field appllication and its limitations. The fluid head certainly is more suitable for you because doing videos, but for nature photography with a long telephoto lens, its has its limitations. 6 may be 7lb load (lens and camera + any accessories), this 502 AH should be ok, but not beyond that. The other aspect not talked about is maintenance. A fluid head will need at one point of time some form of maintenance. Seal(s) wear up and need to be changed, the greases need be changed, etc.While a Gimbal head like Kimberley or Takana don't need maintenance. I have 3 tripods (Gitzo, a Manfrotto, and an Induro, and 3 heads (Arca Swiss Ballhead B1, Manfrooto 3pan 3047, and the Kimberley MH-200 Gimbal head). Each system serve a particular prpose in my photography, I don't do videos. My point of view.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the info, my 500mm f4 with the Z9 works perfectly on the 502 AH. The newer Z mounts lenses are a lot lighter but out of price reach just now!!

[@captinktm]

Love it, what you have is too much money.

[@andrewyeates7717]

Can you set up the video head in a way that your camera and big lens balance similar to the gimbal and dont just fall over?

[@simoneardley]

Up to a point depending on the size and weight of the lens. This is where the gimbal wins but the tradeoff for the fluid motion is worth it for filming with the video head.👍🏼📷

[@roiloubia4483]

​@@simoneardleyExactly. For super and heavy telephoto the Gimbal is the way to go. But for videos the fluid head is the way to go. Having both is also the ideal, so you are all covered.

[@bruceterrill8730]

Sorry Simon, but I am amazed that you haven't taken my advice on board and purchased yourself one of the Hejnar replacement heads for your Manfrotto video head? Maybe with the money that you get from the sale of the gimbal head you can purchase one of the Hejnar units and remake this Vlog and explain to your viewers that you have also found a Game-changing accessory that turns the Original Manfrotto unit into the type of unit that will make you the envy of all the guys at the pub. . .Bruce.

[@simoneardley]

Its on my wish list Bruce, ive other things to buy before that mate👍🏼😆

[@CwazyWabbits]

Gitzo do a fluid gimbal head..... just to complicate matters ;)

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, heard a few mixed reviews about the `gitzo.🤔👍🏼

[@Banjmedina]

the amazon link is showing a different gimbal head..

[@simoneardley]

Ive had to remove the link Banj as it is no longer available. Thanks for highlighting it 👍🏼

[@headshotke]

I gone tell you a little secret, the Gitzo GHFG1 Fluid gimbal, is very VERY bad at fluid movement while filming with a 500-600mm f4 lenses! It's very pleasant for stills, but it's rubbish for video!

[@simoneardley]

Yeh ive heard that Bart😩