Dave Williams
Well-known member
I have just received the sidekick version of this gimbal for my 300 f/2.8/1Dm3and it is smooth to use. However the lens plate attaches with only one screw (as the genuine arca-swiss plate) and as i nipped it up with the supplied allen key I sheared the head right off. No worries there are plenty of spares as stated in previous posts. I put one of the replacement screws in and snap off came the head on that one too.
Now I have to think, lens and camera are hanging off 1 screw and if it fails the whole shebang ends up on the floor in bits.
I have fixed a nut and bolt through the plate and the strap slot on the lens foot for extra security. Not too pretty but worth it for the extra security it brings.
I will search out a high quality replacement screw from a local specialist soon, but can you (really,honestly) trust 1 budget screw with that amount of weight.
After reading this I wonder how many people are in danger of their gear hitting the deck.
If the screws are that poor quality, what about the metal they screw into. Is that soft ? Will a good quality replacement screw cause wear that can't support the lens etc. Is there a weakness in the metal that might cause it to sheer off etc.
The old adage " you get what you pay for" immediately springs to mind and personally I think the risk isn't worth the saving.
I liken it to car manufacturers of the 70's and 80's. Everything was an optional extra but how many would choose airbags instead of a stereo ?
I can see where people are coming from and when you have broken the bank to buy the lens it's tempting to save on the tripod and mount.
But is it worth it in the long run ? I would be very nervous of putting this rig over my shoulder when going walkabout.