BWG-HD

Having problem in very cold weather (-20C) with the 501, I bought this head as a replacement. The price in Canada are very low and the plate are also realy cheaper than the wimberly one (half). Wow! the action are realy smoother than the video head and it is a one finger operation. The horizontal panning are not smooth as the vertical one, at least on my copy and also compared to the wimberley (in horizontal). with my 400mm f5.6 lens and a heavier body like the 1D or maybe a XXD with a grip, I feel it balance better without the L shape accessory, so in that case the "light "version are enough.

The well known Black Widow Heavy Duty Gimbal has got me in its camp!
Used by a lot of well known Professional Wildlife photographers, I decided to purchase one to use with my Canon 600mm f4 lens. Using it for bird photography it has enhanced my images no end; I am now even getting excellent bird-in-flight shots.

Its also great to use at airshows as it is so easy.

Providing you get the balance right, by adjusting your camera and lens correctly on the gimbal head, you can move the camera with a little finger with little effort and the camera lens set up stays exactly where you put it, by using slight adjustment to the friction knobs, it moves like on ice - smooth.

You can also lock it up to any position and it will stay where you put it with the camera pre-focused on a certan spot and it enables you to activate your camera remotely for that great picture you have been waiting for, eg shy birds.

I also use the BWG-HD with my other lenses.

I recommend the BWG-HD if you have a large lens - you can't go wrong with this item.