Calling all Kirk/Wimberley/RRS users out there

Roen

Hi all,
just wondering if any of you folks out there own any of the above? They are basically odd shaped tripod heads for use with long lenses. They look like this

And they cost a bloody fortune. So I want to try make one.
The thing is I'll need to get my grubby mits on one so I can measure it and see how they work.
Cheers.

mervifwdc

Hi,

I dont have one of those, but I do have enough RRS bits to make up the pretend version. Basically, if you get the centre of the lens over the centre of the tripod (for the panning), and get the centre of the lens with the centre of the vertical pivot.


The RRS version is a long way off the paning pivot, but works just fine. I used it a few times when I was using the extenders for long length (500mm+) but dont do that anymore. I've gotten used to a monopod, and need the speed of relocating (sports).

This would be a super setup for a hide / wildlife.

Let me know if you need anything specific.

Merv.

edit ps: I use RRS L brackets on the 5d, kirk L brack on the 1d, and kirk brackets on all lenses with mounts. You want good mounts / tripod and head to stand up to prolonged use if your using heavy gear.

Roen

I was thinking of the 500mm ƒ4 L IS for getting serious on birdies and shy mammals, which is why I am embarking on this little project. The thing is with a lens like this you could very easily spend another €1200 on support for it.
I already have a carbon fibre Feisol tripod that will take 7Kgs so that should be enough for the camera/lens combo (barely).
The thing is the Wimberley head is supposed to be great for tracking fast moving objects as you don't have to lock/unlock it all the time.

If I could get my hands on one to get all the measurements, or even get an exploded diagram on the net somewhere it would make things a lot easier for me.
I will be able to pick up a good pro monopod on the cheap, if not free soon. But as you said the tripod would be a better solution for hides as you're in a fixed location and not legging it around.
Cheers for the reply Merv.

bp_me

If its specifically for the 500 f4 L IS, just design around that. It wont be cheap to have one fabricated though. I would say probably 500 euro's work in any engineering workshop. And more if you want it adonised.

Valentia

They are a little bit more than a tripod head. They are actually gimbals. They can be bought here and FM has a few comments and review here.

Roen

bp_me wrote:

If its specifically for the 500 f4 L IS, just design around that. It wont be cheap to have one fabricated though. I would say probably 500 euro's work in any engineering workshop. And more if you want it adonised.

The workshop part and metals are already taken care of. That's the only reason I'm attempting something like this.
It's not specifically for any one lens, you can change the lens foot according to the lens, they'll all slot into the one head.
I think you mean anodised though? I won't be able to do that myself.

bp_me

Roen wrote:

The workshop part and metals are already taken care of. That's the only reason I'm attempting something like this.
It's not specifically for any one lens, you can change the lens foot according to the lens, they'll all slot into the one head.
I think you mean anodised though? I won't be able to do that myself.

Yeah, I got the spelling wrong. There is a guy in tramore who does that if you want it done.

If you design it for the 500 f4 then obviously all smaller lenses can use it also. Or get the dimensions of the 500 f4 and expand by 20 or 30% and be able to accomodate larger lenses in the future. Once you make sure and keep the the lens center line running through the central axis of the tripod you probably wont need a counterbalance on the opposite side to the the supporting arm, as long as you dont make it too big.

Roen

Cheers all,
and I hope to have some sort of update for you all in a few months time. Then all I have to do is get the 500mm!

mervifwdc

Next time I put my rig together, I'll photograph it. If you look hard at the RRS site, you'll fine some handy bits. e.g. the clamps etc.

Merv.