The Professional's Source 800.606.6969 / 212.444.6615
The B&H SuperStore will be open on Memorial Day from 9:00AM EDT - 7:00PM EDT

Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head

  • Price: $539.00
  • B&H # JOBWGHD3
  • Mfr# BWG-HD3

Product Highlights

  • Bears Loads Up to 15 lb
  • Supports 600mm f/4 Lens with DSLR Body
  • CNC-Machined Swing Arm
  • Smooth Tilting Action
  • Adjustable Friction
  • Arca-Style Quick-Release Clamp
  • Lighter Design than Predecessor
  • Weighs Only 2.6 lb

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

800.606.6969
Live Chat
Close

The BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head from Jobu Design has been redesigned from previous generations to be stiffer and lighter than its predecessors. Perfect for nature photography with long lenses, the BWG-HD3 puts less strain on your shoulder as you lug your gear, while eliminating more of the vibrations that can plague shots captured at long focal lengths.

Comfortably supporting large DSLR bodies and telephoto lenses as large as 600mm f/4.0, the Heavy-Duty MK III gimbal carries with it all the key features and functions of earlier gimbal heads, such as horizontal mounting (which eschews the stress on the lens that's caused by side-mounting), a CNC-machined aluminum swing arm, and all-weather, glove-friendly rubberized knobs.

Another main area of enhancement is the head's action. The tilt axis now enjoys a needle bearing system that removes friction from the all-important tilt motion. On the flipside of that coin, the main tilt knob now enables you to adjust the friction level to find your own personal sweet spot for motion control.

Note! Jobu recommends the following for using the Heavy Duty MK III head:
1. Suitable for lenses and cameras weighing up to 15 lb.
2. A stiff tripod is recommended – one that can comfortably support 25 lb. A 3/8"-16 mounting stud is also required.
3. Jobu Design lens plate (or other compatible Arca-Swiss-style plate) for your lens.
4. A lens with a rotating tripod collar. (Short lenses or wide-angle lenses require the Wide Angle Adaptor Bracket 2.)

The BWG-HD3 is only 2.6 lb – 2 oz lighter than its predecessor
The new CNC swing-arm is upgraded with a solid-billet aluminum horizontal arm, offering fantastic stiffness and improved vibration control for big lenses
Jobu Design has implemented a needle bearing system – similar to the one found on its Jr.3 – to offer unparalleled smoothness in the tilt axis. Even with a large load of camera and lens, there is virtually zero friction
Easily adjust friction levels with the main tilt-knob to find the sweet spot for motion control
Rubberized knobs are comfortable and easy on the hands, and they offer a good grip under cold and wet conditions
Powder-coat finish on the main body and black anodizing on all the aluminum parts make for long-term durability
Load Capacity 15 lb (6.8 kg)
Quick Release Arca-style
Spirit Level No
Tension Control Yes
Separate Panning Lock Yes
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16
Height Not specified by manufacturer
Maximum Diameter Not specified by manufacturer
Weight 2.6 lb (1.2 kg)
Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head
  • 5 Year Limited Warranty
  • REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    Jobu DesignBWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head
     
    5.0

    (based on 4 reviews)

    Ratings Distribution

    • 5 Stars

       

      (4)

    • 4 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 3 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 2 Stars

       

      (0)

    • 1 Stars

       

      (0)

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Large range of motion (4)
    • Stable (4)
    • Strong clamp (4)
    • Attaches firmly (3)

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Wildlife (4)
      • Landscape/scenery (3)
      • Sports/action (3)
        • Was this a gift?:
        • No (4)

      Reviewed by 4 customers

      Sort by

      Displaying reviews 1-4

      Back to top

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great Piece of Equipment

      By Lloyd

      from Pasadena, Texas

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability
      • Large Range of Motion
      • Strong Clamp

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife

        Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

        Everything about this gimble head is top notch. It moves like butter and is very stable. The only thing I would suggest to improve it is to put the clamping knob for the verticle slider on the other side. It is in the way when you have a shorter lens on and need to push the camera a little farther forward to balance.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Excellent gimbal head

        By Jim R from Boston

        from Boston, MA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion
        • Strong Clamp

        Cons

        • None

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Wildlife

        Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

        Light weight yet very stable. Great construction

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great Head!

        By Bill

        from Woodbridge, Virginia

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • easy to use
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion
        • Strong Clamp

        Cons

        • None

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife

        Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

        Great for holding camera rock steady. Holds my 7d and 400mm lens along with 1.4 extention. Havent found anything I dont like. Knobs are large enough to grip and lock down. Pivots easially to desired position

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Solid Gimbal Mount

        By Mike

        from Chgicago, IL

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion
        • Strong Clamp

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife

        Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

        I do lots of wildlife photography with a 400 mm telephoto and need a stable mount that permits rapid tracking. Tried a cheaper ginbal mount from another manufcturer, but was less than happy. The Jobu is rock solid; it swivels and tilts effortlessly and without a hint of play in the bearings. My only complaints are its weight (but I'm happy to put up with that for the stability) and the fact that the friction/locking knobs are a touch sensative.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        Displaying reviews 1-4

        Back to top

        REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

        by PowerReviews
        Jobu DesignBWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head
         
        5.0

        (based on 4 reviews)

        Ratings Distribution

        • 5 Stars

           

          (4)

        • 4 Stars

           

          (0)

        • 3 Stars

           

          (0)

        • 2 Stars

           

          (0)

        • 1 Stars

           

          (0)

        100%

        of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

        Pros

        • Large range of motion (4)
        • Stable (4)
        • Strong clamp (4)
        • Attaches firmly (3)

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Wildlife (4)
          • Landscape/scenery (3)
          • Sports/action (3)
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No (4)

          Reviewed by 4 customers

          Sort by

          Displaying reviews 1-4

          Back to top

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great Piece of Equipment

          By Lloyd

          from Pasadena, Texas

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion
          • Strong Clamp

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Sports/Action
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

            Everything about this gimble head is top notch. It moves like butter and is very stable. The only thing I would suggest to improve it is to put the clamping knob for the verticle slider on the other side. It is in the way when you have a shorter lens on and need to push the camera a little farther forward to balance.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Excellent gimbal head

            By Jim R from Boston

            from Boston, MA

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion
            • Strong Clamp

            Cons

            • None

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

            Light weight yet very stable. Great construction

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Great Head!

            By Bill

            from Woodbridge, Virginia

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • easy to use
            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion
            • Strong Clamp

            Cons

            • None

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Sports/Action
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

            Great for holding camera rock steady. Holds my 7d and 400mm lens along with 1.4 extention. Havent found anything I dont like. Knobs are large enough to grip and lock down. Pivots easially to desired position

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Solid Gimbal Mount

            By Mike

            from Chgicago, IL

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion
            • Strong Clamp

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

            • Sports/Action
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:

            I do lots of wildlife photography with a 400 mm telephoto and need a stable mount that permits rapid tracking. Tried a cheaper ginbal mount from another manufcturer, but was less than happy. The Jobu is rock solid; it swivels and tilts effortlessly and without a hint of play in the bearings. My only complaints are its weight (but I'm happy to put up with that for the stability) and the fact that the friction/locking knobs are a touch sensative.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            Displaying reviews 1-4

            Back to top

            Oben -  CT-2320 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs
            • Price: $379.95
            • Instant Savings: -$130.00
            • Offer ends MAY 31 '13
            • You Pay: $249.95
             

            Quick Release Adapters

            Jobu Design -  Surefoot Adapter for Manfrotto Plate
            • Price: $64.90
             

            Panning Bases/Tops

            Jobu Design -  Wide Angle Adaptor Bracket 2
            • Price: $168.95
             

            Bags & Cases

            Show more >
            LensCoat -  Gimbal Tripod Head Cover (Realtree Max4)
            • Price: $39.99
             
            LensCoat -  Gimbal Tripod Head Cover (Black)
            • Price: $34.99
            Usually ships in 7-14 business days ? This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 business days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
             
             
             
            See any errors on this page? Let us know.

            Close

            Close

            Close