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.)
| 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) |
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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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:
Light weight yet very stable. Great construction
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Displaying reviews 1-4
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 4 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD3 Heavy-Duty MK III Black Widow Gimbal Head:
Light weight yet very stable. Great construction
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
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.
Displaying reviews 1-4