Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head with Arca-Swiss Type Quick Release Base (Requires Plate) - Heavy Duty Design
The Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal - Heavy Duty is a gimbal-type tripod head that allows the entire weight of the camera and lens combination to be hung rather than balanced. It incorporates an elevated tilt mechanism and adjustable platform to make the camera/lens' center of gravity and tilt axis of the head be perfectly aligned.
This Gimbal design with a horizontal swinging arm is especially useful for large telephoto lenses, like a 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4, or 600mm f/4 lens. By re-orienting the mounting clamp to a horizontal position (rather than vertical sidemount), it allows for a much easier way of installing the lens, and one removes all the shear stress from the lens-collar on telephoto lenses.
- Arca-Type Quick Release System
- The Arca-Swiss type quick release base allows it to be used with any of the many "Arca-Swiss type" plates, available from Arca-Swiss, Foba, NPC, Novoflex, etc.
- Horizontal Mount
- The horizontal mount is CNC machined for lightness, yet retains its high strength. A fully retained quick-turn knob allows infinite balance position adjustment and steadfast clamping.
- Horizontal Lockout Knob
- The horizontal tilt motion can be locked out for complete safety. Whether for transporting over the shoulder, or for changing cameras without removing the lens, the lockout knob will stop the head from moving.
- Ergonomically Designed Knobs
- Ergonomically designed thermoplastic clamping knobs. These feature a wide grip and smooth contours that are easy on the hands. The high-profile 6-lobe design allows for ease of use and strong clamping, even with gloves on.
- Maintenance Free Design
- Requires no maintenance. Nylon bushings will not wear out, and heavy-duty waterproof grease is used to create the silky-smooth operation.
- All Weather Design
- From the hard powder-coated support arm, to the stainless steel shafts, to the black anodized clamp, the finish will endure the worst a photographer can throw at it.
| Maximum Camera Supported | All telephoto lens/camera combinations |
| Load Capacity | Any 35mm camera with even the longest telephoto lens |
| Height | 11.4" (29 cm) [lens platform adjustable between 3.3-6.5"] |
| Quick Release | Yes (Arca-Swiss type) |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8" |
| Weight | 3.6 lb (1.6 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attaches firmly (3)
- Large range of motion (3)
- Stable (3)
- Strong clamp (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography (3)
- Stabilization (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Stabilization
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head:
Using the Gimbal Head for images of Bald Eagles in South Florida. Has provided stable but easy platform for tracking in flight.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Large Lenses
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Stabilization
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head:
This has to be the best accessory for wildlife photographers. It carries a heavy lens no problem and when adjusted properly will allow you to move the camera with one finger and it will stay where you leave it. Motion is fluid so following animals is easy, and it lock into place very solid. It's built very good so it should last for a few decades.
My only gripes are:
The locking knob can be a little hard to move at times. And when you take the camera off to change lenses, if it's not locked your lens slams down and it makes me jump. It's a bit heavy but that's what's needed to support heavy lenses.
If you have a lagre lens and film moving subjects, this head will definately improve your ability to track them.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
- Wildlife
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head:
I use this with a Canon 40D and Sigma 120-300 with 2x converter and it is fantastic to use. Movement is smooth and is done with minimal effort, as if 9 pounds of gear is just 1. It takes some getting use to but when you do tracking moving subjects is rather easy.
Plates are a bit pricey.
Pros
- Durable
- Good Value
- High Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- For large lens
- Nature photography
- sports photography
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head:
I use this for my 600mm lens, to do mostly nature photography. The first time I put everything together was a bit of a challenge, however, once I got it together I just love it and and putting everything together is a breeze. I use it with a monopod and could not be happier. Its a bit expensive, but it is very well crafted and very heavy duty. A must have a lens like mine.
Pros
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Very sturdy
Cons
- Zero
Best Uses
- fantastic
- Long Exposures
- Photography
- Portraits
- Reducing Noise (ISO Reduction)
- Stabilization
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head:
This is the best thing going for moving objects, birds, birds in flight, animals, sports, auto racing. Easy, simple and no pinched fingers like I had with the ball head.
Pros
- Compact
Cons
- Loose Clamp
Best Uses
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head:
I use this mount with an EOS 40D & EF 500 F/4.0. The panning movement is awesome, it only requires a feather touch to move left or right. Setup is very easy, and getting my rig perfectly balanced was no problem. But the up and down movement is not as easy the left and right. It requires one hand on the lens and one hand on the camera in order to keep the movement precise, and to avoid too much stress on the camera and lens mount. At least that is how mine felt. Also, the middle wingnut that holds the lens plate mount to the swing arm takes quite a bit of force to hold tight. It did not come with allen wrenches, which would have been nice. I have not used a wimberly, so I can't compare the two.
Displaying reviews 1-6
- 1-Year Warranty
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