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Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support

  • Price: $174.00
  • B&H # MA393
  • Mfr# 393

Product Highlights

  • With RC3 Quick Release
  • Replaces #3421

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The most economical option among Gimbal heads, the Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Telephoto Lens Support puts the tilt axis (up/down) in line with the midpoint of the lens' weight. This makes movement with a large telephoto lens easy enough to be done with one finger. Point the rig where you want, let go and it stays where you left it. Height of the lens is adjustable and there is a built-in pan base.

The built-in 357 quick release assembly allows fore/aft movement within the mount for perfect 50/50 weight distribution. The 357PL quick release plate includes two 1/4"-20 screws (many large tripod collared lenses have two sockets in their collars) and one 3/8"-16 screw. The 393 is appropriate for all telephoto lenses with a tripod collar.

Replaces old part number 3421.

Tripod Attachment 3/8" thread
Weight 3.5 lbs (1.6kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support
 
4.8

(based on 52 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (40)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (11)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (37)
  • Attaches firmly (35)
  • Large range of motion (34)
  • Strong clamp (33)
  • Easy to use (12)

Cons

  • Heavy (21)
  • Heavy / bulky (6)

Best Uses

  • Wildlife (42)
  • Sports/action (28)
  • Landscape/scenery (13)
  • Night shots (13)
  • Action shots (4)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (24), Semi-pro photographer (16), Pro photographer (7)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (33)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Driven to Nature

I am a semi-professional photographer by trade, but my Heart is Captured by nature photography. In performing my business I purchase the best in order to deliver the best to my customers, they are...Read complete review

I am a semi-professional photographer by trade, but my Heart is Captured by nature photography. In performing my business I purchase the best in order to deliver the best to my customers, they are my existence. But delivering to my customers and delivering to my hearts desire are two different things. When rendered a choice between buying an expensive lens or perhaps camera body, because I'll better serve my customers, there is no debate; but when providing a better lens mount (gimbal) for my hearts desire I look for the best performance at a reasonable cost. Enter the Manfrotto 393 lens mount (gimbal)... Would I like to use one of the high priced gimbals (a "W"), yes, but where is the return in it. To pay two to three even four times the price for a gimbal for the name is ludicrous and, that in my mind, doesn't deliver much more then a Manfrotto 393. After test driving the 393 I knew I had made the best decision. For my 300mm 2.8f AFS Nikon lens with a 2x tele-converter (yielding 600mm 5.6f) it was a dream come true. The 393 has a integral lens plate safety devise coupled with a clamp that holds tight with reasonable amount of force applied for a fantastic feeling of security. Rotational axis's were very stable with great range of motion. For a simple design, that doesn't break the bank and then add to that provides fantastic performance what more do I need. Oh, I could have purchased a "W" but at $654.00 now I have investment left over to help buy that 25-70mm I have been needing.Captured by Nature.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Works OK, but note caveats!

This is often called the "Poor man's Wimberley". That's a good moniker, because it hints that the only reason to purchase this instead of the Wimberley is budget. I bought the Manfr...Read complete review

This is often called the "Poor man's Wimberley". That's a good moniker, because it hints that the only reason to purchase this instead of the Wimberley is budget. I bought the Manfrotto about a year ago, and thus have a lot of experience with it, but I just upgraded to the Wimberley. Here are my reasons:

1) On the 393, the yoke wraps around the lens, which obscures all the controls on the lens. When you need to touch up focus or flip one of the switches on the side of your lens, you'll find that your hand encounters the yoke, instead of the lens. It is very awkward to manually focus with this mount (at least with the Canon 500mm f4 IS, which is the primary lens I used with it.)

2) The RC3 mounting plate is huge. Although it mounts just fine on the Canon 500 foot, if you try mounting one on your camera body to capture some scenics with a normal lens, it will be ridiculously in the way, and you'll take it off immediately after getting your shot. I don't like putting tripod plates on and off each time I change lenses. There is only one plate available for this support, unlike the Wimberley for which the entire line of Swiss-Arca line plates are available, some of which are appropriate to semi-permanent body mounting. Also, Really Right Stuff makes replacement lens feet with an Arca-Swiss mount built right into them, so there is no plate at all! I once got several hundred miles from home before realizing I had not packed the RC3 mounting plate for my Canon 500 lens, so I was dead in the water for shooting.

3) There is no lock for the pan direction on this head - it floats freely always. That's OK for moving subjects, not so OK for any other use. The Wimberley locks on both axes.

On the plus side, the RC3 plate and mount are very secure, and less worry to mount and unmount than the Wimberley, with which there is a real fear of dropping the camera. With the Manfrotto, you slide it in just a little, hear a satisfying "click", and know that whatever you do now, you can't lose the camera. A quarter turn of a nicely shaped lever locks it in place. When you go to remove the camera/lens, you release the lever, then push a little button that allows the whole thing to slide out. This became very natural and automatic after a few uses for me - rather like putting the car in "Park" and stepping on the emergency brake. The Wimberley with it's Arca-Swiss clamp takes longer to mount, and I'm concerned about dropping the camera while doing it. Maybe I'll get better at it (I've only had the Wimberley a few days), but it doesn't seem like it will ever match the Manfrotto in mount/dismount security and convenience.

If you can live with the limitations of the Manfrotto 393, and budget is an important consideration, you'll be happy with it. It has an immense advantage over a conventional ball head for shooting moving subjects.

By the way, the B&H photo shows the inner yoke above the camera and lens. It can be used this way, but I know few who do, as it makes it even more difficult to get at the controls. The normal orientation is to orient both the inner and outer yokes like the letter "U".

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 52 customers

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5.0

Works Great

By eagle Jim

from Anacortes WA

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

    Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

    I use a Nikon 2.8/300mm with an extender sometimes. My camera is a Nikon D80.I was using a Giottos MH1300 ball head and was not very happy with it, especially when shooting up or down at an angle.It was hard to get it to stop at the point that I wanted. I had to aim above my target and try to guess how far it would shift.With the 393 it stays right where I want it and if my target moves it's very easy to follow.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Best telephoto lens support

    By Ron the old photographer

    from Western New York State

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Easy to control
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Movment is vary smooth
    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife

    Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

    I was looking for a fast action gimbal head. After review of the other more expensive heads and the cheep knockoffs from over seas. Chose the Manfrotto 393. Yes its built like a tank. Adjustments are easy to use. Ballences my 400mm Tamron with ease. This lens can not be handheld by me. Been able to follow F104's in flyby with ease. I also use it with 70-300mm. This does the job and does it very well. This is a vary robust head that looks and feels like it will last for years.
    Two things to note are you will need a tripod that is vary sturdy no plactic ones here. And it mounts with a 3/8 16 thread. So if you are using a 1/4 20 mount you will need
    an adaptor. Way to go Manfrotto.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    5.0

    Smooth, really smooth!

    By Sailmm5

    from Shreveport, LA

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife

      Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

      Got this for my Nikon 600mm f4 lens and coupled it to my heavy Bogen tripod. What a smooth platform!!! It cradles the lens just perfectly.
      Why did I wait so long!!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Excellent Support

      By pax

      from Zebulon, NC

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability
      • Large Range of Motion

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife

        Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

        Big enough to support all the lenses I own and all the lenses I wish I owned

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        better price than the blank

        By sengss

        from mn

        About Me Pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Wildlife

          Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

          This is my second one. Why spend so much on the other brand when you can get like 3 for the price of one. Very strong and heavy and sturdy.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          Smooth and sturdy

          By Msmoto

          from Greensboro, North Carolina

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion
          • Strong Clamp
          • Very smooth operation

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife

          Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

          Very smooth operation and very stable

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Solid, Heavy, No-nonsense

          By Alan

          from Salinas, CA

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife

          Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

          Simple, solid construction. Motion is smooth, friction locks are easy to use.

          Make sure you have a good tripod, between it and your camera+lens+flash rig, you are looking at significant weight.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Manfrotto 393 Gimbal support

          By kasjun

          from North- west Iowa

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion

          Cons

          • None so far

          Best Uses

          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife

          Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

          First off I will tell you that I am not a professional photographer. I bought a 393 gimbal to use with my Nikon D7000 and Nikkor 300 F4 lens. I needed something for following birds in flight and thought I would try this. Although I haven't had a chance to use it on birds yet I did have a chance to use it taking photos of a helicopter spraying a soybean field. I was quite impressed how smoothly the gimbal allowed me to follow the helicopter through the fields and I got some real nice photos.
          This gimbal is very well built and could support a much larger and heavier lens and camera than what I am using but I am tickled with how well this thing works. I was somewhat leery of buying it as it did not look that impressive in the pictures of it but it is a very solid unit. I am using it on my tripod and it seems very solid and smooth. I am very happy with this purchase and consider it a bargain.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

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          4.0

          Solid well made.

          By Birdsta

          from Brisbane - Australia

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Wildlife

            Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

            I use this head primarily to carry my Nikon 400 on a Manfrotto monopod. I found it practicle,easy to use and an economicle alternative to the Wimberley. I haven't used the head on my tripod as yet but I can see no reason why it should't function just as well. It's a very solid unit.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            5.0

            Low cost for the quality of big price

            By Alain pour les yeux

            from Varennes, Qc

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

            • Some sports shots
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

            The first tink is that the 300 mm is more stable nad I will certainly use it with the 200mm because so friendly to use, stable and sturdy.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            5.0

            Excellent Product

            By Outdoorphotog

            from NJ

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Wildlife

              Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

              This mount has surpassed all of my expectations. It's easy to use and built as solid as a rock. I am extremely pleased with all of its functions and workmanship.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Just as described

              By Poodle lover

              from Roswell, NM

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Wildlife

              Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

              Purchased this item to provide support for my Sigma 150-500 lens while trying to photograph birds. It does the job, very easy to use both sideways and up and down. Would recommend you get a plate for each lens/camera. Changing lenses/cameras is then swift.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Perfect

              By MV

              from Bahai

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attaches Firmly
              • Good Stability

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Sports/Action

              Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

              To take surf photos

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Manfrotto Gimbal Head Excellent Value

              By Tim

              from Washington, DC

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Sports/Action
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

              Holds big lenses allowing steady shots and panning without image stabilization. Excellent for 400 to 600mm. Great for bird photography.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Hidden jewel for its price!!!

              By Fernando "Big" Bird

              from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Travel
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

              Although I was advised by a good friend (a professional wildlife photographer) that this item was not useful on a zoom lens (I own a Sigma 120-500) because of shifting balance (change of focal length changes center of gravity), I went ahead and bought it. Took the lens, tripod and item described to the field this last weekend and it worked perfectly!!! Minimum adjustment on the sliding plate was required when changing focal length and it was done effortlessly. When tracking fast moving wading birds (flying), I was amazed by the ease of movement of this jig. Should have bought it a long time ago...

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

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              4.0

              It's Good

              By Andi

              from Somerset,Pa.

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Heavy

              Best Uses

              • Night Shots
              • Travel
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

              I use this to support my big lenses. It works just fine. Although I did have to get a different tripod to use it.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Excellent!

              By Mitch

              from Titusville, Florida

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

                Wildlife Photography

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Does the job

                By slowaltz

                from Sebastian, FL

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

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

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Sports/Action
                  • Wildlife

                  Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

                  Works very nicely for tracking birds in flight. Heavy ruggedness minimizes vibration.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Must have for long telephoto lens

                  By namgrunt51

                  from Tampa Florida

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

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

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Sports/Action
                    • Wildlife

                    Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

                    This gimbal head is a very well designed and manufactured. I have paired it with a Manfrotto 055XProB tripod and am extremely pleased. Would highly recommend it for long lens nature photography.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great product - Great price

                    By Light Writer

                    from Kent WA

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                    • None

                    Best Uses

                    • Wildlife

                    Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:

                    Does everything is says it will do. Easy setup. Great stability. Smooth operation.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

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                    Quick Release Plates

                    Manfrotto -  357PLV Quick Release Plate for Video
                      • Original: $26.50
                      • Save: $3.76
                    • Price: $22.74
                     

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                    • Price: $99.95
                     

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                    LensCoat -  Manfrotto 393 Gimbal Pouch (Black)
                    • Price: $24.99
                     

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                    Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support
                     
                     
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