The Professional's Source
866.276.1435 / 212.502.6357
Holiday Closing
We are not accepting orders at this time. Online ordering will resume Monday, May 28th at 9:45PM EDT. Our SuperStore and offices are currently closed and will reopen on Tuesday, May 29th at 9:00AM EDT.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.
Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support
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(based on 65 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (50)
- Attaches firmly (47)
- Large range of motion (46)
- Strong clamp (42)
- Easy to use (12)
Cons
- Heavy (26)
- Heavy / bulky (8)
Best Uses
- Wildlife (53)
- Sports/action (37)
- Landscape/scenery (19)
- Night shots (17)
- Travel (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (27), Semi-pro photographer (23), Pro photographer (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (46)
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".
Reviewed by 65 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This is such a great....big product, but it works just perfect! It will take some space up while traveling with it, but it's worth the price difference compared to the compitition. (1/3rd cheaper) I set it with the 500mm on top instead of hanging and it holds it where ever I stop moving it with just one finger. It's not a carry around and shoot kinda product though. This is were the competitions lighter and smaller size comes in handy. I still am happy with this in the end.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I've always wanted a gimbal, but i never wanted to spend the [$] to get one, so I bought this instead. I am very impressed by just how stong and rigid this setup is. I have only used it a few times so far, but it works extremely well with my 50-500mm. It works great for tracking planes, wild life, or any thing else that moves, and also for panoramas.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
This works so well for shooting in-flight birds. Don't know how I got along without it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None Yet
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
Im a Wildlife photographer and use a Canon 40D and the 400 5.6L non stabilized lens and this Gimbal has more then met my expectations. Built like a tank and is rock solid. I can now shoot lower ISO values with slower shutter speeds and get great results. This lens likes light but now I can get more keepers with the 393 Gimbal. Super product and its a keeper.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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:
I used this with a 300mm f/4 lens plus 1.4x converter. That combination can be handheld, but the difference on a tripod is amazing. This one provides super support combined with plenty of easy movement. The only negatives are size and weight, but the low cost makes up for that.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Birdwatcher
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
As a first time user of a Gimbal Head, I have been very happy with this unit. As yet have not had an opportunity to track a bird in flight, so can not comment on how well it does that. However, it is a major improvement over my current ball head/tripod solution of shooting with a Canon 400mm f5.6L telephoto. When properly balanced, it will hold position or can be panned with a minimum effort.
Look for to using it while shooting video too. Not exactly a replacement for my pan head, but should prove usable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
From the marketing photo I was a bit apprehensive in regard to the build of this mount. It is one heavy-duty and easy to use gimbal mount. It is used primarily with a 5DII and Canon 100-400L, which results in a perfect combination for bird and small animal photography in the back yard.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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:
I tried using a Ball Head to track birds in flight, but it required both hands just to control the camera's movement. With the ball head loosened enough to permit pan & tilt, if I let go or loosened my grip on the camera, the heavy telephoto lens would flop down, pulling the camera, tripod and everything else down with it. That just puts too much expensive gear at risk.
At less than half the cost of other types of gimbal heads, the Manfrotto 393 is just the ticket for tracking moving objects. It has a wide range of motion both vertically and horizontally and is very stable. If you let go of the camera, it stays right where you left it.
The downside for me is that it is large and heavy. The quick release mounting plate is too large for me to just leave it attached to the lens all the time. Right now, I am using it mounted on a Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod. That combination is very stable and works quite well, but I eventually plan on pairing it with a Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod for mobility.
A welcome side benefit is that Manfrotto 393 raises the level of the camera viewfinder up to a more comfortable level without requiring me to extend the center pole.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I'm a keen sports and bird photographer and recently purchased my first super zoom lens, the Canon 300mm 2.8ii. I had been looking for a portable support to use with a monopod and discovered the 393. I have found it to be an absolute godsend when shooting for extended lengths of time and something I can not live without!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Rosie Ruffles
Keeping it steady is easy!
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
I use 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support for my Canon EF 600mmf/4L IS lens with EOS 5D Mark II camera to shot pictures of wild life. It really supports great this heavy combination, and allows me to follow moving objects with fluidity and precision.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Simple
- Stable
- Sturdy
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
Simple and functional gimbal tripod head supplied with quick release plate.
May not be the coolest looking device, but supports my Canon 600 mm lens perfectly allowing easy movement, both planning and tilting and a simultaneous combination of both.
Works for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
Works great for flying birds and all other wildlife. Very stable and solid built. Demonstrated it to a friend and he's really liked it. Said he was definitely going to buy one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support:
The Manfrotto 393 lives up to its reputation of being a rock steady mount. The foot is easy to attach and has a very functional safety lock that prevents it from slipping out of the mount accidentally. Once your lens/scope is balanced, the mount system holds it in whatever position you want, allowing for hands off shutter release. Currently I use it with a Nikon D300/Sigma 150-500 combo, for which it is more than sufficient
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
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
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
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
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by pax
Titmouse at brief rest
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
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
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
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
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Quick Release Plates
-
- Original: $30.73
- Save: $6.48
- Price: $24.25
- GBP 15.48
Miscellaneous
- Price: $99.95
- GBP 63.81
Bags & Cases
- Price: $24.99
- GBP 15.96
What's in the Box
- 357PLV Quick Release Plate for Video
- 1-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
