The Jobu Design BWG-HD2 Black Widow Gimbal (Heavy Duty mk II Version) is a gimbal-type tripod head that allows the entire weight of the camera and lens combination to be hung rather than balanced.
Major improvements have been made to the original BWG-HD that include a significant reduction in overall weight. The new version is a half-pound lighter than its predecessor. This weight loss comes with a stiffening of the chassis, resulting in a much stronger gimbal less prone to flex. Additionally, a ball-bearing pivoting system has been introduced that makes the action on this gimbal much smoother than before.
The BWG-HD2 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.
| Maximum Camera Supported | Suitable for lenses and cameras weighing up to 12 lbs |
| 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 | 2.7 lb (1.2kg) |
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Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD2 Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head - Heavy Duty:
I do a lot of wildlife/avian photography and I can honestly say that this is a high quality gimbal head. It's very smooth and very well built. It's very strong and can handle large lenses attached to pro bodies with no problem. The best thing is that you can convert it to a side mount without having to buy any extra parts! I love this product!!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Jobu Design BWG-HD2 Black Widow Gimbal Tripod Head - Heavy Duty:
Upgradged my aluminum tripod to carbon fiber so I thought it was time to reduce the weight of the head as well. Had the original Wimberly Gimbal Head (Version 1)...great gimbal head but heavy at over 4 lbs...decided to try the Jobu as the design looks similar and the weight on this head was just much light. Very impressed so far with the Jobu BWG Heavy Duty..is plenty strong enough to support my Canon 500 F/4 lens. The only minor complaint is the tension know seem a little small for panning and tilting. I much prefer the larger knobs of the Wimberly V1.
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