Jobu Design BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter
The BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter from Jobu Design will balance your SLR or DSLR camera plus telephoto or macro lens at their natural center of gravity, giving you much improved balance and functionality compared to using only your ballhead. This adapter is for lenses with rotating tripod collars, such as a 70-200mm zoom, a 400mm telephoto, or a 180mm macro lens.
The lens must be fitted with an Arca-Swiss-style dovetailed lensplate (not included--Jobu Design NX lensplates are recommended), and an Arca-Swiss style of ballhead with panning base (not included) is also required. Ballheads that use a thumb screw-type quick release (not a cam-lever) to ensure proper engagement and attachment of this product are highly recommended. The panning quality of this gimbal type setup fully depends on the quality of the ballhead used. With the BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter and a high-quality ballhead, you can easily move a 600mm lens using just one finger!
- Stiff CNC milled main arm--the Micro is machined from solid 6061-T6 billet aluminum and finished in hard anodized aluminum.
- Extreme stiffness for a small gimbal head
- Needle roller and thrust bearings in the tilt axis provide smooth and controllable motion and easily set friction settings
- Rubberized knob for cold and wet weather usage
- Easily adjustable variable tension settings for tilt-drag
- Light and small--15 oz (420 g)
- Small form factor--fits in small bags (8 x 4 x 2.5") without taking up much room, so it's easier to pack
- Simplifies your kit--convert any Arca-Swiss style of ballhead to a fully functional gimbal head, without tools, and without the need to carry a second tripod and separate full size gimbal head
- Warnings and Technical Requirements
-
We highly recommend a very good quality ballhead with smooth and free-moving panning motion for this product. A cheap ballhead that is very stiff in panning will make a lousy gimbal head.
Ballheads that incorporate push-button safety catches in the Arca-Swiss clamp will generally NOT WORK with this product.
Make sure your ballhead has a very securely attached quick-release clamp and ball. Some ballhead clamps are attached with only a single flimsy screw that makes the clamp pivot on the ball itself. This may lead to damage or failure of the ballhead. Again, we stress that a high quality ballhead is mandatory.
We do not recommend using Cam-Action quick releases with the BWG-M1. Although we very precisely match the RRS quick release clamping system in profile, we cannot guarantee that all cam-levers will actuate in the same tolerance range in every situation. We highly recommend Arca-Swiss style clamps with regular screw-knobs.
Ballheads with Manfrotto, Bogen, or other Round, Hex, Square or proprietary clamping plates WILL NOT WORK with the BWG-M1. We do not recommend stacking adapters to make your own system.
| Construction | Machined from solid 6061-T6 billet aluminum and finished in hard anodized aluminum |
| Load Capacity | 10 lbs (4.53 kg) |
| Weight | 15 oz (420 g) |
| Dimensions | 8 x 4 x 2.5" (20.32 x 10.16 x 6.35 cm) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 4 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife (4)
- Travel (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (4)
Reviewed by 4 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-4
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Jobu Design BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter:
I use this with a Markins Q-10 ballhead. I use the system to mount a Sigma 150-500 lens. I use this rig primarily for birding. The system works exactly as needed and expected. The mechanism is smooth and the adapter is small enough for easy airport carry. I also us the adapter and the ballhead for my spotting scope and it works great too. I did have to get a suitable mount plate for the spotter though. For now, this works great for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Jobu Design BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter:
This is definitely a great mini/micro gimbal, ala sidekick. A high-quality ballhead, I repeat, a high quality ball head is needed and you'll have a very stable camera/lens setup(10 lbs and under). It's very portable, well built,and smooth tilt function. Highly recommended!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Jobu Design BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter:
If you already have a good (I stress good) ballhead and don't want to spend a fortune on a Gimbal head, and your equipment wights under 10 pounds, this is the way to go. I've had mine for almost a year and love it. I use it with a 400 mm DO + teleconverters, a 50D body, and a flash unit without any problems.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Jobu Design BWG Micro Gimbal/Ballhead Adapter:
this gimbal adapter feels sturdy enough to carry the heaviest lenses. I plan to use it with a 300mm 2.8 + teleconverters. I use arca p0 for leveling and pan and a do-it yourself rail ( a rail with clamp mounted vertically on end) to support the micro gimbal. low extra weight and price for the gimbal option.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-4
- 5-Year Limited 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
