I don't agree on this "393 is designed for use on a monopod" thing. I beleave Manfrotto 393 mainly is designed for sport PJ's. Monopod is the thing for them. So I'm pretty sure thats why the Manfrotto sales department seem to beleave this 393 is a monopod accessory. That's plain silly marketing IMO. I'm not saying that you are silly Paul ;-)
I have one. It suits my needs very well. Steady as a rock and flexible like a snake. It works well at a heavy duty tripod. Especially if you wants to shoot fast. I have also had the pleasure of comparing it to the Sidekick. Not proper testing, just some fidling. If you wants the bird to think "wow that photographer has nice looking equipment", then go for Wimberley. But if you just wants the job done, then save some money and go for thre 393. But thats just my impression. There may be aspects of Kirk/Wimberley that I overlooked. There is one downside with the 393. The lens plate system is not compatible with plates from other manufacturers. The only alternative head using the same plate is 468MGRC3 Tim Typo PS. There is a Canon birder using the SigMONSTER (300-800mm) on 393 at DRReview. He is not complaining. You will also find user reports on 393 in the forums on www.nikonians.org. PS 2: The Manfrotto 468 is also at my wish list. But for different purposes. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Stenquist" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Pentax-Discuss Mail List" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 1:47 PM Subject: Re: Tripod Head for Bigma - Suggestions/Reccomendations ? >I notice that the 393 is designed for use on a monopod. I think there > are much better choices in Gimbal heads than Manfrotto. Maybe you > should look at Kirk or Wimberly. Perhaps Ken or Bill will jump in on > this. They've had some experience in this area. I have only lusted:-). > On Jan 8, 2008, at 7:19 AM, Patrick Genovese wrote: > >> I have recently enabled myself with the Sigma 50-500 and while i'm >> happy with the lens I have come to the conclusion that my current >> tripod head is inadequate for it. So I'm looking for a decent tripod >> head that will handle it. >> >> I am undecided whether to go for a heavy duty ball head such as the >> Manfrotto 468MG >> http://tinyurl.com/23m56t >> http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site/manfrotto/shared/_images/ >> Manfrotto/product_images/zoom/468MGRC3.jpg >> >> Or some sort of gimbal mount such as the Manfrotto 393 >> http://tinyurl.com/yq9ac9 >> http://www.manfrotto.com/webdav/site/manfrotto/shared/_images/ >> Manfrotto/product_images/zoom/393.jpg >> >> >> The gimbal head is purpose built for this sort of lens but the ball >> head is more versatile for use with other lenses/setup hence the >> dilemma. >> >> Regards >> >> Patrick >> -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
