Better Than A Gimbal Head? Check Out The Flexshooter Pro For Wildlife Photography
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- Опубліковано 15 кві 2020
- Here's where you can buy the Flexshooter:
amzn.to/3jblK9y
birdsasart-shop.com/tripod-he...
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I've had this head since the middle of 2018 when it was still called the Flexline. I bought it to replace the Wimberley MkII I was using for the exact reasons described here, size and weight. Until recently I've only used it as a gimbal type head with my Sony A9 and latterly the 200-600. During this pandemic lockdown I've not been able to travel to my usual birding locations so I've developed an interest in macro photography.
Using an ordinary ballhead with 1:1 magnification wasn't a problem but when I started to use higher magnifications the slightest amount of ball head movement on locking down caused the framing to shift. I then decided to try the Flexshooter using the silver ball only as a simple ball head. The locking down was absolutely perfect, even at 5x magnification the framing stayed put.
Yesterday I decided to try the Flexshooter as a simple levelling ball under my video head as my existing levelling base stopped working. Once again just using the levelling feature of the Flexshooter silver ball was perfect for keeping the video head level.
All in all this Flexshooter may be expensive but it's the most ubiquitous head I've ever used, the engineering is very good. Thanks for the excellent video Steve and apologies for the long comment!
I like the word "light" and I agree with you about lessening up the load. I'm going to research this further.
Me too sounds like a game changer?
Nice review and timing. I have been contemplating a gimbal and this seems to provide a much more flexible option with very similar attributes. Will definitely check it out. Thanks
Using this since 2 years. Never had anything better. Total flexibility. 👍
Very cool. Thanks Steve.
Thanks for this review Steve. I have been considering this head, but had not seen a complete review of it. Looks pretty darn good.
Never seen it before? very glad Steve reviewed it
Bh55 RRS for the win...much better
@@Sb-sz3cn Over-priced junk. With the knobs too close together. And the FlexShooters are far more practical and efficient. with love, artie
Great review . Looks very solid and yes, it is expensive. But like you said: nothing in photography is cheap. Thank you for sharing with us . It's very useful to know things from an experienced photographer.Stay safe and healthy.
The flexshooter heads work really well as a monopod head too. Far better then actual monopod heads. Highly recommend!
Thanks for this video. It is great to learn about new gear
This is similar to the Uniqball sold by Lenscoat. Same leveling/ballhead design. A bit cheaper as well. I have the large and small versions and like them both.
Interesting thanks, just bought a hide form there
Thank you for this video not sure if you remember but I asked you about your tripod head a while back. Great video.
"They aren't cheap... but what in photography is?" Yeah, that about sums it up.
Thanks Steve for your video. I'm another one who bought the Flexline Pro back in 2018 directly from the inventors in Hungary. I'm very happy with it. Very solid for what I shoot. Strongly recommended.
Such a great review. You’re a Legend!
Nice to see your review on this piece. I was fortunate enough to pick a used Flexshooter Pro from someone recently who was looking to downsize their equipment. I checked out all of the videos from Arthur Morris and was convinced that this would be way more mobile than my gimbal head. When I first got it I seemed to think it was a bit "fussy" in the house with the silver tension knob with my Nikon D850 and 600mm f4 mounted on it, but once I got out in the field my concerns quickly disappeared. It was smooth to operate and did what I needed and when I needed it to. I do think the new ones are a bit pricey for what they are but as you say what in photography isn't expensive!
Yep, well said👍
Thanks Vaugh. with love, artie
Great demo of an interesting product. I'm often in Zimbabwe shooting wildlife so weight is always an issue. I can't find one of these in the UK. Amazon UK doesn't seem to be selling them. Very interested in the Pro for 600mm.
They should incorporate those heads into the tripod plate, to be able to have the setup compact to an even smaller size and weight.
Very interesting product. Thanks.
Just placed an order for a used Flexshooter Pro from B&H. Looking forward to loosing a couple pounds of weight. Should fit a lot nicer in my floating blind as well.
Yes I hope Steve gets a cut great new product
This is for people using or thinking of getting a traditional gimbal head with big lenses 400 500 600 mm. I'll be exchanging my Wimberley II with this head. Thanks for the video!
my Manfrotto had initially came with a ball head that performed very much like this gadget. I've yet to try mounting my 150-600mm lens to See how well the tripod's ball head can handle the weight of the lens. I've got much faith in the tripod because it's a Manfrotto!
Update,in stock at BandH,will have mine Wednesday
Thanks , Steve! Mike in Alaska here. You may have answered by need for the Z6 & 200-500. What tripod do you recommend? Great video & thanks!
I carry my telephoto lens on a gimbal head/tripod on my shoulder around the back of my head and on the other shoulder like you demonstrated being able to just do with the flexshooter and just hold it with a finger or hand. If I'm on flat ground walking gently I can let go and balance it perfectly.
cool I could never get that to work well with my Wimberley...
Breadon, that's quite a blurb with it's confusing content. But if I get your drift, you can do just fine with your setup, that you've probably been using for some time, without spending 950 DOLLARS! I use a Manfrotto #144 with a pan and tilt head. It's complicated with x and y nobs, but set just snug, they flow just like a ball&socket. To spend 950 DOLLARS! on this piece, you have to be making some serious coin to justify that expense, am I right?
I carried my camera and tripod on my shoulder for 30 years and really messed my body up. My Chiropractor after looking at my xrays asked if I was in a bad car accident. I said no, I’m a photographer.
Haha yep, I'm trying to avoid that... We'll see how successful I am...
Hi Steve, I love your videos and have found that they offer a tremendous amount of knowledge and entertainment. Thank you! Have you found your 3-Series Gitzo to be enough for shooting your long lenses (400/2.8 & 600/4)? Are there times where you've felt you would benefit from a series higher, or does it seem to be the Goldilocks tripod? I'm currently trying to figure out what equipment to purchase and I would eventually be getting a 400/2.8. I want to make sure that the legs I buy will support it, but I also don't want it to weigh me down heavily if I'm hiking for miles with all of my gear. Thanks for any thoughts that you might have! -Justin
I like the idea of this head and I start to think about as a replacement for my gimbal head. The size of the gimbal head is the main issue for me now, not the weight so much. But will peakdesign square-shaped Arca swiss plate work with that as well? What I think from the images, you need something longer to fit there. Any info you can provide me for that? Thank you.
BTW: I enjoy your videos a and your photos as well :)
How easy/difficult is it to keep things level when taking panos using this head?
Thanks for a great video review. I see in your more recent videos that you tend to be using the leofoto fluid head instead of the flexshooter. Do you find the fluid head to be even more compact than the flexshooter or are there other reasons for the switch in what you're currently choosing to go out into the field with?
Nice review. Thanks
Seems a very good product watched Morten Hilmer using a ball head as a gimbal . Certainly seems a good ulternative some limitations but not a deal breaker. Thanks for sharing
This functions much smoother and more reliably than the way Morten uses his standard ball head as a makeshift gimbal.
@@SteveMattheis Yes I can see the improved functionality. Is it a game changer over Gimbal or is still a gimbal for permanent hide situations ?
@@SteveMattheis Will be checking this one out more closely looks like a game changing product, well done Steve. There seem to be a few orders in all ready from this vlog hopefully they will send you the middle one for free!!!
Thanks so much Steve for this informative share and review on this product my friend. Nice to know your thoughts. Irene.👌⭐
What about rotating the camera from landscape to portrait orientation while shooting with this?
5:56 lets take out the Big Gun.
That BallGim Head is something to consider for me in the Future, i would change my Benro GH-2 for it but the Flexshooter is really expensive for me now, but in the future.
Thanks for another informative video, and absolutely love your book! Can you attach your camera using an L Plate for landscape shots are do you have to switch out the entire head?
I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. But yes you can attach any arca plate (that is long enough) including your camera L plate and it will function kinda like a ball head. But this is really intended for long lenses and gimbal style operation.
@@SteveMattheis Steve actually forgot to mention one of the most important things about the FlexShooter Pro heads. Folks who use either the Mongoose or a Wimberley head no longer need to carry around/travel with a small ballhead to do scenics with short lenses with the camera body mounted. The FlexShooter heads each feature an amazing bi-direction clamp that works better than even the most expensive ballhead. with love, artie
the real issue in my opinion with switching for such head is the 3rd axis (roll) that you also need to control and keep leveled with the horizon unlike traditional gimbal head.
No. This head does not allow roll. Just like a gimbal.
Is there any advantage to doing this for landscape photography? Can it switch easily to portrait mode?
Thanks for a good, clear video!
This is not ideal for short lens landscape photography. It can work ok if you need to but It's not the best tool for that 👍
Nice video Steve..................what about using some sort of flash bracket with this. My Wimberley II has the ability to use a flash bracket for off hotshoe shooting................seems like there's no capability for that with this head.
Will it able to panning horizontally for landscape?
Hi Steve, Great video, thanks. Question - Do you think there is any way to attach a flash bracket?
I haven't tried but there's not an obvious way like on a Wimberley
two questions, Have you tried using it with a zoom lens, I know that I’ve has an issue between the 200mm and 500mm not being balancing out. 2: Have you seen the UniqBall Ballhead and any idea about impression between the two? Thanks
Yes zoom lenses will affect the balance but in my experience you can adjust the tension so it still works well.
Those look really nice. I think even the mini would break my current tripod. My center column lock already has issues🤣
Good point new legs required?
Cool!
Thanks Steve, great video! 😎👍 I even subbed, with notifications! :)
I am definitely tempted by this. The idea of the Mini - a 1lb head that can act as a Gimbal or a Ball Head is certainly intriguing - especially seeing you mount the 600 F4 on it. The one thing I am not sure of is how it will work with Panos for landscape. When you level the outer ball how easy is it to keep the main ball level to pan? guess it shouldnt be too hard if you have a level in / on your camera. Thoughts on this dual purpose?
It can be used in that manner for panos but it definitely not the ideal tool for that purpose. Mostly because you can't independently lock the pan and tilt. There is only one locking knob and it adjust friction for both pan and tilt.
Steve Mattheis totally makes sense. It’s one of those compromises you talk about. I rarely take Panos - so all it has to do is be workable.
@@SteveMattheis Ah, that's a good catch. I was just about to consider this over a BH-30 with my Wimberley sidekick as my hiking setup. Right now I use the Sidekick with a Sirui K-40X and am looking for something lighter when I'm on the move. But I really want an independent panning motion.
Thanks Steve. Would this work the same as a leveling base and a panning head for making landscape panoramics?
It can work that way, and I have used it that way but because you can't independently lock the pan and tilt, it is not the ideal solution for that.
@@SteveMattheis Thanks again Steve. That's what I figured - looks like a good solution for long lenses though.
What plate are you using with this setup?
Can the arca- swiss be replaced with really right stuff quick release plate?
Yes this will work with any arca Swiss compatible plate, including RRS
Would this work on a monopod?
I’m sorry if you answered/covered this.. admittedly I only read half of the comments but couldn’t find it on your website either. How is that head “mounted” to the white beanbag you used on the safari in that still image about the 3:23 or so mark in the video?
The beanbag has a metal plate with a tripod screw mount on it
How about a video on how you put it on a tripod?,Looking at it not sure how it's done.
Sorry I was looking at the wrong end got confused.
How does it work for typical landscape shoot? Great review!!
This is not the best tool for landscape photography. It can work for sure but it is made for action.
I do a decent bit of shooting with the tripod legs in the water and the camera/lens above it. Do you feel confident enough with this setup to use it in that fashion?
I would. But similar to a gimbal you need to get it balanced properly and set the appropriate friction.
@@SteveMattheis thanks!
Has anyone tried this on a panning plate w bean bag?
Steve, I just came across your channel. NEW sub.. your work is AMAZING! are you still using the Flexshooter? Thank you for sharing your work!!
Yes I am, it's great
Ahhh Steve you got me now....time to sell my RRS BH-55 and my gimbal head but geezzzz it cost AUD $955 but it replace me from carrying 2 things.Thankss👍
I kept my bh-55 for dedicated landscape work but don't regret selling the Wimberley at all.
Really cool. What model Gitzo tripod are you using?
I have a systematic 3 series (shown in the video) as well as a larger 5 series. amzn.to/2WYeJxb
What's the best tripod for the flex shooter
A little more control can't, as I see it, does not justify the expense your talking about. But hey, thanks for the idea about changing the position I carry my tripod. I'll try it tomorrow when I'm shooting Great White Egrets in our local wetlands which is about a 15 minute walk from the parking lot to the water.
What foot do you use? They make a big one for the 600 but, if you use it, you can't change the lens on a Nikon body because it is too close to the foot. Using that little 500 5.6 is not a problem. You can also save about a $100 buying it from the manufacturer in Europe since the exchange rate has favored the dollar over the past year.
I use a jobu replacement foot and it works well
Hi thanks a lot for the review! How different is it from a good ball head?
Completely different
So you have the pro and the mini version? I only ask because I noticed there is a extreme version
Exactly.
I'm an old guy and have arthritis in both myhands, the little knobs would not work for me I need the big adjustable knobs on the wimberly.
Yep this product isn't for you
I really struggle to understand the purpose of the leveling base when the ball moves independently within it. In other words, what does it matter if the silver portion is level if the black ball within can move around on its own? This becomes even more troubling when you consider there is no way lock it into place while panning.
I don't think the black part is a normal ball. I mean, it looks like it, but it appears to only allow pan and tilt when he loosens that.
Because the top piece needs to be level to function properly. You need understand that this device is spring loaded and "wants" to make the camera / lens "rise to the top". If its not level, the top is not the top :)
I wish I had known of the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head before I bought the Arca-Swiss Z1+ Duel Pan head along with the Wimberley Side Kick. That set-up works great but I have to load lenses on the Side Kick side ways and that causes a potential drop hazard when loading a big lens on it. I also have to remove the Side Kick to mount a camera on the Arca-Swiss Z1+ DP head to shoot with lenses that don't use a collar.
I photograph birds, wildlife and all sorts of things including Rodeos, and need to freely and smoothly track birds in flight and barrel racers on their runs. With the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head, I could load the lens ON the head much safer.
Steve Mattheis, Is the FlexShooter Pro Ball Head smooth and effortless while panning? Are tho knobs easy to manipulate as needed when you are tracking and shooting? Can this truly replace a gimbal head?
Yes, for me it has completely replaced my gimbal head. Smooth and effortless.
Hey Steve, thank you for making this video. I did listen to your video where you say that the Flexshooter mini is fine for your gear except for your 600mm lens and for that you use your Flexshooter pro. I had previously asked the question of which size to get from BHPhoto and one of their "professionals (?) responded that I should buy the pro version for my Canon R5 using it with the RF 100-500mm and the RF 800mm f/11. Someone from FlexLine also said to get the pro version. I would like to double check with you that the mini should be fine. I'm not sure if they didn't realize that the RF 800mm f/11 only weighs 2.77lbs. The RF 100-500 weighs 3 lbs and the Canon R5 weighs 1.62 lbs. Or if because the lens being extended makes the difference for them.
The mini will work great. Since you’re clearly worried about it, just buy it from someone with a good return policy and try it out.
@@SteveMattheis thanks for taking the time to answer. Really appreciate it
Steve, it looks like there is the Extreme, the Mini, and the Pro. Which two did you buy?
I have the pro and the mini👍
@@SteveMattheis Ordering the Mini since the max for me would be the D850 + Nikkor 200-500. Seems like the mini would be plenty for a mirrorless Fujifilm.
Interesting
Howdy Steve! Can we get an update on this product? Do you still use this head/ would you still recommend?
Yes and yes👍
Do you still use the flexshooter? After 3 years as your opinion change, would you buy again?
OMG Steve your book just arrived today IM really love all your great shot's and the words writen in your book . Will you be coming out with another one and yes when? Best Wishes Steven King. Thanks for all your videos they help so much.
Thanks! Glad you're enjoying the book👍
How is this different from a RRS ball head on a leveling base?
The biggest conceptual difference is that once you level it, it will stay level no matter how you pan and tilt and swing the lens around. Like a gimbal head. It also feels totally different than a ball head in use because it doesn't rely solely on friction. It is spring loaded too. Hard to describe if you've never used one...
Not bad on the price
Cool!!!
Way cool.
On the shooting up issue, I've seen some great astrophotographs shot in a more vertical direction, albeit, with only 85mm lenses. So this device wouldn't work that well.
Easy to move the silver ball either up or down when you need more (or less for macro) elevation. with love, artie
Would you prefer the RRS BH-40 or the flexshooter mini ?
They are both excellent tools but serve different purposes.
@@SteveMattheis I have a question, my equipment is a D500 with nikon 500mm F4 G with a total weight of 10.56 pounds, which Flexshooter I buy, the Pro or the Mini ..... thanks in advance for your help.
How do you get a dead level pan with this? The Gimbal allows a dead level pan.
This pans just like a gimbal. And tilts just like a gimbal. Even though it looks like a ball head...
@@SteveMattheis can't you lock off the vertical independently on the gimbal whereas on this you can't.
@@duncangroenewald Correct. I mention this in the video as one of the 'trade-offs'. There is one knob that adjusts the tension versus two knobs on a traditional gimbal head.
Does it have fluid motion for video?
Unfortunately no
am i missing something or is this just a big ball head with a bowl based leveling system?
its a better alternative to the standard ball head, as for less to carry than a gimbal, isn't any big ball head that?
i'm not trying to be an asshole i'm new to gimbal / ball heads as i've only recently been looking at tripod usage quite recently.
i have a couple of benro carbon tripod one with ball and one with 3 way head, jst today i have seen the fotopro egale gimbal heads which have the additional 45% adjustment which look very appealing for a 150 -600+.
great vid and summary of the product steve, this is the first vid i have seen of yours, i'm off to watch a few more, happy tuesday fella
Yes I think you are missing something. A gimbal head functions differently than a ball head.
Nice review,I’m trying to buy the pro but no one has it in stock.
Darn! Can I take credit for that? 😂😂
Steve Mattheis sadly no,Fro is the influence😂😂😂
Hi David, We just got thirty more.
Why not replace the small radius tension knob with a larger one? Especially a knurled knob for easier turning. A larger radius knob means that when a force is applied to the larger knob, both larger knob and smaller know do the same amount of work. Therefore, the smaller knob must multiply the force. The radius of the knob on the Flexshooter looks to be about 15 mm. If the knob's radius is increased to 30 mm, then the mechanical advantage is doubled. Of course, the distance the larger knob must be turned is twice that of the smaller knob, but that distance is from a practical standpoint insignificant, especially, for the peace of mind gained by going to the larger knob. This is the reason I always buy a RRS quick-release clamp for a ball head. Piece of mind. Of course, never having seen the Flexshooter, a larger radius knob may be impossible, because of space restraints. If this is the case, then why not a lever like the RRS? Since the increased mechanical advantage is such a simple idea, no doubt Flexshooter has already thought of it, and for some reason, it didn't work. Or it could be an increased cost issue> But how significant is that in comparison to the overall cost of the head?
I'm assuming this only allows the camera to pan and tilt (once you've locked off the silver ball part to level, removing the need for a levelling base) and therefore stops the camera rolling side to side (ie not having a level frame). This is the biggest difference between this and a ball head I assume.
You are correct. The feel is much different too as the spring tension and friction are smooth and won't let this flop over... Hard to describe exactly what is like if you've never used a gimbal...
I don't see how you can keep level for a simple left to right pano. You keep moving the camera up and down even when you say it's level. The tension know would prevent side to side movement anyway. If you loosen that tension, then it would be easy to knock it up or down. That could make the pano merge a real problem in post. Perhaps you could do a quick video on how to use this just for simple pano.
As I mentioned, this is not the ideal tool for stitching panos. Yes you can do it but a good ballhead like the RRS bh-55 is a much better tool for that particular job.
And...I'm watching a review of a large-size ball-head. I already do tricks like this with my Sirui K-series.
Nope. This works like a gimbal, not like a ball head. If you've ever used a gimbal you'd realize how different they are.
@@SteveMattheis I stand corrected, it is a ball-head inside of a ball-head. My single-ball ball-head must pan with a separate axis.
Once you level it with the first ball... You can only pan and tilt so you're never out of level.
Not cheap..but love review!
Hello!
Hi
Sorry, I'm commenting as your video progresses. About the wimpy locking knob, just re-engineer or replace it with a bigger grip but the same thread. You must have parts kicking around from all the other tripods you've used in the past, right?
Like my Sigma 150-600mm, I don't like having to rotate the zoom with my hand directly. I miss the old sliding zooms from the old film days. So I drill a small hole into a worm geared pipe clamp, took a small bar with an inside threaded hole, put the screw thro the hole, tightened the clamp around the zoom ring, with the small screw sticking out, and screwed this 3 inch x 1/4'' bar to it and now I have a lever to rotate the zoom with more control. As photographers, we have to be able to improvise to save money.
Hey Steve what's up with the Nikon 80-400 you always criticize it. I am looking to do a gear upgrade with a very limited budget and saw a used one on sale?
I've used several of them over the years and always found them to be mediocre optically but they all had terrible AF 'chatter' in AF-C. I'm in AF-C 100 percent of the time so the lenses were constantly hunting and rarely in focus. Many other people report the same AF chatter.
@@SteveMattheis Thanks for the info and quick response it may be the sigma 100-400 for me
OK for travel but nothing beats the functionality of a quality gimbal head.
I disagree.
@@SteveMattheis Other than size or weight, what does it do better than a gimbal when shooting long lenses? I certainly see an advantage for travel as it can serve as a ballhead and a gimbal.
I checked the prices and almost fainted :). Sometimes I wonder if the wildlife photography is for me...
Yep, don't say i didn't warn you 😬 it's definitely an unnecessary luxury item but don't worry your image quality won't change at all depending on which gimbal head you are using
@@SteveMattheis Not a luxury at all for folks using big glass. Less costly than either the Wimberley or the Mongoose. And does so much more. with love, arteie
Price range from $579 to $599... that's insane, I rather keep my Gimbal!
A Wimberley is $599. Of course you can find cheaper brands but I don't think the price is out of line compared to the competition.
There is even a similar product out: Uniqball. 🤔
Steve, What brand and model Tripod are you using?
I have a Gitzo systematic 3 series (shown in the video) as well as a larger 5 series. amzn.to/2WYeJxb
Thanks Steve,
What am I missing? This double ball setup looks extremely restrictive in terms of tilt angles, and just because the outer “ball” is level doesn’t seem to have any impact on how level the camera sits via the inner ball. The head looks overly complicated, and overly expensive for no particular advantage.
Yes, you have missed it. I must not have explained it well enough but if you don't see any advantage to using it then of course use what works best for you.
I believe that the inner ball only allows pan and tilt. At least, that's how it appears as he uses it.
If u don’t set your tripods center of gravity on sloped grown ‘ eg setting the legs at different lengths to compensate for the ground ‘ if u just put your tripod straight down it will keel over ‘ never mind with a prime lense sitting on it ‘ it’s a accident that’s going to happen if u take your hands away ‘ it’s just the way life is ‘ no technology can defy the laws of gravity
Yes, this is common sense of course. Getting things into 'perfect' level using just the tripod legs can be quite tedious though so the leveling ball allows it to be done in a second or two.
Would have found the video much better if it wasn't so dark. Lighting up the subject rather than standing in front of a window would have made it much better in my opinion
Sheesh. There's always something to complain about I guess. 🙄
@@SteveMattheis ha ha btw doesn't the Pro version have a polyurethane spring of some sort to counterbalance the weight whereas the mini version does not?
@@duncangroenewald All of them have the counterbalance spring
Looks like Uniqball
Yes it does
The Unique ball is flimsy junk, sorry. with love, artie
When I see people running around with a camera and tripod slung over there shoulder like that, and no hand on the camera, i think to my self 1) apparently they have never had one of those connections loosen up and dropped a camera, or 2) they have a lot more $ than I do, so that $10 or $20K is no big deal... in fact, they might have another in the car :) lol NOT my situation. I hold onto my combo like it's my first born baby :) lol
Wow! Not cheap at all lol. Maybe in another 3 years... cool product though.
Holy crap, that price, no thanks
It's the same as a Wimberley. Not cheap, but in line with the competition.