I have just bought a gimbal head, and couldn't understand why the arm was on the left when it was being demonstrated to me in the shop, it was totally in the wrong place for me. I asked the assistant, who was brilliant, to turn it to the right, and he agreed with me totally, he said he hadn't thought about it before I mentioned it. So now I am learning to use it and am much more comfortable with it as you have shown it Jan. I couldn't zoom in or out with the arm on the left, I only use a RF 70-200 f2.8 as I photograph horses, hopefully it will work for me! Love your videos not to mention your photographs, they are stunning! Thank you for the effort and time you put in to making the videos for us all!
Watched this for the first time 6 months ago and it has made using a gimbal much more fun. So just wanted to say thanks. My natural logic is to use the wrong way. But this makes it so much easier to access manual focus, aperture (fujifilm user) and the preset focus buttons. Thank you.
I've been using my gimbal head the "right" way ever since I bought it - without realising why! I often use a 100-400mm II zoom with 1.4TC III and, as another poster said, I need the left side clear to adjust the zoom setting. Keep up the good work Jan - I've learnt a lot from watching your videos..
stuart rook that makes sense! I always used it that way as well, only when someone told me I used it the wrong way I realised I was meant to do it the other way around
Sometimes I use it one way and next time the other way around. Have often felt more comfortable using it the way you suggest but never consciously realised why. Great tip!
@@jan_wegener As you stated Jan, once you have adjusted the knobs to get balance and movement set, you generally do not need to readjust. My flash bracket does not attach to the gimbal head, it attaches to the footplate of the lens. So in reality if I want a balanced setup the gimbal head is to one side of the lens and flash bracket to the other side. However I often place them on the same side in order to keep a free view, I shall now test doing both on the "incorrect" side of the head, in order to give my left eye the free view.
I was following your video with interest as I've only recently started using a gimbal. However, then I realised you were using your right-eye at the viewfinder and I then I suddenly had to reach for my camera and double-check which eye I use! I use the left eye! My wife and a friend were nearby so I handed them my camera and asked them to show me how they handle a dslr camera. Both used their left eye! When I suggested they try their right-eye, they found it weird!!!! So off I went to UA-cam videos to see what most photographers (presenters) use. After some 15 videos every presenter was using their left eye except one photographer in the background was using his right eye, but the well-known presenter wasn't. After I started typing my response, another video popped up and it was Joe McNally and again, he uses left eye. As an Aussie now residing in Canada, I really enjoyed watching the birds and wildlife in your video. I had a farm in the Southern Tablelands in NSW previously and loved my birding. Now I'm an avid birder here. :) I shoot Canon 7D mkii, Sigma 150-600 C
I wasn't actually aware that so many people use their left eye. Learned something new. In that case it might not apply, but isn't your own hand in your way the whole time when looking to the right?
Interesting, Jan. I bought a gimbal head just a week ago and set it up the same way as you do without even thinking about. Holding the camera body in the right hand and being a right eye shooter, having a clear space for the left hand and eye just seemed like common sense. Your left hand stabilisation technique is different to many recommendations to drape it over the lense. I’ll have to try them both to see which works best for me. Another great video. Thanks 😊
Craig B I find if I put my hand on top it’s an awkward position and it’s so far away from my body and I can’t stop the lens from moving, whereas with the hand at the base I can
CerealKiller it might be a bit weird at first, you might saw me grabbing air in the video when I used it the other way around, but it works much better imo
This was a nice short and informative video. Although I had not thought about the viewfinder problem I have always used my gimbal head 'the wrong way round' as I have find this makes it much easier to access zoom ring on my Tamron 150-600mm G2 with my left hand.
Another great tip mate, never occurred to me before, I’ll give it a go next time I’m out. Funny how we get set in our ways and overlook things that can make our lives easier.
Like other people who've commented - I'm left eye dominant when it comes to my vision (although I am right handed). I do find this to be a hindrance most of the time when I'm shooting nature - but I can't switch to use my right eye, my vision just doesn't work like that! Thanks for the video - I'm glad I've found your channel, your work is excellent. Cheers!
Hi, Jan. I watched this video a few months ago, and came back to it to (finally) test using my gimbal head the “wrong” way as you demonstrated here. Unlike you, though, I use left eye focusing and am right-handed. I found that the “wrong” way does work better for me for slightly different reasons. My right hand is occupied with controlling the shutter and back-button focusing. So; my right hand is always ‘in the way’ on the right side. With the gimbal arm on that side as well, I’m not losing anything and my left hand is completely free to control manual focus (esp when I am using the ‘manual peak focusing’ function on my Canon RP) as well as zoom control. My left hand also can more effectively stabilize my lens mount at the same time. So; even though I’m a left eye focuser, I’ve found that your “wrong” way camera gimbal mount technique works better for me, albeit for slightly different reasons. Thanks for the tip! My percentage and quickness of acquiring good images has improved because of it!
I had been using the arm of the gimbal head on the left side to grip and help turn and aim the camera and lens but I think this more open visual set up will work better. Thanks for the information!
Thanks Jan you've just stopped me buying a gimbal head that would have obscured my view on both sides. I just hope that I've bought the right one given that I usually photograph without a tripod or monopod choosing high shutter speeds and higher ISO.
Thanks, Jan. Great info as always! I’m a left eye shooter which makes it hard, but I’m going to try and switch. Love your beautiful birds and the kangaroos!
in the end, what works best for you will be best, maybe if you use the other eye it helps to have to on that side, not sure. But it's always good to try new things that might help you to get better images
That’s an interesting tip Jan, not sure why I haven’t noticed this myself seems so obvious when you point it out. I’m setting out for a couple of days tomorrow and will keep this in mind. Thanks. I also find that using a X1.4 extender on my 500mm often interferes with focussing this may help to reaquire focus.
Ruben Montero possibly, it will feel strange at first, but should help. It also depends on the height of your tripod. If you are usually sitting down and have the tripod low you might be able to see over the top of the camera. I’m usually standing, that’s where it becomes a big issue if it’s in your field of view
Wonderful Tip Jan. I will be changing to this set up on my next outing to try it out. In your video I noticed your set up for attracting small birds to where you want them. Do you have a how to video on that subject. i have a set up in my backyard but I like the idea of a portable setup.
Richard Matheny hey, thanks. I have made one video about that here ua-cam.com/video/P8eHbkjxYGo/v-deo.html And I have an ebook and video on my website that go into a lot more detail about that sort of stuff
Hi Jan, really you are good, perfect tip, I have one more question about flesh extending reflector, I see on your camera, if I wants to buy from where & what’s proper name of that? Please could you tell me.
Hi Jan can you please give me a link to the flash bracket you use with your big lens also if possible the power pack for the flash would be so much appreciated. As always Jan great video once again.
shaun nightingale here you can see what I use aviscapes.com/flash-settings-and-accessories/ I usually buy stuff at B&H. The battery there is godox branded, but the same as my flashpoint
I'm with you Jan, never thought about the reason why though, just worked it out when I bought it. BTW you can pay silly money on a decent gimbol head, which one do you use and why?
@@jan_wegener Thanks mate, I wasn't sure if I needed a Gimbal head so bought a cheapy off fleabay. I'm a former maintenance fitter so re-engineered it. I replaced the cheap and nasty bushes with smooth bearings and saved a packet. Love your work and your videos.
Ive always shot with the arm on the right but never considered it the wrong way. Wimberley flash bracket etc. all mounted on the right. I don't do what you do though and mount the battery pack on the Wimberley bracket. Too much weight up top, I hang it from the tripod collar.
I used to do that but it drove me nuts, since the batter is always in my way then. Now I can take the whole bracket off with the flash and battery and all cords still attached
@@jan_wegener Thanks for the update Jan. Perhaps you could mention that in your next video or soon after that. I bet there are some folks trying to fix their battery pack to the bracket. Where did you get your 'Y' connector from and what Brand name is it. I have searched and all I can find are sites in China selling them.
@@jan_wegener and Jochen Keller, this is precisely why I have always used my gimbal head the wrong way, I started with a 200-400mm zoom lens and it was easier to use the zoom with my left hand while focusing with my right.
What should we be looking for in a gimbal headand tripod and/ or what brands are any good. I have bought a cheapy gimbal head off EBay but haven't used it yet as I just about always use my Canon EOS90D and Sigma 150-600C hand held or occasionally with a mono-pod. The tripod I have is pretty light weight as well so not up to supporting such a large lens.
Andrew Keir hey, I’m kinda lost with tripods as well. I am using a big and heavy (and old) Gitzo. I have yet to find one I really like. A lot of people have been issuing Sirui tripods that seem to be good value for money. In terms of the head, I have yet to see a gimbal that beats the wimberley
My gimbal head is symmetrical, so it doesn’t matter which way I turn it. I chose the Manfrotto #393 because it gives me more stability for the money. If you hold something using both hands, you need much less strength than if you use only one hand. And likewise a one-armed gimbal head needs to be built much stronger than a two-armed gimbal head to give the same stability, which tends to make the one-armed ones more expensive.
Strange Jan as I’ve only recently started using a Gimbal and I have always set it up who you had it in the 2nd set up with the mount to the right of the camera , just seemed right that Way
Erik Praytor thanks! Never seen it before. Not sure it would be that helpful. But it could help you to get on to the subject quickly. Also, I usually need the hot shoe for the flash
hmm i actually never seen anyone use it with !the "controls"" on the left side, it that really "how its meant to be"? anyways, you can never get too many tips and reasons on why to use them, so stellar video
ha, I've always used my gimbal the same way you do, but never thought in terms of the viewfinder issue. But I always found that the gimbal arm on the left got in my way, I would have to reach around to stablize the lens, or use the focus ring, or press the focus function buttons (on Nikon lenses these are on the end of the barrel.) I will have to check out your method of stabilization as I usually do the "hand on top of the lens" method which sometimes I think makes it worse ;) Thanks again for these free videos!
Janet Zinn you’re welcome! It’s interesting to hear how many people already used it this way. I think it’s probably like 20%. I find when I put the hand on top it’s too far away from everything
Great advice. I actually found this out on my own. I was trying to manual focus a few times and it irritated me so I swapped it. I realized after that it was blocking my view.
Haha I never read that part of instructions and I have always used it the same way as you for the same reason. At some point then I noticed everyone using it the ‘right’ way and couldn’t understand why, thought I was just weird so I feel a bit vindicated now 😂
Hi, und wieder eine Frage :-) Welchen Gimbal nutzt du? Whimberley, Benro? Unterschiede kann man dort kaum erkennen. Warum nutzt du kein Fluidneiger zB. Sachtler FSB8, welcher extrem gut einstellbar ist und dazu auch noch dämpft? LG Michael
Can you swivel the arm of the gimbal head from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock and still mount an angled spotting scope so that you would have the clearance to point it basically straight up if the object in the sky demanding this position. If not, how could this difficult position be accomplished with an angled spotting scope?
In the thumbnail that you used for this video you are have a flash with an attachment to the front of the it can you explain to me what that set up is? I seen Simone using one of them today while shooting birds.
hi, i was looking at getting the sony 200-600, and noticed you recommending the wimberly gimbal head. any thoughts about the wimberly sidekick that goes into an arca ball head? being able to quickly go from gimbal to ball head is nice, as is the size and price. what are the pros and cons of the sidekick vs the full gimbal head
I just realized that I'm left eyed LOL, been this way for over 30 years hahahah. So, the original way is the best way for me since i tend to look for the birds with my right eye.
I wasn't actually aware that so many people use their left eye. Learned something new. In that case it might not apply, but isn't your own hand in your way the whole time when looking to the right?
I've always used my gimbal the "wrong" way - otherwise it also gets in the way of using your left hand on top of the lens to stabilise it. And the argument about having it on the right so that you don't have to move your right hand away from the shutter button to tighten/untighten the knob is nonsensical to me. Why would you need to do this all the time? Once the gimbal is set you don't need to go to that knob unless unless you want to fix your lens in one position - and birds don't generally sit in one position.
I do not agree. What you call the "wrong shape" applies only if you use the right eye as the predominant one, but for many - like me - that our predominant eye is the left, the position of the arm of the Gimbal head to the left is recommended, and when I want to watch the bird outside the viewfinder I just move my head to the right, in addition to allow the balance and adjustments to be handled with the left hand without leaving aside the camera parameters. In the way that you suggest, it forces you to jump alternately between the Gimbal head and the camera, rendering the left hand useless, except to slightly support the stability of the lens.
I am sure there are good arguments for both ways. I never use my left hand to make adjustments tho, cause then I would have to take my head off the camera.
If your gimbal is blocking your view it's because you're not setting tripod height correctly to begin with. You shouldn't have to stretch or get on your tip toes to look through the viewfinder. Set your cameras eye piece so you just need to lower yourself about two inches or less to get a clear shot. I've been photographing proffesionaly since 1977 and never heard such a ridiculous statement.
Yes, my hand is in the way, but trying to become right eyed is a little like trying to write with your other hand. Having thought about it, your suggestion would help a little for left eyed people as the movement to the left to see the subject would be a little less. Not as useful as for right eyed people, but not without use for we left eyed people.
@@jan_wegener Left eye but ambidextrous here. Was astonished you said most people use the right eye! I use the gimbal either side depending on mood and situation but mostly on the right. When it's on the left though, I can steer camera with the left hand and do focus/shutter with the right. If looking away from the viewfinder I look along the barrel and sight as if with a gun. If I look to either side with either eye I never get back on it in time no matter where the gimbal is!
@@woofbarkyap interesting. I always liked being able to have one eye on the viewfinder and one eye that I can just open without taking my eye off the viewfinder and also don't interfere with my hand on the shutter on the rhs.
John Spirko it applies to every scale of gear though, unless you’re handholding. I’m just using what I got. This video was more specific, most will be much broader
@@jan_wegener Hope that didn't come off as criticism. And I watched the whole video. A lot of what I do is hand holding - 1 very old point and shoot and 1 old SONY bridge. Considering a newer camera as I'd like to try RAW and that would be better suited for tripod use. Thanks
ted brown that’s much further to see and then your right hand is in your way, too and you have to take it off the camera to see. But it also depends on the tripod height. If you’re always sitting down this might not apply to you
I have just bought a gimbal head, and couldn't understand why the arm was on the left when it was being demonstrated to me in the shop, it was totally in the wrong place for me. I asked the assistant, who was brilliant, to turn it to the right, and he agreed with me totally, he said he hadn't thought about it before I mentioned it. So now I am learning to use it and am much more comfortable with it as you have shown it Jan. I couldn't zoom in or out with the arm on the left, I only use a RF 70-200 f2.8 as I photograph horses, hopefully it will work for me! Love your videos not to mention your photographs, they are stunning! Thank you for the effort and time you put in to making the videos for us all!
Watched this for the first time 6 months ago and it has made using a gimbal much more fun. So just wanted to say thanks. My natural logic is to use the wrong way. But this makes it so much easier to access manual focus, aperture (fujifilm user) and the preset focus buttons. Thank you.
Great to hear!
great video jan
Niki Printers thanks!
What an obvious solution and a great tip!
thanks :)
Changed mine. Like it. Makes perfect sense.
great to hear!
Thanks Mr. Jan, kindly for the information about for better Beamer.
You are welcome
Great Tip have never even thought of this problem before.Thankyou Jan.
thanks!
fabulous tip JAN. LOVE IT. keep them coming.
Robert Brickey glad I could help!
I've been using my gimbal head the "right" way ever since I bought it - without realising why! I often use a 100-400mm II zoom with 1.4TC III and, as another poster said, I need the left side clear to adjust the zoom setting. Keep up the good work Jan - I've learnt a lot from watching your videos..
stuart rook that makes sense! I always used it that way as well, only when someone told me I used it the wrong way I realised I was meant to do it the other way around
Sometimes I use it one way and next time the other way around. Have often felt more comfortable using it the way you suggest but never consciously realised why. Great tip!
Kirk West thanks Kirk. That must be hard! I caught myself grabbing for air when I used it the other way around and tried to adjust the knobs 😂
@@jan_wegener As you stated Jan, once you have adjusted the knobs to get balance and movement set, you generally do not need to readjust. My flash bracket does not attach to the gimbal head, it attaches to the footplate of the lens. So in reality if I want a balanced setup the gimbal head is to one side of the lens and flash bracket to the other side. However I often place them on the same side in order to keep a free view, I shall now test doing both on the "incorrect" side of the head, in order to give my left eye the free view.
Kirk West hehe yes! I like it all together and tucked away on the ring side 😆
Great simple tip thanks.
Chris Martin thanks mate
Excellent idea
Thanks a lot
I was following your video with interest as I've only recently started using a gimbal. However, then I realised you were using your right-eye at the viewfinder and I then I suddenly had to reach for my camera and double-check which eye I use! I use the left eye! My wife and a friend were nearby so I handed them my camera and asked them to show me how they handle a dslr camera. Both used their left eye! When I suggested they try their right-eye, they found it weird!!!! So off I went to UA-cam videos to see what most photographers (presenters) use. After some 15 videos every presenter was using their left eye except one photographer in the background was using his right eye, but the well-known presenter wasn't. After I started typing my response, another video popped up and it was Joe McNally and again, he uses left eye. As an Aussie now residing in Canada, I really enjoyed watching the birds and wildlife in your video. I had a farm in the Southern Tablelands in NSW previously and loved my birding. Now I'm an avid birder here. :)
I shoot Canon 7D mkii, Sigma 150-600 C
I wasn't actually aware that so many people use their left eye. Learned something new. In that case it might not apply, but isn't your own hand in your way the whole time when looking to the right?
Will get my gimbal soon. Thanks for the tip Jan!
you're welcome :)
Simple advise, which is so helpful for me. That I now shot better images….thanks
awesome!
Thanks Jan great knowledge as always!
Glad it was helpful!
Well thought out, its the easy ways that are the best.
yes, sometimes it's the little things that make a difference
I'm left handed so wrong way around is best for me, left eye dominant.
👍🏻 so simple but so effective!!
John NYC ; ] I think so too, cheers
Thanks for the great content Jan!
Paul glad you liked it Paul
Interesting, Jan. I bought a gimbal head just a week ago and set it up the same way as you do without even thinking about. Holding the camera body in the right hand and being a right eye shooter, having a clear space for the left hand and eye just seemed like common sense.
Your left hand stabilisation technique is different to many recommendations to drape it over the lense. I’ll have to try them both to see which works best for me.
Another great video. Thanks 😊
Craig B I find if I put my hand on top it’s an awkward position and it’s so far away from my body and I can’t stop the lens from moving, whereas with the hand at the base I can
Jan Wegener I can certainly understand the logic. Will be interested to try it out 👍
The best ideas are always the easy ones, good tip, I'll give it a try thanks 👍
CerealKiller it might be a bit weird at first, you might saw me grabbing air in the video when I used it the other way around, but it works much better imo
Top notch videos Jan, keep 'em coming!
Grumpy thank you!
Learn a lot from your video, thank you so much!
vk l awesome 😊
This was a nice short and informative video. Although I had not thought about the viewfinder problem I have always used my gimbal head 'the wrong way round' as I have find this makes it much easier to access zoom ring on my Tamron 150-600mm G2 with my left hand.
Dennis Hollinghurst that’s a good point. Didn’t even think of that, but that makes a lot of sense and would be hard to zoom otherwise
Another great tip mate, never occurred to me before, I’ll give it a go next time I’m out. Funny how we get set in our ways and overlook things that can make our lives easier.
Duade Paton hehe yes!
Thank you Jan, hadn't thought of that! Very useful advice.
glad I could give you some new ideas!
Top tip, Jan, never thought of that!
Steve Colwill thanks! Some things we never think of, like I always used it that way and thought that’s the right way 😆
I have subscribed, as you have great info for birders. Perfect advice!
Awesome, thank you!
Great video! I have changed my gimbal head over now.
john gunning thanks! I hope it helps!
Like other people who've commented - I'm left eye dominant when it comes to my vision (although I am right handed). I do find this to be a hindrance most of the time when I'm shooting nature - but I can't switch to use my right eye, my vision just doesn't work like that! Thanks for the video - I'm glad I've found your channel, your work is excellent. Cheers!
Interesting. I never actually considered that. Right eye seems so practical hehe
Thanks Jan going to give it a try 👍👍
Wouter Verbaan great! It might feel very strange at first
Hi, Jan. I watched this video a few months ago, and came back to it to (finally) test using my gimbal head the “wrong” way as you demonstrated here. Unlike you, though, I use left eye focusing and am right-handed. I found that the “wrong” way does work better for me for slightly different reasons. My right hand is occupied with controlling the shutter and back-button focusing. So; my right hand is always ‘in the way’ on the right side. With the gimbal arm on that side as well, I’m not losing anything and my left hand is completely free to control manual focus (esp when I am using the ‘manual peak focusing’ function on my Canon RP) as well as zoom control. My left hand also can more effectively stabilize my lens mount at the same time. So; even though I’m a left eye focuser, I’ve found that your “wrong” way camera gimbal mount technique works better for me, albeit for slightly different reasons. Thanks for the tip! My percentage and quickness of acquiring good images has improved because of it!
Ha! That's very interesting, thanks for sharing!
I had been using the arm of the gimbal head on the left side to grip and help turn and aim the camera and lens but I think this more open visual set up will work better. Thanks for the information!
Glad it might help you.
Thanks Jan you've just stopped me buying a gimbal head that would have obscured my view on both sides. I just hope that I've bought the right one given that I usually photograph without a tripod or monopod choosing high shutter speeds and higher ISO.
Glad it was helpful!
Great tip. Thanks a lot
Rogério Amaral thanks! 😊
I'm hoping to buy a gimbal head this year. Great tip! I've recently discovered your channel and have learned so much already.
Kim Wharton that’s great to hear Kim
Brilliant !
Christopher Garcia thanks 🙏
Thanks, Jan. Great info as always! I’m a left eye shooter which makes it hard, but I’m going to try and switch. Love your beautiful birds and the kangaroos!
in the end, what works best for you will be best, maybe if you use the other eye it helps to have to on that side, not sure. But it's always good to try new things that might help you to get better images
That’s an interesting tip Jan, not sure why I haven’t noticed this myself seems so obvious when you point it out. I’m setting out for a couple of days tomorrow and will keep this in mind. Thanks. I also find that using a X1.4 extender on my 500mm often interferes with focussing this may help to reaquire focus.
Ruben Montero possibly, it will feel strange at first, but should help. It also depends on the height of your tripod. If you are usually sitting down and have the tripod low you might be able to see over the top of the camera. I’m usually standing, that’s where it becomes a big issue if it’s in your field of view
That was really helpful, thank you.
Barbara Le-Tallec great 😊😊
Wonderful Tip Jan. I will be changing to this set up on my next outing to try it out. In your video I noticed your set up for attracting small birds to where you want them. Do you have a how to video on that subject. i have a set up in my backyard but I like the idea of a portable setup.
Richard Matheny hey, thanks.
I have made one video about that here
ua-cam.com/video/P8eHbkjxYGo/v-deo.html
And I have an ebook and video on my website that go into a lot more detail about that sort of stuff
@@jan_wegener Thanks Jan.
I‘ll try it out, dankeschön.
Hu Ko gerne 👍
Great tip Jan, gonna think about this once I buy a gimble head!
Cheeres! =)
Andys Outdoors Living great 👍
Hi Jan, really you are good, perfect tip, I have one more question about flesh extending reflector, I see on your camera, if I wants to buy from where & what’s proper name of that? Please could you tell me.
Hi,
it's a Better beamer
Great points, but I actually do use my left eye for the VF.
Interesting. That would feel so strange to me, but we all use things slightly different. In the end whatever works is best!
Hi Jan can you please give me a link to the flash bracket you use with your big lens also if possible the power pack for the flash would be so much appreciated.
As always Jan great video once again.
shaun nightingale here you can see what I use
aviscapes.com/flash-settings-and-accessories/
I usually buy stuff at B&H. The battery there is godox branded, but the same as my flashpoint
Thanks for your kind help Jan much appreciated.
I'm with you Jan, never thought about the reason why though, just worked it out when I bought it. BTW you can pay silly money on a decent gimbol head, which one do you use and why?
Martin Waddingham I’ve only ever used a wimberley, but have not seen or tried one that’s better
@@jan_wegener Thanks mate, I wasn't sure if I needed a Gimbal head so bought a cheapy off fleabay. I'm a former maintenance fitter so re-engineered it. I replaced the cheap and nasty bushes with smooth bearings and saved a packet. Love your work and your videos.
Martin Waddingham thanks, yes that might work once you replace some parts
Ive always shot with the arm on the right but never considered it the wrong way. Wimberley flash bracket etc. all mounted on the right. I don't do what you do though and mount the battery pack on the Wimberley bracket. Too much weight up top, I hang it from the tripod collar.
I used to do that but it drove me nuts, since the batter is always in my way then. Now I can take the whole bracket off with the flash and battery and all cords still attached
@@jan_wegener Thanks for the update Jan. Perhaps you could mention that in your next video or soon after that. I bet there are some folks trying to fix their battery pack to the bracket. Where did you get your 'Y' connector from and what Brand name is it. I have searched and all I can find are sites in China selling them.
@@rogermullins7877 The one I use is from Adorama and called: Flashpoint StreakLight Twin Power Adapter
@@jan_wegener Thanks for that Jan.
very nice informative video.what type and model camera you have on this vid?thanks mate
menace1950 you can see all my gear here
ua-cam.com/video/ayGauBHGdPw/v-deo.html
menace1950 thanks 🙏
@@jan_wegener Thankyou swo much andf have a lovely day
menace1950 you too!
G8, I was doing the same thing like ur friend 🤣🤣, what u said was very logical... thanks indeed, BR, Dilan 🇱🇰
hehe, glad yuo liked it and might have helped you
I had the same problem but now I have solution 😍👍 thank you
awesome!
Actually this is why i like the flexshooter pro head. It is a ballhead and gimbal as well. It is never in my way.
Sounds nice
been doing that already, especially because, when using a zoom lens, you can't properly zoom when the gimbal is on the left :) Great clip as usual!
Jochen Keller that’s a Great Point and makes a lot of sense
@@jan_wegener and Jochen Keller, this is precisely why I have always used my gimbal head the wrong way, I started with a 200-400mm zoom lens and it was easier to use the zoom with my left hand while focusing with my right.
What should we be looking for in a gimbal headand tripod and/ or what brands are any good. I have bought a cheapy gimbal head off EBay but haven't used it yet as I just about always use my Canon EOS90D and Sigma 150-600C hand held or occasionally with a mono-pod. The tripod I have is pretty light weight as well so not up to supporting such a large lens.
Andrew Keir hey, I’m kinda lost with tripods as well. I am using a big and heavy (and old) Gitzo. I have yet to find one I really like. A lot of people have been issuing Sirui tripods that seem to be good value for money. In terms of the head, I have yet to see a gimbal that beats the wimberley
My gimbal head is symmetrical, so it doesn’t matter which way I turn it. I chose the Manfrotto #393 because it gives me more stability for the money. If you hold something using both hands, you need much less strength than if you use only one hand. And likewise a one-armed gimbal head needs to be built much stronger than a two-armed gimbal head to give the same stability, which tends to make the one-armed ones more expensive.
Interesting point. Never looked at it from that way
Strange Jan as I’ve only recently started using a Gimbal and I have always set it up who you had it in the 2nd set up with the mount to the right of the camera , just seemed right that Way
Rob Jones that’s what I did, until I was told it was the wrong way 😂 it always felt more natural to me
Jan Wegener me too 🤪😂
Love your channel! Very inspiring! Wondering your thoughts on dot sights, like the one from Olympus?
Erik Praytor thanks! Never seen it before. Not sure it would be that helpful. But it could help you to get on to the subject quickly. Also, I usually need the hot shoe for the flash
Hi! Jan, what battery pack are you using for the Flashgun?...
It's a Flashpoint/Godox Blast Pack
Thank you
You're welcome
Is that some sort of adapter that allows you to mount your flash to the gimbal?
Tim Krause flash brackets, yes
aviscapes.com/flash-settings-and-accessories/
hmm i actually never seen anyone use it with !the "controls"" on the left side, it that really "how its meant to be"? anyways, you can never get too many tips and reasons on why to use them, so stellar video
It felt more natural to me too, but when you look at the websites etc, it's always the other way around
ha, I've always used my gimbal the same way you do, but never thought in terms of the viewfinder issue. But I always found that the gimbal arm on the left got in my way, I would have to reach around to stablize the lens, or use the focus ring, or press the focus function buttons (on Nikon lenses these are on the end of the barrel.) I will have to check out your method of stabilization as I usually do the "hand on top of the lens" method which sometimes I think makes it worse ;) Thanks again for these free videos!
Same - access to controls was my original reason to use the other side.
Janet Zinn you’re welcome! It’s interesting to hear how many people already used it this way. I think it’s probably like 20%. I find when I put the hand on top it’s too far away from everything
Great advice. I actually found this out on my own. I was trying to manual focus a few times and it irritated me so I swapped it. I realized after that it was blocking my view.
Great to hear!
Hi, Other side of the world but enjoying your videos, nice high tripod, what make please? Thankyou. Russ.
It's an older model Gitzo 5541LS, pretty heavy, but nice and sturdy
Haha I never read that part of instructions and I have always used it the same way as you for the same reason. At some point then I noticed everyone using it the ‘right’ way and couldn’t understand why, thought I was just weird so I feel a bit vindicated now 😂
hehe, it happened to me pretty much the same way! I still don't know how you can use it the other way hehe
Jan do you use a gimbal head for video as well? Thoughts vs a fluid head for video?
I am using a FlexShooter pro head atm that does pretty well. More stable than gimbal
Jan what do you think about the flex shooter pro head? Would you ever switch and why not?
Never heard of it or seen it, so cannot comment on it
Hi, und wieder eine Frage :-)
Welchen Gimbal nutzt du? Whimberley, Benro? Unterschiede kann man dort kaum erkennen. Warum nutzt du kein Fluidneiger zB. Sachtler FSB8, welcher extrem gut einstellbar ist und dazu auch noch dämpft?
LG Michael
WImberley Head II. Weil die meist groesser und schwerer sind, aber waere ansich schon ganz gut, insbesondere auch fuer Vdeos.
Jan how about if you use your left eye even though you are right handed to see through view finder? should you still do it your way?
You'd have to try what works better for you
Can you swivel the arm of the gimbal head from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock and still mount an angled spotting scope so that you would have the clearance to point it basically straight up if the object in the sky demanding this position. If not, how could this difficult position be accomplished with an angled spotting scope?
I don't think you can turn any gimbal straight up.
In the thumbnail that you used for this video you are have a flash with an attachment to the front of the it can you explain to me what that set up is? I seen Simone using one of them today while shooting birds.
It's a Wimberley Flash bracket
ua-cam.com/video/Gb7e2cfgrPg/v-deo.html
Jan,
What Tripod and head would you recommend for under $400.00 US
Leofoto and sirui might have options that cheap
hi, i was looking at getting the sony 200-600, and noticed you recommending the wimberly gimbal head. any thoughts about the wimberly sidekick that goes into an arca ball head? being able to quickly go from gimbal to ball head is nice, as is the size and price. what are the pros and cons of the sidekick vs the full gimbal head
I guess for that smaller combo the sidekick would be fine. I think the full head is a bit better balance overall
@@jan_wegener thanks! i'll look into it more
I use it in the same way even more because the gimbal head is in the way of my focus ring
Pierrick MEUILLET yes, another good reason!
I just realized that I'm left eyed LOL, been this way for over 30 years hahahah. So, the original way is the best way for me since i tend to look for the birds with my right eye.
ha!
I shoot with my left eye (left handed) so this tip is only for right handed people?
I wasn't actually aware that so many people use their left eye. Learned something new. In that case it might not apply, but isn't your own hand in your way the whole time when looking to the right?
I'm subscribed to Morten Hilmers channel and I think he recommended the same.
I don't own a gimbal yet, definitely on my list. :)
Yes, it's a minor thing, but very important. Gimbal has certainly made my life easier.
Was that an echidna?
tenrec it was, coming for a drink at my water
@@jan_wegener Tenrec was my second guess!
I've always used my gimbal the "wrong" way - otherwise it also gets in the way of using your left hand on top of the lens to stabilise it. And the argument about having it on the right so that you don't have to move your right hand away from the shutter button to tighten/untighten the knob is nonsensical to me. Why would you need to do this all the time? Once the gimbal is set you don't need to go to that knob unless unless you want to fix your lens in one position - and birds don't generally sit in one position.
alantookthis exactly
For me it doesn't matter as I use one with both sides supported
Always knew there was an advantage of being “left eyed” 😂
hehe!
I do not agree. What you call the "wrong shape" applies only if you use the right eye as the predominant one, but for many - like me - that our predominant eye is the left, the position of the arm of the Gimbal head to the left is recommended, and when I want to watch the bird outside the viewfinder I just move my head to the right, in addition to allow the balance and adjustments to be handled with the left hand without leaving aside the camera parameters. In the way that you suggest, it forces you to
jump alternately between the Gimbal head and the camera, rendering the left hand useless, except to slightly support the stability of the lens.
I am sure there are good arguments for both ways. I never use my left hand to make adjustments tho, cause then I would have to take my head off the camera.
IS on or off when using a gimbal? I've read lots of differing views on this. I now leave it off, especially if shooting @ 1/1000 sec+
stuart rook I always leave it on. At lower shutter speeds you definitely get sharper images
🤔 👍👌 👁
:)
funny how right from the start i put it "the wrong way" even before watching your picture (altough i'm a left i shooter)
ha! Good work
@@jan_wegener just felt more natural to put it on the right side as you look on the left of the camera :)
If your gimbal is blocking your view it's because you're not setting tripod height correctly to begin with. You shouldn't have to stretch or get on your tip toes to look through the viewfinder. Set your cameras eye piece so you just need to lower yourself about two inches or less to get a clear shot. I've been photographing proffesionaly since 1977 and never heard such a ridiculous statement.
and then I might miss the best background.
I thought this would help, but I'm one of the 35% who are left eyed. Good idea though, just not for me.
Hey, yes, it was actually interesting for me to find out so many people use their left eye. Isn't your hand in the way when you look to your right?
Yes, my hand is in the way, but trying to become right eyed is a little like trying to write with your other hand. Having thought about it, your suggestion would help a little for left eyed people as the movement to the left to see the subject would be a little less. Not as useful as for right eyed people, but not without use for we left eyed people.
Already using it the wrong way.
Philip Watson good work 😁
Definitely needs some time to getting used to .
Sambath Subbaiah yes for sure, whenever you swap something it feels weird at first
Im left-handed and left eyed.!
David Tribe that must make it so much harder to use any camera
@@jan_wegener Left eye but ambidextrous here. Was astonished you said most people use the right eye! I use the gimbal either side depending on mood and situation but mostly on the right. When it's on the left though, I can steer camera with the left hand and do focus/shutter with the right. If looking away from the viewfinder I look along the barrel and sight as if with a gun. If I look to either side with either eye I never get back on it in time no matter where the gimbal is!
@@woofbarkyap interesting. I always liked being able to have one eye on the viewfinder and one eye that I can just open without taking my eye off the viewfinder and also don't interfere with my hand on the shutter on the rhs.
@@woofbarkyap interesting!
Thanks, now i just have to sell some property to buy a beautiful gimball head!😂
Peter Kemp hehe! There’s probably some second hand wimberley around that shouldn’t be too bad
It’s not Wrong Way, we can call it Jan’s way of using it..
Great idea 😀
You are really messing people up by introducing common sense into photography!! I’ve always used a gimbal in the manner. Thanks!
You know it’s funny I just got my first gimbal head today and I naturally set it up the “wrong way” Then I just found this video
great! :D Welcome to the wrong side
Bit of a no brainer really, I have always used mine that way its doesn't feel natural the other way at least not to me
Gary Spicer that’s how I feel as well
I can't afford your tripod, let alone the camera and lens... this level of photography is just wishfull thinking for a lot of us.
John Spirko it applies to every scale of gear though, unless you’re handholding. I’m just using what I got. This video was more specific, most will be much broader
@@jan_wegener Hope that didn't come off as criticism. And I watched the whole video. A lot of what I do is hand holding - 1 very old point and shoot and 1 old SONY bridge. Considering a newer camera as I'd like to try RAW and that would be better suited for tripod use. Thanks
John Spirko all good. Yes RAW can do wonders
That's BS, move your head to the right to see.
ted brown that’s much further to see and then your right hand is in your way, too and you have to take it off the camera to see. But it also depends on the tripod height. If you’re always sitting down this might not apply to you
Number one you've got your tripod set too high...me I just look over the top of my setup. Get off your tip toes newbie. That's your problem.