rpcrowe
Apr-27-2008, 08:11 AM
I have been using this Gimbal Camera Support for about a year now and I love it. IMO, the quality and usability of this gimbal mount is equal to the gimbal mounts which cost much more.
The Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal Gamera Support is a very heavy-duty, solid, gimbal mount which doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I use mine with a 30D mounted with either a 400mm f/5.6L or a 300mm f/4L IS lens + 1.4x TC but, this rig is solid enough to support a longer/heavier combination. It uses a Arca-like quick-release system which is not inter-changeable with Arca compatible plates because it is larger and heavier-duty.
I use the 3421 both on a heavy duty carbon fiber tripod (Giotto's MT 8180) or on a monopod (Manfrotto 681) and it is great for following moving subjects. I have my camera/lens sitting on the "U" mount - not hanging
Manfrotto's illustration shows the camera mounted upside down with the interior "U" inversed. I use my 3421 with both of the mountin pieces in the "U" position and the camera right-side-up.The Nikonions link I provided shows the 3421 in the standard Manfrotto "upside-down" mounting position while the other illustrations show how I mount my camera/lens with both "U" shaped bars open sides up.
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html (http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html)
The only drawback of the 3421 is that you need to jury-rig a flash mount.
However, the price is great! At $150 including mounting plate, it is not out of most photographers comfort zone.
http://www.digiscoped.com/manfrotto701RC2.html (http://www.digiscoped.com/manfrotto701RC2.html)
http://www.pbase.com/littleflurry/bogen3421 (http://www.pbase.com/littleflurry/bogen3421)
http://www.adorama.com/BG3421.html#ProductReviews (http://www.adorama.com/BG3421.html#ProductReviews)
The Manfrotto 3421 Gimbal Gamera Support is a very heavy-duty, solid, gimbal mount which doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I use mine with a 30D mounted with either a 400mm f/5.6L or a 300mm f/4L IS lens + 1.4x TC but, this rig is solid enough to support a longer/heavier combination. It uses a Arca-like quick-release system which is not inter-changeable with Arca compatible plates because it is larger and heavier-duty.
I use the 3421 both on a heavy duty carbon fiber tripod (Giotto's MT 8180) or on a monopod (Manfrotto 681) and it is great for following moving subjects. I have my camera/lens sitting on the "U" mount - not hanging
Manfrotto's illustration shows the camera mounted upside down with the interior "U" inversed. I use my 3421 with both of the mountin pieces in the "U" position and the camera right-side-up.The Nikonions link I provided shows the 3421 in the standard Manfrotto "upside-down" mounting position while the other illustrations show how I mount my camera/lens with both "U" shaped bars open sides up.
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html (http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html)
The only drawback of the 3421 is that you need to jury-rig a flash mount.
However, the price is great! At $150 including mounting plate, it is not out of most photographers comfort zone.
http://www.digiscoped.com/manfrotto701RC2.html (http://www.digiscoped.com/manfrotto701RC2.html)
http://www.pbase.com/littleflurry/bogen3421 (http://www.pbase.com/littleflurry/bogen3421)
http://www.adorama.com/BG3421.html#ProductReviews (http://www.adorama.com/BG3421.html#ProductReviews)