Jobu Design HD3 Gimbal Head - Best Mid-Size Tripod Head

Many have emailed and asked what tripod I use. I own two gitzo's, a GT 3542 XLS and a GT 5542LS. I use the 3542 for the lighter lenses with the Jobu HD3 mounted. For a 400mm up to 800mm I would definitely go with the 5542 which supports more weight. If I were buying only one I would get the Gitzo 5542LS.

[totoroutes]

at 3:40. How would you adjust this head for the nodal point for panos?

[photographycourses]

Wow, that is 'mid-size'? looks big to me... thanks for the review, just getting introduced to this kind of photography equipment and I am still learning lots before investing

[billmaynard]

Hi Jay. The HD3 head is a great all round head and will be perfectly suited to the 5 D M lll with a 24-135 mm lens and much heavier lenses should you decide to mount those. It's solid and extremely smooth through the range, I even shoot my 600mm lens on this head with no issue at all although I do prefer the Pro2 head for the larger lenses as it is better suited to handle the heavier load.

[nathanmoses]

Thank you! Great video! What tripod do you have to hold that much weight?

[seabreezeof]

appreciate all the tips.. like the versatility of being able to use it two different ways, sport and landscape. Does it break down in one piece or two pieces for travel.

[billmaynard]

Both the Pro 2 and HD3 heads come apart but there really isn't any space savings by doing so as the arca swiss clamp and arm sit along side the main gimbal. The space savings come by removing the head from the tripod as it will cut the length down considerably.

[billmaynard]

There is a JR3 head that is the smallest and lightest of the three heads and many use it with even a 500mm but you'd want to have great technique. I would still recommend the HD3 or Pro2 for the 500mm and larger guns and have the JR3 in my bag for travel where weight is a concern

[FLORAMORAITINI]

Dear Bill, I absolutely loved your review. I am looking for the GT5542LS and there are a few around but my height is 175 cm (68'57). I think it will not be big enough. Not many GT5543XLS though around. Please advise me. Many many thanks for your valuable help. Flora

[papabear]

Hi, is there any new coupon code for this order? The "Coolwildlife" didn't work. Thx

[rosselur]

Wouldn't raising the camera as you show for landscapes create more severe parallax errors when panning vertically for large panoramas?

[jaybluc]

Thanks for your info. I really think i like HD Gimbal Head.Is this Head "Mid -Size good for a 5 D M lll with a 24-135 mm lens?

[nathanmoses]

what covers your lens to protect it?

[billmaynard]

Call Ian at Jobu and tell him Bill from Coolwildlife sent you over and he will work out a deal for you.