Going beyond a simple gear review to a heart-warming story of story-telling to little kids and inspiring the next generation to feel what it is like to be content with the simplest things in life! Just amazing to see your good works Morten. Thank you for another amazing video.
That's what caught me, too. I was listening to the tripod head reviews, but was captivated by the community building and education at the end. Thank you!
Thank you, Morten. Always a pleasure having a coffee with you ;). I own the Leofoto LH-55 Ballhead which is a fraction of the cost to the reallyrightstuff and I love the 55mm dia ball. What I find is that the actual stem (the neck from the ball to the swiss arca mount) is much thicker on 55mm ball heads and that is my real reason for going so big. There are of course many other options and choices but in general I like optimizing stability over light weight even when travelling. Good gear pays you back.
I could listen to you talk about just about anything for however long :) . You just have a way of telling your stories and explaining things. Can't wait for the next one!
Great video as usual. I'd just like to add that a geared head can be best for many forms of macro photography. The problem with even the best ball heads is that if you frame a macro subject, close to 1:1 or greater, and then take your hand away, the whole thing droops causing the framing to change. So you end up having to try and position the framing over what you want, when so it droops, it droops into your desired position. Whereas with a geared head this doesn't happen as you don't have to touch the camera and lens, and so you get perfect framing. It's especially successful using live view. This droop is not caused by the ball head slipping as many people think, so cannot be solved by getting a better ball head. What causes it is slight flex in the lens, the tripod to camera attachment, the lens tripod collar etc. At normal distances this isn't noticeable, but the higher magnification, the more this effect occurs. It was a revelation when I used a geared head, because it makes the framing so much easier. The main drawback is that geared heads are not good all round tripod heads and can be flower to frame your subject. In other words it is a specialist thing for when you are framing small subjects on a tripod. Having a lens with a tripod collar is also much better for this type of photography.
Thank you so much Stephen - that is really useful information. I did not even know about these heads so that is so great, you are taking your time to explain. I will try to look it up:)
Just looked it up, and now I understand. It was just a matter of translation. Yeah I do have such a head, but never use it. Now I understand, what is is really good for. Thanks Stephen.
Please keep at it Morten. I look very forward to watching your videos. I recently returned from a trip to Ireland and the wildlife there is all around you, all the time. I had a great experience with a Robin, while I was getting a photo he started jumping around my feet and I just had to set the camera down and enjoy his company.
Workshop for the children sounds great. Very valuable for them.Brilliant.Fiend of mine has just finished a three year degree in Experimental Archaeology. He has just started do some children's workshops around similar ancient skills on a small scale.
Morten, I think it is wonderful that you are passionate about teaching young kids about how people used to live! I am sure they will have an experience they will take with the for the rest of their lives!! I would LOVE to see video/photography of your interaction with the children!!!
Great video Morten! Interesting to hear you take on all the different heads and possible combinations and hacks. Personally, I prefer a video head for all my wildlife photography. I have the Manfrotto MVH500AH. It is smaller and more compact than the one you have, so it is easier to travel with. I do shot quite a bit of video and it is perfect for keeping the camera absolutely still. But I also prefer it for still photography. One reason being that I often photograph owls in low light conditions. Therefore, I need a longer exposure to get enough light to keep the ISO down. The MVH500AH is perfect because I keeps the camera and less totally locked in on the subject so you can avoid all shake, etc. So I use my video head for everything I do. For landscape I just pop on a small ball head on top of the video head and I works great. Thanks again!
Hi Morten i know im a bit late to the table but you should hav a look at the sachtler fsb8 head i use it for 600 lens for video and as a gimball perfect for both . it will ballence and stay put no problem . its also the best built and smoothest head iv evey felt thanks ;
Morten, Have you not yet picked up a Wimberley sidekick? - Great compromise between the ball-head and gimbal especially when you are travelling. Good run-through of different options, now days I'm always pushpin to find lighter and smaller solutions as well, however nothing beats the big systematic for long lenses. Keep up with the videos, Cheers, Tom
Morten your passion is infectious, I could listen to you all day, the children could not have a better teacher, I look forward to seeing your next video cheers my friend.
I might be a couple of years late to the party however I totally enjoyed the passion you put into your video. Great insight on the tripod heads then the excitement of your planning for the visit of the young children. Your planning to be in costume, relay a story, hands on art work, and an amulet they make and keep, those can make lasting memories. I’ve always thought if out of a group of children or adults if I can make a small lasting impression, inspire even one to to open their thoughts for the future it’s a success. Wonderful
Hey Morten. I use the same Manfrotto Head with the same disadvantage of having a different quick release plate, so i took a MENGS CL-120 Arca Base and adapted it onto the Manfrotto plate. Now the problem is solved and it works fine for me. Alex
Yeah ok, no way I’m watching a 30min video about tripod heads. *watches a 30min video about tripod heads* I like your style dude, super helpful video. Thank you.
I got to about 2:20 in and realized that I needed to refill my coffee... After a short pause, I was right these with you sipping my cup of coffee. That for sharing a cop, and lots of great video content with me.
Morten I started to follow your channel because I wanted to learn something about wildlife photography. Its not that I don't learn anything, far from that - but I keep coming back not because of the photography. I keep coming back because you are so passionate, honest and so very open in all your videos an there is something warm and magical about them for me. Thank you for that and please keep it up. On a side note, heavy coffee drinker here as well, I just wondered what coffee brand do you personally prefer :)
...dear humble Morten, never say sorry for this kind of LOVELY videos, we have to be so grateful about them and share with all the audience the TRUTH of your experiences and of course, parts of your life not related to photography which makes YOU be YOU... so THANKS for this one. See you out there....
I’m glad I stayed and listened to the rest of your video. It’s good to know you are so multitalented! Thanks for the advice about tripod heads as well. I just bought the Tamron 150-600 and I want a different tripod head. I’ll probably buy the gimbal head to accommodate that lens. Otherwise I have a collection of ball heads including 2 inverted ball head designs.
Morten, don't ever apologize for the length of your videos. You are always helpful, interesting and a great story teller. It would be really great if you could film the upcoming experience with the kids and post to RUclips, (with the parents permission of course).
Hey Morten, I have the same problem and I resolved it by attaching an Arca-Swiss Clamp to my Manfroto Plate and that way I can switch without having to use two different styles of plates..... Great Video as always!!
AS always love watching your videos, having my coffee 2. Love your little personal story at the end with the kids. Don't forget to take a photo with your outfit on.
Thanks for your in depth review of these Tripod heads. Your review helped me choose which one to finally purchase. I appreciate your time and expertise! Best wishes for continued success.
I used to switch from still to video a lot. I put a dove tail plate on the bottom of my fluid head. I could lock down my ball head and slide the video head on it. "Stacking my heads". It's not perfect but it got me through. Thank you.....
RRS prices are going through the roof, just bought myself a Leofoto LH-55 ballhead and all I can say is, "wow, wow, wow! Extremely well built and sturdy. 10 years guarantee and... a at least a third of the price of the BH-55!!!
The Manfrotto video head has a friction/balance adjuster to stop it returning. I do have one, but I use it very little for photography, but a lot for mounting a telescope on for bird watching.
Hi Morton... Around 24:00 you are asking for a quick mount solution for the manfrotto plate against arca swiss... my suggestion is to just screw a cheap arcaswiss mounting plate on the manfrotto plate. This way you can leave the manfrotto plate on the head and just attach the arcaswiss plates to the preattached mounting plate.
Your adventure on Monday sounds fascinating. I'm sure the children will have fun and hopefully learn about living with and in nature. When I was in my teens I wanted to run away to the woods and build myself a shelter and live in nature. The only thing that kept me at my parents house was my electric guitar! :-)
The Wimberley Sidewinder works well with that ball head. I’ve even used it with my 600 f/4. Not ideal, but doable. Works much better than mounting camera body to my gimbal. BTW, I mount long lenses on the same side as you.
Thanks ISO Awe - I have often had the sidewinder in mind but I haven't bought it you. I really appreciate your input - interesting. Happy to have a "wrong side of the gimbal" friend;)
Ah you just mention ball head as bh55. Once again I didn’t wait for the end...really cool that you wild craft food and work work with kids and do flint knapping.
If you're willing to lose pan/tilt resistance adjustment, you can get the MVH500AH fluid head and the Kirk replacement top plate that converts it to arca swiss style. The clamp on the Kirk plate also rotates, so it can be used with L brackets and long lenses. It should also make it possible to balance long lenses. You could also probably keep your fluid head and make a new top plate pretty easily with a sturdy piece of aluminum with an arca style clamp attached to it. If it's built the same as the MVH500AH, there are just 4 bolts that hold the whole top plate on.
Hi Morten, Thanks for the great video. You asked, so... The solution to the incompatible quick release platform on the Manfrotto head is to buy a different brand of fluid head that uses an Arca-compatible design. Or, in some cases it's possible to replace the platform on Manfrotto heads with one that can accommodate Arca. I've done that with an older Manfrotto ballhead, but don't know if it's possible with the head you have. Kirk Photo, Hejnar Photo, RRS, Wimberley and some others make replacement Arca platforms. A third possibility is an adapter... One side fits the Manfrotto, the other provides the Arca platform. Adapters aren't my favorite solution because they add a little bulk, weight and create another connection that might loosen at the wrong time. When I've had to use one, I've drilled and tapped it for a second fastener and used string red Loctite to make it as permanent and secure as possible. The "thing" right atop your tripod is called a "leveler" or a "leveling platform". I use them, too, on both my tripods that I use with gimbals. They are very helpful if you frequently move the tripod, for quick re-levelling. They add about 1 lb. weight, but are worth it IMO. There are levelers like yours, designed to replace the plain plate in the top of a systematic style tripod (no center column), with the handle protruding below. There is also a style that works on top of a center column, where the release handle or lever is off to the side. A bonus with the Gitzo levelers I use is that they have a lever in the side to lock the head in place, making head seaps easy without need for any tools. I've got one tripod set up with a Kirk BH-1 ballhead and a Wimberley Sidekick gimbal adapter, which you mention but didn't show. The advantage of that is that swapping back and forth between large teles with a tripod collar and smaller lenses is as simple as using the adapter in the ballhead for the big lens or removing it to use the ballhead alone in a more normal manner with smaller lenses. That tripod is my pimary one, that has gone out with me on virtually every shoot for the last 20 years. I have another, identical tripod (with leveled, etc.) set up with a full size gimbal like your Wimberley WH-200 (but a different, less expensive brand), which is dedicated to use only with long telephotos with collars. The Sidekick provides tilt axis, same as full size gimbal... But the ballhead to which the Sidekick attaches provides the panning axis. I've often used it with a 500mm that weighs close to 8 lb. and occasionally with even heavier lenses. I've seen people using Sidekicks regularly with 600mm like yours, though Wimberley recommends heavier lenses be put on the full size head, instead. Weight of the Sidekick and heavy duty ballhead is about the same as your full size Wimberley head alone. Some other full size gimbal are now offered that she'd a little weight either with skeletonized design or carbon fiber construction. (Beware, though, some of the cheaper ones are just metal covered with a layer of carbon fiber for appearances, that actually weigh more.) I use both gimbals often with 100-400mm zoom, 300mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4 lenses... Plus camera and grip, sometimes with extenders, flash and flash bracket. 10 lb.+ is no problem. Occasionally I have even used with 600mm and 800mm, too. Another small benefit I discovered with the Sidekick is that since it's a side-mount, with smaller lenses I can use it to put my camera into portrait orientation and don't need an expensive, bulky L-bracket on my camera. I just have a fitted Arca compatible bottom plate on it instead.
I have thought a good deal about swapping between quick-release plates, and the only answer I can think of is to have a custom clamp on your head that would let you stack a CINE plate on top of an Arca plate (for example). The clamp would basically be compatible with one type of plate, but would let you leave a second plate screwed onto the bottom. The second plate wouldn't need to get clamped to, but it would let you put a smaller plate on beneath and not require swapping. That is when a good chunk of money goes over to your local machinist, and you get yourself a custom head. haha
I'm with you on which side of the camera to put the wimberly knobs. I also was told I have them on the wrong side and just had to chuckle and say "no, I don't" and explain why. Funny thing is I could see the recognition in their eyes, but they kept doing it on the other side because it's how some famous photographer does it. Ooh well, to each they're own I suppose.
Nice Demonstration of Tripod heads but Specially I liked the last part of your discussion about your planing for kids ... Our future generation ... That is admirable. Cheers!!
I too use the Manfrotto mvh502, but I find it just as easy to slide and lock the plate to get an equal balance as I do the gimbal style! Another great video my friend!
Yeah Joseph - it is not easy. And further more lots of new heads are hitting the market every year. So the challenge is to get a perfect quality head to a fair price:)
Hey Morten. I didn't read all the comments in case somebody already suggest that but for your video head maybe you can try and fit permanently on to the head this : iShoot 3950MFT Clamp Adapter Converter for 39mm Arca-Swiss Fit Camera Quick Release Plate for Manfrotto Gitzo Tripod Fluid Head, (35-40$ at Amazon) to avoid the extra plate in the collar of your 600mm...
"You know that feeling when you are having something nice..." LOL!! I had to put your video on pause and make myself an espresso after your comment. :D
Excellent review of tripod heads. I was excited about the BH-55 until I discovered the cost is between US$400 and US$700! (I am not sure why there is such a price spread). Keep the great videos coming.
I screw a RRS B2-LLR-II: Lever-Release Clamp onto the Manfrotto plate to solve the video head problem you mentioned. So the Arca Swiss lens foot always stay on my long lenses and there is no need to change the foot in using different tripod heads.
I’m lucky that I don’t carry my tripods, either the car or my mobility scooter carry it for me so I can have the extra stability an aluminium one gives me. All my digital cameras have L brackets as I like Arca Swiss attachments, but I use a pan and tilt head for my Bronica. I have a side kicker gimbal head which I find a lot easier with my difficulties. My two smaller heads are Manfrotto and I adapted my ballhead myself to Arca. My gimbal is an old Benro, in fact all my heads are old and if you look after them and keep them clean, all the screws tight and sensible machine oiling they last forever. I do have another larger ballhead I keep on my monopod that can hold a larger weight, but I rarely use it to be honest. As always a superb video Morten, thank you!
Thank you for the video. The tip for how to use a ball head with long telephoto lenses saved me some money. I did not realize it could be used like that, and was already hunting for something new. I will give the ball head a second chance. With my "lightweight" micro four thirds lens, being off-center won't be a problem. P.S. Those ideas for a stone age activity with children sounded like fun!
Morten...so enjoy your videos. You have such a passion for nature. Please keep putting them up. By the way last year I went to Ecuador to photo birds. You will have a blast!
Morten, thank you for sharing your knowledge on tripod heads. Superb overview of the options on the market. I ended up going with the Really Right Stuff Ball Head for my telephone lens. Will get a Gimbal down the track.
Hi Morgan. You are little crazy but I like hearing Your stories and when you’re talking about wildlife photos. Sorry my English isn’t good 🙃. You live in Denmark 🇩🇰 I in Netherlands 🇳🇱. Maybe you doing small workshop about wild birds 🦅. In NL we’ve a lot of amazing birds. Have a nice weekend.
Love the"Photographers Friday" again you have shared your knowledge and experience with all of us in a way that is truly enjoyable. Hope you don't mind that I had my lunch while watching 😋. As always looking forward to your next adventure. Thank you so much for sharing.
Awesome stuff as always! Great info on the tripod heads! And I hope you do some video of the stone age stuff to share, as that sounds awesome too! Cheers!
Hey Morten, I think your videos a great, you really inspire me to get out there and ry to capture some images, maybe someday I’ll show them to you. Could you do a video on your stone age technology? A wild life photography in the stone age? Or something like that...
Thanks a lot David for such a nice and encouraging comment. Haha I don't know about such video even though it would be a lot of fun. I might start out a little softer with some bushcraft. Then maybe one day we can shoot some bow and arrow and make a flint dagger:)
Yes brother this was very useful, I got to know a lot of info about heads, as I don't even yet own a tripod I always wanted a tripod that can takes a bold head thank u for passing all those information, and btw I loved your stone age custom it inspired me to have me own one day because I love exactly what ur welling to do this coming Monday, waiting for more my friend.
I feel quite lucky that we have a few different nature loving people here in Denmark, whether it's you, Morten Hilmer or someone like Morten D.D Hansen - because you both manage to reach out to people with your enthusiasm, and that can really make a big difference regarding the choices they make when it comes to nature. Hopefully we can come together and preserve the beautiful nature. :) Have you ever interacted with Morten D.D Hansen? You have different backgrounds but you seem to share a mission of getting people into nature. :)
Morten Hilmer well I have always wanted to visit Denmark and we are staying in an old farm house. I can see why your passion is wildlife photography because I have spotted so many deer already. Any foods you recommend?
Hi Morten, I have a question regarding tripods and gimbal heads. I have just recently bought the Leofoto LN-404 tripod (which is the biggest one they make with the top leg diameter of 40mm) together with the Leofoto PG-1 gimbal head. What I would like to know is, is it normal to have some vibrations before you press the shutter? To be honest, I was quite surprised, I thought it would be dead still given how heavy the hardware is. To add, I don't even have a heavy setup, for now I am shooting with a Canon 90D (with a battery grip) paired up with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. If it is natural, my next question would be what do you expect the difference in hit rate to be (roughly of course) between hand-holding this setup vs using the tripod (since obviously you will have to turn off the IS when using the tripod)?
Hi, Morten 👍🏻👍🏻 I am enjoying your photographers Friday, I look forward to seeing more adventures, also I’m still trying to decide on a tripod I have been looking at the different Manfrotto carbon fiber tripods for my Canon 80D. Thanks for sharing, enjoy and have a Great weekend !!! Danny
Awesome as usual, are you planning a film about the flint napping? I think the idea of getting the kids involved is so good. Keep it up, cant wait for the next video
I can confirm your comments regarding the Arca ballhead & the Gimbal I have both. I used the Wimberley Gimbal for sports photography it was perfect (I was using a 400mm f2.8). Though for birds in flight I much preferred the mobility of handholding though with age this has converted me to Olympus away from Canon simply because of the weight & the mobility of the lighter lenses.
Going beyond a simple gear review to a heart-warming story of story-telling to little kids and inspiring the next generation to feel what it is like to be content with the simplest things in life! Just amazing to see your good works Morten. Thank you for another amazing video.
That's what caught me, too. I was listening to the tripod head reviews, but was captivated by the community building and education at the end. Thank you!
Thank you, Morten.
Always a pleasure having a coffee with you ;).
I own the Leofoto LH-55 Ballhead which is a fraction of the cost to the reallyrightstuff and I love the 55mm dia ball.
What I find is that the actual stem (the neck from the ball to the swiss arca mount) is much thicker on 55mm ball heads and that is my real reason for going so big.
There are of course many other options and choices but in general I like optimizing stability over light weight even when travelling.
Good gear pays you back.
I could listen to you talk about just about anything for however long :) . You just have a way of telling your stories and explaining things. Can't wait for the next one!
As I watch, I keep wanting to hit the like button, but then I realize I already hit it LOL
Oh you are so nice. Such a lovely comment. Thank you very much:)
These videos are what got me into Wildlife photography. Keep up the good work Morten!
Great video as usual. I'd just like to add that a geared head can be best for many forms of macro photography. The problem with even the best ball heads is that if you frame a macro subject, close to 1:1 or greater, and then take your hand away, the whole thing droops causing the framing to change. So you end up having to try and position the framing over what you want, when so it droops, it droops into your desired position. Whereas with a geared head this doesn't happen as you don't have to touch the camera and lens, and so you get perfect framing. It's especially successful using live view.
This droop is not caused by the ball head slipping as many people think, so cannot be solved by getting a better ball head. What causes it is slight flex in the lens, the tripod to camera attachment, the lens tripod collar etc. At normal distances this isn't noticeable, but the higher magnification, the more this effect occurs. It was a revelation when I used a geared head, because it makes the framing so much easier. The main drawback is that geared heads are not good all round tripod heads and can be flower to frame your subject. In other words it is a specialist thing for when you are framing small subjects on a tripod. Having a lens with a tripod collar is also much better for this type of photography.
Thank you so much Stephen - that is really useful information. I did not even know about these heads so that is so great, you are taking your time to explain. I will try to look it up:)
Just looked it up, and now I understand. It was just a matter of translation. Yeah I do have such a head, but never use it. Now I understand, what is is really good for. Thanks Stephen.
Yep, a geared head and a macro rail so [should you choose to] you can stack.
Please keep at it Morten. I look very forward to watching your videos. I recently returned from a trip to Ireland and the wildlife there is all around you, all the time. I had a great experience with a Robin, while I was getting a photo he started jumping around my feet and I just had to set the camera down and enjoy his company.
Sounds so great. I have never been there, but one day I will go. Thanks for your nice comment:)
Would have subscribed twice once I heard you talking so passionately about being involved in primitive skills and teaching.
how is called ring which allows to rotate camera in vertical position?
Workshop for the children sounds great. Very valuable for them.Brilliant.Fiend of mine has just finished a three year degree in Experimental Archaeology. He has just started do some children's workshops around similar ancient skills on a small scale.
I absolutely love your enthusiasm and desire to share your knowledge and experience. The world needs more people like Morten Hilmer. Thank you.
You're just a big kid at heart - I get much joy out of watching your videos, thanks.
Morten, I think it is wonderful that you are passionate about teaching young kids about how people used to live! I am sure they will have an experience they will take with the for the rest of their lives!! I would LOVE to see video/photography of your interaction with the children!!!
I can listen to you talk all day...absolutely love your videos and stories within them.
To heck with the coffee, the cameras/lenses & tripods are the good things I'm envious of!
Apart from the technical part, what a joy to hear you talking so passionately about that stone age thing!
Great video Morten! Interesting to hear you take on all the different heads and possible combinations and hacks. Personally, I prefer a video head for all my wildlife photography. I have the Manfrotto MVH500AH. It is smaller and more compact than the one you have, so it is easier to travel with. I do shot quite a bit of video and it is perfect for keeping the camera absolutely still. But I also prefer it for still photography. One reason being that I often photograph owls in low light conditions. Therefore, I need a longer exposure to get enough light to keep the ISO down. The MVH500AH is perfect because I keeps the camera and less totally locked in on the subject so you can avoid all shake, etc. So I use my video head for everything I do. For landscape I just pop on a small ball head on top of the video head and I works great. Thanks again!
Hi Morten i know im a bit late to the table but you should hav a look at the sachtler fsb8 head i use it for 600 lens for video and as a gimball perfect for both . it will ballence and stay put no problem . its also the best built and smoothest head iv evey felt thanks ;
Morten, Have you not yet picked up a Wimberley sidekick? - Great compromise between the ball-head and gimbal especially when you are travelling. Good run-through of different options, now days I'm always pushpin to find lighter and smaller solutions as well, however nothing beats the big systematic for long lenses. Keep up with the videos, Cheers, Tom
Coffee time 👍😉
Yes it is:)
Did you see the fake sound bite he put in "pouring.wav"
I hate try hards
Morten your passion is infectious, I could listen to you all day, the children could not have a better teacher, I look forward to seeing your next video cheers my friend.
I saw this pop up on my notifications last night and started to watch the video; I was in so pain because I'm ill. So glad to watch it now!!!
It's neat to see you fired up about teaching the kids. Sounds like you'll have more fun than the kids. Good job.
I might be a couple of years late to the party however I totally enjoyed the passion you put into your video. Great insight on the tripod heads then the excitement of your planning for the visit of the young children. Your planning to be in costume, relay a story, hands on art work, and an amulet they make and keep, those can make lasting memories. I’ve always thought if out of a group of children or adults if I can make a small lasting impression, inspire even one to to open their thoughts for the future it’s a success. Wonderful
Coffee or no coffee, I found this a very helpful video. Thank you.
Hey Morten. I use the same Manfrotto Head with the same disadvantage of having a different quick release plate, so i took a MENGS CL-120 Arca Base and adapted it onto the Manfrotto plate. Now the problem is solved and it works fine for me.
Alex
Yeah ok, no way I’m watching a 30min video about tripod heads.
*watches a 30min video about tripod heads*
I like your style dude, super helpful video.
Thank you.
I always watch longer videos at 1.5-2x speed😁
I got to about 2:20 in and realized that I needed to refill my coffee... After a short pause, I was right these with you sipping my cup of coffee. That for sharing a cop, and lots of great video content with me.
Morten I started to follow your channel because I wanted to learn something about wildlife photography. Its not that I don't learn anything, far from that - but I keep coming back not because of the photography. I keep coming back because you are so passionate, honest and so very open in all your videos an there is something warm and magical about them for me. Thank you for that and please keep it up. On a side note, heavy coffee drinker here as well, I just wondered what coffee brand do you personally prefer :)
That sounds like an awesome day foe the kids.
I paused your video and made a cup of tea for myself 😉 love your video and love your mug, Morten.
That is so great to her. I would have done the same - definitely:) The mug is from Scotland
...dear humble Morten, never say sorry for this kind of LOVELY videos, we have to be so grateful about them and share with all the audience the TRUTH of your experiences and of course, parts of your life not related to photography which makes YOU be YOU... so THANKS for this one.
See you out there....
I’m glad I stayed and listened to the rest of your video. It’s good to know you are so multitalented! Thanks for the advice about tripod heads as well. I just bought the Tamron 150-600 and I want a different tripod head. I’ll probably buy the gimbal head to accommodate that lens. Otherwise I have a collection of ball heads including 2 inverted ball head designs.
Inspirational, like the mix between tech and passion for nature
Morten, don't ever apologize for the length of your videos. You are always helpful, interesting and a great story teller. It would be really great if you could film the upcoming experience with the kids and post to RUclips, (with the parents permission of course).
Hey Morten, I have the same problem and I resolved it by attaching an Arca-Swiss Clamp to my Manfroto Plate and that way I can switch without having to use two different styles of plates..... Great Video as always!!
Oh that is a great idea. But how did you attach it. Did you find some kind of adaptor or did you just use a screw?
@@MortenHilmer Kirk makes a Arca swiss quick release bridge plate for the MVH502AH
AS always love watching your videos, having my coffee 2. Love your little personal story at the end with the kids. Don't forget to take a photo with your outfit on.
Thanks for your in depth review of these Tripod heads. Your review helped me choose which one to finally purchase. I appreciate your time and expertise! Best wishes for continued success.
I used to switch from still to video a lot. I put a dove tail plate on the bottom of my fluid head. I could lock down my ball head and slide the video head on it. "Stacking my heads". It's not perfect but it got me through. Thank you.....
Love your personality and all of your videos keep it up man
Thank you so much Ravon:)
RRS prices are going through the roof, just bought myself a Leofoto LH-55 ballhead and all I can say is, "wow, wow, wow! Extremely well built and sturdy. 10 years guarantee and... a at least a third of the price of the BH-55!!!
Fantastic explanation of a nuanced difference between the uses of the heads. Really informative, thanks Morten. Enjoy the kids workshop!
Watching your videos, I always have ready my cappuccino coffee. Thank you your videos are very informative.
What a smashing bloke ... Respect
I forgot to say, that your pictures and films are outstanding! Great Job! Im following you since months.
I agree - if one head, than a ballhead. I own a Linhof Profi IV since 93 - it looks horrible, or let say very used, but still works perfect!
The Manfrotto video head has a friction/balance adjuster to stop it returning. I do have one, but I use it very little for photography, but a lot for mounting a telescope on for bird watching.
Hi Morton... Around 24:00 you are asking for a quick mount solution for the manfrotto plate against arca swiss... my suggestion is to just screw a cheap arcaswiss mounting plate on the manfrotto plate. This way you can leave the manfrotto plate on the head and just attach the arcaswiss plates to the preattached mounting plate.
pff why do i like this videos so mutch? keep on doing this!!!
Your adventure on Monday sounds fascinating. I'm sure the children will have fun and hopefully learn about living with and in nature. When I was in my teens I wanted to run away to the woods and build myself a shelter and live in nature. The only thing that kept me at my parents house was my electric guitar! :-)
The Wimberley Sidewinder works well with that ball head. I’ve even used it with my 600 f/4. Not ideal, but doable. Works much better than mounting camera body to my gimbal. BTW, I mount long lenses on the same side as you.
Thanks ISO Awe - I have often had the sidewinder in mind but I haven't bought it you. I really appreciate your input - interesting. Happy to have a "wrong side of the gimbal" friend;)
@@MortenHilmer ...Wimberley Sidekick is DEFINITELY a worthwhile purchase. Make that three of us ("wrong-side outlaws"), lol!! Have a superb day!
Ah you just mention ball head as bh55. Once again I didn’t wait for the end...really cool that you wild craft food and work work with kids and do flint knapping.
If you're willing to lose pan/tilt resistance adjustment, you can get the MVH500AH fluid head and the Kirk replacement top plate that converts it to arca swiss style. The clamp on the Kirk plate also rotates, so it can be used with L brackets and long lenses. It should also make it possible to balance long lenses. You could also probably keep your fluid head and make a new top plate pretty easily with a sturdy piece of aluminum with an arca style clamp attached to it. If it's built the same as the MVH500AH, there are just 4 bolts that hold the whole top plate on.
Hi Morten,
Thanks for the great video.
You asked, so...
The solution to the incompatible quick release platform on the Manfrotto head is to buy a different brand of fluid head that uses an Arca-compatible design. Or, in some cases it's possible to replace the platform on Manfrotto heads with one that can accommodate Arca. I've done that with an older Manfrotto ballhead, but don't know if it's possible with the head you have. Kirk Photo, Hejnar Photo, RRS, Wimberley and some others make replacement Arca platforms. A third possibility is an adapter... One side fits the Manfrotto, the other provides the Arca platform. Adapters aren't my favorite solution because they add a little bulk, weight and create another connection that might loosen at the wrong time. When I've had to use one, I've drilled and tapped it for a second fastener and used string red Loctite to make it as permanent and secure as possible.
The "thing" right atop your tripod is called a "leveler" or a "leveling platform". I use them, too, on both my tripods that I use with gimbals. They are very helpful if you frequently move the tripod, for quick re-levelling. They add about 1 lb. weight, but are worth it IMO. There are levelers like yours, designed to replace the plain plate in the top of a systematic style tripod (no center column), with the handle protruding below. There is also a style that works on top of a center column, where the release handle or lever is off to the side. A bonus with the Gitzo levelers I use is that they have a lever in the side to lock the head in place, making head seaps easy without need for any tools.
I've got one tripod set up with a Kirk BH-1 ballhead and a Wimberley Sidekick gimbal adapter, which you mention but didn't show. The advantage of that is that swapping back and forth between large teles with a tripod collar and smaller lenses is as simple as using the adapter in the ballhead for the big lens or removing it to use the ballhead alone in a more normal manner with smaller lenses. That tripod is my pimary one, that has gone out with me on virtually every shoot for the last 20 years.
I have another, identical tripod (with leveled, etc.) set up with a full size gimbal like your Wimberley WH-200 (but a different, less expensive brand), which is dedicated to use only with long telephotos with collars.
The Sidekick provides tilt axis, same as full size gimbal... But the ballhead to which the Sidekick attaches provides the panning axis. I've often used it with a 500mm that weighs close to 8 lb. and occasionally with even heavier lenses. I've seen people using Sidekicks regularly with 600mm like yours, though Wimberley recommends heavier lenses be put on the full size head, instead.
Weight of the Sidekick and heavy duty ballhead is about the same as your full size Wimberley head alone. Some other full size gimbal are now offered that she'd a little weight either with skeletonized design or carbon fiber construction. (Beware, though, some of the cheaper ones are just metal covered with a layer of carbon fiber for appearances, that actually weigh more.)
I use both gimbals often with 100-400mm zoom, 300mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4 lenses... Plus camera and grip, sometimes with extenders, flash and flash bracket. 10 lb.+ is no problem. Occasionally I have even used with 600mm and 800mm, too.
Another small benefit I discovered with the Sidekick is that since it's a side-mount, with smaller lenses I can use it to put my camera into portrait orientation and don't need an expensive, bulky L-bracket on my camera. I just have a fitted Arca compatible bottom plate on it instead.
I have thought a good deal about swapping between quick-release plates, and the only answer I can think of is to have a custom clamp on your head that would let you stack a CINE plate on top of an Arca plate (for example). The clamp would basically be compatible with one type of plate, but would let you leave a second plate screwed onto the bottom. The second plate wouldn't need to get clamped to, but it would let you put a smaller plate on beneath and not require swapping. That is when a good chunk of money goes over to your local machinist, and you get yourself a custom head. haha
Coffee time with Morten! great to see this style of video again mate. Thanks for the advice, I'm on the search for a nice head for my 500mm!
Roy Cardiff I have my COFFEE ready keep up the good work
Thanks Morten for all the great advice. I hope you really enjoy your weekend & have a wonderful time being a caveman.
I'm with you on which side of the camera to put the wimberly knobs. I also was told I have them on the wrong side and just had to chuckle and say "no, I don't" and explain why. Funny thing is I could see the recognition in their eyes, but they kept doing it on the other side because it's how some famous photographer does it. Ooh well, to each they're own I suppose.
Nice Demonstration of Tripod heads but Specially I liked the last part of your discussion about your planing for kids ... Our future generation ... That is admirable. Cheers!!
I too use the Manfrotto mvh502, but I find it just as easy to slide and lock the plate to get an equal balance as I do the gimbal style!
Another great video my friend!
Exactly the video I was hoping for! It's a really tough question and can be a bit expensive to get the right one. 👍👍😍
Yeah Joseph - it is not easy. And further more lots of new heads are hitting the market every year. So the challenge is to get a perfect quality head to a fair price:)
Hey Morten. I didn't read all the comments in case somebody already suggest that but for your video head maybe you can try and fit permanently on to the head this : iShoot 3950MFT Clamp Adapter Converter for 39mm Arca-Swiss Fit Camera Quick Release Plate for Manfrotto Gitzo Tripod Fluid Head, (35-40$ at Amazon) to avoid the extra plate in the collar of your 600mm...
God bless you for kindness and sharing of your wonderful presentation.
I am well set up in the Manfrotto camp. For my gimbal I just fitted an adapter plate system. Simple, same on my 502 video head.
"You know that feeling when you are having something nice..." LOL!! I had to put your video on pause and make myself an espresso after your comment. :D
You're a good man, Morten. Have fun playing Stone Age Man for the children!
Great video. you should try RRS FG-02 FLUID-GIMBAL HEAD, it will solve all the panning issue and lens plate issue
Fantastic video! I just got this Manfroto fluid head, so I am glad to see it in your video.
Yes I don't know why it is so HARD for Nikon and Canon to put an arca swiss on their telephoto lens.No Brainer.Good review Morten 👍👍
Great stuff again Morten !!!
Excellent review of tripod heads. I was excited about the BH-55 until I discovered the cost is between US$400 and US$700! (I am not sure why there is such a price spread). Keep the great videos coming.
I screw a RRS B2-LLR-II: Lever-Release Clamp onto the Manfrotto plate to solve the video head problem you mentioned. So the Arca Swiss lens foot always stay on my long lenses and there is no need to change the foot in using different tripod heads.
I’m lucky that I don’t carry my tripods, either the car or my mobility scooter carry it for me so I can have the extra stability an aluminium one gives me. All my digital cameras have L brackets as I like Arca Swiss attachments, but I use a pan and tilt head for my Bronica.
I have a side kicker gimbal head which I find a lot easier with my difficulties. My two smaller heads are Manfrotto and I adapted my ballhead myself to Arca. My gimbal is an old Benro, in fact all my heads are old and if you look after them and keep them clean, all the screws tight and sensible machine oiling they last forever.
I do have another larger ballhead I keep on my monopod that can hold a larger weight, but I rarely use it to be honest.
As always a superb video Morten, thank you!
Thank you for the video. The tip for how to use a ball head with long telephoto lenses saved me some money. I did not realize it could be used like that, and was already hunting for something new. I will give the ball head a second chance. With my "lightweight" micro four thirds lens, being off-center won't be a problem. P.S. Those ideas for a stone age activity with children sounded like fun!
Morten your videos are looking really good nowadays, super crisp, the content is fantastic as always, please make more :D
Morten...so enjoy your videos. You have such a passion for nature. Please keep putting them up. By the way last year I went to Ecuador to photo birds. You will have a blast!
Morten, thank you for sharing your knowledge on tripod heads. Superb overview of the options on the market. I ended up going with the Really Right Stuff Ball Head for my telephone lens. Will get a Gimbal down the track.
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing
Hi Morgan. You are little crazy but I like hearing Your stories and when you’re talking about wildlife photos. Sorry my English isn’t good 🙃. You live in Denmark 🇩🇰 I in Netherlands 🇳🇱. Maybe you doing small workshop about wild birds 🦅. In NL we’ve a lot of amazing birds. Have a nice weekend.
Thank you so much Wojslaw for your kind message. I have never done a bird course in English, but maybe next summer:) A great weekend to you as well
What a nice guy you are Morten, good luck in all you do. Very informative video will help me in selecting the best head for me.
I position my gimbal head on the right side, as well. It works!
Super god video Morten...forsæt endelig med dine fredags videoer.
Love the"Photographers Friday" again you have shared your knowledge and experience with all of us in a way that is truly enjoyable. Hope you don't mind that I had my lunch while watching 😋. As always looking forward to your next adventure. Thank you so much for sharing.
Great one again, tack!
Great vid Morten... thank you for sharing and hello from Jamaica
Awesome stuff as always! Great info on the tripod heads! And I hope you do some video of the stone age stuff to share, as that sounds awesome too! Cheers!
Hey Morten,
I think your videos a great, you really inspire me to get out there and ry to capture some images, maybe someday I’ll show them to you. Could you do a video on your stone age technology? A wild life photography in the stone age? Or something like that...
Thanks a lot David for such a nice and encouraging comment. Haha I don't know about such video even though it would be a lot of fun. I might start out a little softer with some bushcraft. Then maybe one day we can shoot some bow and arrow and make a flint dagger:)
Really nice and instructive video about the pros and cons of different heads. Could you please give some detail about your levelling base?
Hello there dear Morten, was Waiting for you to upload a Video, oh wait a 33min video, ok let me first make a coffee for this BRB.
Haha - yeah that is a lot of talking. Hope you can use it for something.
Yes brother this was very useful, I got to know a lot of info about heads, as I don't even yet own a tripod I always wanted a tripod that can takes a bold head thank u for passing all those information, and btw I loved your stone age custom it inspired me to have me own one day because I love exactly what ur welling to do this coming Monday, waiting for more my friend.
I feel quite lucky that we have a few different nature loving people here in Denmark, whether it's you, Morten Hilmer or someone like Morten D.D Hansen - because you both manage to reach out to people with your enthusiasm, and that can really make a big difference regarding the choices they make when it comes to nature. Hopefully we can come together and preserve the beautiful nature. :)
Have you ever interacted with Morten D.D Hansen? You have different backgrounds but you seem to share a mission of getting people into nature. :)
Great video! And your plan for the kids’ outing sounds wonderful.
Thanks for sharing. What size of ball head I should take? I’m using Sony A7R4 + 200-600 lens.
I’m actually in Denmark right now in Sønderborg. First time here and it is so beautiful! Love your videos Morten. I’ve learned a lot!
Thank you so much Mike. What are you doing in Sønderborg?
Morten Hilmer well I have always wanted to visit Denmark and we are staying in an old farm house. I can see why your passion is wildlife photography because I have spotted so many deer already. Any foods you recommend?
You are such an inspiration for life. Thank you.
I love the way you, explain things and analyses what you are talking about
Hi Morten, I have a question regarding tripods and gimbal heads. I have just recently bought the Leofoto LN-404 tripod (which is the biggest one they make with the top leg diameter of 40mm) together with the Leofoto PG-1 gimbal head. What I would like to know is, is it normal to have some vibrations before you press the shutter? To be honest, I was quite surprised, I thought it would be dead still given how heavy the hardware is. To add, I don't even have a heavy setup, for now I am shooting with a Canon 90D (with a battery grip) paired up with the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. If it is natural, my next question would be what do you expect the difference in hit rate to be (roughly of course) between hand-holding this setup vs using the tripod (since obviously you will have to turn off the IS when using the tripod)?
Hi, Morten 👍🏻👍🏻 I am enjoying your photographers Friday, I look forward to seeing more adventures, also I’m still trying to decide on a tripod I have been looking at the different Manfrotto carbon fiber tripods for my Canon 80D. Thanks for sharing, enjoy and have a Great weekend !!! Danny
Awesome as usual, are you planning a film about the flint napping? I think the idea of getting the kids involved is so good. Keep it up, cant wait for the next video
Such a brilliant video, so much honest and useful information - Thanks very much for taking the time
I can confirm your comments regarding the Arca ballhead & the Gimbal I have both. I used the Wimberley Gimbal for sports photography it was perfect (I was using a 400mm f2.8). Though for birds in flight I much preferred the mobility of handholding though with age this has converted me to Olympus away from Canon simply because of the weight & the mobility of the lighter lenses.
Hola, con Olympus usando el 300f4 que tipo de rótula usa? Para fauna y aves ?
Estoy dudando entre gimbal, rótula del bola o rótula de vídeo.