Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Telephoto Lens Support

We test the aluminium Manfrotto 390 Series MK393-H Photo / Movie Kit QR Tripod to see how this tripod performs.

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  Solid construction / metal top section, Quite compact, Reversible centre column, Panning possible with photo/video head, Legs splay to two different angles

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  Very firm locking catches (can be considered a good thing), Pin on quick release plate easily lost, Care needs to be taken when panning

I have a couple of big lenses. A Nikkor 80-400mm and a Nikkor 200-500mm. Either of these paired with a full frame camera (mine is a D810) and you can toss the gym weights. Don't get me wrong, you can shoot these lenses handheld well but for night and/or landscape photography you quickly discover...

Recently purchased the Nikkor 200-500 telephoto zoom lens and needed a tripod and head to handle the lens, which weighs in at a little over 5 lbs. Looked at the Wimberley gimbal head, but couldn't quite bring myself to pony up $600 for it. Found the Manfrotto heavy lens head and decided to try it.

Works as expected, and supports my 150-500 mm lens and camera body in the field and at home on the deck.

I've been happy with the purchase of this support to use with my Canon 70d and Tamron 150-600mm lens. Its worked well, is solidly built and good value for the money. I did finally step up and add the Wimberley WH-200 Head Version II to give me a bit more precision and control, but for the price -...

Built like a tank. Very smooth. Lens balances wellWish it had a azimuth lock.

Great support moves easy and is easy to adjust. Money well spent.

Rock solid on my old studio Bogan tripod

I use the gimbal head on a Zomei tripod rated for 39 pounds of equipment. This heavy telephoto lens support with quick release holds my Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens with a Canon T5i camera with ease. I use it for wildlife photography and birds in flight.

I have had and used this unit for almost ten years and love it! I purchased this when the Wimberly was the only other option in a gimbal head; before China flooded the market with Wimberly knock-offs.I have seen Manfrotto change the name of this head several times.

Mounted this support on Bogen #3021 legs it was easy to change heads.Purchased this for use with Nikon D500 and the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens.Attached the adapter plate to the foot of the lens tripod collar. Would prefer that the mounting screw had a longer threaded section.