MH-100 Wimberley MonoGimbal Head with Oly 100-400

My $0.02 is a simple tilt head is adequate for a tele lens with collar on a monopod, such as the 100-400, 300 Pro and 150-400 Pro (I have just the prime). It makes for a simple and robust connection with the weight centered over the monopod, regardless of orientation.

Camera and lens lacking a tripod collar might call for a ballhead (or other way to flop the camera to portrait) but I only use a monopod with teles.

The Arca-Swiss grooves are a big help, making a better connection between lens and head.

I do have a gimbal head that came with a verrrry long plate to help with balancing. That I only use on a tripod, it's too ungainly for a monopod.

Good luck!

Rick

Tom899 wrote:

Has anyone used a MH-100 Wimberley MonoGimbal Head on a monopod with their Oly 100-400?

I'm thinking about getting the MH-100, but my question is: Should I also order the Wimberley P-30 Lens Plate for proper balancing? Or, will the 100-400 on my EM1-Mk III balance fine without the plate?

I know I could just order the MH-100 and try it out, but thought if anyone has this setup it might save me having to order twice.

Thanks,

Depends on your camera.  The E-M1X is a bit too heavy, and you have to get it so close to the MH-100 that your hand might not fit, especially with the lens at 100mm.  But the balance doesn't change much when zoomed to 400mm.

The E-M1.3 however, balances much better; leaves room for my hand to hold the grip.

There is very little adjustment needed to balance the 100-400 at different focal lengths because the lens is very light on the front.

You definitely don't need the lens plate.

Normally, I use the 300mm with TC on the E-M1x and the 100-400 on the E-M1.3 sans grip.

BTW, the E-M1X with 300mm with or without TC balances with proper spacing for to hold the grip.

Tom899 wrote:

Here's a picture of the MH-100 with a G9 and PL 100-400. Using lens/camera on the right, it appears to not be in the way of the grip?

There are many reviews, here's one I just randomly picked one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqyqZb7-L_A

I mount it on the other side, so I can control the zoom and focus rings with my left hand and control the camera with my right hand.  That puts the camera grip close to the mount.

Mounted as shown in this picture, I don't know how you get to the lens because the monopod is in the way.

Tom899 wrote:

john isaacs wrote:

Tom899 wrote:

Here's a picture of the MH-100 with a G9 and PL 100-400. Using lens/camera on the right, it appears to not be in the way of the grip?

There are many reviews, here's one I just randomly picked one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqyqZb7-L_A

I mount it on the other side, so I can control the zoom and focus rings with my left hand and control the camera with my right hand. That puts the camera grip close to the mount.

Mounted as shown in this picture, I don't know how you get to the lens because the monopod is in the way.

I see what you mean, I will have to wait until I get it to try all positions. I will be using an E-M1 III

Thanks!

Before you get the Wimberly, just try an Arca Ball Head on a monopod, tilt the ball head over 90 degrees, and use it like you would the Wimberly.   That will show you how it will mount and handle.

Note: if you intend to pick up the camera/lens with the monopod attached, then with the Wimberly I recommend keeping the lens tripod collar loose (but with a ball head, keep it tightened).