The new Wimberley Sidemount Head is a lighter, compact alternative to the full Wimberley Head.
The main casting, pan and tilt mechanisms are identical to the Wimberley Head.
However, the swing arm and adjustable platform are replaced by a sidemounted quick-release clamp. This shaves nearly a pound off the weight and requires mounting the lens sideways as you do with the Wimberley Sidekick.
The same dual screw mounting configuration is used to attach the sidemounted quick-release as is used to attach the swing arm of the full Wimberley Head.
Thus, it is simple to convert the Sidemount
to the full Wimberley Head or vice versa.
Conversion kits for both options are available.
Note: The Sidemount Wimberley Head has a built-in Arca-Swiss style quick-release clamp.
In order to use the head, your lens must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate.
Lens Compatibility Guide
The Sidemount Wimberley Head is ideally suited for lenses similar in size to a 300 f/2.8 or 500 f/4.
Smaller Lenses: Many of our customers use smaller collared lenses on the Sidemount.
However, when used in conjunction with a large, heavy camera body (e.g. a pro body with vertical grip), these lenses can be difficult to balance properly. Generally, 400 f/5.6 and 300 f/4 fixed or zoom lenses with medium-weight camera bodies work well. Heavier camera bodies on these lenses can be problematic (even more so on 70-200 f/2.8 and smaller lenses).
Larger Lenses (600 f/4 & 400 f/2.8): The Sidemount will safely carry the weight of a very big lens. However, in some cases it is necessary to replace the foot of the lens with a low-profile Lens Replacement Foot.
Use the guide below to determine if your lens has special requirements.
If you already have a non-Wimberley lens plate or replacement foot.
A non-Wimberley lens plate or replacement foot may not allow you to achieve optimal balance, thus compromising function of your gimbal head. Arca-Swiss style plates from other manufactures will fit in the Sidekick's quick-release clamp, but in some cases are not the correct size to balance the lens properly.
To judge if your non-Wimberley Arca-Swiss style lens plate is compatible, compare the length of the plate to the recommended Wimberley plate for your lens. If the length is very similar, it should be compatible. For lenses that need a replacement foot to balance, also compare the height reduction of the profile of the lens provided by the replacement foot.
Feel free to contact us if you have questions.
All Makes
300 2.8 lenses > Compatible using the recommended Arca-Swiss style lens plate.
Collared lenses smaller than a 300 f/2.8 > See "Smaller Lenses" above.
Nikon
- 200-400 AF-S------------------------------------------------AP-554 (or AP-902 + P-40)
- 400 2.8 AF-I--------------------------------------------------AP-903 + P-50
- 400 2.8 AF-S I-----------------------------------------------AP-452
- 400 2.8 AF-S II----------------------------------------------AP-452
- 400 2.8 VR---------------------------------------------------AP-452
- 400 3.5 MF-----------------------------------------------------P-30
- 500 4.0 AF-I--------------------------------------------------AP-902 + P-40
- 500 4.0 AF-S I-----------------------------------------------AP-554 (or AP-900 + P-40)
- 500 4.0 AF-S II----------------------------------------------AP-554 (or AP-900 + P-40)
- 500 4.0 AF-S VR--------------------------------------------AP-554 (or AP-900 + P-40)
- 500 4.0 MF-----------------------------------------------------P-30
- 600 4.0 MF---------------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
- 600 4.0 AF-I--------------------------------------------------AP-902 + P-50
- 600 4.0 AF-S I-----------------------------------------------AP-900 & AP-652
- 600 4.0 AF-S II----------------------------------------------AP-452
- 600 4.0 AF-S VR-------------------------------------------AP-452
- 600 5.6 MF----------------------------------------------------P-30
- 800 5.6 MF--------------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
Canon
- 400 2.8-------------------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
- 400 2.8 IS---------------------------------------------------AP-602 (or AP-902 + P-50)
- 400 4.0 DO---------------------------------------------------P-20
- 500 4.0 IS-----------------------------------------------------P-40 + BS-100
- 500 4.5---------------------------------------------------------P-40
- 600 4.0-------------------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
- 600 4.0 IS---------------------------------------------------AP-602 (or AP-902 + P-50)
- 800 5.6 MF-------------------------------------------------Not Compatible
- 800 5.6 IS---------------------------------------------------AP-602 (or AP-902 + P-50)
Sigma
- 120-300 2.8--------------------------------------------------P-20
- 150-500 5.6--------------------------------------------------P-50
- 300-800 5.6-------------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
- 500 4.5 NON-HSM---------------------------------------AP-900 + P-30
- 500 4.5 HSM-----------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
- 800 5.6 HSM-----------------------------------------------AP-900 + P-50
