Review: Wimberley II vs. Mongoose 3.5

Hi all,

I recently did a little comparo with the Wimberley Wh-200 and Mongoose M-3.5a tripod heads.

I know several others were curious about the same, so I did a writeup and posted to a blog.

http://blog.joemilmoe.com/2009/06/22/su ... se-m-3-5a/

Both systems were informally tested in the field with the 1d3, 800IS and flash mounted.

As always, I'm sure my views conflict with others, so take it for what its worth

Thats a great write up Joe, well done.

Hi,

I've used both and I could not agree more with your review. The Wimberley II is BY FAR a more reliable and user friendly head.

Thank you for sharing!

I have both and each has it's place. When weight is not a consideration, it's the Wimberley. However many of my trips have severe weight restrictions that you simply can not get around. In those situations, the mongoose is an excellent alternative. Similarly, if a lot of hiking is involved, the Mongoose gets the nod. Otherwise, the Wimberley does and personally I liked the way the original Wimberley functioned better than the version 2 except for the weight.

Just curious here E.J., what specifically did you like about the Wimberley I over the II?

I find the panning knob being horizontal more natural than the orientation of the new knob but it isn't that big of a deal - I definitely prefer the lower weight of the new one.

Thanks Aravind! Your advice and encouragement has gone a long way...much appreciated!

Maxis- You were right! I should have just listened the first time you told me

E.J.- If I remember correctly, you'd provided comments on the smaller Mongoose 2.3 head, which (IMO) is not suitable for use with the larger lenses. So, my testing was geared towards an apples-to-apples comparison, while pushing the weight capacity.

Today, folks are starting to use the Mongoose with the larger lenses in the field (600/4, 300-800) with decent results-so YES, there's no arguing the mongoose has its place. Again, the mongoose exceeded my expectations in its ability to support such great weight, but there are many tradeoffs. I simply can't justify ~$2000 in tripod heads, half of which would receive very limited use. Hypothetically, traveling with the mongoose would mean I am limited to using it with just one lens (plate as adjusted to fit), in addition to requiring the 4th gen foot.

In my case, weight is not an issue as the Wimberley gets stowed in a LensCoat pouch, and added to checked luggage. No contribution to carry-on weight requirements.

I am often severely weight and size constrained, which means photography is the second priority and the tripod cannot go at all, hence the need to hand-hold.

I have a Mongoose 3.5 but yes I have said 2.3 is not suitable for large lenses. I personally wouldn't use a 3.5 on a 600 or 800 either bit on the 200-400 or 500 it is fine especially when light weight is needed. I have not experienced the lens foot issue but I use 4th Gen replacement feet on all of my lenses with feet.

Taking a long lens without a tripod is not something I would even consider. Actually I would not even consider going anywhere with a camera and not take at least a light tripod.

I thought I remembered that John Zeiss at 4th Generation Designs made a 90-degree attachment for his 3.5a so the lens actually rests on the platform, instead of being attached at the side. I cannot find the item on their web site, though.

Yep- it was a $220 parallel mounting plate. They called it something like "The last L plate you'll ever need".

I haven't used it, so I can't comment on it. I decided against it for several reasons - cost, added weight, and the fact that it doesn't really serve as an L plate- you'd still need a perpendicular plate (i.e. P-8 or macro rail) to mount a body.

Hello Joe. Even though I much prefer the Mongoose 3a over the Wimberley II, thank you for a wonderfully well thought and balanced report on both heads. I have owned the Wimb I and II and now 2 Mongoose 3a heads, one for me one for my girlfriend. Carrying the rigs in the field is what we do, lots of hiking. So I was thrilled about the Mongoose, still am, and I sold my Wimberleys. Your sports car analogy is exactly what I have experienced, the Mongoose is a flyweight tempermental Ferrari, the Wimberley is the Mac Truck.

Came across this great deal on a used mongoose, and figured I'd share for someone interested. $350 for the head and flash bracket is worth a try for yourself!

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/785676

That's a good deal, the upgrade transformed mine and addressed the issues I had with mine.