Business Hours:
9:00am-5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday.
Non-Wimberley Plates
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.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
The "Arca-Swiss Style" Quick-Release Geometry refers to the open-cavity dovetail quick-release system developed decades ago by Arca-Swiss for use with their Monoball ball heads and large format cameras. After the extreme popularity of the Arca-Swiss B-1 ball head in the 1990s, other companies began manufacturing custom camera-body and lens plates using this geometry. Since then, this geometry has become the industry standard for high-end tripod heads (particularly in the nature photography industry). The figure below shows the basic dimensions of the dovetail used in this system:
The Wimberley Head Version II, Sidekick, and other clamps use this quick-release system, so any lens that you wish to connect to our heads must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate or replacement foot.
Manufacturers that use the Arca-Swiss Style Quick-Release Geometry include:
Acratech
Arca-Swiss
Foba
Giottos (only on their most recent line of ball heads & plates)
Hejnar
Jobu
Kirk
Markins
Novoflex (only on some of their products)
Promediagear
Really Right Stuff
Studioball
Wimberley
"I'm very happy with the Sidemount conversion kit. Takes away some bulk and weight for traveling." -Jamie Douglas
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1044 grams)
Dimensions: (L x W x H): 9.5" x 2.5" x 7.9"
Weight Capacity: >100lbs (45kg) (Compatible with the largest lenses in the industry)
--Protected by one or more of the following Patents: #7478970 & #7600941--
Tripod Compatibility
The Wimberley Head Version II will fit virtually any tripod, monopod, window or ground pod with a 2 inch (5 centimeter) or larger flat mounting platform and 3/8”-16 mounting stud. The bottom mounting surface of the panning spool is approximately 1.94 in (5 cm) in diameter. If your tripod has a ¼”-20 mounting stud, you can purchase our 3/8”-1/4” brass reducer bushing (BS-100- $3) to insert into the mounting hole of the Wimberley Head, and this will allow you to mount the Head to your tripod. For large lenses (300mm f/2.8 or bigger), the Wimberley Head is ideally mated with the Gitzo line of professional Systematic tripods for maximum stability (see our tripod recommendations). Tripods with center columns are not recommended because they tend to introduce additional flex into the system, which can compromise image quality especially at longer focal lengths. If your tripod has a center column, we recommend that you do not extend the column when using the Wimberley Head.
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 theses lenses can be problematic (even more so on 70-200 f/2.8 and smaller lenses).
Larger Lenses (e.g. 600 f/4, 400 f/2.8 & 800 f/5.6): 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.
(Click Here if you already have a non-Wimberley lens plate or replacement foot.)
P-10 ($52.00) What's Included
3.31" long, 2 screws, anti-twist nubs
Dimensions (Overall L x W x H): 3.31 x 1.5 x .38 in
Weight: 2.3 Oz (plate, mounting screw, stop screw)
P-10 ($52.00) What's Included
3.31" long, 2 screws, anti-twist nubs
Dimensions (Overall L x W x H): 3.31 x 1.5 x .38 in
Weight: 2.3 Oz (plate, mounting screw, stop screw)
This plate (AP-553) has been replaced by the AP-554, which provides a better handle to carry your lens by and is longer, allowing you to balance your lense with lighterweight camera bodies. However, we are still selling the AP-553 as a less expensive & lower profile option for those who have heavier camera bodies (see chart below for campatibility). If you meet the requirements of the compatibility chart below, and want the lowest profile and most ridgid plate possible this plate is a good choice.
The AP-553 does not provide enough length for proper balance when using the certain light weight camera bodies (see chart below). If your lens/camera combo is not compatible, use the new AP-554 foot.
Lens
Compatible Bodies
Incompatible Bodies
Nikon 500 AF-S I & II
Cameras + battery 30oz or heavier (including the D300)
Camera + battery lighter than 33oz (e.g. D90, D7000, D5000 & D3000)
Nikon 500 AF-S VR
Cameras + battery 34oz or heavier (D3 and similiar pro bodies)
Camera + battery lighter than 34oz (e.g. D300, D90, D7000 D5000 & D3000)
Camera + battery lighter than 25oz (e.g. D5000 & D3000)
The "Arca-Swiss Style" Quick-Release Geometry
The "Arca-Swiss Style" Quick-Release Geometry refers to the open-cavity dovetail quick-release system developed decades ago by Arca-Swiss for use with their Monoball ball heads and large format cameras. After the extreme popularity of the Arca-Swiss B-1 ball head in the 1990s, other companies began manufacturing custom camera-body and lens plates using this geometry. Since then, this geometry has become the industry standard for high-end tripod heads (particularly in the nature photography industry). The figure below shows the basic dimensions of the dovetail used in this system:
The Wimberley Head Version II, Sidekick, and other clamps use this quick-release system, so any lens that you wish to connect to our heads must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate or replacement foot.
Manufacturers that use the Arca-Swiss Style Quick-Release Geometry include:
Acratech
Arca-Swiss
Foba
Giottos (only on their most recent line of ball heads & plates)
Hejnar
Jobu
Kirk
Markins
Novoflex (only on some of their products)
Promediagear
Really Right Stuff
Studioball
Wimberley
About Wimberley Replacement Feet
These custom low-profile replacement feet replace the factory foot on the rotation collar of your lens and also serve as the Arca-Swiss style quick-release plate for your lens. No additional quick-release plate is needed. It makes your lens handle better on a conventional tripod head, such as a ball head, and also makes it easier to pack.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
These spacer plates attach to the bottom of the Sidekick,
offsetting it to accommodate larger lenses. Some lenses may require the use of spacers on the Sidekick and Sidemount for more efficient function. Check the lens plate recommendation chart to see if your lens requires this.
BS-100 - 3/8" to 1/4" Brass
Reducer Bushing ($3.00)
Lens feet with larger 3/8" mounting holes require insertion of a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer bushing to fasten our plates using these holes.
SW-100 - Extra Screw for Lens Plates ($1.00)
Our Lens Plates attach with 1/4"-20 captive screws. This screw is used for lenses that may require more screws than are included in our products packaging. Also purchase if you need to replace a lost or damaged screw.
1/4-20 x 1/2" (.5)
Custom Captive Hex Button Head Cap Screw (5/32" hex drive)
SS-100 - Spotting Scope Screw ($1.00)
The SS-100 is used to mount lens plates to spotting scopes or telescopes.
1/4-20 x 7/16" (.44) Custom Captive Hex Button Head Cap Screw (5/32" hex drive)
Wimberley, Inc.
1750 Broadway Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
USA
Business Hours:
9:00am-5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday.
The "Arca-Swiss Style" Quick-Release Geometry
The "Arca-Swiss Style" Quick-Release Geometry refers to the open-cavity dovetail quick-release system developed decades ago by Arca-Swiss for use with their Monoball ball heads and large format cameras. After the extreme popularity of the Arca-Swiss B-1 ball head in the 1990s, other companies began manufacturing custom camera-body and lens plates using this geometry. Since then, this geometry has become the industry standard for high-end tripod heads (particularly in the nature photography industry). The figure below shows the basic dimensions of the dovetail used in this system:
The Wimberley Head Version II, Sidekick, and other clamps use this quick-release system, so any lens that you wish to connect to our heads must be equipped with an Arca-Swiss style lens plate or replacement foot.
Manufacturers that use the Arca-Swiss Style Quick-Release Geometry include:
Acratech
Arca-Swiss
Foba
Giottos (only on their most recent line of ball heads & plates)
Hejnar
Jobu
Kirk
Markins
Novoflex (only on some of their products)
Promediagear
Really Right Stuff
Studioball
Wimberley
Dealer Service Levels
As Ordered Dealer - Dealer orders Wimberley products when the customer places an order with the dealer. Dealer may drop ship orders to the customer through Wimberley as needed (USA only).
Full Service Dealer - Dealer stocks at least one of each Wimberley product for immediate purchase. Dealer places orders in anticipation of low stock. Dealer has a store with regular business hours and provides a floor display and/or equipment to demonstrate Wimberley equipment.
Limited Stock Dealer - Dealer carries a limited supply of popular Wimberley products on shelves and/or in their warehouse. Dealer may have to order less popular items upon customer request. Dealer may or may not have a Wimberley display in the store at this time (call dealer for details).
Online Only Dealer - Dealer has an online store and stocks popular items as needed. Dealer does not have a brick-and-mortar retail store where customers can come and see the products prior to purchase. Dealer provides customer support by email and/or telephone.
No Information Dealer - Dealer has not provided timely information on their current service level. Contact reseller for details on current stock status.
Lens Plate Recommendations
For more information about this chart, click here.
Recommendation List
Click on a lens Manufacturer.
Canon
CANON LENSES
Plate Recommendations for: WIMBERLEY HEAD (WH-200) MONOGIMBAL HEAD (MH-100) And Non-Gimbal Heads (Ball Heads, etc.)
The charts above list the lens plate and additional hardware(if necessary) that we recommend for some of the most common collared lenses. If your lens is not on the list, please contact us and we will be happy to help you find the proper plate. A lens not listed has not been tested.
We try to suggest a plate that will work for all scenarios, but this is not always possible. The balance point of the lens/camera combination is affected by the weight of the camera body and other accessories attached to the lens and each set up is different.
The plates that we recommend should be long enough to:
1.) Properly balance the lens when using our gimbal heads
2.) Allow room to attach a flash bracket to the plate. In some cases, this means that the plate is significantly longer than the foot of the lens.
NOTE: Other manufacturers' plates may not be long enough or dimensionally compatible in order to properly balance your setup. Check the length of the recommended plate in our charts for comparison. If your particular setup does not balance properly using our suggested plate, please contact us right away so that we can help you find a more suitable plate.