Gimbal Head
A tripod head that supports a long lens at its centre of gravity, letting it swing weightlessly in two axes.
Measured in
kg (load rating)
In depth
Once balanced, a 5 kg supertelephoto can be moved with a fingertip and will stay wherever it is left, because gravity is no longer pulling it out of position. This makes it the only practical way to track flying birds or track-side motorsport with a long lens on a tripod. It offers no benefit at all with short lenses.
Examples in practice
A 600 mm lens on a balanced gimbal follows an osprey's dive without the photographer bearing any of its weight.