Wimberley F-9 flash bracket for Wimberley Head Version II

Wimberley F-9 Flash Bracket for Wimberley Head Version II, for telephotography that just works

When you’re working with long focal lengths and want your flash to always hit where the action really happens, the Wimberley F-9 Flash Bracket plays to its strengths. This flash bracket is specifically designed for the Wimberley Head WH-200 (Version II) and deliberately does not fit the older WH-100 version. It complements the gimbal head so that you get a balanced, stable setup for telephotography without having to cobble things together every time.

The F-9 consists of the Wimberley modules M-3 and M-9, which together form a well-thought-out flash holding system. You mount the bracket directly to the swing arm of the Wimberley Head WH-200. This has a simple but extremely practical effect: even if you change lenses, the flash bracket remains assembled and correctly positioned. No fiddling, no readjusting after every lens change.

Made in USA, rugged precision for tough everyday photography

The Wimberley F-9 Flash Bracket is manufactured in the USA and is clearly designed for professional use. The aluminum parts are made from 6061 T6 aluminum, a material proven in aerospace engineering. They are matte black anodized to minimize reflections and keep your setup unobtrusive in the field. The locking screws are made of stainless steel and designed so that they cannot be lost. You screw them open, screw them closed, but they won’t just fall off into the grass or sand.

The individual components of the Wimberley Flash Brackets are rugged yet pleasantly lightweight. The complete F-9 system weighs only about 227 g. For a setup with large telephoto lenses, gimbal head, and flash, this is a detail you will really appreciate after a long day outdoors.

Flash bracket for Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II, cleverly mounted on the swing arm

Instead of hanging somewhat awkwardly off the camera, the Wimberley F-9 is mounted directly to the swing arm of the Wimberley Head WH-200. This keeps the flash in a constant relation to the optical axis of your telephoto lens, no matter how you pan the head. Especially with moving subjects such as birds in flight or wildlife at dusk, this is extremely helpful because the light angle remains stable.

Another advantage of this mounting method: when changing lenses you don’t have to remove the flash bracket. Your flash stays in place, the bracket remains fixed, and you can focus on what really matters: the subject. In practice, this means fewer interruptions and a much smoother workflow.

Modular Wimberley flash bracket system, M-3 and M-9 working together

The F-9 is part of the modular Wimberley Flash Bracket System. It consists of the M-3 module and the M-9 module, which are perfectly matched to each other. All modules of the Wimberley Flash Brackets are mutually compatible, so you can later expand or adapt your system without having to start from scratch.

The joints and connections are characterized by high rigidity. Once you’ve tightened everything, it stays exactly where it’s supposed to be. There is no unwanted slipping or twisting, even if you frequently pan the setup or shoot in unstable conditions. At the same time, you don’t need any tools for setup and clamping. Everything is operated by hand, quickly and intuitively.

Folds flat, compact to store, flexible to combine

All parts of the Wimberley F-9 Flash Bracket can be folded flat for storage. This may seem like a small detail at first, but it makes a noticeable difference when packing your camera bag. You can easily stow the bracket in one compartment without it taking up much space or snagging on anything.

When folded, the F-9 is also compatible with the Wimberley Sidekick and the Kirk King Cobra. This means you don’t need a completely separate flash bracket system for every setup. You simply take your F-9, fold it accordingly, and continue using it with the respective heads. This saves gear, weight, and ultimately your nerves.

Quick to mount, Arca-style compatible quick release

The Wimberley F-9 uses a slim Arca-style compatible quick release, allowing you to attach and remove the bracket quickly and easily. The slender design ensures that the clamp does not get in the way and integrates smoothly into your existing Arca-style system. Especially if you already work with Arca-style compatible rails and plates, the F-9 fits seamlessly into your workflow.

You don’t need any tools for setup. You attach the bracket, tighten the locking screws by hand, and you’re ready to go. If you want to reconfigure later, you can loosen the connections just as quickly. It’s a system designed for practical use, not for show.

Stability and control, no slipping, no twisting

The joints and connecting parts of the Wimberley F-9 are designed to hold reliably even under intensive use. Once you’ve fixed the flash in the desired position, it stays there. Even with fast pans using the gimbal head or when you move the camera through vertical and horizontal positions, there is no give.

Especially in telephotography, where even small movements cause large changes in angle of view, this stability is crucial. Your flash output remains predictable, the shadow pattern remains controllable, and you can focus on image composition instead of constantly readjusting the bracket.

Light but tough, 227 g for outdoor use

At about 227 g, the Wimberley F-9 flash bracket is remarkably light for its stability. On long outings where you’re carrying a gimbal head, heavy telephoto lenses, and additional accessories, every gram counts. The F-9 integrates pleasantly unobtrusively here, without forcing you to compromise on robustness.

The combination of 6061 T6 aluminum and stainless steel ensures that the system withstands typical stresses in outdoor use. Whether moisture, temperature fluctuations, or frequent assembly and disassembly, the flash bracket is built for continuous operation.

Notes on use with flash cord cables and adapters

All flash brackets from Wimberley, including the F-9, require that you use a suitable flash cord cable or a remote hot shoe adapter. The flash is not operated directly via the camera’s hot shoe, but via an appropriate connection cable that transmits the signals and at the same time gives you more flexibility in positioning the flash.

If you use the Nikon flash cable SC-29 in combination with the M-3 module, you also need the Wimberley FA-11 Flash Adapter. This combination ensures that the cable can be attached neatly and securely to the bracket and that the electrical connection remains reliable. This helps you avoid strain on the cable or wobbly plug connections that could cause problems at the critical moment.

Ideal for telephotography when reach and light need to work together

The Wimberley F-9 Flash Bracket is particularly recommended for telephotography. In this field, you often work with long focal lengths, large distances, and lighting conditions that are not always ideal. A properly positioned flash can make all the difference, for example with birds in the shade, animals at dusk, or distant subjects with strong backlighting.

By mounting it on the Wimberley Head WH-200, the flash stays where you need it, even when you track the subject with fast pans. The result is coherent, controlled light that can significantly enhance your telephoto shots without making the setup unnecessarily complicated.

Summary in everyday use

Ultimately, with the Wimberley F-9 Flash Bracket for the Wimberley Head Version II, you get a well-designed, field-tested tool for demanding telephotography. A modular system made up of the Wimberley modules M-3 and M-9, mounted directly on the swing arm of the WH-200, folding flat for transport and storage, compatible with Sidekick and Kirk King Cobra, made from 6061 T6 aluminum and stainless steel, with an Arca-style compatible quick release, tool-free assembly, and high torsional rigidity.

If you’re looking for a reliable flash bracket system that doesn’t need to be reconfigured with every lens change and is specifically matched to the Wimberley Head WH-200, the F-9 will very likely fit that niche perfectly. No frills, just a solid working tool for photographers who know why they use a gimbal head.