Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II ™ telephoto gimbal head (gimbal)

Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II telephoto tilt head, the gimbal classic “WH-200” for heavy telephoto lenses

With the Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II telephoto tilt head you’re getting a true gimbal classic for your camera shelf, developed specifically for long and heavy telephoto lenses. This gimbal head is designed to move lenses up to 800mm f/5.6 in a controlled, smooth and surprisingly effortless way. Instead of fighting against the weight, you balance your setup so that it feels almost weightless.

The WH-200 is an elegant, functional telephoto tilt head whose gimbal suspension lets the axes of rotation pass very close to the center of gravity of camera and lens. This allows you to track your subject comfortably without the system tipping forwards or backwards. Especially in telephoto work such as wildlife, sports or bird photography, this is a real game changer.

Arca compatible, versatile 38 mm dovetail clamp for your entire system

The integrated 38 mm dovetail clamp of the Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II is Arca compatible and therefore extremely flexible in use. According to the manufacturer, the head is Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm dovetail and accepts a whole range of common dovetail profiles. These include Flexshooter 38 mm dovetail, Jobu dovetail, Burzynski dovetail, Berlebach dovetail, Novoflex dovetail, Benro dovetail, Really Right Stuff dovetail, Sirui dovetail, Wimberley dovetail, Pro Media Gear dovetail and Kirk dovetail.

Using the screw clamp of the quick-release, you securely and finely adjust the clamping of your lens plate. The clamp allows you to precisely balance the center of gravity of your system by sliding the lens along the rail. This aligns the optical axis and center of gravity, which is crucial for smooth panning and neutral behavior when you let go.

Manufacture-built, high-quality materials and precise workmanship

The Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II does not feel like a random mass-produced item, but more like a small-batch tool designed for longevity. The housing is made of robust aluminum, while heavily stressed parts such as screws and axles are made of stainless steel. This material combination ensures high stability while keeping the weight moderate.

With a weight of 1.43 kg, a height of 25.1 cm, a width of 23.6 cm, a depth of 8.9 cm and a base diameter of 4.9 cm, the telephoto tilt head is compact enough for transport but solid enough to safely support large telephoto lenses. The 3/8" UNC internal thread at the base fits common, stable tripod platforms used in photography. This ensures that the gimbal head sits firmly and torsion-resistant on your tripod.

Made in USA, proven pro standard for telephoto work

The Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II telephoto tilt head is made in the USA and has been a mainstay for nature photographers, sports photographers and ambitious telephoto enthusiasts for years. Many professionals deliberately choose this gimbal because it is reliable, predictable and very intuitive to use in practice. You can tell from the design that real-world field requirements have gone into it.

Especially during long sessions in a hide, at the racetrack or on the sidelines, it’s crucial that you can operate your setup without physical strain. The WH-200 supports you by distributing the load of the lens cleanly via the gimbal suspension. This lets you focus on composition, timing and focus instead of constantly fighting the weight.

Gimbal head with 360° panning range, fluid movement in all directions

As a classic gimbal or telephoto tilt head, the Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II offers a panning range of 360° and a tilt range of 360°. You can therefore work freely in all directions without hitting mechanical limits. When properly balanced, the movement feels very smooth and controlled.

The gimbal suspension and balancing via vertical and horizontal adjustment allow you to achieve precise weight compensation. Once the center of gravity is correct, the system stays in any position. When you let go of the camera, it does not tip away uncontrollably but reliably remains in the set position.

Operation and friction, one-handed control for right- and left-handed users

The friction of the Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II is designed so that you can operate it with one hand. This is convenient for both right- and left-handed users. Two combined lock and friction adjustment knobs located on one side of the head control tilt and pan. This allows you to fine-tune the movements and handle the head without jerks.

Even when the swing arm’s locking knob is fully opened, the system does not tip away uncontrollably as is known from some ball heads. Instead, the equipment oscillates around the neutral point. This effectively prevents the tripod from toppling over due to a telephoto lens suddenly dropping forward.

Mounting the lens, long dovetail for perfect balance

To safely mount your telephoto lens on the Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II and balance it at its center of gravity, you need a quick-release plate that is as long as possible or a replacement lens foot with a suitable dovetail clamping profile. Using this long rail, you can slide the lens forwards or backwards until the center of gravity lies exactly above the gimbal suspension.

For Canon lenses, Nikon lenses, Sony lenses, Sigma lenses and other lenses, there are suitable lens plates or replacement feet with a 38 mm dovetail profile that work optimally with the WH-200’s screw clamp. This ensures that your setup not only sits securely but can also be moved easily and controllably in practice.

Notes for panorama photographers and camera bodies with a lateral plate

If you want to use a camera body with a camera plate that has a laterally oriented dovetail profile, you will need a suitable adapter for mounting on the Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II. This is where a nodal point adapter or the Wimberley module M-8 as a right-angle adapter comes into play to mount the camera correctly and securely on the gimbal.

Important for panorama photographers: the WH-200’s clamp is not positioned centrally above the vertical axis of rotation. For classic panorama heads, where the optical axis must lie exactly above the axis of rotation, this is a relevant point. For dynamic telephoto work with fast pans, however, this design is absolutely practical and well proven.

Fields of application: telephoto, wildlife, sports and more

The Wimberley Head WH-200 Version II telephoto tilt head is clearly designed for telephoto work. It really plays to its strengths at focal lengths around 400mm, 500mm, 600mm or up to 800mm f/5.6. Subjects such as birds in flight, animals in motion, fast sports or distant details can be tracked precisely with the gimbal head.

Thanks to the well-balanced combination of weight, stability and mobility, the head is suitable both for outdoor use and for stationary work in the studio or in indoor arenas. Once you’ve worked with a properly balanced gimbal like the WH-200, you generally won’t want to go back to a simple ball head.