Wimberley SP-WH-001 platform for WH-200

Wimberley SP-WH-001 Platform for WH-200, precise base for your telephoto gimbal

Sometimes a seemingly inconspicuous component determines whether your setup feels smooth and secure or rather shaky and improvised. The Wimberley SP-WH-001 platform for WH-200 clearly belongs to the first category. It is designed as a precisely fitting replacement for the original quick-release clamp of the Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head and integrates so seamlessly into your existing system that after installation you basically don’t think about it anymore – it just works.

The platform is a precisely manufactured quick-release clamp that, according to the manufacturer, is Arca-style compatible and accepts 38 mm dovetail profiles. For you, this means: you can securely clamp and release suitable lens plates, camera plates or rails with a 38 mm dovetail shape without having to deal with exotic special solutions. This is particularly practical if you are already using an Arca-based system and want to keep your equipment consistent.

Arca compatible, seamless integration into your existing system

The SP-WH-001 platform accepts a 38 mm dovetail that is designed to be ARCA compatible. You can use it as a direct replacement for the quick-release clamp included with the WH-200 gimbal head, without modifications or DIY solutions. In addition, it can be combined with selected heads from Really Right Stuff, Benro and other telephoto tilting heads, provided they have a compatible vertical arm with a 38 mm wide dovetail profile.

In short: if your head has a suitable vertical arm with a 38 mm dovetail, the chances are very good that this clamp can be integrated cleanly. This allows you to expand your existing tripod system without having to buy everything new – a clear plus, especially if you have already invested a lot in high-quality plates and rails.

Manufactured in a workshop, high-quality finish from 6061-T6 aluminum

The SP-WH-001 platform is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a material used in aerospace engineering and professional mechanical engineering. That may sound a bit technical, but it pays off in everyday use: high stability, low weight, very good resistance to deformation. Exactly what you need when heavy telephoto lenses and long focal lengths are involved.

The surface is black anodized, which not only ensures a discreet, low-reflection appearance, but also provides additional protection against corrosion and wear. The anodized layer acts like a thin, hard armor on the metal without noticeably increasing the weight. In tough outdoor use, whether in the rain by the lake, in dust on safari or in the winter dawn in a hide, the platform remains functional for a long time and visually unobtrusive.

Made in USA, robust construction with practical focus

The Wimberley SP-WH-001 is developed and manufactured in the USA, with a clear focus on the rigors of everyday photography. You can tell from the design that it is intended for use with large telephoto lenses: the clamping surfaces are generously dimensioned, the shape is functional and geared towards stability, without unnecessary frills.

Instead of complex mechanisms, Wimberley relies here on a solid screw clamp. This may appear less spectacular at first glance than lever or quick-release systems, but it offers a decisive advantage: you can very finely adjust the clamping force and position the plate steplessly before finally fixing it. Especially with heavy combinations of camera, telephoto lens and possibly a converter, this controlled tightening is a real safety factor.

Screw clamp for precise hold and controlled locking

The SP-WH-001 uses a classic screw clamp as the clamping type. You turn the clamping knob, insert your Arca-compatible plate into the quick-release clamp, position it exactly at the desired point and then tighten. No jerking, no unwanted snapping shut, but a controlled, reproducible lock.

Especially when working with telephoto tilting heads and gimbal heads, this type of clamping is very pleasant. You can calmly balance your camera and lens combination before finally closing the clamp. This minimizes the risk of everything suddenly tipping forward or swinging uncontrollably to the side while you are aligning it. In the field, when it may be windy or you are working on uneven ground, this extra control is worth its weight in gold.

Versatile use with WH-200, Really Right Stuff, Benro and other telephoto tilting heads

The platform is primarily intended as a spare part for the Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head. If the original quick-release clamp is worn out, damaged, or you simply need a second clamp for another setup, the SP-WH-001 fits as a direct replacement component.

Beyond that, you can use it with selected heads from Really Right Stuff, Benro or other telephoto tilting heads, provided they have a vertical arm with a 38 mm wide dovetail profile. This is important: the vertical arm must be designed to be compatible so that the mounting platform sits securely and without play. If that fits, you get a uniform, Arca-based quick-release solution across multiple heads, which noticeably simplifies switching between different tripods or setups.

Stable quick-release clamp for telephoto lenses and heavy setups

The SP-WH-001 is designed as a quick-release clamp that is specially optimized for use with telephoto lenses and long focal lengths. In combination with the WH-200 gimbal head, it enables smooth, almost effortless guidance of heavy optics, while the platform itself ensures the secure hold of the Arca plate.

Thanks to the precise fit of the 38 mm dovetail profile, the plate sits firmly in the clamp without wobbling. The screw clamp ensures that the connection remains stable even with vibrations, panning or fast movements. When you are, for example, tracking birds in flight or photographing fast action in sports, you don’t want to be wondering whether the clamp will hold. It should simply work. That is exactly what this platform is designed for.

Practice-oriented design for nature, sports and travel photography

Whether you are sitting in a hide at dawn, standing on the sidelines of a playing field or traveling with light but stable equipment, the Wimberley SP-WH-001 platform integrates unobtrusively into your workflow. It is not a flashy high-tech gadget, but rather the solid foundation on which the rest of your system is built.

Thanks to the robust 6061-T6 aluminum and the black anodized surface, the platform is excellently suited for outdoor use. It is resistant to typical environmental influences, easy to clean and usually shows only minor signs of wear even after prolonged use. This keeps your gimbal head functional and visually well-kept, even if you use it frequently in the field.