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Home → Reviews → Camera Gear Accessories

Tomahawk Gimbal Attachment

By Tom Redd 17 Comments
Last Updated On July 15, 2019

Years ago after I purchased my first larger lens, a 300 f/2.8, I used it on a tripod with a ball head but it didn’t take me long to realize that this set up was less than ideal. If you shoot frequently with longer telephoto lenses, a gimbal head belongs in your kit. Shooting with a gimbal mount allows more freedom and mobility with the camera/lens than a ball head and it gives your arms a rest from hefting the load. On the other hand, for the price of all the gear you have purchased, you do at least get a free upper body workout. When using a ball head to support a large lens/camera combo, the weight sets on a pedestal on top of the ball head lending itself to having the ball loosen a bit and the lens flopping over. A gimbal allows you to move the gear right to left and up and down all while balanced so as to require minimal effort to maneuver the system as you track your subject. Gimbals can be either side mount or low swing arm/cradle type systems. The side mount gimbals tend to minimize materials and thus size and weight, while the low swing arm/cradle system tends to be larger and heavier with the advantage of being a bit easier to mount and balance. There are also full gimbal heads which will pan both vertically and horizontally and there are gimbal attachments that only tilt in the vertical dimension while relying on a ball head for horizontal panning.

Tomahawk with Camera:Lens mounted on a ball head

Last fall when Nasim and I went to the PhotoPlus Expo in New York, we came across Chicago based ProMediaGear showcasing their innovative products and we were impressed with what we saw. Since I enjoy wildlife photography, I was particularly interested in their gimbal heads of which they have two offerings, a full gimbal called the Katana, which we hope to review in the future, and the Tomahawk, a side mount gimbal attachment which we will review here. I’ve had a chance to use it for a couple of months now and will share my thoughts below as well as some photos at the end of the post taken using the Tomahawk.

Tomahawk Gimbal Attachment on location in the Tetons
Tomahawk Gimbal Attachment on location in the Tetons

Materials and Specifications

A nice thing about this product is that it is designed and manufactured 100% here in the United States by the guys at ProMediaGear. The metal framework was light and yet solid weighing in at 30.4 oz (861 gms) which is a little more than half the weight of a full gimbal and is machined out of anodized T6061 Aluminum. The fit and finish is excellent, when mounted and tightened down, there is no play in the arm and the sealed stainless steel ball bearings make for smooth vertical panning. It incorporates an Arca-Swiss compatible lens mount clamp and has load capacity of 25 lbs. Here are the specs according to ProMediaGear:

Height: 9.72 Inches (246.9 mm)
Length: 5.19 Inches (131.8 mm)
Weight: 30.4 oz (861 gms)
Load Capacity: 25 lbs
Tripod / Monopod Mount: 1/4”-20 Thread

Performance

As mentioned previously, the Tomahawk utilizes a ball head to attach to your tripod and I would advise you to get the sturdiest ball head you can to support the Tomahawk and your gear. With your ball head mounted on the tripod, you will orient the Arca clamp of the ball head as if you were shooting vertical/portrait and secure your Tomahawk into the Arca clamp. The Tomahawk has some safety screws to act as stops to prevent the plate from sliding through the clamp and dismounting if it becomes somewhat loose.

Tomahawk 3/4 View

There are 1/4”-20 treaded holes that you could use to screw the Tomahawk directly to the tripod or a monopod, but I wouldn’t recommend it on a tripod as it’s a smaller diameter screw, it doesn’t allow for horizontal panning and lastly, it’s a considerable amount of weight riding on a smaller, single screw.

Tomahawk with Camera:Lens mounted on a ball head

Once this is assembled, the lens foot is mounted into the Arca clamp of the Tomahawk. This side mount is different from the swing arm mount of most gimbals I’ve used and I thought that I would really dislike it, however after the first try or two you quickly get used to it. You just have to be sure that the lens is seated fully into the clamp and it’s tightened well before letting go. I do wish the Arca clamp knob was a larger rubber type similar (but smaller) to the tilt lock knob. This knurled knob although large, is less comfortable and harder to tighten than the rubber covered knob, especially in cold weather conditions and/or with gloves. I talked to the guys at ProMediaGear about this and they said that they are willing to put a rubberized knob similar to the vertical tilt knob, on your Tomahawk if you ask them. To make that even better, they’ll do it at no charge as long as it’s done at the time of ordering and prior to shipping. Again, I really like the fact that these are made here in the United States and that the manufacturers are willing to listen to requests and suggestions. They may not always be able to accommodate every request but at least they are accessible as opposed to someone in China.

My biggest concern with the side mount style of the Tomahawk was that my 500mm f/4 lens didn’t mount centered over the tripod. This is a variable that will differ depending on the ball head, the height of the lens foot and the diameter of the lens barrel. Obviously, the better that the lens centers over the tripod, the more stable it is. This is a shortcoming of any side mount design, not just the Tomahawk. If your gimbal has a cradle/swing arm, the Arca clamp is centered over the tripod and thus the lens regardless of size or lens foot, will center over the tripod. If your lens is large and off center, you just need to make sure and get all the legs spread to their maximum for stability.

With your gear assembled and mounted on the gimbal and tripod, you’re ready to shoot. The horizontal rotation or panning tension is determined by the ball head and this is where the need for a high quality head will become apparent. A cheap ball head will have more play in it as you loosen the tension on the base to allow for horizontal panning. This play leads to vertical movement, not just rotational and it gives the entire set up a “wobbly” feel. Higher quality ball heads will have less play in them. Also,I should mention here to be aware of the weight limits of the ball head and make sure that the Lens/Camera/Tomahawk combo stays well under those limits.

The tilt mechanism on the Tomahawk sets it apart from many gimbals. Sharing its tilt mechanism with its full gimbal big brother, the Katana, the guys at ProMedia Gear designed their tilt lock mechanism differently than many gimbals on the market. The vertical tilt lock knob is not integrated into the rear of the mounting assembly like it is on many gimbals. Instead it mounts and inserts above the tilting mechanism and adjusts at 90 degrees to it with the idea being that it doesn’t lose tension as fast as you tilt up and down. Whenever I am shooting with my full gimbal it loosens up fairly rapidly and I find myself periodically retightening the tension on the vertical tilt lock. With the Tomahawk, I could set the tension and I rarely had to readjust it because it had worked itself loose. This is a big plus for this design. The large, rubber tilt lock knob that controls the tension for vertical movement is comfortable and easy to adjust and would be so even in cold weather with gloves. When it comes to movement in the vertical plane, the Tomahawk is smooth as can be.

Tomahawk SIde View

Conclusion

If you’re traveling and wanting to shoot both landscapes and wildlife, then you can save some weight and space by using a ball head with the Tomahawk combination. However, if you’re shooting strictly wildlife with longer lenses, then a full gimbal head would probably serve you better. If you carry a ball head but want a gimbal at times as well, then this is a great alternative to a full gimbal in terms of space, weight and money savings.

If you use a cheaper ball head, you are more likely to be unhappy with the Tomahawk so I would suggest taking the $200-$300 you save buying the Tomahawk instead of a full gimbal and apply it to a solid, high quality ball head. A mediocre or worse ball head will not work as well with this attachment, while on the other hand, a high quality ball head will make this system rock. Remember that when using any gimbal head with a large lens you should have a sturdy tripod to support the weight.

The Tomahawk Gimbal Attachment is available from B&H Photo for $299.

On the road over the past couple of months, the Tomahawk has served me well and here is some of the fun I had utilizing the gimbal attachment from ProMediaGear.

Moose Cow and Calf
Moose Cow and Calf
Great Blue Heron in Flight
Great Blue Heron in Flight
Bull Elk in Velvet
Bull Elk in Velvet
Black Bear Cub
Black Bear Cub
Wolf in Hayden Valley
Wolf in Hayden Valley
Mountain Goat Kids at Last Light
Mountain Goat Kids at Last Light
Bull Moose
Bull Moose
Mountain Goat
Mountain Goat
Bighorn Sheep Lamb
Bighorn Sheep Lamb
Tomahawk Gimbal Attachment
  • Build Quality
  • Handling
  • Value
  • Size and Weight
  • Stability

Photography Life Overall Rating

4.4

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Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
Filed Under: Camera Gear Accessories Tagged With: Gear Reviews, Gimbal, Tripod Heads

About Tom Redd

Tom grew up in Texas, but the love of nature and the mountains lured him and his family to Colorado, where he and his wife raised their kids enjoying the beauty and activities that surround them. It is that beauty of both wildlife and landscape that made Tom want to capture and preserve these experiences through photography. He became serious about photography in 2008 and continues to learn and refine his skills. Some of his photos can be found at 500px.

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Jerry Friedman
Jerry Friedman
August 26, 2020 5:41 pm

I have used the Tammron 150-600mm as well as the Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 w/ 1.4 TC on my Acratech ball head. It functions as a convenient ‘gimbal’ head for lenses of that range and of course shorter.
I bought mine used, still works well – Very light, locks up well and all the nuts and bolts are ‘captured’ so they can’t get lost or unscrewed too far.
Works as a gimbal or a panoramic head, and of course it has all the traditional functions of any ball head. Worth considering as it adds NO WEIGHT to your kit and is always ready at an moment as the ‘conversion’ process is to simply lay the clamp over into the ‘portrait’ well.
Holds the lens/camera combo so you don’t have too.
They make a “Long Lens Head” that looks like a very strong solution for heavier lenses or mono pod use. American made.

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animalsbybarry
animalsbybarry
December 21, 2019 2:36 pm

The Tomahawk is a functional monopod gimbal for long lenses.

But the new Wimberly MonoGimbal is probably now a better choice on a monopod

Here are the first 3 reviews

backcountrygallery.com/is-th…head-ever/

www.the-digital-picture.com/Revie…-Head.aspx

www.understandphotography.com/monog…ey-review/

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Susan
Susan
February 16, 2015 2:56 am

I have a somewhat odd question about gimbals. I have been looking at different options for buying one to use with a Tamron 150-600 (or 300 f/4, neither of which I have but am saving for one!) and have looked at loads and loads of photos of gimbals.

The one thing I have noticed in practically all photos I’ve seen is that for those that are the L-type, the arm is on the left side of the camera body. I have only seen a couple of photos where it is on the other side, which makes me wonder if those photos were flipped horizontally by accident.

The only reason I can think of for having the arm on the left is for better access to the shutter button, but for most I see that not actally being a real problem in use anyway. If it were, I can’t see U-types being much help at all, but they are clearly very popular.

In contrast, what I see being a problem with having the arm on the left is not having good access to the lens’ AF/MF or FL restriction buttons. I am considering one from Lensmaster UK, and to my mind mounting it on the right hand side would be best for lens button access. Not knowing anyone who onws a gimbal and never actually having seen one in the ‘flesh’ so to speak, I’m bemused.

So my question ss, is there a right way round for a gimbal? If not, why do people tend to mount them on the left side?

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sceptical1
sceptical1
September 2, 2014 11:10 pm

Well, the results are beautiful for sure!
That said, I am not a big fan of this type of setup. I don’t like that you can purchase a full gimbal Wimberley with wonderful action for roughly the same money as the Tomahawk and a good ball head. I just don’t see the value (although I do understand that you get the ball head that you will likely use the ballhead without the gimbal, so you do have that advantage)
I would love to be able to recommend a less expensive full gimbal so look forward to your review of the Katana.

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A Ronald Gallant
A Ronald Gallant
September 2, 2014 5:40 am

Tom,

What is the make and model of the ball head shown in your article?

Ron

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Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  A Ronald Gallant
September 2, 2014 7:03 am

Ron, the one in the stock photo with the red band is a BH1 from ProMediaGear – it was a pre-production model. The one I used with my gear in the Tetons is an Arca-Swiss Monoball Z.

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Patrick O'Connor
Patrick O'Connor
September 1, 2014 5:39 pm

You may have to collaborate to answer this question but, I’m thinking this would be ideal for the Tamron 150-600. Since I don’t know if You’ve tried it yet, perhaps Nasim, John, or Thomas can help out? They’ve indicated it (the Tamron) can be hand-held so I’m thinking for longer outings, this head might be good for it (lighter than most long lenses). As for the ball head and tripod, I have a Manfrotto 055CXProB and Benro B3. Are they up for it or maybe not?
Sorry to put so much on you but you DID write the review! :-)

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Nasim Mansurov
Nasim Mansurov
Admin
Reply to  Patrick O'Connor
September 1, 2014 6:37 pm

Patrick, I would prefer to hand-hold the Tamron 150-600mm instead of mounting it on a tripod + gimbal. But if I must, say when shooting birds at Bolsa Chica, Bosque del Apache or other spots where you just stand and shoot without moving, then this gimbal would work pretty well in my opinion.

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Patrick O'Connor
Patrick O'Connor
Reply to  Nasim Mansurov
September 1, 2014 7:08 pm

I was more concerned with stability, given the long focal length, not the weight. I’ve never used anything longer than a 300 so have no point of reference.

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Ram
Ram
Reply to  Nasim Mansurov
September 1, 2014 7:42 pm

Hi Tom/Nasim,

This is a wonderful review. I love those shots of the wildlife. They are stunning. Slightly off topic. you have done a 400mm 2.8 review but its without lens aperture MTF performance chart. Can you please update it with it? Recently released telephoto lenses you have them compared with other lenses but not with their own review of MTF chart.
also are you planning to review the new 400 2.8 FL ED VR which got recently released?

Thank you once again,

regards
ram

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Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Ram
September 1, 2014 8:19 pm

Thank you Ram. We are definitely planning to review the new 400 2.8 FL ED VR as well as the new 1.4X Teleconverter. They are on order and should arrive any day now. The new 400 should be incredible – especially given the price. Its MTF chart is very good. As for the older 400 MTF chart, we will see if we can get that updated.

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Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Patrick O'Connor
September 1, 2014 6:55 pm

Patrick, I’ve shot a few frames with the Tamron 150-600 ( a nice lens) but not as extensively as the other guys here. It can be hand held as it’s roughly half the weight of the Nikkor 500mm f/4 that I used in this review. The Tomahawk would have zero problem handling it. Your ball head capacity is rated high enough but I can’t tell you if there is much play in the panning base of the ball head, maybe you can determine that. I don’t know the capacity rating for the Manfrotto 055CXProB tripod, just be sure that the total weight of your gear isn’t pushing the limits on your tripod as you don’t want it top heavy.

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Patrick O'Connor
Patrick O'Connor
Reply to  Tom Redd
September 1, 2014 7:10 pm

Given the relative light weight of the 150-600 and I’ll be using it with a D600, I figured the weight would be okay. I’ve never done anything like this before so was hoping to get in the game as inexpensively as possible.

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Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Patrick O'Connor
September 1, 2014 7:12 pm

What is your tripod’s rated capacity?

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Patrick O'Connor
Patrick O'Connor
Reply to  Tom Redd
September 1, 2014 7:30 pm

15.4 lbs.

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Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Patrick O'Connor
September 1, 2014 7:39 pm

Patrick, I think the camera/lens/ ball head/gimbal combo might be top heavy for that tripod. Just my 2 cents.

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Patrick O'Connor
Patrick O'Connor
Reply to  Patrick O'Connor
September 1, 2014 7:43 pm

Well…better safe than sorry. I’ll be getting a heavier tripod eventually but first, there’re lenses with my name on them and maybe a D750!? :-)

Thanks for the replies.

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