The all new designed Black Widow Mk II redefines the Jobu Design gimbal lineup with a lighter yet strong gimbal head aimed at photographers who’s either using 500mm lenses or similar size all the time or one who wants to travel light using any lens combo.

Compared to the old MK I the new edition features an all new design with more rigidity and stability without suffering from any weight penalty. In fact the Black Widow MK II is quite unique compared to the competition as it allows you to utilize and bigger workload while still maintaining smooth operation.

The first thing you´ll notice is the base which is larger and slightly redesigned. While the old model was very smooth the new equally smooth despite if being larger. Thankfully the Black Widow is still using the Arca Swiss type quick release in which you can choose from a huge number of lensplates etc. The list goes on basically – Its needless to say I find the Arca Swiss type much better than the Manfrotto type.
The lower profile of the base also help stability in the other end. The lower the better.

Traveling light the BWG-LW2 is the perfect partner. Here using the 300-800mm F5.6 lens and a 1d Mark II body.

Another thing you´ll notice are the locking and tightening knobs. They are now of the rubberized type equally to the ones found and the Jobu Design JR2 and much better than the hard plastic ones. Better grip and easier to adjust. Its obvious the head is a newer and better design.

Moving upwards you´ll find the side mounted quick release. Due to design of a side mounting gimbal it has a disadvantage compared to horizontal mounting gimbal head. You can´t align the lens on the vertical axis which means you will always have to have it slightly tightened otherwise the camera and lens will be moving forward and backwards constantly as seen in the video below. That goes for everything single side mounting gimbal and not just for the Jobu Design.

The quick release is similar to the one found on the old head and works just as it should. I would have like the tightening knob on the release to be like to one found on the Jobu Design BWG-PRO. The good thing is that its interchangeable and Jobu Design makes one larger and with the better knob.

The top is very similar to the bottom base. Great and butter smooth operations and with the same rubberized knob. Unfortunately there´s no vertical quick lock so you´ll have to tightening the main knob instead. There´s absolutely no drag in the bearings what so ever.

I constantly amazed how stiff the head is compared to how little it weighs. While it looks slightly beefier than the previous version it feels a lot stronger almost on level with the BWG-PRO which I´m currently using.

In the field the Black Widow Lightweight MK II performs flawlessly. Its impressive how smooth and well constructed it feels and is and I love using it even with lenses rated above whats recommended for this head.

The Black Widow Lightweight MK II in action – I´m using the Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 (above recommend workload) and a 1D Mark II

Conclusion
There much to like about the Black Widow Lightweight MK II not pretty much nothing to dislike. Its smooth, handles big lenses and weighs only 820g. It is perfect for anyone who would be using a 500mm or a 300mm on a daily basic and suitable for any lens if you´re traveling light. Probably the best compromise on the market in regards weight, price and workload.

Close to perfect