Since I started photographing birds with long telephoto lenses I have learned the value of using quality gimbal heads. Gimbal heads allow movement of the telephoto lens in all directions with only very little resistance. Occasionally, however, I find myself photographing dragonflies with my 70-200 zoom lens or my 300mm lens mounted on my lightweight tripod. I don't have a gimbal mount small enough to be used on this tripod but I have learned how to make an "emergency" gimbal head using my Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball head.

First, you need to use a lens with a tripod mount ring, such as the 300mm lens pictured at right. Be sure you have the proper mounting plate to fit the quick release clamp on your ball head.
Second, you need a quality ball head that has the slot that allows for the ball to drop into for vertical compositions. Pictured at right is my Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball head with the ball dropped into one of the vertical slots. Make sure you can easily reach the ball head locking knob or lever with the ball flopped into the vertical groove.
Third, lock the ball head in place in the vertical slot and mount the tripod ring of the lens in the ball head's quick release clamp. You can release all the tension on the ball head's panning lock. This will allow you to rotate the lens around the horizontal axis of the ball head.
When you are ready to make images, hold onto the camera and lens, release the ball head tension knob or lever, and you can now rotate the lens in the vertical axis. You can now move the lens into any position similar to a real gimbal head. Just don't forget!! This configuration is not a true gimbal head! You cannot let go of the camera and lens without first locking the ball in the ball head!!

Although this is not quite as efficient as a true gimbal head, this arrangement works perfectly well as a substitute when photographing active subjects. You will note that flopping the ball over in the vertical slot places the camera and lens well off the vertical access of the tripod. Normally, this would create a configuration conducive to increased vibration and decreased stability. Do keep in mind, however, that gimbal heads are "hands on" heads and the decrease in stability and increased vibrations become a non-issue.