Hey Phil, I was in the market for a gimbal head but like you I didn’t want to pay the $500-$600 on one. Well, I took a chance and bought one of these. It was on sale for Black Friday and I used your code so I got mine for under $100 with tax and shipping. I don’t think you can go wrong for that price! Thanks for your review!
That is a fantastic deal! I'm glad you got one, I think you will be pleased. I knew about that sale but didn't want to mention it in the video. I think it's a good deal even when that black Friday sale goes off.
Hi Phil, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful review. I’ve been a proud owner of the K&F Concept TM2515T Professional 60 inch tripod since April 2020, and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed with its quality and the exceptional support from the company. In 2021, I encountered an issue where the Tripod Ball Head broke. I reached out to them via email, explaining the situation, and to my surprise, they responded within a few hours. They not only acknowledged the issue but also assured me that they would send an improved replacement completely free of charge. This experience truly exemplifies what excellent customer service looks like. It’s companies like these that set the bar high for others in the industry. Keep up the great work!!
Great review Phil. Looks very interesting especially for the price. Have you used it for video yet? I'm using a Manfrotto 502 fluid head right now but I'm wondering if the gimbal head may be a better option. Do you think it is smooth enough for panning video?
I did some video of the sandhill cranes, but I had a little bit of trouble with focus so I did not include it. I don’t know if it is as smooth as a fluid head but it’s pretty smooth.
I bought the old standard K&F Gimbal head beginning of the year and although its a good bit of kit for the money, I have found when it's loose it drops a little and when shooting things like the moon with it when you set the camera up and tighten it up it moves and lifts a little which makes getting it precise takes a lot of messing about - not seen this one before Phil and when checking it's a new product, maybe time for an upgrade
I appreciate this presentation but to be honest it was more of an advert for the product than a review. I would’ve liked to know: the weight, how many knob turns to lock-in and lock-out, what are the guts/friction or gear mechanisms made of, is the base plate threading a metal insert or just plastic?, and so on and so forth. I regret pointing out you just didn’t provide sufficient information for us to decide about the product, you were just a mouthpiece for the manufacturer.
Seems like a solid gimbal. If I may point out an improvement on your setup; a gimbal works best if the lens+camara is completely in balance. Most people do adjust the arca-swiss plate forwards/backwards to get the balance right. However, in addition a gimbal works best if the horizontal axis is in the center of your lens. So you have to bring up the base plate on the vertical arm to align it with the center of your lens. Please give it a try!
Saw this video while looking for a gimbal head for my Canon 7d and Sigma 150-500 lens. Not being minted, value for money was a consideration. So I took the plunge and forked out £95. for the K&F concept as featured in this video. I am well pleased with the product. Very well made with silky smooth panning and tilting, which is important as I intend to use it fo video as well as stills. Would recommend. PS. If you want to do a portrait shot. Just loosen the collar on the lens slightly and turn.
Thanks for the video Phil. I recently invested in a Benro Gimbal head. This one looks really interesting. You are right a good Gimbal head can set you back quite a bit this seems like a great budget option thanks so much for sharing. You can balance the Gimbal so that it will stay wherever you leave it which is the way I use mine.
Your crane photos are excellent! Love that and the gimbal head looks really nice too, I dont understand how they can make it so cheap, but that is a deal for one that nice! I also like the fact that it takes ARCA-SWISS natively too, that is really nice.
Thank you, David! It's really nice and right now it's on sale even cheaper! Patricia said she got hers for under $100 including tax and shipping! Crazy!
Great review! I've never considered getting a gimbal head but I am interested now. Nice Sandhill Crane shots! I can't wait to get there myself this year.
Thank you! I've already been twice this year and made 2 videos, three if you count this one. Will certainly be back, especially after the Canon 200-800 comes out.
@@ses4vols Yes! They were at the wildlife refuge and the western Blythe Ferry ramp. I haven't gotten very close to them yet but they are certainly in the area in mass.
Hi Phil, great review, used your code and got my discount. Thanks for the info. Got a great deal saving about £30 British Pounds using your link and code.
Crap Phil...I've been perfectly fine without a gimbal head to-date...now you show me this and stimulate the GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) nerve. Thanks!
This summer I bought one for 179 euro's, the brand is Dorr, but it's wobbly. Didn't bring it back, because I think I can solve the problem by adding a tiny thing inside the Gimbal Head. I then bought a Benro, and that one's perfect, the price was 249 Euro's. You do need to balance your lens a bit more so that it goes back to the base position when you point it upwards AND downwards. Enjoy!
@@a97b18b Not at all. We have a spot in Memphis with short eared owls. They come out right at sundown and do there acrobatics. I cannot hold my A6700/200-600 effectively. The monopod/gimbal is the cats meow.
I've used a gimbal on my monopod for years now. It's a great combination of mobility & stability, with the added benefit of being able to just sling it over your shoulder when you need to move. I had a 1DX + 500 f/4 for a few years, and now an A9ii + 200-600, and they're both no issue at all on it.
Thanks Phil >> I will be in the Market for a Gimbal for mounting my 180-600 onto in a Hide .. Wimberley Gimbal head is not in the picture with my limited need for a Gimbal . Hopefully B&H will stock them
Indeed. I imagine that kirk foot you mentioned in another comment might help with that. I was impressed that, even when not perfectly balanced, the head didn't let the lens come crashing down when I took my hands off of it.
Hola Phil, me acaba de llegar el mio, estoy deseando poder probsrlo, tiene muy buena pinta y a un precio muy, muy competitivo, algun consejo de como usarlo?, casualmente tengo el mismo equipo, sony a 6700 y sony 200/600
How is that gimble head holding up? I am currently shopping for a gimble head and also a n L bracket to allow me to shoot in portrait mode? I wonder if that gimble head you have there would work on my monopod as well. Is there anything else besides a basic monopod to use that gimble head? Thx
ok thanks Phil. I guess I am trying to take shortcuts but looks like I need a ball head with L brackets to shoot astro with small lenses and the gimble head can work in portrait mode on big lenses since I can loosen the collar and turn it into portrait. I still need to buy both. Thanks again@@PhilThach
What a deal! My Wimberley gimbal has been flawless through the years but $$. Even if the K&F doesn't hold up, you're only out $100. How can they make and sell it so cheap?
1st of all, you can't say this is great, if it's the 1st/only gimbal you've used. 2ndly this is not a fluid head, it's not supposed to have damping on any axis, if it's fully open. Some of the more expensive ones even have ball bearings, in order to make the motion even more "loose." They probably used too much or too thick grease in the joints. And lastly you're supposed to balance your kit on the gimbal (both forwards/backwards and up/down), so that the center of mass of your kit matches the pivot point nad it stays in any position you put it in, not have to tighten the knobs in order to achieve that. Oh yeah and there are other options in between this and $600 gimbals.
I bought one too. For similar reasons I have not bought a gimbal head for how much, or little, I would use one. Phil, it’s on you if this is a piece of crap! 😱😂😂
I got this gimbal head. Mine is way too stiff. You should not have to put much effort into moving the camera on it. If it’s doing its job, you shouldn’t need dampening. If it’s balanced you should be able to use one finger to move it. If it’s balanced the camera lens should not move unless you move it. I think the Berings are likely over packed or with the wrong grease. The release plate only has one screw and it works itself loose when trying to pan the camera. Their customer service is pretty horrible too. They pretty much refused to take it back and I have to pay the shipping back to China. I’m quite disappointed with it and them.
I had a Benro GH5c Mini for a week or so before returning it for that same reason. I think Benro use glue as a lubricant... it was waaaay too stiff to move, which could have been catastrophic in the field; having to force the camera & lens to move resulted in the whole setup sliding loose in the arca plate. Scary moments. I returned it and (re) bought the Wimberley MKII I had previously. It's .5kg heavier, but at least I know it isn't going to spontaneously dump all my kit on the ground. I'd say "I wish Wimberley would release a carbon fibre version of their gimbal..." but I don't have a spare £1000 that it would likely cost. 😁
@@Teeb2023 I ended up getting a two-screw ARCA-Swiss plate to keep it on the lens foot. The single-screw one that came with it just liked to work loose.
Hey Phil, I was in the market for a gimbal head but like you I didn’t want to pay the $500-$600 on one. Well, I took a chance and bought one of these. It was on sale for Black Friday and I used your code so I got mine for under $100 with tax and shipping. I don’t think you can go wrong for that price! Thanks for your review!
That is a fantastic deal! I'm glad you got one, I think you will be pleased. I knew about that sale but didn't want to mention it in the video. I think it's a good deal even when that black Friday sale goes off.
Hi Phil, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful review. I’ve been a proud owner of the K&F Concept TM2515T Professional 60 inch tripod since April 2020, and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed with its quality and the exceptional support from the company. In 2021, I encountered an issue where the Tripod Ball Head broke. I reached out to them via email, explaining the situation, and to my surprise, they responded within a few hours. They not only acknowledged the issue but also assured me that they would send an improved replacement completely free of charge. This experience truly exemplifies what excellent customer service looks like. It’s companies like these that set the bar high for others in the industry. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you for sharing your experience. That is great that they took care of you!
Correct me if I'm wrong but if you raise the cradle it won't return to centre and will stay wherever you point it, which is how I like it balanced.
I think if you take the time to perfectly balance the lens on the gimbal, which I didn't, it should behave that way.
The review was excellent and the quality of this video is incredible. Love what you're doing!
Thank you very much!
Very much appreciate the review, Phil. I've had my eye on this one and a few of the more expensive models. I think you just tipped the scale. ; )
Great review Phil. Looks very interesting especially for the price. Have you used it for video yet? I'm using a Manfrotto 502 fluid head right now but I'm wondering if the gimbal head may be a better option. Do you think it is smooth enough for panning video?
I did some video of the sandhill cranes, but I had a little bit of trouble with focus so I did not include it. I don’t know if it is as smooth as a fluid head but it’s pretty smooth.
I bought the old standard K&F Gimbal head beginning of the year and although its a good bit of kit for the money, I have found when it's loose it drops a little and when shooting things like the moon with it when you set the camera up and tighten it up it moves and lifts a little which makes getting it precise takes a lot of messing about - not seen this one before Phil and when checking it's a new product, maybe time for an upgrade
I appreciate this presentation but to be honest it was more of an advert for the product than a review. I would’ve liked to know: the weight, how many knob turns to lock-in and lock-out, what are the guts/friction or gear mechanisms made of, is the base plate threading a metal insert or just plastic?, and so on and so forth. I regret pointing out you just didn’t provide sufficient information for us to decide about the product, you were just a mouthpiece for the manufacturer.
Thank you!
Seems like a solid gimbal. If I may point out an improvement on your setup; a gimbal works best if the lens+camara is completely in balance. Most people do adjust the arca-swiss plate forwards/backwards to get the balance right. However, in addition a gimbal works best if the horizontal axis is in the center of your lens. So you have to bring up the base plate on the vertical arm to align it with the center of your lens. Please give it a try!
Interesting, Thank you!
Saw this video while looking for a gimbal head for my Canon 7d and Sigma 150-500 lens. Not being minted, value for money was a consideration. So I took the plunge and forked out £95. for the K&F concept as featured in this video. I am well pleased with the product. Very well made with silky smooth panning and tilting, which is important as I intend to use it fo video as well as stills. Would recommend.
PS. If you want to do a portrait shot. Just loosen the collar on the lens slightly and turn.
Thank you!
Nice review, is it possible to swap out the plate for a lever one?
Not that I know of.
Thanks for the video Phil. I recently invested in a Benro Gimbal head. This one looks really interesting. You are right a good Gimbal head can set you back quite a bit this seems like a great budget option thanks so much for sharing. You can balance the Gimbal so that it will stay wherever you leave it which is the way I use mine.
Thank you!
Your crane photos are excellent! Love that and the gimbal head looks really nice too, I dont understand how they can make it so cheap, but that is a deal for one that nice! I also like the fact that it takes ARCA-SWISS natively too, that is really nice.
Thank you, David! It's really nice and right now it's on sale even cheaper! Patricia said she got hers for under $100 including tax and shipping! Crazy!
Good review. Based on this I just ordered one for use with a 150-600 Tamron G2
Thank you!
Great review! I've never considered getting a gimbal head but I am interested now. Nice Sandhill Crane shots! I can't wait to get there myself this year.
Thank you! I've already been twice this year and made 2 videos, three if you count this one. Will certainly be back, especially after the Canon 200-800 comes out.
@@PhilThach Have you seen the pelicans this year?
@@ses4vols Yes! They were at the wildlife refuge and the western Blythe Ferry ramp. I haven't gotten very close to them yet but they are certainly in the area in mass.
Exactly the info I was looking for! Great review, think I'll pick one up, too :)
Thank you! Make sure to take advantage of the coupon code PHIL for a nice discount.
Hi Phil, great review, used your code and got my discount. Thanks for the info. Got a great deal saving about £30 British Pounds using your link and code.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Looks good Phil. Gimbal does the job that’s the main thing. Great review buddy 🙏
Thank you, Adrian!
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always Phil, very nice product, I have a tripod from the same brand
Thank you! It's so much better than I was expecting. What a deal!
Is it adjustable to remove parallax for stitching panoramics? Used to have the Panosaurus but got stolen and the company is awal.
@@djaa7 The mount can be moved in and out, yes.
Hi Phil! I enjoy watching your show. So entertaining and informative! 👍
Thank you!
Crap Phil...I've been perfectly fine without a gimbal head to-date...now you show me this and stimulate the GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) nerve. Thanks!
🤣😂🤣✅🤷♂️
You can attach that to a ground plate too - looks good
Yep! 👍
This summer I bought one for 179 euro's, the brand is Dorr, but it's wobbly. Didn't bring it back, because I think I can solve the problem by adding a tiny thing inside the Gimbal Head. I then bought a Benro, and that one's perfect, the price was 249 Euro's.
You do need to balance your lens a bit more so that it goes back to the base position when you point it upwards AND downwards. Enjoy!
Thank you! Yes, I just threw it on there quickly for the video without taking the time to perfectly balance it.
Thank you for this info and sharing
@@imzaazmi thank you!
Go Phil, which Tripod you use for a gimbal head ?
I use my old Manfrotto 055 tripod.
You should try using the Gimbal on a monopod. Works great for run and gun shooting. I have an inexpensive Neewer.
Do you find it bulky? I thought about going that route, but ended up just buying a tilt head for my mono pod
@@a97b18b Not at all. We have a spot in Memphis with short eared owls. They come out right at sundown and do there acrobatics. I cannot hold my A6700/200-600 effectively. The monopod/gimbal is the cats meow.
I've used a gimbal on my monopod for years now. It's a great combination of mobility & stability, with the added benefit of being able to just sling it over your shoulder when you need to move. I had a 1DX + 500 f/4 for a few years, and now an A9ii + 200-600, and they're both no issue at all on it.
Thanks Phil >> I will be in the Market for a Gimbal for mounting my 180-600 onto in a Hide .. Wimberley Gimbal head is not in the picture with my limited need for a Gimbal . Hopefully B&H will stock them
Looks Fantastic and it works
Thank you! You might be able to order one from the link in the description in the video even in your part of the world. I'm not sure.
Also, you need to learn to balance it. Adjust how its sits on the arca plate. If properly balanced, if you release your hand, it won’t move.
Indeed. I imagine that kirk foot you mentioned in another comment might help with that. I was impressed that, even when not perfectly balanced, the head didn't let the lens come crashing down when I took my hands off of it.
Hola Phil, me acaba de llegar el mio, estoy deseando poder probsrlo, tiene muy buena pinta y a un precio muy, muy competitivo, algun consejo de como usarlo?, casualmente tengo el mismo equipo, sony a 6700 y sony 200/600
¡Gracias! Espero que lo disfruten. Usé el mío nuevamente hoy.
Get a Kirk Foot for the 200-600.
How does it feel for video?
It worked great for video.
Does it work in portrait mode
If your camera has an L Bracket, yes.
can you use this for panoramic shooting?
Yes
How is that gimble head holding up? I am currently shopping for a gimble head and also a n L bracket to allow me to shoot in portrait mode? I wonder if that gimble head you have there would work on my monopod as well. Is there anything else besides a basic monopod to use that gimble head? Thx
It still works well. I haven't tried it on a monopod. I use it on a large tripod.
Look in the "Mygear" section of the description for the L bracket I use on my R7.
ok thanks Phil. I guess I am trying to take shortcuts but looks like I need a ball head with L brackets to shoot astro with small lenses and the gimble head can work in portrait mode on big lenses since I can loosen the collar and turn it into portrait. I still need to buy both. Thanks again@@PhilThach
What a deal! My Wimberley gimbal has been flawless through the years but $$. Even if the K&F doesn't hold up, you're only out $100. How can they make and sell it so cheap?
It really is a nice deal. I’ve used mine on many outings now, and it is holding up very well so far.
Can this be used to do panoramic work?!
Yes.
1st of all, you can't say this is great, if it's the 1st/only gimbal you've used.
2ndly this is not a fluid head, it's not supposed to have damping on any axis, if it's fully open. Some of the more expensive ones even have ball bearings, in order to make the motion even more "loose." They probably used too much or too thick grease in the joints.
And lastly you're supposed to balance your kit on the gimbal (both forwards/backwards and up/down), so that the center of mass of your kit matches the pivot point nad it stays in any position you put it in, not have to tighten the knobs in order to achieve that.
Oh yeah and there are other options in between this and $600 gimbals.
Thanks for watching.
I bought one too. For similar reasons I have not bought a gimbal head for how much, or little, I would use one. Phil, it’s on you if this is a piece of crap! 😱😂😂
Thank you! I think you will be happy with it!
Can you provide the model number of that gimbal head?
There is a link in the description that takes you right to it. The model number should be there.
Currently K&F has it on sale for $119.99
A bargain and I believe the coupon code PHIL still works.
Thanks. Used your coupon code. Paid $107 😊
Awesome!
Just ordered, seems to have 14% discount..!
@@DiaLFonZo nice!
@@PhilThach Reviews online are not always nice, I'm talking the chance as an amateur photographer with Tamron 150-500. Are you still liking it?
@@DiaLFonZo yes. I still use it often.
I got this gimbal head. Mine is way too stiff. You should not have to put much effort into moving the camera on it. If it’s doing its job, you shouldn’t need dampening. If it’s balanced you should be able to use one finger to move it.
If it’s balanced the camera lens should not move unless you move it.
I think the Berings are likely over packed or with the wrong grease.
The release plate only has one screw and it works itself loose when trying to pan the camera.
Their customer service is pretty horrible too. They pretty much refused to take it back and I have to pay the shipping back to China.
I’m quite disappointed with it and them.
Bummer. I'm still happy with mine.
Same problem with mine. Tried with a heavy lens and just stays where you put it. CHINA what more can you say!
I had a Benro GH5c Mini for a week or so before returning it for that same reason. I think Benro use glue as a lubricant... it was waaaay too stiff to move, which could have been catastrophic in the field; having to force the camera & lens to move resulted in the whole setup sliding loose in the arca plate. Scary moments. I returned it and (re) bought the Wimberley MKII I had previously. It's .5kg heavier, but at least I know it isn't going to spontaneously dump all my kit on the ground. I'd say "I wish Wimberley would release a carbon fibre version of their gimbal..." but I don't have a spare £1000 that it would likely cost. 😁
@@Teeb2023 I ended up getting a two-screw ARCA-Swiss plate to keep it on the lens foot. The single-screw one that came with it just liked to work loose.
@@yophotodude7693 Yep, same here. Peace of mind. :)
Did you pay for the Gimbal with your own money.
They sent me a review sample.