OK, I got tired of having my hand bashed by 11 pounds of lens and camera while shooting birds. I've been using a large ball head for the last three years when using a tripod and shooting from a blind. Today I used my new Benro GH2 for the first time. It was like the difference between driving a 1950 Studebaker 3/4-ton pickup truck and my new Tundra mobile bird blind. I could actually operate the system and shoot with one hand. I'm thrilled. It operates slicker than snot on a door knob and balances perfectly with my D850 and my 8.6 pound 500mm F4 G lens. Life is good again. Thanks for the review video and helping me decide
Thanks for the details - ordered a Leofoto PG-1, should be delivered tomorrow. I like leaving the tension fairly tight sounds like that one allows you to dial it into my preference the easiest. Using a Movo Sidekick with a Surui ballhead setup now...there is a lot of play between the ballhead and sidekick gimbal in that setup. Shake was very noticeable in video and wasn't coming from the tripod legs... $450 isn't cheap but hoping it's more stable...might be worth the investment.
I use the pg1 and I love it. I have to admit I have never used or handled any of the others. The only time I lock it down is when I move location or I am taking a landscape shot. For this I use a long plate that tightens to my l bracket (think it's called a nodel rail). Not the best for landscape but gets the job done.
Got the Leofoto and I cannot say enough good things about it. So glad I didn't go for the Wimberly. Being a filmmaker more than a photographer these days, I appreciate the tension control! I also got a smokin deal on it, especially since the seller sent me the camo version instead of the black, which I had ordered. Not about to complain about that! Thanks for your helpful video!!!
You can overcome the Fotopro E6-H's restricted up and down movement by using the 45 degree angle feature. Angle it back at 45 degrees and you can shoot straight up and vice versa.
Thanks, I did the E9-H reveiw and will be up soon. I did show that feature. I still dont think its the best option for pure wildlife, but for a "hybrid" gimbal (even video), it is definitely a winner.
Thanks for the review! Ordered a leofoto PG-1 at around $310 here from Hong Kong which in my opinion made the leofoto the best value choice. Look forward to testing the gimbal head as soon as it arrives. Thanks again!
I have a ~$200 Promaster gimbal head (not recommended) that I’m looking to replace. Currently, I am heavily focused on bird photography with a Sony 200-600 zoom. I live in Wisconsin and also bird Minnesota in winter. I’ve had three issues with my cheap gimbal: 1) significant lens creep on lockout (to the point where I sometimes can’t get the position I want); 2) the rubberized grip on the clamp screw has come off so it is difficult to tighten the clamp onto the lens foot; and most importantly, 3) a very noticeable decrease in smoothness of movement in cold winter temperatures, such that I can no longer keep up with birds in flight. From your extensive review videos (Thanks!! I haven’t found anyone else doing such systematic evaluations of so many gimbals!), I think I have narrowed it down to the Katana Jr or the Leofoto PG-1. My questions are: Do you see any shift in framing with either the Katana Jr or the Leofoto? Have you used either outdoors in cold winter temperatures and have any insight on performance under such conditions? Thanks for your thorough series on gimbal heads. These videos have been a valuable resource.
The katana will "creep" when its tightened if that matters, Not to complicate it, but you could also look at a fluid head (see my video on the Leofoto). If you go either Leofoto, Id appreciate using this link and good news wildlife20 gets you 20% off! leofotousa.com/wildlifeinspired
I ignored the negative reviews on B&H for the Benro prepared to send it back if I saw the shallow connection. Very glad I did. Love the GHC5. Works perfectly for me.
Just ran across this excellent video and went ahead and ordered the Leofoto model. They have a 25% off sale going, so I got the carbon fiber tripod legs that are full camouflage print with the camouflage version of the gimbal. They charge a small premium for the camouflage treatment but it beats having ill-fitting lenscoat covers. I'll report back once it arrives. I also ordered their corrosion-proof Poseidon tripod for use near water. I'll definitely be checking out more of your content!
@@WildlifeInspired will do! I kinda exceeded what I planned to spend, so really hoping the quality is what I expect. The model is the LS-365CEX Full Camo + the PG-1 Full Camo gimbal.
I just bought the Leofoto pg-1. I find the extra control to be less of a preference and more of a big help for me. You put prime lenses on and balance them. For someone who is starting out and only owns a zoom it's great to be able to add resistance as you can never get balance through the entire zoom range and the lens will tend to flop at one end or the other. I us a sigma 150-600 and I absolutely love the leofoto.
Hey Scott! Thanks for all the informative videos you create. I know that it's a ton of work for you and I am going to speak for us all and say that we appreciate it! Currently I am shooting with a Z8 and the 800mm lens hand held for wildlife. I own a couple tripods and moving them around in a dynamic situation is cumbersome at best which means they stay in the trunk. So I am going to get a Leofoto MPQ-404C monopod (based on your reviews) and need a head for it. I have watched all your videos regarding this and I am still not sure how to go. I like the idea of the lens sitting centered over the monopod and the EH-6 looks promising with it's side mount. Here are my thoughts: It's light weight (especially with the swing arm removed), it has a 59mm base that will sit perfectly on the monopod, the price is appealing (currently it's $399 which is the same as the GT2 Tomahawk) and it can configured to be used in other scenarios. Have you tried using this on a monopod? Would you recommend it? Or maybe you have another recommendation? Keep up the great work! Cheers, Greg
The tomohawk or EH-6 are both great choices! I use Tomohawk, but if I had the EH-6, I think it would work great on a tripod and it would stay a little more centered. I like how they allow the swing arm to be removed on that one and the price is about the same (I think that one goes on sale from time to time).
I stumbled across this comparison video and really like your approach. Excellent content. Much appreciated and I will be looking at more of your videos.
Have the Fotopro E6-H and yes, it is very versatile. I do love your recommendation in taking off the swing-arm and using it as just a side mount !!! Geez why didn't I think of that. haha I have used this gimbal for landscape and also for moon shots and I find it to be super sturdy. Great job on reviewing and explaining all of the gimbals and their pros/cons.
I’ve been using a Pro Media Gear GKJr Katana with the side-mount for close to three years now and love it. Definitely at the higher end of that price range but for people looking into the Wimberley I think the Katana and Katana Jr. are both great alternatives. They weigh so much less than the Wimberley (the side-mount one I have is almost half the weight of the WH-200) since they’re CNC-milled aircraft-grade aluminum and it gives me every level of tension I could possibly want with my 600 IS II.
Its funny I didnt get the side mount to test since i have the tomahawk which is side mount. I like side mounts and not sure why they are less popular other than maybe tons of usage with a heavy lens would have more torque on the lens collar? side mounts are always along the vertical center of gravity. If I ordered a gimbal today if i had to, i think it would be the side mount Katana jr. I think you made a great choice!
A fail point I found quickly on a cheap gimbal was the plastic head cover of the screw that tightens up the arca-swiss plate. That plastic screw cover would come loose from the actual screw head and you could be turning it and it wouldn't tighten the plate all the way. You could think your arca swiss plate was fairly tight but it wouldn't tighten beyond a certain amount until the plastic screw cover began to spin. Not something you want your expensive camera and lens sitting on for sure. I always add a short length of paracord and and a tiny caribiner or clip that I can hook from the tripod top to my camera in case it ever comes loose from the gimbal or ball head. I have a medium priced gimbal but I'm really enjoying the Flexshooter Pro on my smaller carbon fiber tripod for lightweight and portability.
Im doing a look at the flex shooters now actually I will see how they feel. Lots of people love them but they are more tilt pan heads then true gimbals
@@WildlifeInspired Yes, they don't have that ability to pan sideways while locked off vertically or vice versa. Just the one knob controls both vertical and horizontal and lock off. It's lightweight and compact and simple but just not as versatile. Thanks so much for sharing all of this information about the different gimbals in different price ranges! I've learned several things about them and have a better idea of what I might want in the future.
So, I'm going to apologize right off the bat for this, probably being, a bit long-winded. I'll do my best to keep it as short as possible. I watched this review, about 5 times, kept coming back to it in my search for a gimbal that suited my needs. There were only two in this review that provided the flexibility that I was looking for, the Wimberly and the Fotopro E6-H. Specifically, I was looking for a gimbal that would also allow for mounting my camera when using a wide-angle lens. I ruled out the Wimberly simply due to cost, I didn't want to spend that much when I also needed to purchase a quality tripod, and there are other gimbal heads out there that are good quality and are also less expensive. I then ruled out the Fotopro, because as you indicated, you can't achieve axis center balance, and that sort of defeats the entire purpose of a gimbal head rig. So that left me in a quandary, how to mount a camera body to a gimbal head? Well, I figured that there must be an accessory bracket of some type that addressed that issue, so I went ahead and ordered the Leofoto PG-1, it looked like a quality build, and I like the fine-tuning resistance aspect. As a matter of fact, it just arrived last night and is sitting in its box on the floor behind me right now. So, now that I had the gimbal (Tripod arrived at the same time) I was on a search for an accessory that would mount my camera body when not using my Telephoto lens to shoot Sports and Wildlife, so I could use the gimbal for shooting Landscapes, architecture, some portraits, with a short, wide-angle lens (obviously I'm not dedicated to shooting a single modality of subject matter, I enjoy shooting a variety of different subjects). I was looking for either of two different methods: 1. A arca-swiss mount that essentially amounted to two arca mounts melded together, one on front and one on the back, sort of like a two-headed coin. That would allow me to attach it to the vertical aspect of the gimbal swing-arm on one side, and to an L-bracket affixed to my camera on the other side. That solution would provide for a side-mount application (not my preference, but doable none the less). The other application I was looking for, and more preferable to me, was similar to the application mentioned above, but utilizing a long bracket that was arca compatible on both sides, essentially two arca grooves cut into the same bracket. That set-up would provide for mounting the underside of the plate to the horizontal aspect of the swing-arm, and my short lens affixed camera body on top, and avoid the 45-degree angle in the bend of the swing-arm that interferes with the camera body (I failed to point that out as the reason for needing an alternative method for mounting the camera body to the bottom of the swing-arm. The 45-degree angle design at the bottom of the arm doesn't allow for enough room for typical camera body mounting). The long bracket would also allow for forward and backward adjustment of the camera, as well as being able to utilize the proprietary vertical adjustment feature of the swing-arm. Cutting to the chase now. After searching what seemed to be the entire internet, I finally found the perfect solution; in fact, it provides both of the solutions I was looking for in one device. How often does that happen, eh? I stumbled across the "ANDOER L200 TELEPHOTO LENS SUPPORT". It is a device that has all of the components I mentioned above, in one package. As the name of the device indicates, it is actually designed as a support for telephoto lenses that don't have an integrated telephoto lens long-foot. Essentially designed for smaller telephoto/zoom lenses that don't fall into the category of "Super-Telephoto". The genius of this gadget is that all the components can be disassembled and used independently, or in different configurations, which opens up a very diverse variety of applications. I sat down to order this piece of equipment shortly after taking a long look at it and discovered that it's "out-of-stock" in many places. B&H doesn't even carry it, which was something of a surprise, actually. It's OOS at Amazon and Walmart, and a variety of other places. I finally had to go to Ebay to find them and it will be about 2 weeks for delivery (Made in China, of course, so supply-line shortages and political issues apply) However, it's worth the wait. This device completely answers the issue, and best of all, it's not the least bit expensive; you can get it for well under $100. I've seen them from $24, all the way up to $79, but at either end, its versatility really makes it a worthy investment. Now, I can cut down on my kit size. I've got one tripod head that I can use for all the applications I could even think off. I don't need a different head for this, or that. I can do it all with one set-up and one extra bracket. I have to laugh a little. My father, rest his soul, was big on consolidation and simplification. I guess I learned at least that much from you, dad. Hope you're smiling at me. Ok, I'm done writing this novel. Thanks for being patient and taking the time to read it. I hope this manages to be helpful to someone. Thanks for the great video Scott. You really helped me out deciding on my purchase. Peace
@@WildlifeInspired I'll put that at the very top of my list of what to do with this setup, once it all arrives. I unboxed the PG-1 Gimbal. Very nice piece of equipment. Now, I just need a few spare hours on the weekend to take it for a test-drive. I'm laughing at myself a little, I feel a bit like a kid on Christmas morning. I'll get back to you once the L200 arrives. Peace, Brett
So, I checked my Wimberley and yes, there is that gap if you turn the top knob all the way out. In addition, the knob is held on with a screw that was very tight. So, Wimberley put that gap in for a reason. What that reason is...I don't know. But I don't think it's sloppiness on their part. Now, in usage, I don't undo that knob and push on it to open the gap. In reality, I'm also not shooting in a sandy environment where anything would slip into the gap anyway. Bottom line, it doesn't affect me, so I'm not concerned, but I am curious as to why Wimberley does this. I also have the Leofoto PG1. It's light and I put it on a lighter tripod which is easier to carry. I use it with my Olympus m4/3 camera gear. I use the Wimberley with my full frame Sony gear. But, unlike you, I don't love the 2 full turns to lock it down. Fine threads on that knob and coarse threads on the plate locking knob drive me a bit crazy.
That was a great review. I have the Fotopro E-6H on which I mount my Canon R5 with battery grip and the 100-500 zoom lens. I have had no trouble balancing my lens/camera and it holds position very well. Your camera/lens is much more front heavy and I can see why it would not balance. The arca swiss clamp is designed to allow you to loosen it and slide the camera back and forth for balance without the risk of it falling out, then to remove the camera you press the little button to open it fully. I have never used it as a side mount but will try it now. Thanks.
Not sure if you still watch comments for the video I am interested in the "Fotopro E-6H Eagle Series Gimbal Head" I use Mu-43 gear so may be OK, and I am a mixed subject shooter, not much BIF but do use a skimmer pod for low angle shots. Unless I missed it did you check how many turns to attach it to the tripod. For me as a general rule the screw should go in the diameter of the thread. Since it is aimed at landscape can the camera be mounted to the swing arm OK via the cameras base tripod mount hole? From the photos at B&H there does not seem a lot of room for half a big DSLR body to mount directly to the swing arm.
I dont have this with me any more. As I recall you can mount a lens in the side mount position, but because it is a little shallow, you can't get a full range of motion, but when are we pointing up 60 degrees? I found the ROM to be sufficient and it is light and very portable.
To bad they didn't put a few allen screws under the pad that the head screws onto, that way you can screw it off. A lot of tripods have them. Thanks for a great video my friend
I love the versatility of the Fotopro. Though, cheaper to buy the rebadged Rollei version in Europe. Have my spotting scope in the cradle…and detach the cradle to side mount the camera. Will mount the camera on the cradle and tilt forward for plant and insect macro work. It was concerning to see some reviews where the reviewer had panning smoothness issues and went to a second or a third copy to find a good example.
Thanks for the review! As a landscaper who is dabbling in wildlife, I went for the Fotopro E-6HS, which I really like. Even use it on top of my tracker for astro panos. Kind of crazy looking with everything setup. Anyway, back to wildlife - I also like to shoot a little video, and I've found that the Fotopro has a little too much stickiness when I attempt a slow pan. Too little effort on my part, and it stops the pan. A little more, and it jumps ahead. So I don't get smooth video when attempting to follow flying geese, for example. So, I'm curious - do any of these gimbals handle that scenario more gracefully than the Fotopro? It's my only complaint about the Fotopro, but it can be a significant problem. Or maybe I just need to work on my technique? TIA.
...answering my own question: After watching your video of the higher-end units, It looks like the ProMediaGear units might be more to my liking. Will take a closer look.
If you are looking for video, look at the video I did on the Leofoto BH20 I was using it today for songbirds! (and its much better than any gimbal I own for video)
Are you sure about the tension on the Leophoto? I have it, and when I point at something and want to lock it - it moves the gimbal. This is why I found you review. Since I'm in need for another that don't do it. To me it feels like the know is pushing the axle and therefore a small movement. And at the moment I'm mostly looking for the RRS with sidemount, this so I won't have to move my arms to much since I often shoot hidden in a ghilie suit :)
If we call that lens creep, most with that design have some. PMG will creep, but I have noticed less to none with fluid heads that I have tried. If I do more reviews, I will include this in any Gimbal review.
@@WildlifeInspired It would be awesome. I know 99% is more about a fluid movement. But I sit really close to the birds and can often not move or will move extremely slow to avoid scaring the birds :)
Hi Scott, very useful overview ! You mentioned a kind of tension control in case of the leofoto pg1 and the katana junior. Is this true for the vertical and horizontal movement ? Thanks .
yes both smooth. they just dont lock out quickly. I dont need that option to lock out quickly but if it is important, just know that up front. also see the video on the sunwayfoto.
I know this video is 2yrs old (at the time of my post) what are you feelings of the E-9H? its seams more adjustable. I am not a wildlife photographer, but sometimes I need one of these when shooting fashion runway, grand prix or having fun shooting stars (sky not actors)
glad they are helpful the movo is cheaper option just be careful carrying it a lot with a heavy lens mounted i use it for ground pods mostly where i am not concerned if it happened to fail. Though i have not read or heard of that brand failing.
Do you find the the bearing grip on the Promeadia Katana better than the Leofoto PG-1 and does the Leofoto PG-1 use a bearing in the base swivel or just the top cradle arm.
Great informative video clip. Thanks for the useful content and great upload. Btw IMHO, Wimberly has been and will remain THE gold standard of the market in the gimbal world, no matter what!
Thanks so much for the great review! I appreciate the work you put into this. Just a comment about the Jobu gimbals you might find interesting. I have the bigger one and have generally liked it, or at least gotten along with it. My main concern with it has been that the panning knob is on the right side. So to adjust the knob, I have to take my hand off the shutter button. It takes two hands to lock out the head. I'm looking at the Leofoto PG1 as my next gimbal, thanks for reviewing it.
Hey Scott ! I just bough my first gimbal and wanted to let you know your videos helped me a lot !!! I went for Leofoto PG-1. Do you think that the fine tension control from PG-1 or Katana make it possible to use thoses gimbals for video purpose ? Cya :)
I think you can use it for video. It may not be perfectly smooth at the start, like when you first move the gimbal to pan. The fluid head action makes that initial move a little less jerky.
I don't own it anymore, but if was shaving weight, I might go with the leofoto or benro folding. Both can remove the cradle and fold for easy traveling.
@@WildlifeInspired Thanks Scott. The PG-1 is perfect for 90% for what I need it for. Just wondering if you can st it up similar to the katana jr. (for the occasional longer hike). All the best from the UK :))
Thanks for the review. Bought the Benro 3 years (no blue trim) ago given my budget after buying my camera and a used Gitzo carbon fiber tripod (new $1,200) for $490. No issues with it since. I agree that sometimes the esthetics of other gimbles are tempting. Appreciate your review and continued efforts. BTW: Just about done on mirrorless cameras and inability to refocus on near objects after jumping to the background. Spoke to a professional portrait photographer today who uses the Sony A7IV, and he replied that he has the same issue at times. Back to you on this soon.
@@WildlifeInspired Not yet Scott. I'm in Texas (90+ degrees this week as a high - early this year - 77 lows). Coldest weather I have photographed in was in the 20s to 30s. Why? Does the carbon fiber crack or get stiff?
The lumix mirrorless cameras, not sure of the models, but certainly S5 and probably S1 have features that allow switching from front focus to back focus on the press of a button
Hello, what's up? They answered me from Benro and told me that the GH2N head was similar to the GH2F in terms of smoothness, so I also discarded it. In this video you compare the GH5C with other opponents, and I'm very interested, but I have an offer for less than €400 for the Sirui PH-30... do you think it will be better than the GH5C? Which of the two do you recommend? Thank you very much for your help!
Thank you for these videos! Your videos are so good that I watch them even if it’s reviews of stuff I’m not looking into buying. Just very educational and well made. I got my hands on a Wimberley wh-200ii for 265$ used (here in Sweden). Gonna pick it up tomorrow. It said “like new” so I hope it’s good. 😊
Awesome video review!! Regarding the Leofoto PG-1, does it change the frame when you tighten the control knobs like in the Promediagear Katana? Thanks.
It wasn't one that I looked at because when it first came out, I think there were some issues with it, so I didnt have it on my list. Do you have experience with it?
@@WildlifeInspired I actually don't have experience with it, I was just wondering whether it was a viable competitor because it sits around the $400 pricepoint. What were the known issues with it?
Looking seriously at the LeoFoto PG-1 for my first gimbal and have a question, is the cradle arm wide enough so that a camera body be mounted directly on the gimbal cradle in the landscape orientation? Or is there a way to mount a camera directly to the gimbal?
What’s the difference between $195.00 and $595.00? Four hundred bucks. Across a lifetime of photography that’s nothing. You will NEVER have buyers remorse with a Wimberley! We easily spend more than $400 on a lens. I use it for everything. Primes, long glass, binoculars (one of its most fantastic applications), point and shoots, camcorders. It is absolutely the best bang for your photography buck ever. Get one.
Just curious. What does the Benro offer to make it a better value than the Leofoto that you choae as your fave? The leo is only $25 difference in price which for all intents and purposes is moot relative to the total price. Although aluminum, the Leo is lighter than the carbon of the Benro. The Leo is also raterd higher on both Amazon and B&H. So it leaves me wondering where is the value advantage?
I think I mentioned that Leofoto would likely be my choice. I think i mentioned for "best" value, the Benro might be better. Some people want faster lock outs and the Benro will offer that. The Leofoto will not be as appealing for those wanting a quick lock out.
I dont HATE the blue lol just like the gray better, please let me know how you like it and tell me if you notice lens creep when you use it. I did not recall getting the same creep on the GH5C but with the mini it was obvious.
@@WildlifeInspired Just checking :-) ; lens creep is a lens thing, not a gimbal thing, right? A steeper downward angle of the lens means a higher risk of lens creep, but that's with all gimbals. Any reason you mention this specifically with the GH5C mini?
Just watched your GH5C mini review and I get you now. Your lens creep is not an 'unintended zoom-out' of the lens, but a vertical tilt shift caused by tightening or loosening the gimbal's vertical rotation knob. I checked with my R5+Canon RF100-500, which is a relatively light combo. Did not notice the same effect as you saw on the mini. The camera+lens stay put.
I use the Jobu Design Pro2 gimbal head and have done so for many many years. One of the features I like about it is I can lock the swing arm for transport and was the 1st that I know of to use ball bearings at that time. I am researching the ProMedia Katana Jr. gimbal head but that Leofoto gimbal looks real interesting.
Anyone using Sirui PH-10? I am considering to try that out, currently using Jobu Jr.3, this is absolutely a disaster, it lose where ever it can, and it is not smooth when half lock so lens tilting and panning is bumpy, it couldn't stay exactly where it was after full lock so i am always missing my target, the price is relatively high but it doesn't doing its job, i really don't want wimberley as it is heavy
It wasn't one that I looked at because when it first came out, I think there were some issues with it, so I didnt have it on my list. Do you have experience with it?
Posting a review of it soon. Overall probably my personal favorite. Super smooth, lots of tension control. BUT smaller knobs if that's an issue and does NOT lock out quickly if you like one that locks quickly this isn't for you. If you want more tension control and a super smooth gimbal, this is a great choice
@@WildlifeInspired Ah glad to hear it! I've been reading reviews for a few days and came to the same conclusion. I purchased it direct from PMG and it's due to arrive tomorrow. The quick lock out isn't a priority, I'd rather have the tension control. Thanks
I have a “real” gimbal, but find that I’m using the wimberly monopod gimbal on my tripod more and more. Smaller, lighter, and does the same job for any lens mount, and great if you need to hike with it. Unless you need to mount a camera on that gimbal that is …
Started with the Peak Design tripod, fixed that with a Benro head, then started using the gimbal over the last few weeks. If I was doing it over again today I’d start with a PD knock-off, the Ulanzi looks good.
OK, I got tired of having my hand bashed by 11 pounds of lens and camera while shooting birds. I've been using a large ball head for the last three years when using a tripod and shooting from a blind. Today I used my new Benro GH2 for the first time. It was like the difference between driving a 1950 Studebaker 3/4-ton pickup truck and my new Tundra mobile bird blind. I could actually operate the system and shoot with one hand. I'm thrilled. It operates slicker than snot on a door knob and balances perfectly with my D850 and my 8.6 pound 500mm F4 G lens. Life is good again. Thanks for the review video and helping me decide
Thanks for the details - ordered a Leofoto PG-1, should be delivered tomorrow. I like leaving the tension fairly tight sounds like that one allows you to dial it into my preference the easiest.
Using a Movo Sidekick with a Surui ballhead setup now...there is a lot of play between the ballhead and sidekick gimbal in that setup. Shake was very noticeable in video and wasn't coming from the tripod legs...
$450 isn't cheap but hoping it's more stable...might be worth the investment.
good luck!
Hi, I am in the process of deciding between PG-1 and Katana jr. How satisfied are you with your PH-1?
Regards
I use the pg1 and I love it. I have to admit I have never used or handled any of the others. The only time I lock it down is when I move location or I am taking a landscape shot. For this I use a long plate that tightens to my l bracket (think it's called a nodel rail). Not the best for landscape but gets the job done.
Got the Leofoto and I cannot say enough good things about it. So glad I didn't go for the Wimberly. Being a filmmaker more than a photographer these days, I appreciate the tension control! I also got a smokin deal on it, especially since the seller sent me the camo version instead of the black, which I had ordered. Not about to complain about that! Thanks for your helpful video!!!
You can overcome the Fotopro E6-H's restricted up and down movement by using the 45 degree angle feature. Angle it back at 45 degrees and you can shoot straight up and vice versa.
Thanks, I did the E9-H reveiw and will be up soon. I did show that feature. I still dont think its the best option for pure wildlife, but for a "hybrid" gimbal (even video), it is definitely a winner.
Thanks for the review! Ordered a leofoto PG-1 at around $310 here from Hong Kong which in my opinion made the leofoto the best value choice. Look forward to testing the gimbal head as soon as it arrives.
Thanks again!
Its a really good value for that good luck!
I have a ~$200 Promaster gimbal head (not recommended) that I’m looking to replace. Currently, I am heavily focused on bird photography with a Sony 200-600 zoom. I live in Wisconsin and also bird Minnesota in winter. I’ve had three issues with my cheap gimbal: 1) significant lens creep on lockout (to the point where I sometimes can’t get the position I want); 2) the rubberized grip on the clamp screw has come off so it is difficult to tighten the clamp onto the lens foot; and most importantly, 3) a very noticeable decrease in smoothness of movement in cold winter temperatures, such that I can no longer keep up with birds in flight. From your extensive review videos (Thanks!! I haven’t found anyone else doing such systematic evaluations of so many gimbals!), I think I have narrowed it down to the Katana Jr or the Leofoto PG-1.
My questions are: Do you see any shift in framing with either the Katana Jr or the Leofoto? Have you used either outdoors in cold winter temperatures and have any insight on performance under such conditions?
Thanks for your thorough series on gimbal heads. These videos have been a valuable resource.
The katana will "creep" when its tightened if that matters, Not to complicate it, but you could also look at a fluid head (see my video on the Leofoto). If you go either Leofoto, Id appreciate using this link and good news wildlife20 gets you 20% off!
leofotousa.com/wildlifeinspired
I ignored the negative reviews on B&H for the Benro prepared to send it back if I saw the shallow connection. Very glad I did. Love the GHC5. Works perfectly for me.
Thats great looking for someone that has used this in very cold conditions. If you have let me know
@@WildlifeInspired Haven't used in cold conditions yet.
Just ran across this excellent video and went ahead and ordered the Leofoto model. They have a 25% off sale going, so I got the carbon fiber tripod legs that are full camouflage print with the camouflage version of the gimbal. They charge a small premium for the camouflage treatment but it beats having ill-fitting lenscoat covers.
I'll report back once it arrives. I also ordered their corrosion-proof Poseidon tripod for use near water. I'll definitely be checking out more of your content!
please let me know I have not used any of their tripods
@@WildlifeInspired will do! I kinda exceeded what I planned to spend, so really hoping the quality is what I expect. The model is the LS-365CEX Full Camo + the PG-1 Full Camo gimbal.
I just bought the Leofoto pg-1. I find the extra control to be less of a preference and more of a big help for me. You put prime lenses on and balance them. For someone who is starting out and only owns a zoom it's great to be able to add resistance as you can never get balance through the entire zoom range and the lens will tend to flop at one end or the other. I us a sigma 150-600 and I absolutely love the leofoto.
Hey Scott! Thanks for all the informative videos you create. I know that it's a ton of work for you and I am going to speak for us all and say that we appreciate it! Currently I am shooting with a Z8 and the 800mm lens hand held for wildlife. I own a couple tripods and moving them around in a dynamic situation is cumbersome at best which means they stay in the trunk. So I am going to get a Leofoto MPQ-404C monopod (based on your reviews) and need a head for it. I have watched all your videos regarding this and I am still not sure how to go. I like the idea of the lens sitting centered over the monopod and the EH-6 looks promising with it's side mount. Here are my thoughts: It's light weight (especially with the swing arm removed), it has a 59mm base that will sit perfectly on the monopod, the price is appealing (currently it's $399 which is the same as the GT2 Tomahawk) and it can configured to be used in other scenarios. Have you tried using this on a monopod? Would you recommend it? Or maybe you have another recommendation? Keep up the great work!
Cheers,
Greg
The tomohawk or EH-6 are both great choices! I use Tomohawk, but if I had the EH-6, I think it would work great on a tripod and it would stay a little more centered. I like how they allow the swing arm to be removed on that one and the price is about the same (I think that one goes on sale from time to time).
I stumbled across this comparison video and really like your approach. Excellent content. Much appreciated and I will be looking at more of your videos.
Awesome, thank you!
Have the Fotopro E6-H and yes, it is very versatile. I do love your recommendation in taking off the swing-arm and using it as just a side mount !!! Geez why didn't I think of that. haha I have used this gimbal for landscape and also for moon shots and I find it to be super sturdy. Great job on reviewing and explaining all of the gimbals and their pros/cons.
Thanks i really like that one !
I’ve been using a Pro Media Gear GKJr Katana with the side-mount for close to three years now and love it. Definitely at the higher end of that price range but for people looking into the Wimberley I think the Katana and Katana Jr. are both great alternatives. They weigh so much less than the Wimberley (the side-mount one I have is almost half the weight of the WH-200) since they’re CNC-milled aircraft-grade aluminum and it gives me every level of tension I could possibly want with my 600 IS II.
Its funny I didnt get the side mount to test since i have the tomahawk which is side mount. I like side mounts and not sure why they are less popular other than maybe tons of usage with a heavy lens would have more torque on the lens collar? side mounts are always along the vertical center of gravity. If I ordered a gimbal today if i had to, i think it would be the side mount Katana jr. I think you made a great choice!
Scott,
Your gimbal reviews were some of the best reviews ever. Thanks you, so much. I’m a follower now.
Welcome aboard!
A fail point I found quickly on a cheap gimbal was the plastic head cover of the screw that tightens up the arca-swiss plate. That plastic screw cover would come loose from the actual screw head and you could be turning it and it wouldn't tighten the plate all the way. You could think your arca swiss plate was fairly tight but it wouldn't tighten beyond a certain amount until the plastic screw cover began to spin. Not something you want your expensive camera and lens sitting on for sure. I always add a short length of paracord and and a tiny caribiner or clip that I can hook from the tripod top to my camera in case it ever comes loose from the gimbal or ball head. I have a medium priced gimbal but I'm really enjoying the Flexshooter Pro on my smaller carbon fiber tripod for lightweight and portability.
Im doing a look at the flex shooters now actually I will see how they feel. Lots of people love them but they are more tilt pan heads then true gimbals
@@WildlifeInspired Yes, they don't have that ability to pan sideways while locked off vertically or vice versa. Just the one knob controls both vertical and horizontal and lock off. It's lightweight and compact and simple but just not as versatile. Thanks so much for sharing all of this information about the different gimbals in different price ranges! I've learned several things about them and have a better idea of what I might want in the future.
So, I'm going to apologize right off the bat for this, probably being, a bit long-winded. I'll do my best to keep it as short as possible.
I watched this review, about 5 times, kept coming back to it in my search for a gimbal that suited my needs. There were only two in this review that provided the flexibility that I was looking for, the Wimberly and the Fotopro E6-H. Specifically, I was looking for a gimbal that would also allow for mounting my camera when using a wide-angle lens. I ruled out the Wimberly simply due to cost, I didn't want to spend that much when I also needed to purchase a quality tripod, and there are other gimbal heads out there that are good quality and are also less expensive. I then ruled out the Fotopro, because as you indicated, you can't achieve axis center balance, and that sort of defeats the entire purpose of a gimbal head rig. So that left me in a quandary, how to mount a camera body to a gimbal head? Well, I figured that there must be an accessory bracket of some type that addressed that issue, so I went ahead and ordered the Leofoto PG-1, it looked like a quality build, and I like the fine-tuning resistance aspect. As a matter of fact, it just arrived last night and is sitting in its box on the floor behind me right now.
So, now that I had the gimbal (Tripod arrived at the same time) I was on a search for an accessory that would mount my camera body when not using my Telephoto lens to shoot Sports and Wildlife, so I could use the gimbal for shooting Landscapes, architecture, some portraits, with a short, wide-angle lens (obviously I'm not dedicated to shooting a single modality of subject matter, I enjoy shooting a variety of different subjects). I was looking for either of two different methods: 1. A arca-swiss mount that essentially amounted to two arca mounts melded together, one on front and one on the back, sort of like a two-headed coin. That would allow me to attach it to the vertical aspect of the gimbal swing-arm on one side, and to an L-bracket affixed to my camera on the other side. That solution would provide for a side-mount application (not my preference, but doable none the less).
The other application I was looking for, and more preferable to me, was similar to the application mentioned above, but utilizing a long bracket that was arca compatible on both sides, essentially two arca grooves cut into the same bracket. That set-up would provide for mounting the underside of the plate to the horizontal aspect of the swing-arm, and my short lens affixed camera body on top, and avoid the 45-degree angle in the bend of the swing-arm that interferes with the camera body (I failed to point that out as the reason for needing an alternative method for mounting the camera body to the bottom of the swing-arm. The 45-degree angle design at the bottom of the arm doesn't allow for enough room for typical camera body mounting). The long bracket would also allow for forward and backward adjustment of the camera, as well as being able to utilize the proprietary vertical adjustment feature of the swing-arm.
Cutting to the chase now. After searching what seemed to be the entire internet, I finally found the perfect solution; in fact, it provides both of the solutions I was looking for in one device. How often does that happen, eh? I stumbled across the "ANDOER L200 TELEPHOTO LENS SUPPORT". It is a device that has all of the components I mentioned above, in one package. As the name of the device indicates, it is actually designed as a support for telephoto lenses that don't have an integrated telephoto lens long-foot. Essentially designed for smaller telephoto/zoom lenses that don't fall into the category of "Super-Telephoto". The genius of this gadget is that all the components can be disassembled and used independently, or in different configurations, which opens up a very diverse variety of applications.
I sat down to order this piece of equipment shortly after taking a long look at it and discovered that it's "out-of-stock" in many places. B&H doesn't even carry it, which was something of a surprise, actually. It's OOS at Amazon and Walmart, and a variety of other places. I finally had to go to Ebay to find them and it will be about 2 weeks for delivery (Made in China, of course, so supply-line shortages and political issues apply) However, it's worth the wait. This device completely answers the issue, and best of all, it's not the least bit expensive; you can get it for well under $100. I've seen them from $24, all the way up to $79, but at either end, its versatility really makes it a worthy investment.
Now, I can cut down on my kit size. I've got one tripod head that I can use for all the applications I could even think off. I don't need a different head for this, or that. I can do it all with one set-up and one extra bracket. I have to laugh a little. My father, rest his soul, was big on consolidation and simplification. I guess I learned at least that much from you, dad. Hope you're smiling at me.
Ok, I'm done writing this novel. Thanks for being patient and taking the time to read it. I hope this manages to be helpful to someone. Thanks for the great video Scott. You really helped me out deciding on my purchase.
Peace
would like to know more about how you are using this. feel free to email me the pics and set up once it all arrives skeysimages@gmail.com
@@WildlifeInspired I'll put that at the very top of my list of what to do with this setup, once it all arrives. I unboxed the PG-1 Gimbal. Very nice piece of equipment. Now, I just need a few spare hours on the weekend to take it for a test-drive. I'm laughing at myself a little, I feel a bit like a kid on Christmas morning. I'll get back to you once the L200 arrives. Peace, Brett
Hi, I am in the process of deciding between PG-1 and Katana jr. How satisfied are you with your PH-1?
Regards
So, I checked my Wimberley and yes, there is that gap if you turn the top knob all the way out. In addition, the knob is held on with a screw that was very tight. So, Wimberley put that gap in for a reason. What that reason is...I don't know. But I don't think it's sloppiness on their part. Now, in usage, I don't undo that knob and push on it to open the gap. In reality, I'm also not shooting in a sandy environment where anything would slip into the gap anyway. Bottom line, it doesn't affect me, so I'm not concerned, but I am curious as to why Wimberley does this.
I also have the Leofoto PG1. It's light and I put it on a lighter tripod which is easier to carry. I use it with my Olympus m4/3 camera gear. I use the Wimberley with my full frame Sony gear. But, unlike you, I don't love the 2 full turns to lock it down. Fine threads on that knob and coarse threads on the plate locking knob drive me a bit crazy.
replied to your other comment thanks again!
That was a great review. I have the Fotopro E-6H on which I mount my Canon R5 with battery grip and the 100-500 zoom lens. I have had no trouble balancing my lens/camera and it holds position very well. Your camera/lens is much more front heavy and I can see why it would not balance. The arca swiss clamp is designed to allow you to loosen it and slide the camera back and forth for balance without the risk of it falling out, then to remove the camera you press the little button to open it fully. I have never used it as a side mount but will try it now. Thanks.
Thanks for the input!
Not sure if you still watch comments for the video
I am interested in the "Fotopro E-6H Eagle Series Gimbal Head" I use Mu-43 gear so may be OK, and I am a mixed subject shooter, not much BIF but do use a skimmer pod for low angle shots.
Unless I missed it did you check how many turns to attach it to the tripod. For me as a general rule the screw should go in the diameter of the thread.
Since it is aimed at landscape can the camera be mounted to the swing arm OK via the cameras base tripod mount hole? From the photos at B&H there does not seem a lot of room for half a big DSLR body to mount directly to the swing arm.
I dont have this with me any more. As I recall you can mount a lens in the side mount position, but because it is a little shallow, you can't get a full range of motion, but when are we pointing up 60 degrees? I found the ROM to be sufficient and it is light and very portable.
@@WildlifeInspired
Thanks for the reply, I may look into this one
To bad they didn't put a few allen screws under the pad that the head screws onto, that way you can screw it off. A lot of tripods have them. Thanks for a great video my friend
How about RRS gimbals? they have fluid head as well? its US made exclusively;)
Amazing review my friend. Thank you for such a thorough review and explanation of the products!!!
My pleasure!!
I love the versatility of the Fotopro. Though, cheaper to buy the rebadged Rollei version in Europe. Have my spotting scope in the cradle…and detach the cradle to side mount the camera. Will mount the camera on the cradle and tilt forward for plant and insect macro work. It was concerning to see some reviews where the reviewer had panning smoothness issues and went to a second or a third copy to find a good example.
I have a review coming up on the e-9 and the panning had a lot of resistance !
Thanks for the review! As a landscaper who is dabbling in wildlife, I went for the Fotopro E-6HS, which I really like. Even use it on top of my tracker for astro panos. Kind of crazy looking with everything setup. Anyway, back to wildlife - I also like to shoot a little video, and I've found that the Fotopro has a little too much stickiness when I attempt a slow pan. Too little effort on my part, and it stops the pan. A little more, and it jumps ahead. So I don't get smooth video when attempting to follow flying geese, for example. So, I'm curious - do any of these gimbals handle that scenario more gracefully than the Fotopro? It's my only complaint about the Fotopro, but it can be a significant problem. Or maybe I just need to work on my technique? TIA.
...answering my own question: After watching your video of the higher-end units, It looks like the ProMediaGear units might be more to my liking. Will take a closer look.
If you are looking for video, look at the video I did on the Leofoto BH20 I was using it today for songbirds! (and its much better than any gimbal I own for video)
Are you sure about the tension on the Leophoto? I have it, and when I point at something and want to lock it - it moves the gimbal. This is why I found you review. Since I'm in need for another that don't do it. To me it feels like the know is pushing the axle and therefore a small movement. And at the moment I'm mostly looking for the RRS with sidemount, this so I won't have to move my arms to much since I often shoot hidden in a ghilie suit :)
If we call that lens creep, most with that design have some. PMG will creep, but I have noticed less to none with fluid heads that I have tried. If I do more reviews, I will include this in any Gimbal review.
@@WildlifeInspired It would be awesome. I know 99% is more about a fluid movement. But I sit really close to the birds and can often not move or will move extremely slow to avoid scaring the birds :)
Would love to have your review of Leofoto PG2 and PG2S. Can we use PG2S as a side mount for the heavier lenses like AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR?
I have one now but waiting for them to re-tool it before review. Avoid it for now as its too rigid to be practical
Hi Scott, very useful overview ! You mentioned a kind of tension control in case of the leofoto pg1 and the katana junior. Is this true for the vertical and horizontal movement ? Thanks .
yes both smooth. they just dont lock out quickly. I dont need that option to lock out quickly but if it is important, just know that up front. also see the video on the sunwayfoto.
I know this video is 2yrs old (at the time of my post) what are you feelings of the E-9H? its seams more adjustable. I am not a wildlife photographer, but sometimes I need one of these when shooting fashion runway, grand prix or having fun shooting stars (sky not actors)
Love your reviews I got the Benro for my tripod and the Movo side mount for my monopod. Thank you.👍
glad they are helpful the movo is cheaper option just be careful carrying it a lot with a heavy lens mounted i use it for ground pods mostly where i am not concerned if it happened to fail. Though i have not read or heard of that brand failing.
Do you find the the bearing grip on the Promeadia Katana better than the Leofoto PG-1 and does the Leofoto PG-1 use a bearing in the base swivel or just the top cradle arm.
I think leofoto uses bearings on both biggest difference is country of origin (though I do think PMG has better build details)
@@WildlifeInspired Thank you 👍
excellent but im not sure if i need know whit my canon L100mm 500mm lens its so light !
true, but even with light lenses there are applications for gimbals (panning, slow shutter low light, hands free....) Hope you are loving the lens!
Great informative video clip. Thanks for the useful content and great upload. Btw IMHO, Wimberly has been and will remain THE gold standard of the market in the gimbal world, no matter what!
Can't argue that, but there are definitely some small differences that for some people might make other options more appealing.
Great review, I picked up a Benro GH5C on sale today so nice it featured well.
NICE!
Thanks so much for the great review! I appreciate the work you put into this. Just a comment about the Jobu gimbals you might find interesting. I have the bigger one and have generally liked it, or at least gotten along with it. My main concern with it has been that the panning knob is on the right side. So to adjust the knob, I have to take my hand off the shutter button. It takes two hands to lock out the head. I'm looking at the Leofoto PG1 as my next gimbal, thanks for reviewing it.
Wonder if they did it intentionally so one hand controls one axis and one controls the other?
@@WildlifeInspired Good point. I've noticed it is quick to initially set the position before shooting with one hand on each control.
Nice gimbals. Love it. I use Xiletu XGH-1 and they are really sturdy and built like a tank. Never had to look elsewhere and just paid around AUD$200.
Thanks for the input
Hey Scott ! I just bough my first gimbal and wanted to let you know your videos helped me a lot !!! I went for Leofoto PG-1. Do you think that the fine tension control from PG-1 or Katana make it possible to use thoses gimbals for video purpose ? Cya :)
I think you can use it for video. It may not be perfectly smooth at the start, like when you first move the gimbal to pan. The fluid head action makes that initial move a little less jerky.
Late to the show. Great comparison:)). I was just wondering if you could use the PG-1 as a side mount (to shave more weight from it :)). Thanks
I don't own it anymore, but if was shaving weight, I might go with the leofoto or benro folding. Both can remove the cradle and fold for easy traveling.
@@WildlifeInspired Thanks Scott. The PG-1 is perfect for 90% for what I need it for. Just wondering if you can st it up similar to the katana jr. (for the occasional longer hike).
All the best from the UK :))
Thanks for the review. Bought the Benro 3 years (no blue trim) ago given my budget after buying my camera and a used Gitzo carbon fiber tripod (new $1,200) for $490. No issues with it since. I agree that sometimes the esthetics of other gimbles are tempting. Appreciate your review and continued efforts. BTW: Just about done on mirrorless cameras and inability to refocus on near objects after jumping to the background. Spoke to a professional portrait photographer today who uses the Sony A7IV, and he replied that he has the same issue at times. Back to you on this soon.
Thanks for the input. Do you shoot carbon fiber in the extreme cold?
@@WildlifeInspired Not yet Scott. I'm in Texas (90+ degrees this week as a high - early this year - 77 lows). Coldest weather I have photographed in was in the 20s to 30s. Why? Does the carbon fiber crack or get stiff?
The lumix mirrorless cameras, not sure of the models, but certainly S5 and probably S1 have features that allow switching from front focus to back focus on the press of a button
Hello, what's up? They answered me from Benro and told me that the GH2N head was similar to the GH2F in terms of smoothness, so I also discarded it. In this video you compare the GH5C with other opponents, and I'm very interested, but I have an offer for less than €400 for the Sirui PH-30... do you think it will be better than the GH5C? Which of the two do you recommend?
Thank you very much for your help!
I like Sirui but that PH30, I did NOT review. I would say go with the best VALUE price, I think both are very good options
Thank you for these videos! Your videos are so good that I watch them even if it’s reviews of stuff I’m not looking into buying. Just very educational and well made.
I got my hands on a Wimberley wh-200ii for 265$ used (here in Sweden). Gonna pick it up tomorrow. It said “like new” so I hope it’s good. 😊
Good luck my friend!
Awesome video review!! Regarding the Leofoto PG-1, does it change the frame when you tighten the control knobs like in the Promediagear Katana? Thanks.
I did not specifically look at "lens creep" but I will going forward. I don't have it anymore.
I see the Gitzo Fluid Gimbal head didn't make the list? Do you have any thoughts on the Gitzo?
It wasn't one that I looked at because when it first came out, I think there were some issues with it, so I didnt have it on my list. Do you have experience with it?
@@WildlifeInspired I actually don't have experience with it, I was just wondering whether it was a viable competitor because it sits around the $400 pricepoint. What were the known issues with it?
Looking seriously at the LeoFoto PG-1 for my first gimbal and have a question, is the cradle arm wide enough so that a camera body be mounted directly on the gimbal cradle in the landscape orientation? Or is there a way to mount a camera directly to the gimbal?
Not sure. But this one does NOT allow you to mount the body directly to the pivot (like the Fotopros do).
What’s the difference between $195.00 and $595.00? Four hundred bucks. Across a lifetime of photography that’s nothing. You will NEVER have buyers remorse with a Wimberley! We easily spend more than $400 on a lens. I use it for everything. Primes, long glass, binoculars (one of its most fantastic applications), point and shoots, camcorders. It is absolutely the best bang for your photography buck ever. Get one.
Just curious. What does the Benro offer to make it a better value than the Leofoto that you choae as your fave? The leo is only $25 difference in price which for all intents and purposes is moot relative to the total price. Although aluminum, the Leo is lighter than the carbon of the Benro. The Leo is also raterd higher on both Amazon and B&H. So it leaves me wondering where is the value advantage?
I think I mentioned that Leofoto would likely be my choice. I think i mentioned for "best" value, the Benro might be better. Some people want faster lock outs and the Benro will offer that. The Leofoto will not be as appealing for those wanting a quick lock out.
Thanks so much for the comparison and explanations. Mostly based on your info I went for the Benro GH5C. I actually like the the blue accents, sorry 🙂
I dont HATE the blue lol just like the gray better, please let me know how you like it and tell me if you notice lens creep when you use it. I did not recall getting the same creep on the GH5C but with the mini it was obvious.
@@WildlifeInspired Just checking :-) ; lens creep is a lens thing, not a gimbal thing, right? A steeper downward angle of the lens means a higher risk of lens creep, but that's with all gimbals. Any reason you mention this specifically with the GH5C mini?
Just watched your GH5C mini review and I get you now. Your lens creep is not an 'unintended zoom-out' of the lens, but a vertical tilt shift caused by tightening or loosening the gimbal's vertical rotation knob.
I checked with my R5+Canon RF100-500, which is a relatively light combo. Did not notice the same effect as you saw on the mini. The camera+lens stay put.
Thanks for sharing. It helps.
Can someone just tell me the best tripod setup available for panning I do sports video photography
depends on price? PMG katana jr is usually my recommendation
www.promediagear.com?aff=36
Have you reviewed the Benro GH2F vs the photo pro head?
not yet because its so unique I was going to do a stand alone video for that maybe on a "best travel" gimbal
I use the Jobu Design Pro2 gimbal head and have done so for many many years. One of the features I like about it is I can lock the swing arm for transport and was the 1st that I know of to use ball bearings at that time. I am researching the ProMedia Katana Jr. gimbal head but that Leofoto gimbal looks real interesting.
Anyone using Sirui PH-10? I am considering to try that out, currently using Jobu Jr.3, this is absolutely a disaster, it lose where ever it can, and it is not smooth when half lock so lens tilting and panning is bumpy, it couldn't stay exactly where it was after full lock so i am always missing my target, the price is relatively high but it doesn't doing its job, i really don't want wimberley as it is heavy
Take a look at sunwayfoto gimbal, I have a review on that one as well
What about Gitzo fluid gimbal? How would that compare to these ones reviewed here?
It wasn't one that I looked at because when it first came out, I think there were some issues with it, so I didnt have it on my list. Do you have experience with it?
Thanks Scott. Unfortunately I don't have experience with it, I was asking because I have it on my shortlist.
I wish that I discovered you channel sooner! So much good advice on gear.
What's your experience/opinion of the ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro?
Posting a review of it soon. Overall probably my personal favorite. Super smooth, lots of tension control. BUT smaller knobs if that's an issue and does NOT lock out quickly if you like one that locks quickly this isn't for you. If you want more tension control and a super smooth gimbal, this is a great choice
@@WildlifeInspired Ah glad to hear it! I've been reading reviews for a few days and came to the same conclusion. I purchased it direct from PMG and it's due to arrive tomorrow. The quick lock out isn't a priority, I'd rather have the tension control. Thanks
Good luck!
I have a “real” gimbal, but find that I’m using the wimberly monopod gimbal on my tripod more and more. Smaller, lighter, and does the same job for any lens mount, and great if you need to hike with it. Unless you need to mount a camera on that gimbal that is …
how do you pan?
@@WildlifeInspired I stuck it on a pan/tilt head, so I have that too in a pinch.
Started with the Peak Design tripod, fixed that with a Benro head, then started using the gimbal over the last few weeks. If I was doing it over again today I’d start with a PD knock-off, the Ulanzi looks good.
great review! thanks
Thanks !
Appreciated!
Thanks PG
Please review Benro GH5C mini
i will
@6:35 that's me too. I like to be different and not follow the herd.