Hi Dean, received mine today .It has a very beautiful "Camera Finish" to it. No issues here with it. The Company must have listened ! At a quarter the price of the Arca Swiss D4 it is built just as well. Back to Real Estate work from next Monday so am looking forward to the results! Cheers
It looks nice. I think it needs to be combined with a leveling base anyway. Indeed if I want to move down a little bit the camera to have less sky in my panorama for example, the rotation axis will not be correct anymore, neither at the top or at the bottom. With an additional leveling base I believe it would be just perfect.
Hi Frederic, yes that would help I just tested my tripod without leveling base, I had the legs slightly uneven but head leveled, you can't pan on the top(it goes way out) panning on the bottom maintained level. With the legs a long way out of level, panning on the bottom doesn't maintain level. I think you could get away without a leveling base by getting the legs roughly level, but of course if you wanted to be precise with those panos then a LB would help, cheers
@@iemboyshostel if the legs are level then it’s ok, if the legs are a long way out of level then use the bottom panning function for panos, cheers Dean
Hi Dean... I am looking at upgrading from BH 55 to a geared head. Is this good enough for architecture photography ? How is it compared to arca swiss D4. 350 dollars seems to be reasonably priced compared to D4 or cubes.
Sanjay Borra it certainly is good for architecture and great value. Have never laid my hands on a D4 so can’t compare sorry. It is about the same size though.
Great presentation sir. I would like to see this unit operated in the field if possible. Adam Gibbs of Vancouver B. C. recently did a preliminary review on this head & what he noticed is that on the final lock down of all the swivel points there was a slight movement away from the original setting. I clearly observed this watching his video. The point he was making at least with the new unit he was using, he experienced a loss of absolute accuracy when locking it down because of that slight movement... Depending on the type of shooting one is doing, this potentially could be problematic, on the other hand, it may have simply been the unit he was using & is not necessarily the norm... Thank you, Bill on the Hill, Vermont, USA...:~)
Hi William, I am about to do a "How to use the GH PROII Geared Head" video. Due to Covid19 restrictions I will be doing it in my backyard, I will go over all the movements (as if I was in the field) I just watched Adams video and saw the movements he experienced. I just checked mine and it doesn't do it, so I'm not sure why his is doing that. I would say his is a one off thing. Hope that gives you some peace of mind., cheers
Nice video Dean, thanks. I have just received the + version, but both the pano portions are stiff. the top one, which now has a new wheel is unbelievably stiff, close to unusable. I have tried the big Allen key in the top but no movement either. Any ideas please?
Hi Dominic, do you have the version with a Geared top panning Clamp?? We don't have that model in Australia. I do know that if you tighten the head onto your tripod too tight then it can make the panning on the bottom clamp very tight, I speak about this in my "How to use" video th-cam.com/video/hUBRI9Untq0/w-d-xo.html Try that, cheers
Can you speak to the durability of the head? This video is dated January, so maybe you haven't had much time yet. Even speculation would be helpful. It looks like it wouldnt fair well on the outside of a backpack between the stem sticking up to easily get bumped and banged, and the areas where dirt and water can get into the gearing. Thanks.
Hi James, I got this head in January 2020 when it was released here in Australia, I used it constantly till we went into lockdown with Covid19 in March. I normally like 12 months with a product to see how it fairs. Keep in mind I'm a full time Landscape photographer so the amount of use this head would get in 12 months would probably be more than 10 years shooting for the average person. Prior to the Sunwayfoto GH Pro I used the Manfrotto 410 geared heads, I was lucky to get 12 months out of these before the gears wore out. I had the GH Pro 2017 for its life (about 18months to 2 years) and it never faltered, I loved that head. The new 2019 model is a complete redesign but I have faith in past experience with this head. As far as carrying it on your backpack, I would put the bag that it come with, over it for protection. OR check out the quick release system I designed for removing heads in seconds th-cam.com/video/mt86-tFQnVE/w-d-xo.html I would set this up and keep the head in your pack if you are concerned. I have been a reseller for this brand for 2 years, but have used their product for over 10 years. I'm affiliated with Nisi, Sirui and Sunwayfoto as a reseller, I'm not sponsored so I still buy my own gear from them. I will only sell a brand if I use it and have faith in the quality. I have used Sunwayfoto L brackets, heads and tripods. I have always been impressed with the quality and value this brand brings. Hope that helps James, fire away if you have more questions, cheers Dean
Hi Don, they are Sunwayfoto T1A10, now discontinued, they now do a T1A11-11, very similar, or Sirui do one with a small ball head, www.deancooperphotography.com/store/p335/Sirui_3T-15K_Table_Top_Tripod_%28Black%29.html Cheers Dean
Hi Dean, I am looking for the panorama head and I have found this video of yours. How has this head performed so far? Is it versatile for landscape photography all around? Cheers
Hi, it has been fantastic. I'm a full time Landscape photographer so this head and the previous version have had plenty of time in the field. For Landscape work I highly recommend them. The only downside would be if you didn't have an L bracket, then shooting a vertical is a bit fidley. Otherwise these are so good for fine tuning your composition, way better than a ball head. Cheers Dean
Hi Marcel, I would say there is now a very small amount of play, not enough to be a problem, more just the gears settling in. Bear in mind too that this is my profession and it gets used a lot. I stopped using the Manfrotto 410 as it wore out very quick, plus some of the gearing was very tight. Hope that helps, cheers
Are the old Manfrotto 410s you have sitting on your shelves completely broken, or do they simply have too much slop in the gears for professional photography work? The reason I ask is that I am looking for a geared head, but do not need it to be as precise as you likely need it to be. I would be using it for bird watching and observing wildlife. Would you be willing to part with one of your used, but functional, ones that is just collecting dust?
Hi, I have one here, have thrown the others out, this one the gearing is almost seized, you are welcome to have it if you like. Do you live local to me ??
Hi, no you cant take the top plate off. There is an easy work around if you want a different plate on top. Just screw the new plate onto the QR plate that comes with the head. I assume you would do this to change it from Arca Swiss??
@@deancooperphotography2896 Not exactly, SunwayFoto has a version of the GH PRO II that incorporates the GC-01 geared panning clamp. This version sells for $435 usd. If you buy the two separately they are much cheaper $225 and $84 usd.
@@deancooperphotography2896 Having taken delivery of the GH PRO II I agree with you Dean. I don't see any obvious way to detach the panning clamp. At the same time I don't see any need to. The clamp pans nicely. It is Dampened and easy to move precisely. My only concern is that there is a bit of droop with the x axis. This is tiny and easy to compensate for. For instance, I can see the virtual level move one notch/line downward when leveling my EOS R's with an RF 24-105L. One tiny twist of the nob and everything stays put. This does not bother me considering all of the alternative geared heads are priced much higher. All in all a good bang for your buck especially if you find a deal on ali express.
I read that when you're composing your shot (real estate photography), that when you adjust the lever at the base to tighten it does not stay where you put it, it moves very slightly. Is this true?
I just found out about this yesterday. It does it on some heads, not all, I checked mine and several others that were perfect. I did find one that did it, I pulled the locking screw out and found it was a small burr on the end of the thread where it seats against the panning base. A light file fixed it. I have spoken to the distributor here in Australia, they will notify the factory, and the next batch coming in will be checked. Cheers
@@deancooperphotography2896 Really wanted to like this head, however it has to be rock solid with no movement. I don't want to invest $ then have to file down the burr and possibly changing the set screw surface to accommodate a round center post. This is a deal breaker for me. Thanks for your response.
@@deancooperphotography2896 Hi Dean, Got the GH II last day, I feel like the top panning knob must be tightened very well, to avoid panning, Is it the same with yours?
@@jibulissan Hi Jibu, mine is fine, I have it locked off, it locks and unlocks freely. Is it positioned easily tolock and unlock???? you can pull the knob outwards (its on a spring) and position it to suit yourself and set up
@@deancooperphotography2896 Hi Dean, Mine locks well, only thing is that it has to be closed tightly to lock it. Not much a problem. Do u have to close it tightly to stop it from panning, I mean the top panning plate?
Hi, really liked your video, could you tell me if it is possible to change the clamp on this head ? I prefer lever style clamp and would like to change to one when I will receive miy unit. For example the one from Sunwayfoto the DDC-60LR... Cheers
You can't really change the clamp, as it includes the top panning base. You could retro fit it, can I suggest a different top plate. The DDC-60LR is designed as a replacement top plate and requires that you can get your fingers underneath it to adjust the tension (the silver wheel) You will find it really awkward to adjust the clamp tension correctly. I would use a Sunwayfoto DLC-60 clamp, this is a duo lever/knob type clamp. Face the knob forward and use it to set the tension for the lever, I have done this before on an old Manfrotto head and it worked perfect. If you are using L brackets on your cameras then you don't need to purchase a QR plate as one comes with the GH PRO II. Cheers and let me know how you go, I can email you pics if any of this is unclear.
Dean, You are clearly a smart individual. You might take that intelligence and watch your video with a critical eye. You will likely see what I saw. Too long, information flow was not logical and you fumbled for what to say at times. Do what the experts do. Write it down. Get a white board or some big sheets of paper and give yourself a cheat sheet. Hang it next to the camera and just write flow notes. I use a simple list of words or phrases that trigger what i want to say in the order I want to say it in. I don't do youtube videos I have trained large and small crowds using this simple idea on cards. If its easier use small cards or a small piece of paper on the desktop you're presenting from. In no time you'll be quite the polished individual.
Hi Terrence, thank you so much for your feedback, this is all fairly new to me and I'm tackling it one step at a time. I hear what you are saying and I'm aware of it. I actually had today set aside to practice this stuff. Cards sound like a good idea so let me try that. Cheers
Hi Dean, received mine today .It has a very beautiful "Camera Finish" to it. No issues here with it. The Company must have listened ! At a quarter the price of the Arca Swiss D4 it is built just as well. Back to Real Estate work from next Monday so am looking forward to the results! Cheers
Thanks for letting me know Mike. These are perfect for Real Estate work, you will love it.
It looks nice. I think it needs to be combined with a leveling base anyway. Indeed if I want to move down a little bit the camera to have less sky in my panorama for example, the rotation axis will not be correct anymore, neither at the top or at the bottom. With an additional leveling base I believe it would be just perfect.
Hi Frederic, yes that would help I just tested my tripod without leveling base, I had the legs slightly uneven but head leveled, you can't pan on the top(it goes way out) panning on the bottom maintained level. With the legs a long way out of level, panning on the bottom doesn't maintain level. I think you could get away without a leveling base by getting the legs roughly level, but of course if you wanted to be precise with those panos then a LB would help, cheers
Will the top panning base not work for panorama if you level it?
@@iemboyshostel if the legs are level then it’s ok, if the legs are a long way out of level then use the bottom panning function for panos, cheers Dean
@@deancooperphotography2896 thanks Dean
Hi Dean... I am looking at upgrading from BH 55 to a geared head. Is this good enough for architecture photography ? How is it compared to arca swiss D4. 350 dollars seems to be reasonably priced compared to D4 or cubes.
Sanjay Borra it certainly is good for architecture and great value. Have never laid my hands on a D4 so can’t compare sorry. It is about the same size though.
Would be nice if you could zoom in more on the product.
Hi , I'm about to do a video on "How to use the GH PROII, so I'll do some close ups of it, cheers
Great movie! Use a nodal slide for panos
Thanks
Great presentation sir. I would like to see this unit operated in the field if possible. Adam Gibbs of Vancouver B. C. recently did a preliminary review on this head & what he noticed is that on the final lock down of all the swivel points there was a slight movement away from the original setting. I clearly observed this watching his video. The point he was making at least with the new unit he was using, he experienced a loss of absolute accuracy when locking it down because of that slight movement... Depending on the type of shooting one is doing, this potentially could be problematic, on the other hand, it may have simply been the unit he was using & is not necessarily the norm...
Thank you,
Bill on the Hill,
Vermont, USA...:~)
Hi William, I am about to do a "How to use the GH PROII Geared Head" video.
Due to Covid19 restrictions I will be doing it in my backyard, I will go over all the movements (as if I was in the field)
I just watched Adams video and saw the movements he experienced. I just checked mine and it doesn't do it, so I'm not sure why his is doing that. I would say his is a one off thing. Hope that gives you some peace of mind., cheers
Nice video Dean, thanks. I have just received the + version, but both the pano portions are stiff. the top one, which now has a new wheel is unbelievably stiff, close to unusable. I have tried the big Allen key in the top but no movement either. Any ideas please?
Hi Dominic, do you have the version with a Geared top panning Clamp?? We don't have that model in Australia. I do know that if you tighten the head onto your tripod too tight then it can make the panning on the bottom clamp very tight, I speak about this in my "How to use" video
th-cam.com/video/hUBRI9Untq0/w-d-xo.html
Try that, cheers
Can you speak to the durability of the head? This video is dated January, so maybe you haven't had much time yet. Even speculation would be helpful. It looks like it wouldnt fair well on the outside of a backpack between the stem sticking up to easily get bumped and banged, and the areas where dirt and water can get into the gearing. Thanks.
Hi James, I got this head in January 2020 when it was released here in Australia, I used it constantly till we went into lockdown with Covid19 in March. I normally like 12 months with a product to see how it fairs. Keep in mind I'm a full time Landscape photographer so the amount of use this head would get in 12 months would probably be more than 10 years shooting for the average person.
Prior to the Sunwayfoto GH Pro I used the Manfrotto 410 geared heads, I was lucky to get 12 months out of these before the gears wore out.
I had the GH Pro 2017 for its life (about 18months to 2 years) and it never faltered, I loved that head. The new 2019 model is a complete redesign but I have faith in past experience with this head.
As far as carrying it on your backpack, I would put the bag that it come with, over it for protection.
OR check out the quick release system I designed for removing heads in seconds
th-cam.com/video/mt86-tFQnVE/w-d-xo.html
I would set this up and keep the head in your pack if you are concerned.
I have been a reseller for this brand for 2 years, but have used their product for over 10 years. I'm affiliated with Nisi, Sirui and Sunwayfoto as a reseller, I'm not sponsored so I still buy my own gear from them. I will only sell a brand if I use it and have faith in the quality. I have used Sunwayfoto L brackets, heads and tripods. I have always been impressed with the quality and value this brand brings.
Hope that helps James, fire away if you have more questions, cheers Dean
@@deancooperphotography2896 Thank you for the kind response. It means a lot. Be well and stay safe.
Great review thanks. What’s the little table tripod you are using please?
Hi Don, they are Sunwayfoto T1A10, now discontinued, they now do a T1A11-11, very similar, or Sirui do one with a small ball head, www.deancooperphotography.com/store/p335/Sirui_3T-15K_Table_Top_Tripod_%28Black%29.html
Cheers Dean
Hi Dean,
I am looking for the panorama head and I have found this video of yours.
How has this head performed so far?
Is it versatile for landscape photography all around?
Cheers
Hi, it has been fantastic. I'm a full time Landscape photographer so this head and the previous version have had plenty of time in the field. For Landscape work I highly recommend them. The only downside would be if you didn't have an L bracket, then shooting a vertical is a bit fidley. Otherwise these are so good for fine tuning your composition, way better than a ball head. Cheers Dean
@@deancooperphotography2896 i am doing Astro and landscape photography as my hobby. I will buy this head then. Thanks for your useful info. Cheers
Hello, after a year of use, have you found any play in the mechanism? I have a Benro Geared head and it is sloppy as now after daily use.
Hi Marcel, I would say there is now a very small amount of play, not enough to be a problem, more just the gears settling in. Bear in mind too that this is my profession and it gets used a lot. I stopped using the Manfrotto 410 as it wore out very quick, plus some of the gearing was very tight. Hope that helps, cheers
@@deancooperphotography2896 cheers, thanks for the response
Are the old Manfrotto 410s you have sitting on your shelves completely broken, or do they simply have too much slop in the gears for professional photography work? The reason I ask is that I am looking for a geared head, but do not need it to be as precise as you likely need it to be. I would be using it for bird watching and observing wildlife. Would you be willing to part with one of your used, but functional, ones that is just collecting dust?
Hi, I have one here, have thrown the others out, this one the gearing is almost seized, you are welcome to have it if you like. Do you live local to me ??
Hey dean? Is it possible to unscrew or remove the panning arca clamp and use a different clamp and plate?
Hi, no you cant take the top plate off. There is an easy work around if you want a different plate on top. Just screw the new plate onto the QR plate that comes with the head. I assume you would do this to change it from Arca Swiss??
@@deancooperphotography2896 Not exactly, SunwayFoto has a version of the GH PRO II that incorporates the GC-01 geared panning clamp. This version sells for $435 usd. If you buy the two separately they are much cheaper $225 and $84 usd.
Ahh I see, we don't have that model here in Australia
@@deancooperphotography2896 Having taken delivery of the GH PRO II I agree with you Dean. I don't see any obvious way to detach the panning clamp. At the same time I don't see any need to. The clamp pans nicely. It is Dampened and easy to move precisely. My only concern is that there is a bit of droop with the x axis. This is tiny and easy to compensate for. For instance, I can see the virtual level move one notch/line downward when leveling my EOS R's with an RF 24-105L. One tiny twist of the nob and everything stays put. This does not bother me considering all of the alternative geared heads are priced much higher. All in all a good bang for your buck especially if you find a deal on ali express.
I read that when you're composing your shot (real estate photography), that when you adjust the lever at the base to tighten it does not stay where you put it, it moves very slightly. Is this true?
I just found out about this yesterday. It does it on some heads, not all, I checked mine and several others that were perfect. I did find one that did it, I pulled the locking screw out and found it was a small burr on the end of the thread where it seats against the panning base. A light file fixed it. I have spoken to the distributor here in Australia, they will notify the factory, and the next batch coming in will be checked. Cheers
@@deancooperphotography2896 Really wanted to like this head, however it has to be rock solid with no movement. I don't want to invest $ then have to file down the burr and possibly changing the set screw surface to accommodate a round center post. This is a deal breaker for me. Thanks for your response.
Hi , What is the diameter of the base of GH Pro II Head? The handles are plastic or metal?
Hi Jibu, base diameter is 55mm, all metal alloy construction, no plastic anywhere. Cheers Dean
@@deancooperphotography2896 Thank you
@@deancooperphotography2896 Hi Dean, Got the GH II last day, I feel like the top panning knob must be tightened very well, to avoid panning, Is it the same with yours?
@@jibulissan Hi Jibu, mine is fine, I have it locked off, it locks and unlocks freely. Is it positioned easily tolock and unlock???? you can pull the knob outwards (its on a spring) and position it to suit yourself and set up
@@deancooperphotography2896 Hi Dean, Mine locks well, only thing is that it has to be closed tightly to lock it. Not much a problem. Do u have to close it tightly to stop it from panning, I mean the top panning plate?
Hi, really liked your video, could you tell me if it is possible to change the clamp on this head ? I prefer lever style clamp and would like to change to one when I will receive miy unit. For example the one from Sunwayfoto the DDC-60LR... Cheers
You can't really change the clamp, as it includes the top panning base. You could retro fit it, can I suggest a different top plate. The DDC-60LR is designed as a replacement top plate and requires that you can get your fingers underneath it to adjust the tension (the silver wheel) You will find it really awkward to adjust the clamp tension correctly. I would use a Sunwayfoto DLC-60 clamp, this is a duo lever/knob type clamp. Face the knob forward and use it to set the tension for the lever, I have done this before on an old Manfrotto head and it worked perfect.
If you are using L brackets on your cameras then you don't need to purchase a QR plate as one comes with the GH PRO II. Cheers and let me know how you go, I can email you pics if any of this is unclear.
@@deancooperphotography2896 Thank you for the reply, I'll follow your advice and go for the DLC-60. Cheers
Dean, You are clearly a smart individual. You might take that intelligence and watch your video with a critical eye. You will likely see what I saw. Too long, information flow was not logical and you fumbled for what to say at times. Do what the experts do. Write it down. Get a white board or some big sheets of paper and give yourself a cheat sheet. Hang it next to the camera and just write flow notes. I use a simple list of words or phrases that trigger what i want to say in the order I want to say it in. I don't do youtube videos I have trained large and small crowds using this simple idea on cards. If its easier use small cards or a small piece of paper on the desktop you're presenting from. In no time you'll be quite the polished individual.
Hi Terrence, thank you so much for your feedback, this is all fairly new to me and I'm tackling it one step at a time. I hear what you are saying and I'm aware of it. I actually had today set aside to practice this stuff. Cards sound like a good idea so let me try that. Cheers