The Benro geared head is well made, well-priced, and easy to use and works for me on woodland photography and in cold conditions too as the knobs are a great on size and functionality. Will never go back to a ball head.
SunwayFoto GH-PRO II arrived today. Watching you work with a geared head, then comparing that with my experience composing landscapes with a ball head settled the matter. Tried it out for the first time tonight composing a nightscape in the dark no less. What a calming, relaxed, controlled experience. Thanks for yet another useful recommendation.
This is the thing that I thought about a lot! I mean the precision of geared head comparing to ball ones. And I was wondering why all pro photographers prefer ball heads. Now I know that not all of them. Another part of your photographer's vision that is close to mine. Thank you!
I bought the Benro geared head a couple of years ago for the same reasons as you Adam. I got frustrated with my (not cheap) ballhead as it would always creep when I locked it down. I was very tempted by the Arca D4 but price, and reports that it didn’t like rain made me opt for the Benro. No regrets so far. Atb
I've been using the Benro GD3WH for almost 2 years and it's been brilliant. Rock steady and you can make minute adjustments with the adjustment knobs or swing the camera quickly with a minor movement of the release knob. I originally purchased this for macro work but quickly found it to be excellent for landscape as well. Panos are super easy. No worrying about getting the right overlap between shots. Just turn the horizontal adjustment two quarter turns between shots for perfect overlap on every shot.
You mentioned the slight movement when tightening either the top panning lock-knob or the head panning base lock-knob. I tested both on my copy tonight with a live view grid line bisecting a star, with the display zoomed to 100% and noticed no detectable movement. You would be well within your rights to return your copy for a replacement. Perhaps you have already done so. So far, I'm very pleased with this head, a pleasure to use.
I have always used a ball head and was NEVER happy with it. I'm currently looking for a geared head so thank you for your input on the SUNWAY GH-PRO II. In the past I've rented the Manfrotto MHXPRO-3WG XPRO head and loved the ease of use but for long exposures it was horrible, the slightest wind and it would wobble. My next rental is on the way, a Benro 3-Way Geared Head (GD3WH). I have heard more than a few reviews on it and the worst complaint was the quick release knob was stiff and hard on the fingers. If this Benro doesn't work I'm definitely going to try the SUNWAYFOTO. Love your work Mr. Gibbs and thank you for the wonderful videos. Quiet Light perfectly describes you!
Manfrotto X-pro MHXPRO-3WG Geared Head has become the weapon of choice for me Adam. Had been looking for a new head for my old tripod for a very long time. Yes it’s a little more pricey but when Canon Australia had their big sale recently I grabbed one. Very happy with that decision . Geared head are excellent for the landscape photography for sure. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge yet again Adam. Nice to see the view from the top of that hill yet again.
I use the Manfrotto 410 geared head for macro photography. I have a bellows that I can also mount on top so the bigger head is a plus for me. I also have a Manfrotto Elements tripod so everything is designed to work together.
Will be interested to see how it goes for you Adam. After 20 years of using a three way pan and tilt I changed over to geared head about a year ago and really enjoying the ability for precise movement after “more or less” framing using the heads release grips. I’ve seen the odd Vlogger using the expensive head you mentioned but never looked up the price but I think I could purchase a small car here in NZ for the same money!!
I nearly asked about this after your last video, because I didn't recognise it. I've been a big fan of geared heads for about 12 years or so, as I'm a macro photographer. I ended up with the Benro one after using the Manfrotto 410 for a long time. The Benro is much lighter, but just as solid, and has a nice Swiss Arca style clamp (the Manfrotto plate is horrible). I had been intending to get the original Sunwayfoto head, but it was out of stock everywhere, which is why I ended up getting the Benro, which I've been very pleased with. It looks different to the original Sunwayfoto head which was basically a knock off of the Swiss Arca head, which is I guess why the original one was so hard to get hold of. Not to sure about the movement, as even the slightest play messes up macro framing. Anyway, a good honest and informative review.
@@rockychocbill - The Manfrotto geared heads, the 410 and the bigger 405 have the large 410PL plate, and not the smaller RC plate, which only the X-Pro Geared head uses. It is the large 410PL plate I am referring to and presumably Adam is referring to. My own experience is that this is extremely stiff and difficult to remove. IMHO it defeats the purpose of using a quick release plate as it is so stiff and difficult to use. The Swiss Arca plate is much better. In fact with my Manfrotto 410 I just screwed a Swiss Arca style clamp to the top of the 410PL plate. It made removing the camera much easier.
@@stephenbarlow2493 Yes, my mistake Stephen, I meant to say PL not Q. I agree that the lever takes a bit of effort to engage but for me this outweighs having to fiddle with any screws. I have the Arca Swiss system on my travel size Manfrotto Fluid Video head/tripod and have to be so careful with the tension knobs otherwise I'll lose them.
I love the simplicity of a geared head & having those (2) choices on panning. Basically the base panning feature will work well for setting up the camera body & head controls to clear one another & the top panning feature for doing the actual panning itself. The convenience of now being able to precisely level the in-camera level quickly & easily without the annoyance of a ball head makes this a game changer & this unit is surprisingly affordable. I also really like the Arca Swiss D4 in it's " classic form " & designed to hold up to 75 Lbs., but like everything else in this life it comes in with a price tag around (5) times higher than the GH Pro 11... Thanks Adam, Bill on the Hill... :~)
Manfrotto sells a spacer for their geared head, which raises it up so that handles do not hit the tripod spider. I think you should try it out. $30 USD. It is called the Manfrotto 120-38 Tripod Spacer for Tripod Columns. I use one with the Benro geared head you showed in the video.
Thanks for letting us know about the competition, I was just searching for one like this! as for the geared head - I never considered them even for landscape photography. It ahppens to me form time to time that conditions change so quickly that it resembles sport photography rather than calm and slow landscape shooting. But otherwise they seem an awesome tool!
Thank you for the review. I was considering it for close-up studio work but the slight movement when locking the knobs makes me think twice. I'm glad you showed it.
Sunway make some decent heads for the money. My experience is the same as yours regarding the locks causing movement. Over time they loosen up, and having taken a couple of them apart the fit between moving parts is generous and is compensated for by using heavy damping grease. This makes it feel tight but doesn't make up for precision. I got what I paid for I guess.
Great video Adam, as always! Can't wait to have the book in my hands! I've always used a ball-head, Benro has some really good ones, I use a G2 ball head which can hold up to 14kg or 30.86lb, more than enough for what I need and rock solid, I've been using it for a few years now and I've never had any issues with it, but yeah if you're looking for something that allows you to move and adjust your composition more finely they might not be the right option. Take care and stay safe!
The creep when locking down the pano is a no-go for me. I'm noticing the same issue w/ the pan lock on the Sunwayfoto FB28i. Otherwise, I like the portability design of this geared head. Almost there, but not quite. Keep iterating, Sunwayfoto!
I have the Benro geared head, I use it for doing polar alignment for astro and tracked astro work. It's perfect for that application. For landscape, I switch it out for a ball head.
I've had the Benro for two years now.I think the quick release clutch behind the gear knobs are more ergonomic and not an obstruction like the Sunway crank ratchet. Holds my 895 g 150mm macro with no creep; great for landscape compositions..I'll never go back to a ballhead!
@@MrFreakwent I also like that quick release control for larger adjustments. I use a laser for polar alignment and the gear knobs are perfect for that, so easy. Good price point too. Good to hear it has held up for you over two years.
Thank you Adam! I am in exactly that position ... looking at the Sunwayfoto vs the Benro. the Arca D4 of any of them would be great but the price for me is prohibitive. Appreciate the pros and cons of the Sunwayfoto geared head that you have discovered. I think i'll end up with the Benro ... but I'll give the Sunwayfoto another look.
I have the benro one & it really is great, love the small adjustments especially in woodland when there is small sticks etc sticking into the frame you can slowly just get them out of shot without effecting your composition too much. First day I got it I put my bag down & it toppled over with the tripod attached on the rear smashing the twist knob into the floor and slightly bending the axle, now it's abit crunchy when making adjustments lol this looks like a nice replacement though as the knobs are smaller.
Looks like it has a few little quirks. I got a Benro which doesn't seem to have any movement issues when locked off. You can actually use it quite fast with the combined quick release and fine knobs, so doesn't have to be slow and considered. Thanks for a look at the Sunwayfoto one :)
I like that panning at the top feature, it'll be interesting to see how well it holds up. I did beat you to it on the book, my order went in on Friday night.
Book is ordered, looking forward to sitting down with a coffee and looking through it. Hope the company watches this video to see the issues you have with the tripod head. Will you be contacting the company to give your list of issues? Hope your well and stay safe
Just bought this last week funnily enough! Currently using the manfrotto 410 Jr for landscape and astro and am just not enjoying it. Its big, heavy and clunky to use. Plus even though I've owned it over a year I still find myself adjusting the wrong axis! The GH-PRO just comes across as simpler, smoother and ultimately lighter and slimmer It's a shame there is such limited affordable choices
I looked into the Sunway Photo head. a month ago, and what caused me to write it off is its weight limit. My equipment ranges from a DSLR, to medium format film and 4x5 film with a Linhof MT. While I really wanted the Arca Swiss D4 geared head (not the cube), $1200 plus tax is a LOT of money. I am retiring my Arca Swiss ball head in favor of the RRS BH55 with the pano attachment. That is half the price of the D4. Thanks for the slight review, and I feel you are not completely satisfied with the Sunway and FLM combo, I wouldn't be.
I have the BH55 with the pano-gimbal, not a cheap or light set-up, but it is very well built. I did just spend $19.91 for shipping from Canada to the US ;) They need to get rid of Justin, that's worse than the USPS, although maybe the Canadians have a gear other than reverse like the USPS.
I received the same head some two weeks ago. I have shot before on the Arca Swiss Core Leveler combined with the p0, if I remember correctly, and the Manfrotto 405 and 410. All of them just fine products. Mostly I shoot products, interiors and such for work. Manfrotto was maybe a bit too bulky that I would have wanted to carry it around, but for a studio it is just fine. Never really had issues with either. With the Manfrotto 410 I didn't like that the plate was a bit off-center, so if you pan horizontally, the position of the camera actually changes ever so slightly. Can't remember if 405 had the same? Nothing I couldn't live with, but somehow not the smartest design. They were, nonetheless, a fresh breeze after working on some 3-way heads on cheap Manfrotto and Slik tripods I owned in the past. Cheap ballheads I could never understand. Either way, what I wanted was an alternative at the price point of the Manfrotto 410 and Benro, and this seemed like it. The most important reason was, that it actually would accept my L-bracket and cage from SmallRig having the same Arca Swiss standard plate size. I did one shoot on the Sunway already and played around with it for some hours, and I cannot think of any reason why it wouldn't last long in my use. Somehow it feels a bit more serviceable than the Manfrotto/Benro alternatives even. And like mentioned in the review video, if it breaks, it atleast doesn't break the bank. Since it is such a new product, it seems impossible to find any reviews of long-term use. So looking forward to any further reports. I'll even subscribe to wait for that!
Very happy I subscribed. Today I finally had a completely free Sunday and was watching some of the latest videos on the channel as well as the videos on composition, light, etc. I found the work fantastic! I like the rhythm of explanation too. Really this channel is what I always thought was missing on TH-cam, instead of all the shouting and loudness. And I admit, I have sometimes watched the shouting and loudness too. But all of them have slowly slipped too deep into this unboxing, look at the latest and greatest tech nonsense. Or even worse, the videos feel more like cult of personality. Not the craft, the art and the inspiration. None of it will make anyone go out and take pictures. I cannot stress how nice it is to find down to earth content of someone who is clearly talented at what they do and are willing to share. And without the obvious clickbaiting. Such a breeze. I should add, that I never had an interest in nature and landscape photography before. I do know most the seminal work, but it always felt like, one had to go to deep into the outback to create something interesting. Now I actually am looking at what I could find close to the city I live in. It might not be the real wilderness, but it's a great excuse to be outdoors with a camera! Great work!
It’s cheaper than I thought it’d be. I’d like a geared head but don’t really need it, I feel it’d be good for complex scenes but I don’t shoot them enough. I do love the idea of adjusting it with one hand though.
Mate, the rotational and angular movements are not “on a ratchet” as you said, they can be moved using a fold out handle. There was no ratchet involved.
I like using heads with independent controls on each axis too but prefer those with twist locking levers, much quicker to use than a geared one and virtually as accurate. I picked up a Sirui one last year which like yours has separate horizontal rotations on the tripod mount and camera base, it’s quite compact but solidly built, and of course like a geared head is much easier to use if you have an L-bracket on the camera.
Robert Lavers Hey... this Siruri looks great. I have the large Monopod for interior architecture and it’s the best monopod that I have ever used. I will try this gear head.
@@rodscherich9973 I use it for the same purpose with a tilt/shift lens on a tripod, it is actually compact enough for my Manfrotto Befree so is suitably portable but I also use it on a full size tripod.
As one photographer and DP to another for the price you should bring an LED bicolor light for a key in such situations to keep your video from looking so flat. Wish you had talked about gear lash.
Thanks for saving me a ton of money!!! I do consider myself more of a run and gun shooter so this certainly cemented the fact that this would be a wasted investment.
If you can warrant the cost, consider the Acratech 'long lens head' (with rotatable clamp) plus leveling base. (which I see they now offer in a kit.) It was a heck of a lot of money for myself, but I've never regretted it. Even though I use a tripod, when the light is good I tend to be 'run and gun' as well. The Acratech set-up is fast, and accurate. [Does Pan's too, with an L bracket].
I'd like to know the weight of this Sunwayfoto head. I have been using a Manfrotto 410 geared head for years with an Arca Swiss clamp replacing the standard Manfrotto plate. Its use is almost entirely for macro photography, and as a consequence of its weight, has not left the house in a long time. I do like the control of a geared head and it would be nice to have something that is more 'field' friendly.
As far as I know, it´s about nearly 850g. Btw., I´m in the same situation as you are, I also topped the strange Manfrotto plate with an Arca Swiss type, so it weighs about the same as an average tripod :(. On the other hand it´s pretty reliable and has a 3rd gear for the vertical axis, which I really appreciate.
Just got my Sunwayfoto gear head. I have worn out 3 or 4 Manfrotto 410's over the years. The release lever breaks if you stare at it. You cut your fingers on manfrotto's crude machining. Sunway is smooth, stays where you put it. So far I love it. Switched all my cameras to Arca quick plates too... Not perfect but easier, smoother, and lighter than clunky sharp edged Manfrotto.
Great review Adam, I was thinking about a head like that but now I guess it's probably not for me. I tend to arrive slightly late for the best light, rush and frequently change the tripod's position and readjust the legs. Although it'll be interesting so see your opinion on this head later on after you've used it for a while.
That head or a similar one seems like it would be wicked for vertical panos as well as horizontals. It's probably too specialized for my use, and I'm also not the most gentle owner. But it's worth looking at.
Adam, speaking about Kozubooks.. I have the first edition and the image quality is, say, OK, but far from being excellent. Colors are very pale and contrast is not great either. Just keep it in mind when ordering another batch
Ok well that’s of course your opinion. The muted colours and reduced contrast is a conscious decision in my post processing not the printing of the book. Of course some colours can never be reproduced exactly as an original but Kozu did an excellent job in representing what I wanted in the final product. Cheers!
Uh-oh my GAS is acting up again. 😂 I went out shooting last night with some friends and as much as I like the quality of FLM ballhead, its a pain in the ass to have to unscrew the knob several times to adjust it just a few millimeters, only to have to crank on that knob again to tighten. I have a heavy D4 so it needs to be strong. I look forward to your thoughts after you use it a while. Thanks for the demo! Hope you and your family are well, and stay well. 😊
I use an (expensive) Acratech head like Thomas Heatons. One of the 'unsung' bonuses of their gear is the very quick and positive action of the knobs. 1/4 turn is like 'on and off'. I service mine occasionally. There is a lot of precise engineering in them - mini ball race type arrangement in the tilt mech!
@@simonmaney3438 Well, those Acratech's aren't as bad as the ones Adam referenced in the video that were around $2000. Sometimes it just doesn't matter how well something is made or how awesome it is; the use doesn't justify the cost - unless of course one has unlimited disposable income (which I don't). For me, the amateur, I just can't justify $2000 for a head. If I was a professional, and my paid shots depended on that kind of precision, maybe. I might pay up to $400, if it's REALLY worth it. I paid that much for the FLM ballhead. But I'd feel better keeping it under $200. I looked at the link Adam left here and I think it's like $180? But it wont be delivered until June or July. The seller looks a little sketchy too, not an Adorama or B&H, so... the questions is... do I feel lucky? Haahaa... Like I said, I'll wait to see what he thinks of it after using it for a while.
@@blivieriphoto Totally understand what you are saying. Photography can be an expensive hobby (like many of them!). The Acratech head (plus leveling base and nodal rail) was a big investment for myself, but one that I can completely endorse, as a landscape photographer. I reckon that I have got many shots that I would have otherwise missed, or messed up, because of its fast, easy set-up and adjustment. [For anyone interested] I was using a two way video head on a leveling base and realized that this was a superior set up to fiddly ball-heads (especially for pano's). After a lot of research the Acratech LLH (long lens head) ticked the boxes in a small, lightweight package. [It needs to have the rotatable clamp]. Not long after I bought it (c.2012) Acratech released the similar 'Panorama Head'. It costs about $100 more essentially just for extra laser engravings! (Which I never use).
Oh my goodness Adam. Stop with such a fiddly piece of gear and get the Manfrotto junior gear head. It has a way superior gear bypass system for quick adjustments. The Q plates are not that expensive or much larger than Arca Swiss and they give a very reassuring "click" when locked in. One lever with a push button for quick release. One gear head and a plate for each camera. Affordable and reliable. But maybe slightly more weight. Cheers.
I owned the version one of this Sunwayphoto head for a year or so but never got on with it, the backlash in the adjustments was too great it overwhelmed any accuracy a geared head was supposed to give, it looks like the MkII is better but still has issues. I sold mine and got an Arca-Swiss D4 secondhand and couldn’t be happier, if I was doing it again now I’d probably get the Arca-Swiss p0 Hybrid.
I've been using one for years. Very expensive, but one of the best photographic investments I have made. Unlike uncle grumpy I aren't very patient and want to be in three places at once. That's where this comes into its own - very fast set up for single shot or pano's (with an L bracket), and you can easily swap between the two. [Relatively lightweight too. Head + leveling base weighs less than geared head].
Five different levers to adjust a small head that I just wouldn't trust due to it's half arsed Chinesium style engineering. There's a reason its a 3rd of the price of the pro level stuff. The Manfrotto is much more robust and still affordable and the plates may be larger but a lot of Manfrotto is genuinely one handed unlike that Arca copy rubbish you see everywhere which requires two hands to hold & tighten. Yes, the Swiss made stuff is ridiculously priced but I honestly bet you'll get fed up with this wee head with its over complication and flimsy build. I still like your work by the way. Very thought provoking.
Got the Manfrotto but only use it for an Astrotrac-Set-up. As I am to spontaneous this is not really for me though it looks pretty precise. Interesting Vlog nevertheless. Adam
Ball heads need a larger ball to prevent creep and enable easy movement and precise control. I don’t think you can beat a ball head for light weight and ease of packing. It will be interesting what you feel about gear vs. ball when a year had gone by.
Adam, great video as always. Just two questions: is the book a reprint or does it contain different material? And about the head: is the pano clamp removable? I have a lever which I love and I'd replace the panoramic one, I don't use it.
If you want to make a panorama with the lens pointing a bit up or down this wont work. In that case you need the panning motion to have its axis parallel to gravitation (hope that makes sense)- Otherwise the motion will follow an arc. Thomas Heaton has an excellent video on that.
If you want to point the camera and lens up or down from level and be able to pan, you must level the tripod and head first, then adjust only the fore/aft tilt of the camera to your desired angle and pan using only the lower panning adjustment at the base plate of the tripod. That will insure perfectly horizontal panning throughout 360 degrees for the camera/lens angle you choose.
You may like this accessory (Geared Clamp GC-01) from Sunwayfoto: www.sunwayfoto.com/e_goodsDetail.aspx?gId=1505 A similar product (Leofoto G4 geared head) you may be interested: th-cam.com/video/zMIbXTvPLmI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/qutlVCM1Q7o/w-d-xo.html (watch 6:25 - 7:25)
I feel you on the roughing up gear... I bought a Rollei Lion Rock 25 . On like the first Trip I took with it I set down my bag and it fell over, landed fucking RIGHT on the screw to fasten the plate. And wouldn't you know it? The screw bent :(
Been wondering about a geared head for long telephoto work for a while. I'd be interested to know if the movements are precise enough over long distances.
Hi Adam, I levelled the head using digital level and i put both the axis absolutely in green in the dital level, when i am panning left to right using the top panning plate, Ii can see that the digital level is not green anymore. Am I using it incorrectly?
If you just want to listen about the geared head mentioned n the title: Jump to minute 6! Yes, for 6 minutes Adam tells that he _will_ tell about the Sunway... :-)
Manfrotto makes a much nicer geared head than the one shown - www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-XPRO-Geared-Tilt-Black/dp/B00T8REXY0/ - the XPRO Geared 3 Way Pan/Tilt Head. It combines quick movement and precise movement. Sure, it's not cheap but it also gets the best of both worlds getting you close to ball head speed of movement along with the precision. As for the plate, it's the 200PL which isn't as annoying as some of the other manfrotto plates.
Don't know if you're still active here, but I was interested in buying the peak design tripod and pairing it with this head and wanted to ask how that would work. Can I just mount this head on their tripod and still use the peak design quick release plate for the actual camera connection?
@@QuietLightPhoto Did I bit of digging and PD has a (neck?) that you can change out the ball head for and it serves as an adapter to other head types. PD also has its own quick release plate, but I would be using whatever QRP comes with the Gear head ig. My goal was keep the same release plate amongst all my gear as it's mostly peak design so I wouldn't be changing the plate from my camera so often.
Yes I would its a good head for the money. The only thing that is a bit of a negative is that it gets quite stiff to move when its cold out. Im guessing the grease thickens and slows it down somewhat. I did have some creeping when I first got it in the panning but I fixed it easily by just filing the screw a little.
I picked one up after seeing Adam’s review and it’s become my favorite head. I had the same creeping issue with the panning knob, but otherwise a great head, especially for the money.
Adam, I'm just wondering what that coloured disc thing is round your neck? I've already bought a pair of Clix specs after seeing yours but I definitely won't be buying a geared head any time soon!
@@QuietLightPhoto I think Robert means the red/yellow/green disc hanging below your glasses, which is gone in your closing section. It does shine and catch my attention sometimes, something to do with the lav mike?
Well it is slow and definitely not for those in a rush or working on the fly. I do like it for the reason of slowing me down, seems to be holding up well.
Hi Adam, I have one of these heads, been using it since December last year. I'm also a Sunwayfoto reseller here in Australia. I just checked my head and there is no creeping on the panning locks. I've sold a bucket load of these and never had this complaint or noticed it. Is yours still doing it?? Cheers
@@QuietLightPhoto I worked out what it is. Yesterday I got hold of one that does it, I pulled the screw right out and there was a slight bur on the end, A light file took this off and now good as gold, cheers
@@deancooperphotography2896 So happy I found this easy fix for the panning creep when locking it down; if mine has the panning creep when locking it down that I just ordered, now I know how to fix it. Thanks a million Dean. Mahalo
I do not understand the pricing on your book. When you click on the link, it says that it costs from 35 pounds. Then when you go to the cart, it asks for 70 pounds plus shipping.
I'm still using the one I purchased. It is definitely not for those that are in a rush. No problems so far, the creeping I solved by a little work with a file
@@QuietLightPhoto thanks! The creeping on the panning bases (bottom and top) are manageable. Any creep in the geared movement? It is $225 vs $1k+ for the Arca swiss. Is it rigid enough for a full frame with a long lens - 100-400mm types? I also want to use it for precise framing of landscape and panos with the camera often pointing down by 20-30 degrees. Will want the top to pan in these situations as well without creep. Think it is rigid enough for that? Not as good as using a multi row pano setup but much lighter and works ok with longer distance subjects. But very difficult to frame things exactly with a ball head. Thanks for your reply and the wonderful videos!
@@QuietLightPhoto thanks! Sounds like these knock offs are good enough for us mortals! I wonder how your removed the creep with a file though! Love your videos!
I decided to take a chance and bought one about 10 hours before you posted this video. It will be my first geared head, and I hope I'm not disappointed. There's not really a lot of actual reviews on TH-cam.
@@QuietLightPhoto CF-34? Not CP-34? I can't see the CF-34 on the FLM site. The reason I ask is with the geared head ratchet hitting the tripod platform I wondered what smaller size tripod platform would avoid being hit. FLM's website says CP-34 platform is 78mm where as the CP-30 has 2 variants and 60mm and 65mm platforms that may work better. It would be good to kit the right tripod with the best for functionality. Thanks again.
I had an earlier version of this head, which had a rather different design to the one you have (looked like an AS D4). It worked… kinda. I found it had a lot of slop in the gears on both axes, which made it difficult to get a truly precise composition. I've tried a few other geared heads including the Manfrotto 410 (actually quite decent) and the real deal D4 (super precise, but hefty and expensive! - so now up for sale). I ultimately concluded I don't really need that ultimate micrometric precision, and so have now ended up with a similar approach to your friend Mr. Heaton… Acratech Panoramic Head on a levelling base, which works just great for my usage.
Currently using an RRS balhead which works extremely well. But I'm interested in a geared head because of the independent movement of the axis's on that head. I am very curious about your experiences with the head in the field !
As I am just starting using flash getting into portrait and still life I realize a good tri-pod and head are a must my biggest complaint about the swiss acra is the knob to tighten the camera on mine which even after a few years of use I still find myself loosening while I am tweaking the composition. It's very frustrating looking through the view finder and trying to guess which of the four attached knobs to turn without releasing your camera to hit the deck. The rc2 plate on the manfrotto is nice in the fact it clicks in and is locked and you forget about it.
I have a few ' tripod heads ' inc;luding Gitzos and the Manfroto 410 Junior gear head which is a very decent head for precision work. The only problem with the 410 is that at tilt the adjusting knob hits the base of my Gitzo Studex , the very old French one ' , when tilting, otherwise it is a good head. I wonder if this one you are using , which seems quite compact , has similar problems? thanks for sharing your experience.
The Benro geared head is well made, well-priced, and easy to use and works for me on woodland photography and in cold conditions too as the knobs are a great on size and functionality. Will never go back to a ball head.
SunwayFoto GH-PRO II arrived today. Watching you work with a geared head, then comparing that with my experience composing landscapes with a ball head settled the matter. Tried it out for the first time tonight composing a nightscape in the dark no less. What a calming, relaxed, controlled experience. Thanks for yet another useful recommendation.
This is the thing that I thought about a lot! I mean the precision of geared head comparing to ball ones. And I was wondering why all pro photographers prefer ball heads. Now I know that not all of them. Another part of your photographer's vision that is close to mine. Thank you!
I bought the Benro geared head a couple of years ago for the same reasons as you Adam. I got frustrated with my (not cheap) ballhead as it would always creep when I locked it down. I was very tempted by the Arca D4 but price, and reports that it didn’t like rain made me opt for the Benro. No regrets so far. Atb
I've been using the Benro GD3WH for almost 2 years and it's been brilliant. Rock steady and you can make minute adjustments with the adjustment knobs or swing the camera quickly with a minor movement of the release knob. I originally purchased this for macro work but quickly found it to be excellent for landscape as well. Panos are super easy. No worrying about getting the right overlap between shots. Just turn the horizontal adjustment two quarter turns between shots for perfect overlap on every shot.
You mentioned the slight movement when tightening either the top panning lock-knob or the head panning base lock-knob. I tested both on my copy tonight with a live view grid line bisecting a star, with the display zoomed to 100% and noticed no detectable movement. You would be well within your rights to return your copy for a replacement. Perhaps you have already done so. So far, I'm very pleased with this head, a pleasure to use.
I have always used a ball head and was NEVER happy with it. I'm currently looking for a geared head so thank you for your input on the SUNWAY GH-PRO II. In the past I've rented the Manfrotto MHXPRO-3WG XPRO head and loved the ease of use but for long exposures it was horrible, the slightest wind and it would wobble. My next rental is on the way, a Benro 3-Way Geared Head (GD3WH). I have heard more than a few reviews on it and the worst complaint was the quick release knob was stiff and hard on the fingers. If this Benro doesn't work I'm definitely going to try the SUNWAYFOTO. Love your work Mr. Gibbs and thank you for the wonderful videos. Quiet Light perfectly describes you!
Thanks!
I was watching thomas Heaton and he seem envious of your van.
I think Tom has wanted one for quite some time, but yes same van.
Manfrotto X-pro MHXPRO-3WG Geared Head has become the weapon of choice for me Adam.
Had been looking for a new head for my old tripod for a very long time.
Yes it’s a little more pricey but when Canon Australia had their big sale recently I grabbed one.
Very happy with that decision . Geared head are excellent for the landscape photography for sure.
Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge yet again Adam.
Nice to see the view from the top of that hill yet again.
Good advice, thanks
I use the Manfrotto 410 geared head for macro photography. I have a bellows that I can also mount on top so the bigger head is a plus for me. I also have a Manfrotto Elements tripod so everything is designed to work together.
Will be interested to see how it goes for you Adam. After 20 years of using a three way pan and tilt I changed over to geared head about a year ago and really enjoying the ability for precise movement after “more or less” framing using the heads release grips. I’ve seen the odd Vlogger using the expensive head you mentioned but never looked up the price but I think I could purchase a small car here in NZ for the same money!!
$250
I nearly asked about this after your last video, because I didn't recognise it. I've been a big fan of geared heads for about 12 years or so, as I'm a macro photographer. I ended up with the Benro one after using the Manfrotto 410 for a long time. The Benro is much lighter, but just as solid, and has a nice Swiss Arca style clamp (the Manfrotto plate is horrible). I had been intending to get the original Sunwayfoto head, but it was out of stock everywhere, which is why I ended up getting the Benro, which I've been very pleased with. It looks different to the original Sunwayfoto head which was basically a knock off of the Swiss Arca head, which is I guess why the original one was so hard to get hold of. Not to sure about the movement, as even the slightest play messes up macro framing. Anyway, a good honest and informative review.
Never had a problem with the Manfrotto plates going on 6 years now. That is the Q plate, not the smaller RC style though.
@@rockychocbill - The Manfrotto geared heads, the 410 and the bigger 405 have the large 410PL plate, and not the smaller RC plate, which only the X-Pro Geared head uses. It is the large 410PL plate I am referring to and presumably Adam is referring to. My own experience is that this is extremely stiff and difficult to remove. IMHO it defeats the purpose of using a quick release plate as it is so stiff and difficult to use. The Swiss Arca plate is much better. In fact with my Manfrotto 410 I just screwed a Swiss Arca style clamp to the top of the 410PL plate. It made removing the camera much easier.
@@stephenbarlow2493 Yes, my mistake Stephen, I meant to say PL not Q. I agree that the lever takes a bit of effort to engage but for me this outweighs having to fiddle with any screws. I have the Arca Swiss system on my travel size Manfrotto Fluid Video head/tripod and have to be so careful with the tension knobs otherwise I'll lose them.
I love the simplicity of a geared head & having those (2) choices on panning. Basically the base panning feature will work well for setting up the camera body & head controls to clear one another & the top panning feature for doing the actual panning itself. The convenience of now being able to precisely level the in-camera level quickly & easily without the annoyance of a ball head makes this a game changer & this unit is surprisingly affordable. I also really like the Arca Swiss D4 in it's " classic form " & designed to hold up to 75 Lbs., but like everything else in this life it comes in with a price tag around (5) times higher than the GH Pro 11...
Thanks Adam,
Bill on the Hill... :~)
Yep I looked at the D4 and was tempted but man that is a huge expense. Never say never though ;-)
Manfrotto sells a spacer for their geared head, which raises it up so that handles do not hit the tripod spider. I think you should try it out. $30 USD.
It is called the Manfrotto 120-38 Tripod Spacer for Tripod Columns. I use one with the Benro geared head you showed in the video.
Thanks for letting us know about the competition, I was just searching for one like this! as for the geared head - I never considered them even for landscape photography. It ahppens to me form time to time that conditions change so quickly that it resembles sport photography rather than calm and slow landscape shooting. But otherwise they seem an awesome tool!
I have the same head as I didn't want something made of plastic which will fall apart. The included bag is great for keeping crud out of the gearing
Thank you for the review. I was considering it for close-up studio work but the slight movement when locking the knobs makes me think twice. I'm glad you showed it.
Sunway make some decent heads for the money. My experience is the same as yours regarding the locks causing movement. Over time they loosen up, and having taken a couple of them apart the fit between moving parts is generous and is compensated for by using heavy damping grease. This makes it feel tight but doesn't make up for precision. I got what I paid for I guess.
I've got the Benro and love it!
Great video Adam, as always! Can't wait to have the book in my hands! I've always used a ball-head, Benro has some really good ones, I use a G2 ball head which can hold up to 14kg or 30.86lb, more than enough for what I need and rock solid, I've been using it for a few years now and I've never had any issues with it, but yeah if you're looking for something that allows you to move and adjust your composition more finely they might not be the right option. Take care and stay safe!
Awesome! Thank you!
Now that's the very definition of a gizmo. :)
Are you still using this head. If so, how is it holding up?
The creep when locking down the pano is a no-go for me. I'm noticing the same issue w/ the pan lock on the Sunwayfoto FB28i. Otherwise, I like the portability design of this geared head. Almost there, but not quite. Keep iterating, Sunwayfoto!
Thank you for reacting with a Video! Greetings
I have the Benro geared head, I use it for doing polar alignment for astro and tracked astro work. It's perfect for that application. For landscape, I switch it out for a ball head.
I've had the Benro for two years now.I think the quick release clutch behind the gear knobs are more ergonomic and not an obstruction like the Sunway crank ratchet. Holds my 895 g 150mm macro with no creep; great for landscape compositions..I'll never go back to a ballhead!
@@MrFreakwent I also like that quick release control for larger adjustments. I use a laser for polar alignment and the gear knobs are perfect for that, so easy. Good price point too.
Good to hear it has held up for you over two years.
Thank you Adam! I am in exactly that position ... looking at the Sunwayfoto vs the Benro. the Arca D4 of any of them would be great but the price for me is prohibitive. Appreciate the pros and cons of the Sunwayfoto geared head that you have discovered. I think i'll end up with the Benro ... but I'll give the Sunwayfoto another look.
The new book cover looks great.
I have the benro one & it really is great, love the small adjustments especially in woodland when there is small sticks etc sticking into the frame you can slowly just get them out of shot without effecting your composition too much. First day I got it I put my bag down & it toppled over with the tripod attached on the rear smashing the twist knob into the floor and slightly bending the axle, now it's abit crunchy when making adjustments lol this looks like a nice replacement though as the knobs are smaller.
Thanks Adam, it was driving me nuts trying to figure out what head you were using. It looks like a good head for macro use. Thanks for showing us.
Interesting head Adam, I have often thought of a geared head but the price for the decent ones have put me off lol
Thanks Adam, good insightful knowledge as always.
Looks like it has a few little quirks. I got a Benro which doesn't seem to have any movement issues when locked off. You can actually use it quite fast with the combined quick release and fine knobs, so doesn't have to be slow and considered. Thanks for a look at the Sunwayfoto one :)
I like that panning at the top feature, it'll be interesting to see how well it holds up.
I did beat you to it on the book, my order went in on Friday night.
It looks great! I hope it continues to perform well for you. I would be interested in hearing more about it as you use it more. Thanks, Adam!
Sure thing!
Nice one Adam. Keep up the good work!
Good price point and would work wonders for my large format photography.
Book is ordered, looking forward to sitting down with a coffee and looking through it. Hope the company watches this video to see the issues you have with the tripod head. Will you be contacting the company to give your list of issues? Hope your well and stay safe
Nice cover on the second run, might have to buy another one for that. 👌
I just ordered a Benro geared head.
Knobs and gears...bring it on!
Just bought this last week funnily enough!
Currently using the manfrotto 410 Jr for landscape and astro and am just not enjoying it. Its big, heavy and clunky to use. Plus even though I've owned it over a year I still find myself adjusting the wrong axis!
The GH-PRO just comes across as simpler, smoother and ultimately lighter and slimmer
It's a shame there is such limited affordable choices
Looking forward to my books arrival 😊
I looked into the Sunway Photo head. a month ago, and what caused me to write it off is its weight limit. My equipment ranges from a DSLR, to medium format film and 4x5 film with a Linhof MT. While I really wanted the Arca Swiss D4 geared head (not the cube), $1200 plus tax is a LOT of money. I am retiring my Arca Swiss ball head in favor of the RRS BH55 with the pano attachment. That is half the price of the D4. Thanks for the slight review, and I feel you are not completely satisfied with the Sunway and FLM combo, I wouldn't be.
I have the BH55 with the pano-gimbal, not a cheap or light set-up, but it is very well built. I did just spend $19.91 for shipping from Canada to the US ;) They need to get rid of Justin, that's worse than the USPS, although maybe the Canadians have a gear other than reverse like the USPS.
I received the same head some two weeks ago.
I have shot before on the Arca Swiss Core Leveler combined with the p0, if I remember correctly, and the Manfrotto 405 and 410. All of them just fine products. Mostly I shoot products, interiors and such for work.
Manfrotto was maybe a bit too bulky that I would have wanted to carry it around, but for a studio it is just fine. Never really had issues with either. With the Manfrotto 410 I didn't like that the plate was a bit off-center, so if you pan horizontally, the position of the camera actually changes ever so slightly. Can't remember if 405 had the same? Nothing I couldn't live with, but somehow not the smartest design.
They were, nonetheless, a fresh breeze after working on some 3-way heads on cheap Manfrotto and Slik tripods I owned in the past. Cheap ballheads I could never understand.
Either way, what I wanted was an alternative at the price point of the Manfrotto 410 and Benro, and this seemed like it. The most important reason was, that it actually would accept my L-bracket and cage from SmallRig having the same Arca Swiss standard plate size.
I did one shoot on the Sunway already and played around with it for some hours, and I cannot think of any reason why it wouldn't last long in my use. Somehow it feels a bit more serviceable than the Manfrotto/Benro alternatives even. And like mentioned in the review video, if it breaks, it atleast doesn't break the bank.
Since it is such a new product, it seems impossible to find any reviews of long-term use. So looking forward to any further reports. I'll even subscribe to wait for that!
Very happy I subscribed.
Today I finally had a completely free Sunday and was watching some of the latest videos on the channel as well as the videos on composition, light, etc. I found the work fantastic! I like the rhythm of explanation too. Really this channel is what I always thought was missing on TH-cam, instead of all the shouting and loudness. And I admit, I have sometimes watched the shouting and loudness too. But all of them have slowly slipped too deep into this unboxing, look at the latest and greatest tech nonsense. Or even worse, the videos feel more like cult of personality. Not the craft, the art and the inspiration. None of it will make anyone go out and take pictures.
I cannot stress how nice it is to find down to earth content of someone who is clearly talented at what they do and are willing to share. And without the obvious clickbaiting. Such a breeze.
I should add, that I never had an interest in nature and landscape photography before. I do know most the seminal work, but it always felt like, one had to go to deep into the outback to create something interesting. Now I actually am looking at what I could find close to the city I live in.
It might not be the real wilderness, but it's a great excuse to be outdoors with a camera!
Great work!
great vlog adam, I've just bought your book and can't wait for delivery
Awesome, thank you!
It’s cheaper than I thought it’d be. I’d like a geared head but don’t really need it, I feel it’d be good for complex scenes but I don’t shoot them enough.
I do love the idea of adjusting it with one hand though.
Mate, the rotational and angular movements are not “on a ratchet” as you said, they can be moved using a fold out handle. There was no ratchet involved.
Correct thank you so much for your correction
I like using heads with independent controls on each axis too but prefer those with twist locking levers, much quicker to use than a geared one and virtually as accurate. I picked up a Sirui one last year which like yours has separate horizontal rotations on the tripod mount and camera base, it’s quite compact but solidly built, and of course like a geared head is much easier to use if you have an L-bracket on the camera.
Robert Lavers Hey... this Siruri looks great. I have the large Monopod for interior architecture and it’s the best monopod that I have ever used. I will try this gear head.
@@rodscherich9973 I use it for the same purpose with a tilt/shift lens on a tripod, it is actually compact enough for my Manfrotto Befree so is suitably portable but I also use it on a full size tripod.
Thanks Adam! Cheers!
Sure thing!
Hi Adam, do you have an update now after using the geared head for a few months? Thanks
As one photographer and DP to another for the price you should bring an LED bicolor light for a key in such situations to keep your video from looking so flat. Wish you had talked about gear lash.
Thanks for saving me a ton of money!!! I do consider myself more of a run and gun shooter so this certainly cemented the fact that this would be a wasted investment.
If you can warrant the cost, consider the Acratech 'long lens head' (with rotatable clamp) plus leveling base. (which I see they now offer in a kit.) It was a heck of a lot of money for myself, but I've never regretted it.
Even though I use a tripod, when the light is good I tend to be 'run and gun' as well. The Acratech set-up is fast, and accurate. [Does Pan's too, with an L bracket].
@@simonmaney3438 thanks ill look into it.
I'd like to know the weight of this Sunwayfoto head. I have been using a Manfrotto 410 geared head for years with an Arca Swiss clamp replacing the standard Manfrotto plate. Its use is almost entirely for macro photography, and as a consequence of its weight, has not left the house in a long time. I do like the control of a geared head and it would be nice to have something that is more 'field' friendly.
As far as I know, it´s about nearly 850g. Btw., I´m in the same situation as you are, I also topped the strange Manfrotto plate with an Arca Swiss type, so it weighs about the same as an average tripod :(. On the other hand it´s pretty reliable and has a 3rd gear for the vertical axis, which I really appreciate.
Just got my Sunwayfoto gear head. I have worn out 3 or 4 Manfrotto 410's over the years. The release lever breaks if you stare at it. You cut your fingers on manfrotto's crude machining. Sunway is smooth, stays where you put it. So far I love it. Switched all my cameras to Arca quick plates too... Not perfect but easier, smoother, and lighter than clunky sharp edged Manfrotto.
How has it been holding up?
@@kelb89 it is good but it is loosening up. I fear it will get sloppy with no apparent method of tightening it up. We'll see.
Got the Benro. It's great
Great review Adam, I was thinking about a head like that but now I guess it's probably not for me. I tend to arrive slightly late for the best light, rush and frequently change the tripod's position and readjust the legs. Although it'll be interesting so see your opinion on this head later on after you've used it for a while.
That head or a similar one seems like it would be wicked for vertical panos as well as horizontals. It's probably too specialized for my use, and I'm also not the most gentle owner. But it's worth looking at.
Adam, speaking about Kozubooks.. I have the first edition and the image quality is, say, OK, but far from being excellent. Colors are very pale and contrast is not great either. Just keep it in mind when ordering another batch
Ok well that’s of course your opinion. The muted colours and reduced contrast is a conscious decision in my post processing not the printing of the book. Of course some colours can never be reproduced exactly as an original but Kozu did an excellent job in representing what I wanted in the final product. Cheers!
Uh-oh my GAS is acting up again. 😂
I went out shooting last night with some friends and as much as I like the quality of FLM ballhead, its a pain in the ass to have to unscrew the knob several times to adjust it just a few millimeters, only to have to crank on that knob again to tighten. I have a heavy D4 so it needs to be strong. I look forward to your thoughts after you use it a while. Thanks for the demo! Hope you and your family are well, and stay well. 😊
I use an (expensive) Acratech head like Thomas Heatons. One of the 'unsung' bonuses of their gear is the very quick and positive action of the knobs. 1/4 turn is like 'on and off'.
I service mine occasionally. There is a lot of precise engineering in them - mini ball race type arrangement in the tilt mech!
@@simonmaney3438 Well, those Acratech's aren't as bad as the ones Adam referenced in the video that were around $2000. Sometimes it just doesn't matter how well something is made or how awesome it is; the use doesn't justify the cost - unless of course one has unlimited disposable income (which I don't). For me, the amateur, I just can't justify $2000 for a head. If I was a professional, and my paid shots depended on that kind of precision, maybe. I might pay up to $400, if it's REALLY worth it. I paid that much for the FLM ballhead. But I'd feel better keeping it under $200. I looked at the link Adam left here and I think it's like $180? But it wont be delivered until June or July. The seller looks a little sketchy too, not an Adorama or B&H, so... the questions is... do I feel lucky? Haahaa... Like I said, I'll wait to see what he thinks of it after using it for a while.
@@blivieriphoto Totally understand what you are saying. Photography can be an expensive hobby (like many of them!). The Acratech head (plus leveling base and nodal rail) was a big investment for myself, but one that I can completely endorse, as a landscape photographer. I reckon that I have got many shots that I would have otherwise missed, or messed up, because of its fast, easy set-up and adjustment.
[For anyone interested] I was using a two way video head on a leveling base and realized that this was a superior set up to fiddly ball-heads (especially for pano's). After a lot of research the Acratech LLH (long lens head) ticked the boxes in a small, lightweight package. [It needs to have the rotatable clamp].
Not long after I bought it (c.2012) Acratech released the similar 'Panorama Head'. It costs about $100 more essentially just for extra laser engravings! (Which I never use).
@@simonmaney3438 I'm definitely doing some research on geared heads. Thanks for the info!
Oh my goodness Adam. Stop with such a fiddly piece of gear and get the Manfrotto junior gear head. It has a way superior gear bypass system for quick adjustments. The Q plates are not that expensive or much larger than Arca Swiss and they give a very reassuring "click" when locked in. One lever with a push button for quick release. One gear head and a plate for each camera. Affordable and reliable. But maybe slightly more weight. Cheers.
I owned the version one of this Sunwayphoto head for a year or so but never got on with it, the backlash in the adjustments was too great it overwhelmed any accuracy a geared head was supposed to give, it looks like the MkII is better but still has issues. I sold mine and got an Arca-Swiss D4 secondhand and couldn’t be happier, if I was doing it again now I’d probably get the Arca-Swiss p0 Hybrid.
Doesn't the P0 hybrid cause stability problems? Seems like it will be very high for a ball head. Unless you forgo tilt beyond maybe 25-30 degrees?
I have no problem with movement when I locked the horizontal move. Bought 20/4 2022
Acratech long lens head used by Tom looks good too, Uncle G.
I've been using one for years. Very expensive, but one of the best photographic investments I have made.
Unlike uncle grumpy I aren't very patient and want to be in three places at once. That's where this comes into its own - very fast set up for single shot or pano's (with an L bracket), and you can easily swap between the two.
[Relatively lightweight too. Head + leveling base weighs less than geared head].
Five different levers to adjust a small head that I just wouldn't trust due to it's half arsed Chinesium style engineering. There's a reason its a 3rd of the price of the pro level stuff. The Manfrotto is much more robust and still affordable and the plates may be larger but a lot of Manfrotto is genuinely one handed unlike that Arca copy rubbish you see everywhere which requires two hands to hold & tighten. Yes, the Swiss made stuff is ridiculously priced but I honestly bet you'll get fed up with this wee head with its over complication and flimsy build.
I still like your work by the way. Very thought provoking.
Couldn't agree with you more Graham.
Got the Manfrotto but only use it for an Astrotrac-Set-up. As I am to spontaneous this is not really for me though it looks pretty precise. Interesting Vlog nevertheless. Adam
Interesting review. Something between this and the arca swiss / cambo would be nice
Ball heads need a larger ball to prevent creep and enable easy movement and precise control. I don’t think you can beat a ball head for light weight and ease of packing. It will be interesting what you feel about gear vs. ball when a year had gone by.
Adam, great video as always. Just two questions: is the book a reprint or does it contain different material? And about the head: is the pano clamp removable? I have a lever which I love and I'd replace the panoramic one, I don't use it.
thanks for your honest feedback... looks interesting... but probably not for me...
Hi , What is the diameter of the base of GH Pro II Head?
FYI - the link to your Breakthrough filters doesn't work. Might want to check that out. :)
If you want to make a panorama with the lens pointing a bit up or down this wont work. In that case you need the panning motion to have its axis parallel to gravitation (hope that makes sense)- Otherwise the motion will follow an arc. Thomas Heaton has an excellent video on that.
If you want to point the camera and lens up or down from level and be able to pan, you must level the tripod and head first, then adjust only the fore/aft tilt of the camera to your desired angle and pan using only the lower panning adjustment at the base plate of the tripod. That will insure perfectly horizontal panning throughout 360 degrees for the camera/lens angle you choose.
You may like this accessory (Geared Clamp GC-01) from Sunwayfoto:
www.sunwayfoto.com/e_goodsDetail.aspx?gId=1505
A similar product (Leofoto G4 geared head) you may be interested:
th-cam.com/video/zMIbXTvPLmI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/qutlVCM1Q7o/w-d-xo.html (watch 6:25 - 7:25)
Have you been using this on your subsequent videos with your Fuji Medium format?? I don't recall seeing it but perhaps I just missed it?
I feel you on the roughing up gear... I bought a Rollei Lion Rock 25 . On like the first Trip I took with it I set down my bag and it fell over, landed fucking RIGHT on the screw to fasten the plate. And wouldn't you know it? The screw bent :(
Been wondering about a geared head for long telephoto work for a while. I'd be interested to know if the movements are precise enough over long distances.
Thanks so much for the videos! Which version of the FLM tripods are you using with the Fuji GFX 50R?
this one www.flmcanada.com/product/flm-cp34-l4-ii-tripod/
Hi Adam,
I levelled the head using digital level and i put both the axis absolutely in green in the dital level, when i am panning left to right using the top panning plate, Ii can see that the digital level is not green anymore. Am I using it incorrectly?
If you just want to listen about the geared head mentioned n the title: Jump to minute 6! Yes, for 6 minutes Adam tells that he _will_ tell about the Sunway... :-)
Manfrotto makes a much nicer geared head than the one shown - www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-XPRO-Geared-Tilt-Black/dp/B00T8REXY0/ - the XPRO Geared 3 Way Pan/Tilt Head. It combines quick movement and precise movement. Sure, it's not cheap but it also gets the best of both worlds getting you close to ball head speed of movement along with the precision. As for the plate, it's the 200PL which isn't as annoying as some of the other manfrotto plates.
Great video! Would love to know your thoughts on the FLM tripod!
So far it's been great, no complaints. Nick Page just did a video about tripods and talks about the FLM tripods.
would you use it with a super clamp extended on an auto pole in a small studio?
Dear Adam, how many pages eq pictures does your book contain? more than 8?
Hi Adam,
Thanks for your useful video.
How has this head performed so far?
What is about the knob lock issue with slight movement on the top?
Cheers
Seems to be behaving. It's not a bad head, seems to be holding up well so far.
@@QuietLightPhoto thanks for your feedback, I will buy one then Cheers
Don't know if you're still active here, but I was interested in buying the peak design tripod and pairing it with this head and wanted to ask how that would work. Can I just mount this head on their tripod and still use the peak design quick release plate for the actual camera connection?
No idea to be honest. Can you take the head off those tripods? It might be a bit top heavy with that head.
@@QuietLightPhoto Did I bit of digging and PD has a (neck?) that you can change out the ball head for and it serves as an adapter to other head types. PD also has its own quick release plate, but I would be using whatever QRP comes with the Gear head ig.
My goal was keep the same release plate amongst all my gear as it's mostly peak design so I wouldn't be changing the plate from my camera so often.
Hi Adam: I was wondering if you have any further thoughts on this geared head. Would you buy this again? Thanks, Keith
Yes I would its a good head for the money. The only thing that is a bit of a negative is that it gets quite stiff to move when its cold out. Im guessing the grease thickens and slows it down somewhat. I did have some creeping when I first got it in the panning but I fixed it easily by just filing the screw a little.
I picked one up after seeing Adam’s review and it’s become my favorite head. I had the same creeping issue with the panning knob, but otherwise a great head, especially for the money.
Adam, I'm just wondering what that coloured disc thing is round your neck? I've already bought a pair of Clix specs after seeing yours but I definitely won't be buying a geared head any time soon!
New magnetic glasses, the old ones died.
@@QuietLightPhoto I think Robert means the red/yellow/green disc hanging below your glasses, which is gone in your closing section. It does shine and catch my attention sometimes, something to do with the lav mike?
Oh right! Ok it is a rode go mic with a peace sign sticker on it
@@QuietLightPhoto Thanks for taking the time to answer my trivial question! I thought it might be some kind of light meter!
Oh man, way too late. Ordered it last week. :^)
Whats your honest review now 2020
Well it is slow and definitely not for those in a rush or working on the fly. I do like it for the reason of slowing me down, seems to be holding up well.
Does it allow tilting to 90 degrees so you could easily shoot a portrait shot without having to mount an L-bracket?
It does
@@QuietLightPhoto Thanks, Adam. LOVE your stuff! thanks for this gear info.
But how many hours would it take to get it into position? 🙄
Hi Adam, I have one of these heads, been using it since December last year. I'm also a Sunwayfoto reseller here in Australia. I just checked my head and there is no creeping on the panning locks. I've sold a bucket load of these and never had this complaint or noticed it. Is yours still doing it?? Cheers
Hi Dean yes it creeps on both the panning plate and bottom.
@@QuietLightPhoto I worked out what it is. Yesterday I got hold of one that does it, I pulled the screw right out and there was a slight bur on the end, A light file took this off and now good as gold, cheers
@@deancooperphotography2896 So happy I found this easy fix for the panning creep when locking it down; if mine has the panning creep when locking it down that I just ordered, now I know how to fix it. Thanks a million Dean. Mahalo
I do not understand the pricing on your book. When you click on the link, it says that it costs from 35 pounds. Then when you go to the cart, it asks for 70 pounds plus shipping.
there are two editions. Standard is 35, collectors is 95, make sure you land on the standard edition. thanks!
Did click on the standard edition. When I went to the checkout it doubled in price.
William Statt sounds like you might have ordered 2 copies?
Do you have a recommendation on this now? How well it holds up, creep in the panning parts?
I'm still using the one I purchased. It is definitely not for those that are in a rush. No problems so far, the creeping I solved by a little work with a file
@@QuietLightPhoto thanks! The creeping on the panning bases (bottom and top) are manageable. Any creep in the geared movement? It is $225 vs $1k+ for the Arca swiss. Is it rigid enough for a full frame with a long lens - 100-400mm types? I also want to use it for precise framing of landscape and panos with the camera often pointing down by 20-30 degrees. Will want the top to pan in these situations as well without creep. Think it is rigid enough for that? Not as good as using a multi row pano setup but much lighter and works ok with longer distance subjects. But very difficult to frame things exactly with a ball head.
Thanks for your reply and the wonderful videos!
Amit Maitra yes it seem ok for that. Best use a tripod collar to make sure though. I haven’t had any problems with creeping in the gears
@@QuietLightPhoto thanks! Sounds like these knock offs are good enough for us mortals! I wonder how your removed the creep with a file though! Love your videos!
@@amaitra take the locking screw out and file the tip (end) flatter so the locking force is straighter into the panning mechanism.
I decided to take a chance and bought one about 10 hours before you posted this video. It will be my first geared head, and I hope I'm not disappointed.
There's not really a lot of actual reviews on TH-cam.
Hi Adam, Which FLM tripod model are you using in this video?
Its the CF 34 cheers!
@@QuietLightPhoto CF-34? Not CP-34? I can't see the CF-34 on the FLM site. The reason I ask is with the geared head ratchet hitting the tripod platform I wondered what smaller size tripod platform would avoid being hit. FLM's website says CP-34 platform is 78mm where as the CP-30 has 2 variants and 60mm and 65mm platforms that may work better. It would be good to kit the right tripod with the best for functionality. Thanks again.
right! sorry CP not CF.
@@QuietLightPhoto OK. Thanks. How much smaller would the tripod platform need to be not to clip the tripod ratchet?
I had an earlier version of this head, which had a rather different design to the one you have (looked like an AS D4). It worked… kinda. I found it had a lot of slop in the gears on both axes, which made it difficult to get a truly precise composition. I've tried a few other geared heads including the Manfrotto 410 (actually quite decent) and the real deal D4 (super precise, but hefty and expensive! - so now up for sale). I ultimately concluded I don't really need that ultimate micrometric precision, and so have now ended up with a similar approach to your friend Mr. Heaton… Acratech Panoramic Head on a levelling base, which works just great for my usage.
bigsadhu99 how much are you asking for the D4?
@@QuietLightPhoto Gah! Didn't see this until now, and just sold it yesterday. Sorry matey!
Currently using an RRS balhead which works extremely well. But I'm interested in a geared head because of the independent movement of the axis's on that head. I am very curious about your experiences with the head in the field !
As I am just starting using flash getting into portrait and still life I realize a good tri-pod and head are a must my biggest complaint about the swiss acra is the knob to tighten the camera on mine which even after a few years of use I still find myself loosening while I am tweaking the composition. It's very frustrating looking through the view finder and trying to guess which of the four attached knobs to turn without releasing your camera to hit the deck. The rc2 plate on the manfrotto is nice in the fact it clicks in and is locked and you forget about it.
I have a few ' tripod heads ' inc;luding Gitzos and the Manfroto 410 Junior gear head which is a very decent head for precision work. The only problem with the 410 is that at tilt the adjusting knob hits the base of my Gitzo Studex , the very old French one ' , when tilting, otherwise it is a good head. I wonder if this one you are using , which seems quite compact , has similar problems? thanks for sharing your experience.