Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+ Geared Tripod Head Review | Landscape Photography at Dartmoor
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2024
- Why use a geared head? What's so good about the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+? What's new with the + version? Is this the best geared head for landscape photography? Join me on Dartmoor as I answer all those questions and I also capture landscape photographs in some unexpected conditions.
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - First landscape photograph and why I use a geared head
03:28 - More on why I use a geared head
05:13 - Why the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+
07:33 - Differences between Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+ and GH-PRO II
09:43 - My final review comments of the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+
10:35 - More Dartmoor landscape photography
14:03 - A glorious sunset on Dartmoor!
14:47 - Outro
💳 You can purchase a Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+ geared head directly from Sunwayfoto here -
sunwayfoto-store.com/discount...
That link should also give you an automatic 5% discount, if not, use the code JULIANBAIRD
sunwayfoto-store.com/discount...
🎥 You can see my previous review of the GH-PRO II here (along with a practical example of why I use a geared head) - • SunwayFoto GH-PRO II G...
✔️ You can see all the photos from this video in more detail on my blog at - julianbaird.com/blog/2022/5/4...
If you're interested, here is some of the gear I use to make my photographs and videos:
📷 Nikon Z7 (amzn.to/32jLEiS) - watch my video review of the Z7 • 5 Things I Love About ...
📷 Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S (amzn.to/339Gv2I) - watch my video review of this lens here • Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S...
📷 Nikkor Z 14-30 mm f/4 S (amzn.to/33BNagO)
📷 Nikon Z fc (amzn.to/3LlRKX9) - watch my video review of the Z fc here - • Nikon Z fc Real World ...
📷 Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 AF - amzn.to/3nWblDQ - watch my video review of this lens here • Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 for...
📷 Nikon Z 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 DX VR amzn.to/3oxXCTs
📷 Kase Filters - kasefilters.com/ref/JulianB/ - watch my video review • Photographing Beautifu...
📹Audio captured using the Rode Wireless Go (amzn.to/2Vl9ab9) - watch my video review of this microphone • Rode Wireless Go - A V...
📹 Video and images edited in Adobe Creative suite (clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p... )
🎵 Music from Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
The links used are affiliate links. By buying through the links I may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price for you.
#JulianBairdPhotography #LandscapePhotography #sunwayfotoghproII
Julian, you may want to mention that (like me) people who already have the GH-Pro II can purchase the geared panning clamp for under $90 dollars and replace the original non-geared clamp. It comes out the same as purchasing the GH Pro II plus.
Thanks for the info Jim! I didn't know that. I've pinned your comment so it appears first in the list! Top tip. :-)
Any pointers where to purchase this please Jim?
@@creativecaptureimagesphoto8834 I'm not sure where you are located in the world, but you can buy direct as I believe Sunwayfoto deliver internationally. There's a link in the video description.
@@jbairdexp Thanks Julian. Is there a link for the geared panning clamp to convert the II to a II+? Based in Dorset. Regards Steve :-)
Hello Dorset! :-) I'm not aware of a link, but you could follow that previous link which will take you to the Sunwayfoto store to see if it's listed there. Failing that, just drop them an email. They are normally quick to respond and helpful..
Great look at this new geared head from Sunway. I've been considering jumping to a geared head from my large ball head. This review might just give me the push I need. Keep up the good work Julian!
Thanks Alan. Check out my review of the previous version of the Sunwayfoto geared head....I go into a lot more detail about why I use a geared head....it might give you that last push! :-) Thanks so much for watching and leaving a comment :-)
Julian, I've watched dozens of reviews with hopes of finding one that would help me decide between the II and the IIPlus, and finally, I found the perfect review. And as a bonus, I was given the privilege of not only seeing a beautiful English landscape from on high but seeing it bathed in beautiful pastel light. Many thanks :)
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful.
@@jbairdexp , thanks for the reply:)
Nice review buddy, I think I have one coming for a review as well so canny wait after watching this! Hope your well buddy
Thanks mate. It's a great bit of kit so I'm sure you'll get on well with it. Yeah, all good here mate. Hope you're doing well also! :-)
Hi Julian,
It looks like a nice bit of kit.
I was glad to see that you had your spikes on the trypod after what happened the last time.
Some really nice image's.
Thanks Tim, and don't remind me about last time! 😜
Hi Julian, a really interesting video, thanks for sharing.
Cheers Steve. As always, thanks for watching. :-)
Hi Julian, once again, I found a video rather late. That doesn't change the fact that I enjoyed it and you review of the Sunway geared head. Once again, great information and great content. Well done, as always!
No worries Paul. You've watched it now and that's the main thing! :-)
Julian thanks ever so much for the new geared head demo. I do see plus factors for using one! I am renting the newer one for a week to use on a photography outing in Big Sur along the California coast. I finally received my Nikon 24-120 f4s lens and should make a good combination with the geared head and see if I like it. Coastal wildflowers should be on display enhancing the images I will take. Thanks again for your demonstration and time, your TH-cam was super helpful!
Photo on Julian👍
Thanks Rita. Good to hear you will be trying out a geared head and that your 24-120 finally came! Excellent news. Glad you liked the video. Cheers :-)
I do have this head since more than a year now and I love it :)
It's a good one isn't it! :-)
Nice work, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching Andy! 👍
Hi Julian. I use a geared head for my astrophotography so I was keen to see how the new Sunway model stacked up. I currently use the Benro GD3WH which you compared in your previous review and it works fine for me but I'm very tempted by how compact the Sunway is. I also really like the geared panning facility which may be useful for astro panoramas. All in all it looks a very tidy piece of kit at a decent price. Thanks for a really comprehensive review. Oh and what about that sky !!
Thanks Tim, as I always say, it's good to have options and for such a long time it was pretty well only Manfrotto that did geared heads. I very much like the Benro head, but for me, you can't beat the compact nature of the the Sunway. And yeah, that sky was totally unexpected!! :-)
So it's true - you are part mountain goat! Scary to see leaping on those rocks but oh my, what gorgeous images you got! You are a brave gear ambassador!
lol, sometimes you need to just get a little bit higher! :-) As always, thanks for watching Juanita! :-)
I bought the GH-Pro II after your last review. I too would not go back to a ball head now. I was hesitant because I thought I would get frustrated with a geared head. Turns out the opposite, far less frustrating. Bulky compared to a ball head & slightly heavier, but I don't have to level photo's in post now. Thank you Julian.
Hey Nicky, that's great to hear! Sometimes I give out good advice. lol
I own the GH-PRO II since several years. It is a nice head but it is not my proffered head. From the moment I tested the Leofoto VH-30R head I haven't looked back. This head is also a lot lighter than the GH-PRO II. I'm using the VH-30R on a Leofoto LS-324CEX tripod which is a stellar combination, especially for landscapes! The tripod is capable of leveling the head and the head adjustments do not interfere with the level. This is especially useful for panoramas. Highly recommended!!
Hey Pascal, I've heard good things about Leofoto kit so your experiences seem to confirm that :-) We all got to find the kit that makes us happy so just as well there is so much choice.
Hi Julia: Thanks for making and sharing your views on this Geared Head. As it turns out, I have to replace my existing Benro Geared Head as I dropped it in the parking garage and the knob broke-off and I don't think it can be repaired. It could have been my camera so I guess I got off lucky. I an now thinking that the GH Pro II will fit my requirements perfectly. Thanks for sharing your unbiased review. Cheers, Keith
No worries Keith. Sorry to hear about your Benro head. I'm not sure what camera and lenses you have but just double check you aren't over the weight limit for GH-PRO II+ (it's around 4kg). Not a problem for me but a few people have left comments that it wouldn't be suitable for them for that reason. :-)
Hi Julian: I just received my new Sunway Foto Gearhead. I can't wait to get out to put it through the paces, but I must say I am really impressed with the build and how smooth the movements are. Keep well . . . Keith
@@keithpinn152 Excellent news Keith! Let me know how you get on with it. :-)
What a beautiful evening 😀
It sure was Dave...and most unexpected! 😎
Hi Julian, Thank you for sharing with us that absolutely glorious golden hour photoshoot of yours up on Dartmoor. I am deeply envious ! I am presently on the lookout for a geared head as it has finally dawned on me that my pan and tilt head is really not suited to the sort of shots that I take. The Benro GD3WH geared head looked like a possible candidate but having seen the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+ this looks a better buy. Do you miss having spirit levels for each plane?
Thank you. Glad you liked the photos so much. The only spirit level I use is on the GH-Pro 2 when I want to level the base for panoramic photos. Other than that, I'll use the level on my camera. :-)
Thanks Julian, I have the new + version of this head. I agree with most of your points, but on my copy the new top adjustment is so stiff it’s practically unusable, so I use the bottom rotation instead. I have had it a while and it has not loosened up at all. I was underwhelmed with the support offered when I eMailed them. Basically I use my Benrow head 99% of the time and I wish I had bought two of them for my two tripods...
Fair enough Dominic. A product can be great, but if you don't get the customer support to go with it then it doesn't leave you with a positive feeling.
Julian, still remember I wrote to you a month ago about the plus version? I do enjoy at using it for taking landscape photos very much.
I certainly do remember! If you hadn't said I wouldn't have known and I wouldn't have done this video. :-)
Thank you, you helped me a lot to make a good decision?
Glad I could help!
I have this gear head and it is great! Watch the weight though because I put a Canon 5DSR with a 100-400L attached and it couldn't handle it. THat's why I still have my ball head for stability.
That kind of gear weight isn't a problem for me fortunately. Thanks for watching. :-)
Hi Julien, I am one of those who do own a GH-Pro 2. I was thinking about upgrading the clamp (€90-100). But I don't think this fits in my workflow. I never change the upper rotation to change the view, always the lower one. My upper one is set to 0°/180° or 90°/ 270° (depending on the Arca Mount - L-Bracket or long Tele).
If I change the upper rotation, the vertical knob doesnˋt change up/ down but diagonally, so I have to correct my horizon again. If the geared clamp would be on the lower rotation base, the camera would stay leveled if i tilt it up or down. All other manufactureres have it set up that way as far as I know (Benro, Manfrotto). Regards from the south of germany! Ralph
Hello Ralph from Germany! Thanks for watching. The GH-Pro 2 does work a little differently from other geared heads in terms of its rotation but I soon got used it. I use both lower and upper rotation depending on what I'm doing. 👍
Hi, Julian.
Great video.
Is this tripod head beefy enough for a Z9 in your opinion?
Also, if I wanted to put my camera into a portrait orientation, does this head make the process straightforward?
Thanks.
Thank Dave, glad you like it. I've had no problems with the head and my Z8 and my biggest lens, the 24-120 f/4. As for portrait orientation, I use an L-bracket for that. I personally use this one - th-cam.com/video/Wj4QZgptI7w/w-d-xo.html , but any will do. It's much easier than trying to put a head into portrait orientation.
Julian, just came across your video while searching for a gear head. Great video first of all. As I am debating whether to purchase GH-PRO II+ or the Benro GD3WH, I can't help but notice that the gear is exposed on the Sunwayfoto. My question is after almost a year later since you posted this video, have you had any problems with dust on the gear? Part of the landscape that is common where I live is the beach/sand dune. I am leaning on the GH-PRO II+ due to its size and weight as compared with the Benro, but is a bit weary about the exposed gear design. Love to hear your thoughts or others in this thread who may be able to share some experiences. Thanks in advance.
Hey, thanks for watching and for your question. I've personally not had any problems with dust or sand getting in the gears. However, while I do photograph coastal scenes, it's not my most common area to photograph. Everyone's experiences and usage will be different, so it's hard for me to say that no one would have a problem. All I can say is that I've not had a problem. :-)
Hi Julian and the rest of followers. Because of my poor English it is possible that I did not understand if you said it before. But although I work with cameras, I'm not a photographer. So here is my doubt:
I think the piece of gear I'm gonna write is called in English "Base leveled" (is it right?) so... If I take some product photography, I guess this GH-PRO II could be a nice one. right? and if I want to take a panoramic composition of some rows (let's say 2 rows), what I called "Base Leveled" and this GH-PRO II could get the same job?
I hope my comment has some sense hehe.
Thanks and good summer. Here we are burning, is sad but the forest is burning and we almost have not forest surface in Tenerife.
Hey Christian, I think I understand your question. If you want to take panoramic photographs it's important that your tripod head is level. The GH-PRO has a built in levelling base which will assist you in taking level panoramic photographs.
Hi Julian, thanks for your review and for sharing your experiences with us! :) Did you have any issues with the head in cold weather (I mean not crazy cold, just like 0°C)? Because the knob on my current ball head gets really stiff in that sort of weather and is a real hassle to work with. Thanks!
Thanks for watching Jan. I've never had a problem using this head in the cold. The temperature on Dartmoor during the winter months can often reach freezing and below. The bigger problem is getting my hands to work in the cold! ;-) I was also lucky enough to use it in Iceland where the temperatures were well below zero and no issues there. :-)
@@jbairdexp Oh well, if it held up in Iceland, it will be fine in a bit of German winter :) Thanks for answering so quickly! :)
@@05halbe My pleasure. 🙂
I've enjoyed using this geared hear for nearly 2 years however its developed some wobble in the lower lateral movement thus the camera never stays steady for macro shots. It's never been put past its max weight. Something to watch out for
Hi, thanks for your comment. This is actually something I've recently experienced myself. I contacted Sunwayfoto and they repaired it for me. They also told me that they have recently changed the design (still the same model though) to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Might be worth contacting them to see what they can do for you.
Hi Julian, Can you also work with a macro slider on the gearhead? Sometimes when I really have to go to the very end of my macroslider with my camera my ball head sags. Therefore I am looking for a solution and because I also do a lot of landscape photography this seems like the solution for both.
Hi Rudi, it's not something I can personally test. Assuming the slider works is arca-swiss compatible, and the combination of slider, camera and lens isn't over 4kg (the max load weight), it should work. I'm not sure how the head performs towards its max weight load though.
Hi Julian, thanks for the excellent video! It looks to me that with this geared head you would be able to shoot multilevel panos withthout leveling the tripod. Is that true? Presently, I have been using a tripod with a video bowl that I can level and a tripod head that just tilts up and down from Acratech. Thomas Heaton another photographer on you tube uses this for multilevel panos. its a bit wonky and this looks like a better solution, eg, vertical panos etc. Thanks again for your great review. Cheers
Hi, glad you liked the video! I remember watching Mr Heaton's video when he bought that head. A very nice bit of kit for sure! Mind you, I've had great experiences with this tripod head but I've not done any multilevel panos with it. Thanks for watching. :-)
Hi Julian, geared head definitely something to purchase in the future, however I need to buy a tripod first (newbie). Do I need to buy a tripod with a particular head for the geared head to work on? 🙏🙏
Hey Richard. Almost any tripod will work with a geared head. As long as it doesn't come with a head, or comes with a removable head, you should be able to put a geared head on. You don't need an existing head to use a geared head. They just screw onto the base plate of the tripod.
Hi Julian, interesting gear head indeed (I might just look into it’s purchase¿ ) I remember you were considering a new gear head some time ago…. The ‘rotation’ for pano’s appeals very much to me???
Question,1 please ….. I also have the Z7 (which is a joy to use), but when I photo stack using tripod, then post via Photoshop, despite all images I merge, the sky is severely curved???
Question, 2 please… what format of stitched pano is necessary to add end result to TH-cam?
Please can you advise.
Like the images ✔️
Incidentally ~ I’ve just ordered it for all the reasons you have stated (especially for panos) and it’s only £225.00 on Amazon compared to the price on the web site you noted and it’s to be delivered in 2 days time ….. thank you very much for your help here ✔️
Friday 6th of May and my new tripod just arrived. Speedy service (and I live in a fairly remote village in the Highlands too). Compact, efficient, accurate, relatively lightweight and extremely well manufactured > all as you have a lighted to in your video. All I need is a good day, a new hike route and a time 👍
Hi, the curvature you see when you stitch your panos in PS is caused by the the tripod head not being level. You need to have a levelling head or a tripod head you can level (like the GH-Pro II+). I'm not sure what you mean with question 2 though? There's no specific format as such to add a pano to a TH-cam video. Glad you like the images and that you've got a new tripod head! :-)
@@jbairdexp many thanks for taking the time to reply ~ looking forwards to the new geared head. I did and do use a ball head with leveller ~ it’s the one you had recommended before your first geared head. And it’s served me fairly well. I do however now wonder how level my head had been as I took the foto stack images > such is life . Cheers……
@@jamesss1953 You'll always get a bit of curvature (as it's almost impossible to get exactly level), but it should be minimal. If it's too much then yes, the head probably wasn't as level as you thought. A good way to double check is to turn on the artificial horizon on your camera and pan it around before you start shooting. It should remain level throughout the pan.
@@jbairdexp I was at my destination and very dehydrated; I was blown away with the view and possibly not being as accurate and precise as I am usually?
@@jamesss1953 We've all done things like that!
Years ago, I saw all these TH-camrs saying "get a ballhead", so when my tripod head died, I bought one, and nearly immediately regretted it. Problem was, I couldn't find anything I found better enough to spring for (with the exception of Thomas Heaton's, but that thing is rare and $$$). I saw your last video for the Sunwayfoto geared head, and I much prefer it, due to the handles that pop out for effortless, high-speed movement--which was something I saw as a drawback for other geared heads, and now with the geared pano head, I think I may be swinging for this one. One question. The camera I want to use it with will be a monster medium format camera. Can this handle heavy weight? Thanks
TH-camrs say a lot don't they! That's why I often talk about personal choices...why I use a geared head. I appreciate other people use different things and that works best for them. I've seen Mr Heaton's geared head and it is a thing of beauty, but not one for my budget. As for weight, the head has a maximum load weight of 4kg. 👍
Hi, great vid. Was wondering if you ever thought of taking the top part with the horizontal gear knob apart and reattaching it 180 degrees, so that the geared knob doesn't protrude out of the main bulk of this head. Would mean the knob would be typically under the battery compartment of most cameras. Would make the overall head even more compact. Don't think there are any issues doing this, including direction of rotating the knob. Any thoughts?
Thanks, glad you liked it! :-) No, it isn't something I've thought of TBH, and looking at the head, I'm not sure how.🤔
@@jbairdexp I have the leofoto and busman geared heads. Both top look identical in fixture to your Sunway, i.e. you would need to unscrew the central bolt using the supplied allen key. You see another outer two holes, you don't need to touch those. Then all you need is to gently tap upwards from the underside of this top head. I use a wrench (wrapped around the central column to the top head) and then GENTLY tap upwards the wrench. The top head should come off. It's useful to know this if you want to change top head.
@@kitminlee9169 Ah, I see what you mean. :-) However, probably not something I'm not going to do as the head as it is suits my needs. Interesting suggestion though. :-)
@@jbairdexp My Pro II+ head is on it's way to me. I will probably rotate the head to reduce the overall size when packed in my ThinkTank bag. I feel in this 180 rotated position, there is possibly better protection as the top gear screw would not protrude out so much when packed, and shielded by the larger middle knob. Also then all three knobs are on the same side, so only one hand needed for adjustments :)
@@kitminlee9169 lol, it's only just dawned on me exactly what you were suggesting. Anyway, let me know how you get on with the modification. :-)
Just got the gh pro ii, my up / down seems very loose compared to my left / right. Is this normal? I found the tension screw but it’s already all the way in, and I don’t want to risk stripping the screw head
My head has a little lateral play, but nothing in the vertical. I'd ping Sunway a quick message.
Any mention whether it is RC2 or Arca Swiss?
It's arca compatible.
Can you take this gear head to the sand dunes on a windy day?
Depends on your definition of dunes and strength of wind. I have no problems or concerns with using it at the beaches I visit with the winds I experience, but your mileage may vary. I guess in some environments the exposed gearing could be a concern.
Looks good and tempting, but only 4 kg load is a deterrent for me. D850 with 70-200 f2.8 and 80-400 f 4 lenses will have problems, don't want to carry another for that purpose. So unless it gives anything not less than 7-8kg load, strictly no.
Hey, if the GH-Pro isn't suitable but you still want to get a geared head you could always look at the Manfrotto 405 geared head which supports 7.5kg. :-)
@@jbairdexp Thanks Julian. I hate Monfratto for its quick-release mechanism.
@@hramakrishnaiah413 Have you looked at geared head options from Benro and Arca Swiss options?
@@jbairdexp Yes, Benro is surely an option, Arca Swiss is exceptional but slightly on the expensive side. Thank you so much. I have purchased Kase filters after seeing your review. Thanks
There no levelling bubbles for all the 3 movements, except one at the top which often we will not be able to see after mounting the camera. Why dont you guys see these important features missing?
Given that most modern cameras have a "spirit" level built in, once the base is levelled I just use the camera after that. So I haven't found it to be an issue.
@@jbairdexp Your camera spirit level will be of no use if you want to make a panorama, to level that you have to again unfasten the gear that surely not the reason why anyone buy a 3 way geared head. Try a pano with that and let me know.
I do shoot panos with the GH-PRO II. I level it before I put the camera on. If I move the tripod its really no issue to take the camera off for a minute, level the base again, and put the camera back on. There's really not an issue here.
Hi Julian, please forgive my ignorance and the fact that that I have not seen ALL of your videos but, do you ever use gimbals and if so, what do you recommend?
Another great video!
Nope, never used a gimbal. My landscape photography and the lenses I use means that I have very little use for one. :-)