brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Does anyone have any experience with the Opteka GH1 Pro gimbal head? I use a Manfrotto 055PROB tripod, and am looking for a better solution to using my 70-200 VRII w/TC20e than a ball head (which actually doesn't work at all).

Thanks in advance.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

MTShooter has a store in Montana and guides wildlife photographers in Yellowstone. He is a strong advocate of the NEST NT 530H.

http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I use it on a the 055XPROB and think it is great. I have had no problems with it. Smooth and stable for my uses. For larger and heavier lens, I've had the Canon 28-300 L and the Canon 100-400 L on it with great results.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Opteka makes nothing, they are a "re-brander". Their GH1 is nothing more than a Beike BK-45 with the Opteka name on the box via a cheap sticker. The Beike is available all over the place for half the Opteka asking price.
As a beginner level gimbal head they are functional, but because there isn't a single bearing in either of the motion points of the heads, they are not very smooth. Full disassembly, cleaning and re-lube of the head makes them work quite a bit smoother though. For very occasional use they will get the job done, but if you want to use it regularly you will quickly realize their shortcomings and want to move up to a much better quality unit such as the Nest or the Wimberley models. The Beike/Opteka units are not for "serious" wildlife photographers at any level.
Good luck.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

So you're saying this is false advertising and they are liable for a lawsuit?

Opteka GH1 Pro Heavy Duty Gimbal Head with Quick Release

Brand New • 1 Year Warranty

The GH1 from Opteka is professional heavy-duty gimbal head that will support any camera and lens. The GH1 is lighter and stronger than any other gimbal heads on the market, with a custom designed stiffer swing arm, which is CNC-machined out of solid aluminum.

The GH1 is rated to support over 30 lbs - essentially, the longest telephoto lens you can find (800mm-plus) will be well-served by this silky-smooth gimbal. The GH1 gimbal head features a horizontal adjustable mounting element with quick release, which is much easier for installing the lens and serves to avoid the shear stress on the lens collar that side-mounting introduces.

Cutting-Edge Design
The GH1 gimbal head was completely designed to reduce weight and improve stiffness and overall strength. It can support 30 lb and only weighs 2.7 lb

Ball Bearings
Full ball-bearing support in tilt axis for zero static or dynamic friction, resulting in 100% smooth movement

Quick-Release System
The quick-release base allows the head to be used with any QR standard plates. Plate is included which has a 1/4" screw thread for the camera

Horizontal Mount with Lockout Knob
A fully retained quick-turn knob allows infinite balance position adjustment and steadfast clamping.

Ergonomically Designed Knobs
Soft-touch rubberized knobs offer strong clamping and easy use with bare or gloved hands especially when wet

All-Weather Design
From the hard powder-coated support arm that is also rubberized, to the stainless steel shafts, to the black anodized clamp, the finish will endure the worst a photographer can throw at it

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Find out for yourself, take it apart and see. I have.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Thank you. I appreciate your input.

NealB Loc: Lowell Indiana

I have the Nest and can say it is well built and operates smoothly. In my opinion there is not a better price point, quality built, and smooth operating head out there.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

Thanks, MT. Always appreciate your input, and your points are well taken.

I'm not a serious birder. I just need something to hold the heavier combination when the light starts getting dim.

Thank you.

NealB Loc: Lowell Indiana

You should call MT at the Camera Cottage to discuss Gimbal's. He is very knowledgeable and will educate you on equipment even if you end up not buying from him. I have talked to him and he didn't push me to buy from him.

Russ1700

Sounds like a promo to me

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

I recently went through this same exercise (looking to save some $$s on a gimbal head).
In the end I bought the NEST head.
I have nothing to compare it to but I can say this......it is a beautiful piece of gear......rock solid but smooth as silk.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Having researched gimbals, when I was ready to purchase, I bought the Nest from MT. Very nice, well made and smooth gimbal. Planning on mounting my 300 prime, so capacity is not a problem at all. Good luck in your search!

mtparker Loc: Cape Charles & Springfield, Virginia

If your images are important to you, your gear should reflect that. Photo gear can be pricy and the best tripods and heads are very expensive.

If a full size gimbal is needed there are a few choices today that were not available just a few years ago. NEST and Induro market the same head but the pick of the litter is still the Wimberley for my money.

Keep in mind that both your gimbal and your tripod need to be rated to support 2-3 times the heaviest gear you'll likely use on it.

kubota king Loc: NW , Pa.

I bought one off ebay with the name Beike on it like Mt talked about . It is built very heavy . I use it with all my big canon lenses . I like it way more then my high price ball head which was very hard to set the tension just right to allow you to move the camera around and not have the lens fall over , almost impossible . I had to buy extra plates to mount my other lenses because of the different style . I bought them over seas at one third the price ea. They look and are built just like the ones here in the usa for $65 each. The only thing is I can't mount my 7D camera onto the head without using extra plate to give me enough height for my camera to clear the the adjustable side plate , even with it adjusted all the way up. The canon 7D is pretty wide , and I have a battery grip attached , which doesn't effect the width . No problems when mounting using the plates I bought and attached it to the ring mount that comes with the bigger lenses . I like you didn't want to spend 4 or 5 hundred . I am happy with mine compared to the ball head I have . Hope this helps you . Tommy