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Gimbal Head suggestions needed
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Feb 23, 2013 09:39:33   #
JKSde Loc: Middletown, De
 
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal head. I purchased a seperate headless tripod for support. I use a Sony 550 camera and a Sigma 120-400mm tele lens. I use this set up all the time when I go to the Conowingo Dam, near Perryville, Md.
Now, the gimble head is very well made. All of the knobs and adjustment pieces work smoothly. There is a Youtube review, Opteka Gimbal Head review, by H. Tongho. This explains the working capabilities of the head much better then I can. I paid $150.00 for the Gimbel and it is so far a great investment. The only thing extra I purchased was a longer Lens Plate, (Kiwi Photos) to attach the lens/camera to the Gimbal, $29.00. The one with the Gimble was to small for my setup.
Have fun!!!

Eagles of the Dam
Eagles of the Dam...





Reply
Feb 23, 2013 09:44:39   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
JKSde wrote:
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal head. I purchased a seperate headless tripod for support. I use a Sony 550 camera and a Sigma 120-400mm tele lens. I use this set up all the time when I go to the Conowingo Dam, near Perryville, Md.
Now, the gimble head is very well made. All of the knobs and adjustment pieces work smoothly. There is a Youtube review, Opteka Gimbal Head review, by H. Tongho. This explains the working capabilities of the head much better then I can. I paid $150.00 for the Gimbel and it is so far a great investment. The only thing extra I purchased was a longer Lens Plate, (Kiwi Photos) to attach the lens/camera to the Gimbal, $29.00. The one with the Gimble was to small for my setup.
Have fun!!!
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal he... (show quote)


Just to let you know, Opteka does not make a gimbal head. They buy the Beike BK-45 head and put their label on it so that they can charge more money using the inference that it is better. Its EXACTLY the same head. All Opteka products are simply rebranded Chinese products of one form or another, the make nothing but labels.

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Feb 23, 2013 10:12:42   #
JKSde Loc: Middletown, De
 
Ok!!! But it still works...
Thanks!!!

Reply
 
 
Feb 23, 2013 10:14:06   #
JKSde Loc: Middletown, De
 
What type of Gimbal do you have!!!

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 11:30:22   #
oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey
 
MT Shooter wrote:
JKSde wrote:
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal head. I purchased a seperate headless tripod for support. I use a Sony 550 camera and a Sigma 120-400mm tele lens. I use this set up all the time when I go to the Conowingo Dam, near Perryville, Md.
Now, the gimble head is very well made. All of the knobs and adjustment pieces work smoothly. There is a Youtube review, Opteka Gimbal Head review, by H. Tongho. This explains the working capabilities of the head much better then I can. I paid $150.00 for the Gimbel and it is so far a great investment. The only thing extra I purchased was a longer Lens Plate, (Kiwi Photos) to attach the lens/camera to the Gimbal, $29.00. The one with the Gimble was to small for my setup.
Have fun!!!
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal he... (show quote)


Just to let you know, Opteka does not make a gimbal head. They buy the Beike BK-45 head and put their label on it so that they can charge more money using the inference that it is better. Its EXACTLY the same head. All Opteka products are simply rebranded Chinese products of one form or another, the make nothing but labels.
quote=JKSde I have recently purchased the Opteka ... (show quote)


MT,

Thanks, I was wondering about that. I own and love the Opteka but was looking at the Beike head and could not see any difference. I would still order the Opteka head because of a bad experence ordering directly from China but that is my choice. It is an excellent head once it is tuned.

Jim D

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 11:32:08   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
oldtool2 wrote:
MT Shooter wrote:
JKSde wrote:
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal head. I purchased a seperate headless tripod for support. I use a Sony 550 camera and a Sigma 120-400mm tele lens. I use this set up all the time when I go to the Conowingo Dam, near Perryville, Md.
Now, the gimble head is very well made. All of the knobs and adjustment pieces work smoothly. There is a Youtube review, Opteka Gimbal Head review, by H. Tongho. This explains the working capabilities of the head much better then I can. I paid $150.00 for the Gimbel and it is so far a great investment. The only thing extra I purchased was a longer Lens Plate, (Kiwi Photos) to attach the lens/camera to the Gimbal, $29.00. The one with the Gimble was to small for my setup.
Have fun!!!
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal he... (show quote)


Just to let you know, Opteka does not make a gimbal head. They buy the Beike BK-45 head and put their label on it so that they can charge more money using the inference that it is better. Its EXACTLY the same head. All Opteka products are simply rebranded Chinese products of one form or another, the make nothing but labels.
quote=JKSde I have recently purchased the Opteka ... (show quote)


MT,

Thanks, I was wondering about that. I own and love the Opteka but was looking at the Beike head and could not see any difference. I would still order the Opteka head because of a bad experence ordering directly from China but that is my choice. It is an excellent head once it is tuned.

Jim D
quote=MT Shooter quote=JKSde I have recently pur... (show quote)


I do agree, for the price its performance is hard to beat. But it does need "tuning" to smooth out the operation. I have actually just completed tearing mine down, cleaning all the surfaces and re-lubing it to get ready for next summer.

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 11:53:50   #
oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey
 
MT Shooter wrote:
oldtool2 wrote:
MT Shooter wrote:
JKSde wrote:
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal head. I purchased a seperate headless tripod for support. I use a Sony 550 camera and a Sigma 120-400mm tele lens. I use this set up all the time when I go to the Conowingo Dam, near Perryville, Md.
Now, the gimble head is very well made. All of the knobs and adjustment pieces work smoothly. There is a Youtube review, Opteka Gimbal Head review, by H. Tongho. This explains the working capabilities of the head much better then I can. I paid $150.00 for the Gimbel and it is so far a great investment. The only thing extra I purchased was a longer Lens Plate, (Kiwi Photos) to attach the lens/camera to the Gimbal, $29.00. The one with the Gimble was to small for my setup.
Have fun!!!
I have recently purchased the Opteka GH1 gimbal he... (show quote)


Just to let you know, Opteka does not make a gimbal head. They buy the Beike BK-45 head and put their label on it so that they can charge more money using the inference that it is better. Its EXACTLY the same head. All Opteka products are simply rebranded Chinese products of one form or another, the make nothing but labels.
quote=JKSde I have recently purchased the Opteka ... (show quote)


MT,

Thanks, I was wondering about that. I own and love the Opteka but was looking at the Beike head and could not see any difference. I would still order the Opteka head because of a bad experence ordering directly from China but that is my choice. It is an excellent head once it is tuned.

Jim D
quote=MT Shooter quote=JKSde I have recently pur... (show quote)


I do agree, for the price its performance is hard to beat. But it does need "tuning" to smooth out the operation. I have actually just completed tearing mine down, cleaning all the surfaces and re-lubing it to get ready for next summer.
quote=oldtool2 quote=MT Shooter quote=JKSde I h... (show quote)


The biggest problem I found was the lower pivot was too tight. Once I loosened the lower bearing I had no problem. The upper bearing appeared to be too tight also but once I placed 9 pounds of camera on it there was no problem at all, it works fine. I have really enjoyed using it, in fact, was out yesterday for about 6 hours and had a camera on it for 5 of them and it worked fine.

Some think that pivot needs to spin perfectly free but forget about the weight they are going to be putting on it. After putting a camera and lens on it you need to balance it. Then I snug it up a bit to keep it from "flopping" or tipping when I leave go of it. If you don't and leave go of it with, say, the lens looking up it will drop past the ballance point and take a nose dive and the lens will hit the tripod. I learned this the hard way and always keep a little friction on that bearing after mounting everything.

Jim D

Reply
 
 
Feb 23, 2013 15:33:35   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
craggycrossers wrote:
Bruce with a Canon wrote:
I am thinking of getting a gimbal head, I use Manfrotto 055 XBPRO tripod.
Suggestions needed.
I see "off brands" like Optika. I have no experience with this brand.
I am happy ( well not HAPPY) to spend what is required for quality gimbal head, Rather buy good gear once.

Appreciate tips, guidance, suggestions, hints, direction.

Tanks
Bruce


Hi Bruce - I'm one of those that bought the Lensmaster RH-2 on the recommendation of JRI who has already posted. I can't speak more highly of this head. The longest lens I use is a 70-200, but for me a good tripod head was a "one-off" purchase, and this will handle many different tasks.

No need to pay huge prices - this is perfectly adequate (see his video) and the maker is well-used to sending product to the USA.

A couple of photos so that you can see the head in a different light from JR1's camoflage gear !
quote=Bruce with a Canon I am thinking of getting... (show quote)


Is there a US distributor? I cannot locate one.

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 15:58:31   #
craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK
 
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
craggycrossers wrote:
Bruce with a Canon wrote:
I am thinking of getting a gimbal head, I use Manfrotto 055 XBPRO tripod.
Suggestions needed.
I see "off brands" like Optika. I have no experience with this brand.
I am happy ( well not HAPPY) to spend what is required for quality gimbal head, Rather buy good gear once.

Appreciate tips, guidance, suggestions, hints, direction.

Tanks
Bruce


Hi Bruce - I'm one of those that bought the Lensmaster RH-2 on the recommendation of JRI who has already posted. I can't speak more highly of this head. The longest lens I use is a 70-200, but for me a good tripod head was a "one-off" purchase, and this will handle many different tasks.

No need to pay huge prices - this is perfectly adequate (see his video) and the maker is well-used to sending product to the USA.

A couple of photos so that you can see the head in a different light from JR1's camoflage gear !
quote=Bruce with a Canon I am thinking of getting... (show quote)


Is there a US distributor? I cannot locate one.
quote=craggycrossers quote=Bruce with a Canon I ... (show quote)


I'm afraid not. He does everything himself ! Well - his wife does the admin ! But be not afraid, he is one of the friendliest "businessmen" I've met and quite accustomed to dealing with US clients. If you're interested contact him via his website. His name's Rob Hardy. Tell him I sent you. You will not be disappointed. And you can then be proud to boast to your pals that you are using something that carries the monika "Made in England" ! If you need any further help send me a private message.

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 18:19:15   #
Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip
 
JR1 wrote:
I use this one and have both models.

There are also TWO people on this forum who have bought them, I suggest you stay away from the cheap $80 ones, steel and not in the same league

http://www.lensmaster.co.uk/

I use it with my 120-400 and 150-500, see my surf shots on my site.

Being best quality alloy it has been IN the sea a few times, wouldn't do that with steel




JR thanks for your expertise!

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 18:21:29   #
Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip
 
craggycrossers wrote:
JR1 wrote:
craggycrossers wrote:
Bruce with a Canon wrote:
I am thinking of getting a gimbal head, I use Manfrotto 055 XBPRO tripod.
Suggestions needed.
I see "off brands" like Optika. I have no experience with this brand.
I am happy ( well not HAPPY) to spend what is required for quality gimbal head, Rather buy good gear once.

Appreciate tips, guidance, suggestions, hints, direction.

Tanks
Bruce


Hi Bruce - I'm one of those that bought the Lensmaster RH-2 on the recommendation of JRI who has already posted. I can't speak more highly of this head. The longest lens I use is a 70-200, but for me a good tripod head was a "one-off" purchase, and this will handle many different tasks.

No need to pay huge prices - this is perfectly adequate (see his video) and the maker is well-used to sending product to the USA.

A couple of photos so that you can see the head in a different light from JR1's camoflage gear !
quote=Bruce with a Canon I am thinking of getting... (show quote)


They look sturdy legs you have what mount is that
quote=craggycrossers quote=Bruce with a Canon I ... (show quote)


It's a Redsnapper set of legs (http://www.redsnapperuk.com/index.html) which I bought brand new on eBay after finding a review somewhere on the Redsnapper site. The review, which was extremely well-presented said something like "it's the quality of a £170 set of legs at considerably less money". And I got it for even less on eBay - all this BEFORE I started reading here that your tripod purchase should be a "one-off" buy.

It's another great buy for me as per the Lensmaster, and for the same reasons.
quote=JR1 quote=craggycrossers quote=Bruce with... (show quote)


Appreciate your help!

Reply
 
 
Feb 23, 2013 20:07:24   #
BigBear Loc: Northern CT
 
I have the older version of this head.

http://www.adorama.com/WIWH200S.html?gclid=CPy4mP3czbUCFdFT4AodEQgAWg

It's so smooth panning in any direction.
However, because of it's size and weight I only use it when I'm not far from my car and only when using my 300 2.8.

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 20:30:05   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
craggycrossers wrote:
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
craggycrossers wrote:
Bruce with a Canon wrote:
I am thinking of getting a gimbal head, I use Manfrotto 055 XBPRO tripod.
Suggestions needed.
I see "off brands" like Optika. I have no experience with this brand.
I am happy ( well not HAPPY) to spend what is required for quality gimbal head, Rather buy good gear once.

Appreciate tips, guidance, suggestions, hints, direction.

Tanks
Bruce


Hi Bruce - I'm one of those that bought the Lensmaster RH-2 on the recommendation of JRI who has already posted. I can't speak more highly of this head. The longest lens I use is a 70-200, but for me a good tripod head was a "one-off" purchase, and this will handle many different tasks.

No need to pay huge prices - this is perfectly adequate (see his video) and the maker is well-used to sending product to the USA.

A couple of photos so that you can see the head in a different light from JR1's camoflage gear !
quote=Bruce with a Canon I am thinking of getting... (show quote)


Is there a US distributor? I cannot locate one.
quote=craggycrossers quote=Bruce with a Canon I ... (show quote)


I'm afraid not. He does everything himself ! Well - his wife does the admin ! But be not afraid, he is one of the friendliest "businessmen" I've met and quite accustomed to dealing with US clients. If you're interested contact him via his website. His name's Rob Hardy. Tell him I sent you. You will not be disappointed. And you can then be proud to boast to your pals that you are using something that carries the monika "Made in England" ! If you need any further help send me a private message.
quote=LoneRangeFinder quote=craggycrossers quot... (show quote)


Thanks. I may take you up on this offer....

Reply
Feb 23, 2013 20:34:33   #
LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field
 
craggycrossers wrote:
Bruce with a Canon wrote:
I am thinking of getting a gimbal head, I use Manfrotto 055 XBPRO tripod.
Suggestions needed.
I see "off brands" like Optika. I have no experience with this brand.
I am happy ( well not HAPPY) to spend what is required for quality gimbal head, Rather buy good gear once.

Appreciate tips, guidance, suggestions, hints, direction.

Tanks
Bruce


Hi Bruce - I'm one of those that bought the Lensmaster RH-2 on the recommendation of JRI who has already posted. I can't speak more highly of this head. The longest lens I use is a 70-200, but for me a good tripod head was a "one-off" purchase, and this will handle many different tasks.

No need to pay huge prices - this is perfectly adequate (see his video) and the maker is well-used to sending product to the USA.

A couple of photos so that you can see the head in a different light from JR1's camoflage gear !
quote=Bruce with a Canon I am thinking of getting... (show quote)


Another few questions: What are the dimensions of this Gimbal: Looks about 4" high? Also, do you use yours for general tripod uses: In other words, do you leave it on the tripod... I'm asking because it's mounted with a shorter lens-- and as I understand, one of the best uses is to support longer lenses.... Thanks.

Reply
Feb 24, 2013 05:29:23   #
craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK
 
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
craggycrossers wrote:
Bruce with a Canon wrote:
I am thinking of getting a gimbal head, I use Manfrotto 055 XBPRO tripod.
Suggestions needed.
I see "off brands" like Optika. I have no experience with this brand.
I am happy ( well not HAPPY) to spend what is required for quality gimbal head, Rather buy good gear once.

Appreciate tips, guidance, suggestions, hints, direction.

Tanks
Bruce


Hi Bruce - I'm one of those that bought the Lensmaster RH-2 on the recommendation of JRI who has already posted. I can't speak more highly of this head. The longest lens I use is a 70-200, but for me a good tripod head was a "one-off" purchase, and this will handle many different tasks.

No need to pay huge prices - this is perfectly adequate (see his video) and the maker is well-used to sending product to the USA.

A couple of photos so that you can see the head in a different light from JR1's camoflage gear !
quote=Bruce with a Canon I am thinking of getting... (show quote)


Another few questions: What are the dimensions of this Gimbal: Looks about 4" high? Also, do you use yours for general tripod uses: In other words, do you leave it on the tripod... I'm asking because it's mounted with a shorter lens-- and as I understand, one of the best uses is to support longer lenses.... Thanks.
quote=craggycrossers quote=Bruce with a Canon I ... (show quote)


Sunday morning here - just found your post - good questions - from the top of the outer arm (horizontal axis control) to the base of the screw connector to the tripod is 10 inches - the height of the inner arm (vertical axis control) is 6 inches from top to the under edge of the arm. The guy who makes these is a bird lover with a huge 500mm Canon lens. He showed me it on my tripod with this head. It works beautifully, and this was the reason for its original design. As I've mentioned I wanted a "one-off" head purchase, something that would work for everything I do. So yes, it's great for general purpose as well as with "Super" lenses. I leave it on the tripod, but it will screw off the legs quite easily if you find it a little bulky for transportation purposes. Main thing is that it does the job it's designed to do ... and doesn't cost an arm and a leg !

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