Geared heads are where it’s at. I made the switch this year. Benro was my first choice, but it was gonna take a month to get it, so I ended up going with K&F Concepts.
You've just opened my eyes about why geared head are a great thing! I'll put that on my list right next to a set of magnetic filters. Thanks for sharing!
I got one of the Benro's also and you left out one of its best features: the goof proof quick release. It is so easy when you are trying to hurry and grab that quick release knob by accident, if you have the L bracket there is an extra safety there. On the Benro you have to pull the knob out at the end. Also I think this head is better with heavy lenses (no lens flop-bang) the heaviest I have is the 80-200 2-8L -the Drainpipe- and it holds it very precisely, and the knobs don't get twice as hard to turn with the weight like a focus rail will. I would say this type has a learning curve.
Thanks for this tip! I bought it after seeing your video. Exactly what I needed - an affordable gearhead. This one is way beefier than I thought it would be. It turns smoothly and has nice quick releases.
That was brave of you, coming out on RUclips as a gear head 🤣. I actually bought the G3 because I wanted be like Mike👍, also the load capacity, it's a great Ball Head and I'm happy with it, but now you have given me something to think about 🤔 Great stuff as always
Welcome to the gearhead club! I have been using that exact head for about three years and its awesome. It's a little heavy to hike with, but makes up for it how much easier it is to compose images.
I own the same head. For landscape photography, a geared head can't be beat. The ability to isolate yaw, pitch, and roll and adjust each individually makes them ideal for precise composition. Note that the head won't work consistently in some orientation combinations of camera and tripod (orientation as it is shown at 2:07 is correct). I use a rotating camera mount on top of the head so 1.) the camera can be pointed forward, whether using an L-bracket or a long lens' mounting foot, without having to turn the head (changing the orientation of the head to keep the lens pointed "forward" results in a change in how the controls operate, e.g., roll becomes pitch, using a rotating mount on top keeps the gear knobs working the same way all the time); and 2.) I don't have to level the tripod when making a pano, just the mounting deck of the head (the gearing makes that VERY easy) - the rotating mount on top does the panning (rather than using the yaw control and turning from the base of the head, for which tripod-leveling is necessary - this is similar to using a rotating mount on top of a ball head, and for the same purpose and workflow; level the camera, not the tripod, and pan from the top). (These comments probably apply to all gear heads. It takes longer to read this comment than it does to see what I mean by messing with your mount for a few seconds.)
That looks like an awesome head to use, will probably get one this next year. I've been to that location(have a shot of that location on my website, it's near the superstitions). Thanks for sharing this video.
Professional Interiors Photographer here... I've owned a handful of geared heads. We have 4 of the Benro heads and some of the tripods. The only downside of the Benro geared head is the quality. Every single head we have has failed within 1 year. Benro replaces them with no questions asked. Get ready to replace them constantly if you use them daily. We've gone through 8 now.
I have been using the 3 way geared head for some time now. Have not use a ball head since owning the 3 way geared head for my landscape photography. Sniper Photography Australia
Wow I can’t believe I never knew about this type of tripod head! Especially for the price I’m going for it! I have the same issue with my ball head slightly tilting on its own. Thanks a lot Mike 👌
I have the Benro geared head too Mike. I got it particularly for astro adjustments where I needed the precision and agree for strong winds or locations where you have to adjust the camera at arms length it's a great option. I tend to be lazy though and still use a ball head in 'normal' conditions because I haven't got the muscle memory ingrained yet and can get frustrated by using the wrong control.. Hope you and Chris have a great Christmas day.
Have used this head for a long time now. Best move ever. Your right about everything in the video. Also found sometimes you actually hVe to turn camera body just to make certain angles. But all for precise shots this is the best out there from a very good brand.
I picked up an older version of the Manfroto 10 years ago on eBay. Was in mint condition. Picked it up with a great studio tripod for about $250 shipped. Tripod alone was worth 400 MSRP. Legit, used is the way to go. That said some of the options for Leofoto are nice. Check out their geared assemblies. What I like about those is they're compact. Especially the Leofoto G3 or G4. Weighs a lot but so compact and doesn't have the same issues the Manfroto has with running into itself. Not sure if they apply to your tripod. They also have the Leofoto GW-01 which is similar to the Benro and Manfroto.
I have the manfrotto one and the reason it's heavier is because it's made for heavier camera. Could be overkill for a modem mirrorless, but obviously was not build for this cameras but for medium format one.
Am I able to blame you when The Home Boss yells at me for buying another piece of gear??!! 🤣 Love that last pic. Such a great spot, especially when there aren't a gazillion boats flying around!
Hey Mike, thanks for the video. I own that geared head as well as a ball head, and I like the geared head much better when using a larger lens, like the 100-400, or for re-aligning a lens when shooting astrophotography. For smaller or lighter lenses, I find the geared head a hindrance trying to remember where each control is. It's just a lot faster (for me) to use a ball head. Happy holidays to you and Chris!
Thanks David!! Great insight, especially about its use with the 100-400. I still have the ballhead on my travel tripod. I don’t think I’d use a geared head for that as well. The real test will be storm chasing. I may hate the new head haha. But for the other 90% of the time, when I’m not hiking a long distance, I definitely prefer this new head. Cheers!
Thanks for this Video. I do have this kind of thing since 20 years and I love it. But the weight and its shape is my problem for trasportation. Specially this year I had to limit the weiht of my gear dramatjcly and had to move into big limitations. I had to say by to this head and other things.
@@PereaPhotography I decided on the SUNWAYFOTO Geared Head GH-Pro II Tripod Head along with the Andoer Tripod Leveling Base with Offset Bubble Level, with 3/8inch to 1/4inch screw adapter. A bit heavy but works well.
Would love to find a geared head like this one but which is much lighter, for landscapes while hiking. I hate ball heads for all reasons mentioned in the vid.
You popped up in my recommended videos today and I was browsing through your video list and saw this video. "Oh boy, another tripod head, review" and felt I would be shunned yet again by another RUclips Channel. I watched it anyway and so glad I did.... I can be accepted!! I am a geared head tripod user too (it's the same as you found)!!! I am so fortunate to have finally found others like me!!! 😉
Now you need a good leveling base. That way you can level the head without having to get the tripod perfectly level. I have an Acratech leveling base on each of my tripods and use a geared head or Acratech Panoramic (pan tilt) head. Haven't used a ball head since.
I was like you. I tried a ball head (two or three, actually), but was never happy. I finally bought a geared head (the Manfrotto one, in my case--but used and less than half-price), and I've been super-happy with it. I especially like it for landscape and architecture photography. I don't know what I was afraid of--I think I was afraid that trying to dial in would take too long (too many turns on the crank?), but in the end, all my fears were overblown. I can't see myself going back, except out of necessity.
Haha that’s awesome! Yeah I think at first it definitely takes some getting used to, but I can still move it pretty quickly. I don’t feel I lose too much time, or feel like I’m somehow hindered by speed.
I'm going to get this tripod. Seems like it is a great solution based on your review. Still hoping to bump into you one day out here in AZ. Have a great day, and thanks for so many years of continued great content! If it is in your queue, I would really like to see more of your Lightroom techniques. Thanks!
Nice solution, a geared head. For me, I never used my tripod, because of the little drop the head makes after "securing it". I do macro mostly, and it is extremely annoying when the lens drops a bit after tightening. Then I got a Gitzo Off Centre Head. That did the trick. It also cures the things you talk about in your video. So it might have been these other brands I have tried, (Benro and some other Chinese brand), and no so much the ball head solution. For panorama's I use a panorama head where I can dial in the parallax correction.
Ahhh yes, the Ball Head, the loyal companion of so many photographers, but apparently not us... Though I didn't go with a geared head, I went with a pan tilt head. I have heavily considered getting a geared head, but time will tell i suppose.
Awesome! Yeah I was interested too but most were just too expensive. This one was definitely the best option for me and I've shot the same Benro tripod since 2017, so I'm a loyal fan.
My gloves are the Smartwool Fleece training gloves(for running/hiking). I don’t recommend a ballhead at all 😜 but I’ve always used Benro. The price and quality are great. My big ballhead is the g3.
I wish this held a little more weight. I'm looking for something to hold my 400, a TC, and a Canon 1DX body (a little over 7kg), plus incidentals like a rain hood, etc.. An 8-12kg limit would be more usable for telephoto landscapes. Unfortunately, I cannot find anything beteween this 6kg category (along with the K&F) and the huge upgrade to the $1100 Arca Swiss D4. Surely there must be some middle ground as a geared head is perfect for telephoto use.
I was trying to photograph a full-on blood moon, and getting the moon centered in the frame was so frustrating. I had a heavy 70-200 on a D850, and the positioning droop was so friggin annoying. The next day I was at the camera store and got the Benro Geared head. Perfect for landscape and astrophotography.
I was really interested in the L-bracket from another video of yours. So, I went to link to B&H and put the release and tripod in the cart. Then I thought, we’ll let me check their resent vids and boom, all three mentioned here. However, there isn’t an option for the L-bracket in your B&H, unless I missed something. Also, I’d like to know which L-bracket you recommend for full frame cameras and if I use your link and buy other things, does that also help you? Thanks.
I just added a link to the L bracket I use under my tripod in the description. And yes if you look under "Our Partners" in the description, there is a B&H link that will take you to their homepage. Anything you buy from there will help us out. Thank you so much for your support. Its very kind and we appreciate it so much!
@@PereaPhotography Great! I was interested in photography when my 17 year old som was born. I shot a lot of landscapes and went all over, just enjoying the process as a hobby. Shortly thereafter my gear was stollen and that really hit the pocket book hard. I did retain my D300 and years later bought a D7500, never really got back into it. Fast forward, my son has gotten into car photography and wants to go to school for photography. So, it’s rekindled that flame in me. I have given him all that I have, plus a new D850 for Christmas and we get to enjoy trips and shooting together. Thanks for your content 👍
I know your pain man. I've been feeling it. Hold your camera with telephoto lens right where you want it, tighten down the screws, let go and it drifts down messing up your composition.
I own bunch of bullheads and few Geared heads, from the high end line RRS BH55 , Arca Swiss Z1, to Arcatech GXP, to the crappy Peak Design travel head, from the Arca Swiss D4 to the much more economical but super high quality Leofoto G4 Geared head ..... they all have their pro and cons, for general landscape, I like Ballhead a lot better, so much quicker to operate, but when it comes to astro, I like Geared head a lot more, it's much easier to do Polar alignment with the Geared head, geared head offer very precise adjustment from 3 axis. But I personally don't like the Benro, it doesn't offer t Smoot operation as the Arca-Swiss and Leofoto.I do realized I am comparing product in different price point but the overall quality of the Benro is just a little too low. I believe the similar price Leofoto GW-01 operates much smoother.
I too have a love hate relationship with my ball head for all the reasons you mention in your video. Gear heads have been around for a long time now and I have been tempted to buy one so many times but I can never pull the plug. Gear heads have draw backs too. The size and shape are not good for air travel, it’s heavier than my ball head, too many knobs, etc. The next time I buy a head I’m going to buy what Thomas Heston uses. A set of legs with a bowl and then the head that he describes in this video. I think it will check all the boxes for me: ruclips.net/video/YRFAwNx7QJY/видео.html
@@PereaPhotography I just figure you got a b4 Christmas discount, maybe? What goes around comes around again. I’ll be paying attention. Appreciate the review.
lol lol Silly . Ick friends don't let friends use Manfrotto. Ok I do have to say I don't care for tripods that have legs the screw for tighten and loosen .That's just me.
My friend, we diverge on this one. I am a ball head user. If I could invest differently I would do like Thomas Heaton with a bowl tripod, leveler column, and monopod style head, but my second option would still be a ball head. I have seen some go the way of a fluid head which has similarities to the gear head in precision and flop protection. I know you are going to say to each their own, but I gotta say you looked ackward with too many knobs to figure out. Hope you have a great holiday.
I love it and I won’t be switching back anytime soon. I don’t care how it looks 🤣 but my wife shared your opinion. She is a hard no on this head. Too much faff.
My ball head was a PITA shooting the last total lunar eclipse, out on Bush Hwy. So I've been looking for a replacement in the $100-150 range. My 50 yo tripod has a pan/tilt head, and another YTer likes his fluid head. Guess I need to get over to Tempe Camera and try out a few. YT doesn't suggest your videos to me very often, and I have you on my search list, along with lots of Nikon and Landscape searches. Now I have months of your videos to catch up on. 🏜️
I’m going to have to write RUclips a strongly worded email about this.. and yes I always recommend people try to get their hands on any gear if they can before they buy. Good idea on heading to Tempe Camera. On any expensive gear I’ll also rent first if I can.
Update: As of 1/7/2023, B&H has raised the price of this head $70, to $225. I’ve reached out to my affiliate rep to see if there is a reason for this…
We know the reason why.
@@lonnieclemens8028 you do? Well I don't know, so why don't you tell the rest of us
Bidenomics
$159 on Amazon
@@thischangeseverything972this video lol
I’m in absolute agreement with you on this exact gear head from Benro !!! Absolute gamechanger when doing panos!!!
Geared heads are where it’s at. I made the switch this year. Benro was my first choice, but it was gonna take a month to get it, so I ended up going with K&F Concepts.
You've just opened my eyes about why geared head are a great thing! I'll put that on my list right next to a set of magnetic filters. Thanks for sharing!
You’ll love it!
This is exactly what I've been looking for to do astrophotography. Thanks.
Hey man...Canyon Lake/Apache Trail! My neighborhood, too. Very good info and beautiful photos, Mike.
Same here! I am in Apache Junction, near the Wally World.
I got one of the Benro's also and you left out one of its best features: the goof proof quick release. It is so easy when you are trying to hurry and grab that quick release knob by accident, if you have the L bracket there is an extra safety there. On the Benro you have to pull the knob out at the end. Also I think this head is better with heavy lenses (no lens flop-bang) the heaviest I have is the 80-200 2-8L -the Drainpipe- and it holds it very precisely, and the knobs don't get twice as hard to turn with the weight like a focus rail will. I would say this type has a learning curve.
Thanks for this tip! I bought it after seeing your video. Exactly what I needed - an affordable gearhead. This one is way beefier than I thought it would be. It turns smoothly and has nice quick releases.
Thats great to hear Derek! I absolutely love mine!
That was brave of you, coming out on RUclips as a gear head 🤣. I actually bought the G3 because I wanted be like Mike👍, also the load capacity, it's a great Ball Head and I'm happy with it, but now you have given me something to think about 🤔 Great stuff as always
Haha I’m so sorry for my betrayal Dave. After years I had to make a change. Maybe you might be Geared-curious? 😜 thanks for watching as always buddy!
Welcome to the gearhead club! I have been using that exact head for about three years and its awesome. It's a little heavy to hike with, but makes up for it how much easier it is to compose images.
Feels good to be a part of the club!!
I'm really impressed by the way you presented this video. I also like the gear head etc..
I own the same head. For landscape photography, a geared head can't be beat. The ability to isolate yaw, pitch, and roll and adjust each individually makes them ideal for precise composition.
Note that the head won't work consistently in some orientation combinations of camera and tripod (orientation as it is shown at 2:07 is correct). I use a rotating camera mount on top of the head so 1.) the camera can be pointed forward, whether using an L-bracket or a long lens' mounting foot, without having to turn the head (changing the orientation of the head to keep the lens pointed "forward" results in a change in how the controls operate, e.g., roll becomes pitch, using a rotating mount on top keeps the gear knobs working the same way all the time); and 2.) I don't have to level the tripod when making a pano, just the mounting deck of the head (the gearing makes that VERY easy) - the rotating mount on top does the panning (rather than using the yaw control and turning from the base of the head, for which tripod-leveling is necessary - this is similar to using a rotating mount on top of a ball head, and for the same purpose and workflow; level the camera, not the tripod, and pan from the top). (These comments probably apply to all gear heads. It takes longer to read this comment than it does to see what I mean by messing with your mount for a few seconds.)
Haha I love the last part of that comment. And great to hear! I’ll have to look into a rotating mount. Cheers!
That looks like an awesome head to use, will probably get one this next year. I've been to that location(have a shot of that location on my website, it's near the superstitions). Thanks for sharing this video.
The Leofoto G2 Panorama head was my personal choice which perfectly combines the advantages of a ball head with the advantages of a geared head
I’ve already had a few mentions on this head! Sounds interesting. Maybe at some point I can do a comparison video 👊🏼
I use the G2 on a sturdy ball head and agree 100% with your choice. Does that make us bi? 😂
Professional Interiors Photographer here...
I've owned a handful of geared heads. We have 4 of the Benro heads and some of the tripods. The only downside of the Benro geared head is the quality. Every single head we have has failed within 1 year. Benro replaces them with no questions asked. Get ready to replace them constantly if you use them daily. We've gone through 8 now.
I have been using the 3 way geared head for some time now.
Have not use a ball head since owning the 3 way geared head for my landscape photography.
Sniper Photography
Australia
Wow I can’t believe I never knew about this type of tripod head! Especially for the price I’m going for it! I have the same issue with my ball head slightly tilting on its own. Thanks a lot Mike 👌
Once you go full geared head, you never go back! You’ve been warned… haha you’ll love it!
I have the Benro geared head too Mike. I got it particularly for astro adjustments where I needed the precision and agree for strong winds or locations where you have to adjust the camera at arms length it's a great option. I tend to be lazy though and still use a ball head in 'normal' conditions because I haven't got the muscle memory ingrained yet and can get frustrated by using the wrong control.. Hope you and Chris have a great Christmas day.
Have used this head for a long time now. Best move ever. Your right about everything in the video. Also found sometimes you actually hVe to turn camera body just to make certain angles. But all for precise shots this is the best out there from a very good brand.
I picked up an older version of the Manfroto 10 years ago on eBay. Was in mint condition. Picked it up with a great studio tripod for about $250 shipped. Tripod alone was worth 400 MSRP. Legit, used is the way to go.
That said some of the options for Leofoto are nice.
Check out their geared assemblies. What I like about those is they're compact. Especially the Leofoto G3 or G4. Weighs a lot but so compact and doesn't have the same issues the Manfroto has with running into itself. Not sure if they apply to your tripod.
They also have the Leofoto GW-01 which is similar to the Benro and Manfroto.
I have the manfrotto one and the reason it's heavier is because it's made for heavier camera. Could be overkill for a modem mirrorless, but obviously was not build for this cameras but for medium format one.
had mine for 2 plus years since it was first released --- for the money its all you need. Never had any problems and its been well used .
Nice shot! I just picked up a pano head after similar frustration with ball head.
Am I able to blame you when The Home Boss yells at me for buying another piece of gear??!! 🤣
Love that last pic. Such a great spot, especially when there aren't a gazillion boats flying around!
haha yes Greg I'll take one for the team! And I try to go at sunrise during the week to avoid the boats!
What an intro :-)
Looks like a great piece of kit Pal !! Excellently explained as per usual !!
Thank you buddy! Hope you’re doing well!
That is pure quality
It’s not only good for landscapes, I also like it for macro work.
Yes I can definitely see the advantages of macro with this head.
Your video covers exactly a nagging problem I have for a long time using tripods - you made my photographic year! Thanks.
I’m happy to help!!
Hey Mike, thanks for the video. I own that geared head as well as a ball head, and I like the geared head much better when using a larger lens, like the 100-400, or for re-aligning a lens when shooting astrophotography. For smaller or lighter lenses, I find the geared head a hindrance trying to remember where each control is. It's just a lot faster (for me) to use a ball head. Happy holidays to you and Chris!
Thanks David!! Great insight, especially about its use with the 100-400. I still have the ballhead on my travel tripod. I don’t think I’d use a geared head for that as well. The real test will be storm chasing. I may hate the new head haha. But for the other 90% of the time, when I’m not hiking a long distance, I definitely prefer this new head. Cheers!
Just bought a second unit of the benro gd3wh for myself. Best for micro adjustments when aligning my star tracker for the north pole.
Ah yes it would be perfect for that!
Very funny intro... your videos never disappoint.
Thanks George!
Great head, just ordered. Only issue I perceive is astrophotography as can elevate 30 deg up
I love geared heads…in the studio. In the field, check out Acratech’s panoramic head.
I like your YT for the Benro 3 way head. What I did notice is your camera is not centered over the tripod, which it should be when working on pano's.
LOL, thanks for giving me a good laugh!!!😂
Thanks for this Video. I do have this kind of thing since 20 years and I love it. But the weight and its shape is my problem for trasportation. Specially this year I had to limit the weiht of my gear dramatjcly and had to move into big limitations. I had to say by to this head and other things.
Couldn't agree more ~ I switched about a year ago and never looked back 😮
Awesome! I wish I would’ve switched sooner.
@@PereaPhotography I decided on the SUNWAYFOTO Geared Head GH-Pro II Tripod Head along with the Andoer Tripod Leveling Base with Offset Bubble Level, with 3/8inch to 1/4inch screw adapter. A bit heavy but works well.
It was from watching your video that helped my when I had the Nikon D850 with focus merge ~ now use Z7 II with built in focus shift... thank you
Would love to find a geared head like this one but which is much lighter, for landscapes while hiking. I hate ball heads for all reasons mentioned in the vid.
You popped up in my recommended videos today and I was browsing through your video list and saw this video. "Oh boy, another tripod head, review" and felt I would be shunned yet again by another RUclips Channel. I watched it anyway and so glad I did.... I can be accepted!! I am a geared head tripod user too (it's the same as you found)!!! I am so fortunate to have finally found others like me!!! 😉
Haha welcome to the club Tim!
I have a Mamiya C33 that the ball head I had was useless I now have the tilt shift benro not the geared one and it works great with the 4lb😮 camera
Now you need a good leveling base. That way you can level the head without having to get the tripod perfectly level. I have an Acratech leveling base on each of my tripods and use a geared head or Acratech Panoramic (pan tilt) head. Haven't used a ball head since.
Yep I’m definitely looking into it!
I was like you. I tried a ball head (two or three, actually), but was never happy. I finally bought a geared head (the Manfrotto one, in my case--but used and less than half-price), and I've been super-happy with it. I especially like it for landscape and architecture photography. I don't know what I was afraid of--I think I was afraid that trying to dial in would take too long (too many turns on the crank?), but in the end, all my fears were overblown. I can't see myself going back, except out of necessity.
Haha that’s awesome! Yeah I think at first it definitely takes some getting used to, but I can still move it pretty quickly. I don’t feel I lose too much time, or feel like I’m somehow hindered by speed.
@@PereaPhotography Very true! In fact, I think I'm faster, because I don't waste my time fiddling with a bobble-head ball head. ;-)
I'm going to get this tripod. Seems like it is a great solution based on your review. Still hoping to bump into you one day out here in AZ. Have a great day, and thanks for so many years of continued great content! If it is in your queue, I would really like to see more of your Lightroom techniques. Thanks!
Thank you and you’ll love it! And yes I definitely want to do some Lightroom videos soon!
@@PereaPhotography Awesome!😀
Nice solution, a geared head. For me, I never used my tripod, because of the little drop the head makes after "securing it". I do macro mostly, and it is extremely annoying when the lens drops a bit after tightening. Then I got a Gitzo Off Centre Head. That did the trick. It also cures the things you talk about in your video. So it might have been these other brands I have tried, (Benro and some other Chinese brand), and no so much the ball head solution. For panorama's I use a panorama head where I can dial in the parallax correction.
Yeah I think for panos those heads are awesome! And I have the same problem with movement after securing it. I’m much happier with the geared head.
Ahhh yes, the Ball Head, the loyal companion of so many photographers, but apparently not us... Though I didn't go with a geared head, I went with a pan tilt head. I have heavily considered getting a geared head, but time will tell i suppose.
Yep so many photographers could be living a much happier life...haha thanks for watching!
This is beyond funny Awesome
You had to do it, eh? Now I want one. When I've looked at others in the past, the price was nuts. This is actually affordable. Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅🏾
Awesome! Yeah I was interested too but most were just too expensive. This one was definitely the best option for me and I've shot the same Benro tripod since 2017, so I'm a loyal fan.
My Bronica film camera shakes on the ball head. I switched to the 3 ways after a lot of rolls into the trash!
Thanks for infomation. Question - what type of gloves do you have on in this video? Also which ball head do you recommend? thanks
My gloves are the Smartwool Fleece training gloves(for running/hiking). I don’t recommend a ballhead at all 😜 but I’ve always used Benro. The price and quality are great. My big ballhead is the g3.
Hallelujah, you have been saved!
🤣
Thanks.
I wish this held a little more weight. I'm looking for something to hold my 400, a TC, and a Canon 1DX body (a little over 7kg), plus incidentals like a rain hood, etc.. An 8-12kg limit would be more usable for telephoto landscapes. Unfortunately, I cannot find anything beteween this 6kg category (along with the K&F) and the huge upgrade to the $1100 Arca Swiss D4. Surely there must be some middle ground as a geared head is perfect for telephoto use.
I was trying to photograph a full-on blood moon, and getting the moon centered in the frame was so frustrating. I had a heavy 70-200 on a D850, and the positioning droop was so friggin annoying. The next day I was at the camera store and got the Benro Geared head. Perfect for landscape and astrophotography.
Oh yes I’ve about thrown my ballhead off a cliff trying to shoot the full moon
I have one....never been used. Problem is...I am late 70s; carrying all of the gear is too much.
I was really interested in the L-bracket from another video of yours. So, I went to link to B&H and put the release and tripod in the cart. Then I thought, we’ll let me check their resent vids and boom, all three mentioned here. However, there isn’t an option for the L-bracket in your B&H, unless I missed something. Also, I’d like to know which L-bracket you recommend for full frame cameras and if I use your link and buy other things, does that also help you? Thanks.
I just added a link to the L bracket I use under my tripod in the description. And yes if you look under "Our Partners" in the description, there is a B&H link that will take you to their homepage. Anything you buy from there will help us out. Thank you so much for your support. Its very kind and we appreciate it so much!
@@PereaPhotography Great! I was interested in photography when my 17 year old som was born. I shot a lot of landscapes and went all over, just enjoying the process as a hobby. Shortly thereafter my gear was stollen and that really hit the pocket book hard. I did retain my D300 and years later bought a D7500, never really got back into it. Fast forward, my son has gotten into car photography and wants to go to school for photography. So, it’s rekindled that flame in me. I have given him all that I have, plus a new D850 for Christmas and we get to enjoy trips and shooting together. Thanks for your content 👍
I’m sorry about the theft. That’s terrible but I’m so happy you guys can share that passion!
@@PereaPhotography God is good. I checked out and everything should arrive soon. Thanks
👍👍👍👍👍👍
hello, is it gonna hold my quite heavy 100-400 in place? it looks beautiful
Absolutely. It does great with mine. No problem at all!
@@PereaPhotography thank you!
Sorry Chris, looks like you got yourself a Gear Head...... Merry Christmas!
Haha Merry Christmas Robert!
I know your pain man. I've been feeling it. Hold your camera with telephoto lens right where you want it, tighten down the screws, let go and it drifts down messing up your composition.
Wow thank you . I HATE my ball head on my tripod .
Throw it in the trash!! 🤣
Im a Ballhead I SAID IT YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
I own bunch of bullheads and few Geared heads, from the high end line RRS BH55 , Arca Swiss Z1, to Arcatech GXP, to the crappy Peak Design travel head, from the Arca Swiss D4 to the much more economical but super high quality Leofoto G4 Geared head ..... they all have their pro and cons, for general landscape, I like Ballhead a lot better, so much quicker to operate, but when it comes to astro, I like Geared head a lot more, it's much easier to do Polar alignment with the Geared head, geared head offer very precise adjustment from 3 axis. But I personally don't like the Benro, it doesn't offer t Smoot operation as the Arca-Swiss and Leofoto.I do realized I am comparing product in different price point but the overall quality of the Benro is just a little too low. I believe the similar price Leofoto GW-01 operates much smoother.
Nice vid. Is the channel done?
I too have a love hate relationship with my ball head for all the reasons you mention in your video. Gear heads have been around for a long time now and I have been tempted to buy one so many times but I can never pull the plug. Gear heads have draw backs too. The size and shape are not good for air travel, it’s heavier than my ball head, too many knobs, etc. The next time I buy a head I’m going to buy what Thomas Heston uses. A set of legs with a bowl and then the head that he describes in this video. I think it will check all the boxes for me: ruclips.net/video/YRFAwNx7QJY/видео.html
Have you tried the gear head for macro photos?
Not yet but its definitely in the plans!
So i bought the gear head. And it’s awesome. Also it works great for macros. 😁
@Al Wagner awesome!
1/7/2023 - Price is up almost $70. ☹
Wow really? That’s weird.
Update: I just emailed my affiliate rep at B&H to see if there is a reason for this.
@@PereaPhotography I just figure you got a b4 Christmas discount, maybe? What goes around comes around again. I’ll be paying attention. Appreciate the review.
Sadly this head in specific is useless for large format cameras.
lol lol Silly . Ick friends don't let friends use Manfrotto. Ok I do have to say I don't care for tripods that have legs the screw for tighten and loosen .That's just me.
My friend, we diverge on this one. I am a ball head user. If I could invest differently I would do like Thomas Heaton with a bowl tripod, leveler column, and monopod style head, but my second option would still be a ball head. I have seen some go the way of a fluid head which has similarities to the gear head in precision and flop protection. I know you are going to say to each their own, but I gotta say you looked ackward with too many knobs to figure out. Hope you have a great holiday.
I love it and I won’t be switching back anytime soon. I don’t care how it looks 🤣 but my wife shared your opinion. She is a hard no on this head. Too much faff.
My ball head was a PITA shooting the last total lunar eclipse, out on Bush Hwy. So I've been looking for a replacement in the $100-150 range. My 50 yo tripod has a pan/tilt head, and another YTer likes his fluid head. Guess I need to get over to Tempe Camera and try out a few.
YT doesn't suggest your videos to me very often, and I have you on my search list, along with lots of Nikon and Landscape searches. Now I have months of your videos to catch up on. 🏜️
I’m going to have to write RUclips a strongly worded email about this.. and yes I always recommend people try to get their hands on any gear if they can before they buy. Good idea on heading to Tempe Camera. On any expensive gear I’ll also rent first if I can.