I've decided to buy the GH2F basing my choice in ALL the Pros you mentioned using the awesome sidemount instead of the traditional cradle configuration! It really is a great travel companion in my opinion. Congrats for one more fantastic & unique video !!! See ya, blue skies 🍀📸
If you still have the sample, try "hanging" the lens/camera from the gimbal arm. With the lens/camera off, rotate the gimble arm straight up, and rotate your lens mount to the top of the lens, and attach the lens hanging from the gimble arm. That gets rig of your clearance to the lens foot concerns. If your lens foot is Arca Swiss compatible on the top, the gimbal arm is Arca Swiss comparable on the bottom, that might allow you to get lower, but with more opportunity for frame collision. Finally, the gimbal arm can be mounted “Closed” and used to adjust the lens height while in the side-mount configuration. (Or use something like the ProMediaGear Nodal Rail Plate with Arca-Type Clamp to move that center of gravity down just a bit.
I've literally just purchased this and a group pod to give me more support when photographing shorebirds!, I think I'm going to follow your suggestion and ditch the cradle.
Feeling on resistance depends on the distance to rotation point. The longer the less resistance. In your review, a large lens is used. If you use a small lens, you will feel more resistance.
I liked that as well. Had more build in resistance and felt like a fluid head, did you notice it loosen up with use? Its not a bad thing, actually works well for video. Little heavier but solid all around and super versatile!
@@WildlifeInspired No, it didn't loosen up with use. But I've considered changing out the fluid in it, so it isn't as restrictive. But so far, I'm happy using it. For lighter things I use the LeoFoto one. I've been using a PG 500mm Bronica adapted to a Canon R5 on the E9-H. It's manual focus but with it I actually like the heavier fluid for movements. For a more locked in feel and motion of it is more dampened. It just has so many options for use.
With low profile arca-swiss lensfoot would that low clearence issue would be solved? Is the lack of vertical alignment of pan axis and center of gravity a real concern? Can it cause more wear/stress?
we've conversed before. I researched this gimbal before I got my Leophoto. The thing that drew me to it was packability for camping. I also like the side mount option and like you, I'd prefer not to have the cradle. As a motorcyclist I call it a swing arm lol. We think alike in that the price was a deciding factor and if offered without the cradle the decision would hve been tougher. I like unique stuff and you don't hear much about this gimbal. In the end my final two were this one and the Leo. I love the control and the spin of the Leo so after hearing from you that the Benro was tight, it made my choice an even happier one. I need the spin factor. On a side note side mount will rarely give 100% perfect balance. You mention the center of gravity of the lens but gravity doesn't ignore the body so the actual cg is a little below the cg of the lens if your body is large enough or a battery grip is attached.
I see your point on balancing. so while the lens would be balanced perfectly, body that was bottom heavy (battery grip) would throw that total system off.
@@chiuyuenkwan833 It's the PG-1, it's a very close copy of the Katana Jr. at a way better price. Scott tested it in the gimbal comparisons. I wasn't aware Leofoto offered more than one model
@@WildlifeInspired I wouldn't go so far as throw the whole system off. The effect would be the cg of the body relative to the lens, as in not a huge issue with the exotic primes but for the extending light weight zooms it would be a bigger factor as the body is a larger part of the total weight. The weight of the body is in the worst possible position, the furthest away from the pivot point so it can increase the effect weight can have. A good example is how the balance is thrown off by zooming, the further the elements get from the fulcrum the worse it gets out of balance even though the weight is the same. So there are variables for those of us without exotics. Sorry if I sound like a nit picker, I just love a good thought exercise
These gimbal reviews have been a treasure trove of truly useful information so, thank you Scott. There's a new folding gimbal from Proaim that looks like an almost exact copy of the Benro. Maybe you could add one of those to your reviewing schedule. I'm very curious how it stacks up against the Benro.
A question: when you start or stop moving slowly, is there a little jerk ? I don't mind friction when you're moving, but its that little jerk at the end or the beginning that is annoying.
I just bought it, the vertical resistance is really a lot. I have a 70 euro neewr gimbal that works much better in vertical. The Benro is very solid and well built if it weren't for this problem it would be perfect since it is on sale now. I tried treating the mechanism with degreaser and then with new oil (with the old gimbal it had worked) it improved but still not much. I hope that use makes it better. If anyone has advice on how to make it more fluid I would be happy to know.
I congratulate you for your review! I have this model but I ride an eos r5 with the rf100-500 and I have the feeling that it slows me down a lot in vertical movements, possibly with a larger and heavier lens this is less noticeable, but I'm thinking of buying the model from Benro GH2N, since I have a good offer here in Spain and I don't know if the same thing will happen again. Do you have information on this model? Do you know if it is smoother than the GH2F? Thank you very much and greetings!
I didn't review that GH2N. I have liked a few of their products though and if the return policy is favorable, maybe try it. You'll be able to tell right away just testing it inside.
I bought this gimbal to use on a Lens Coat Bean bag with the gimbal attachment. My issues was the resistance in the tilt axis and it was just too much. I exchanged it three times at B&H because I thought it might be a manufacturing flaw but it was not. I couldn't even balance the camera and lens (Canon EOS 7D Mark II with the battery grip and the Sigma 150-600 Sports). I just returned it the last time for a refund and bought a second PMG Katana Jr. The worst part was I could not use this thing on the Bean bag at all. Even with it completely loose, every time I tried to tilt then lens up and down it would literally raise the bean bag off the door frame of my Jeep. I now just use the other.. Katana and it is "perfection". I have pretty much had my fill of Benro.
A good travel option. I would not but it over a traditional gimbal personally. If the cost were $400 and came with out hte cradle, I would consider this as a side mount option .. I like Benro Aluminum option for budget, and the GH5C as a nice option. Katana Jr might be my favorite overall.
Make sure you subscribe when i see great deals i will do them as shorts. They had a Black Friday deal on that for 399 tripod and head. I told a bunch of people via shorts and a bunch took advantage!
In a way the weight kills this thing. You can get the promedia gear katana with the side mount for $534 and it weighs 1.8 pounds. The other way you can get the katana with the cradle for $649 and it weighs 2.4 pounds. Both are lighter, one is cheaper and they both have the range of motion you would want. The only thing that would make the benro appealing is if you need it to fold but if you travel with wildlife glass you most likely have a bag big enough to hold any of the gimbals folded or not.
If you travel with your feet and a backpack or a kayak the folding is a big deal. I have the Leofoto, it has yet to go camping. I looked at the Benro but I'm quite sure I made the right choice. I have an Amazon cheapie that can be disassembled without tools making it packable. It is crap but it is packable. Price is a debilitating factor for this Benro I think
Was considering buying it today but after watching this I'm not entirely convinced...thanks for your insights
I've decided to buy the GH2F basing my choice in ALL the Pros you mentioned using the awesome sidemount instead of the traditional cradle configuration! It really is a great travel companion in my opinion. Congrats for one more fantastic & unique video !!! See ya, blue skies 🍀📸
PLEASE share you experience if you have a chance to travel and or use if for a while in the field. Would love real world feedback on this one.
@@WildlifeInspired deal 🤙🏻
If you still have the sample, try "hanging" the lens/camera from the gimbal arm. With the lens/camera off, rotate the gimble arm straight up, and rotate your lens mount to the top of the lens, and attach the lens hanging from the gimble arm. That gets rig of your clearance to the lens foot concerns.
If your lens foot is Arca Swiss compatible on the top, the gimbal arm is Arca Swiss comparable on the bottom, that might allow you to get lower, but with more opportunity for frame collision.
Finally, the gimbal arm can be mounted “Closed” and used to adjust the lens height while in the side-mount configuration. (Or use something like the ProMediaGear Nodal Rail Plate with Arca-Type Clamp to move that center of gravity down just a bit.
i have the gh5c and yeah, this would be a great travel one,
I've literally just purchased this and a group pod to give me more support when photographing shorebirds!, I think I'm going to follow your suggestion and ditch the cradle.
Have fun!
good review - I've been curious about this gimbal.
THanks
Feeling on resistance depends on the distance to rotation point. The longer the less resistance. In your review, a large lens is used. If you use a small lens, you will feel more resistance.
fair point, since I focus on wildlife its usually assumed that I am discussing long lenses.
I love the Fotopro E9-h.
Can carry a heavy load and has so many options for use.
Other I love is the Profoto.
I liked that as well. Had more build in resistance and felt like a fluid head, did you notice it loosen up with use? Its not a bad thing, actually works well for video. Little heavier but solid all around and super versatile!
@@WildlifeInspired
No, it didn't loosen up with use. But I've considered changing out the fluid in it, so it isn't as restrictive. But so far, I'm happy using it. For lighter things I use the LeoFoto one. I've been using a PG 500mm Bronica adapted to a Canon R5 on the E9-H. It's manual focus but with it I actually like the heavier fluid for movements. For a more locked in feel and motion of it is more dampened. It just has so many options for use.
With low profile arca-swiss lensfoot would that low clearence issue would be solved? Is the lack of vertical alignment of pan axis and center of gravity a real concern? Can it cause more wear/stress?
we've conversed before. I researched this gimbal before I got my Leophoto. The thing that drew me to it was packability for camping. I also like the side mount option and like you, I'd prefer not to have the cradle. As a motorcyclist I call it a swing arm lol. We think alike in that the price was a deciding factor and if offered without the cradle the decision would hve been tougher. I like unique stuff and you don't hear much about this gimbal. In the end my final two were this one and the Leo. I love the control and the spin of the Leo so after hearing from you that the Benro was tight, it made my choice an even happier one. I need the spin factor. On a side note side mount will rarely give 100% perfect balance. You mention the center of gravity of the lens but gravity doesn't ignore the body so the actual cg is a little below the cg of the lens if your body is large enough or a battery grip is attached.
Please advise which model of the Leo you have purchased. Thanks
I see your point on balancing. so while the lens would be balanced perfectly, body that was bottom heavy (battery grip) would throw that total system off.
@@chiuyuenkwan833 It's the PG-1, it's a very close copy of the Katana Jr. at a way better price. Scott tested it in the gimbal comparisons. I wasn't aware Leofoto offered more than one model
@@WildlifeInspired
I wouldn't go so far as throw the whole system off. The effect would be the cg of the body relative to the lens, as in not a huge issue with the exotic primes but for the extending light weight zooms it would be a bigger factor as the body is a larger part of the total weight. The weight of the body is in the worst possible position, the furthest away from the pivot point so it can increase the effect weight can have. A good example is how the balance is thrown off by zooming, the further the elements get from the fulcrum the worse it gets out of balance even though the weight is the same. So there are variables for those of us without exotics. Sorry if I sound like a nit picker, I just love a good thought exercise
Thanks for the review. It’s on sale for $319 now. Not sure if I really need it tho.
These gimbal reviews have been a treasure trove of truly useful information so, thank you Scott. There's a new folding gimbal from Proaim that looks like an almost exact copy of the Benro. Maybe you could add one of those to your reviewing schedule. I'm very curious how it stacks up against the Benro.
Thanks (but I hate knock offs lol)
A question: when you start or stop moving slowly, is there a little jerk ? I don't mind friction when you're moving, but its that little jerk at the end or the beginning that is annoying.
I just bought it, the vertical resistance is really a lot. I have a 70 euro neewr gimbal that works much better in vertical. The Benro is very solid and well built if it weren't for this problem it would be perfect since it is on sale now. I tried treating the mechanism with degreaser and then with new oil (with the old gimbal it had worked) it improved but still not much. I hope that use makes it better. If anyone has advice on how to make it more fluid I would be happy to know.
I congratulate you for your review! I have this model but I ride an eos r5 with the rf100-500 and I have the feeling that it slows me down a lot in vertical movements, possibly with a larger and heavier lens this is less noticeable, but I'm thinking of buying the model from Benro GH2N, since I have a good offer here in Spain and I don't know if the same thing will happen again. Do you have information on this model? Do you know if it is smoother than the GH2F?
Thank you very much and greetings!
I didn't review that GH2N. I have liked a few of their products though and if the return policy is favorable, maybe try it. You'll be able to tell right away just testing it inside.
@@WildlifeInspired Thank you very much for your quick response, I look forward to that review soon, I'll be attentive to your channel!
Nice review, can the carry weight of that gimbal be considered as higher if used as a side mount instead of using the folding L craddle ?
would be a logical assumption but I cant say for sure. I will say it is well made and feel sturdy
I bought this gimbal to use on a Lens Coat Bean bag with the gimbal attachment. My issues was the resistance in the tilt axis and it was just too much. I exchanged it three times at B&H because I thought it might be a manufacturing flaw but it was not. I couldn't even balance the camera and lens (Canon EOS 7D Mark II with the battery grip and the Sigma 150-600 Sports). I just returned it the last time for a refund and bought a second PMG Katana Jr. The worst part was I could not use this thing on the Bean bag at all. Even with it completely loose, every time I tried to tilt then lens up and down it would literally raise the bean bag off the door frame of my Jeep. I now just use the other.. Katana and it is "perfection". I have pretty much had my fill of Benro.
I think the Katana is probably the best overall gimbal made. Thanks for feedback Jim!
How does this fit in to the comprehensive review of gimbal heads that you did a while ago?
A good travel option. I would not but it over a traditional gimbal personally. If the cost were $400 and came with out hte cradle, I would consider this as a side mount option .. I like Benro Aluminum option for budget, and the GH5C as a nice option. Katana Jr might be my favorite overall.
@@WildlifeInspired Perfect! Thank you very much.
Benro TTOR35C Carbon Fiber Tripod with GH2F Folding Gimbal Head for 562.46 at B&H. There's your bargain. Great video review. Thanks.
Make sure you subscribe when i see great deals i will do them as shorts. They had a Black Friday deal on that for 399 tripod and head. I told a bunch of people via shorts and a bunch took advantage!
Benro Where have you been all of my WILDLIFE
In a way the weight kills this thing. You can get the promedia gear katana with the side mount for $534 and it weighs 1.8 pounds. The other way you can get the katana with the cradle for $649 and it weighs 2.4 pounds. Both are lighter, one is cheaper and they both have the range of motion you would want. The only thing that would make the benro appealing is if you need it to fold but if you travel with wildlife glass you most likely have a bag big enough to hold any of the gimbals folded or not.
The katana (either) is tough to beat! Currently testing the GT2 tomahawk, new product, hit alerts so youll get notified when the review drops.
If you travel with your feet and a backpack or a kayak the folding is a big deal. I have the Leofoto, it has yet to go camping. I looked at the Benro but I'm quite sure I made the right choice. I have an Amazon cheapie that can be disassembled without tools making it packable. It is crap but it is packable.
Price is a debilitating factor for this Benro I think
B&H is running a sale. 150 0ff right now. That's a great price
as a travel gimbal it makes a lot of sense and you can ditch the cradle and run it side mount, ultra small and ultra light