Best thing I bought last year
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Why did I wait so long to buy one of these? I acquired a number of good products last year, but looking back, this one really took me by surprise. Now I can't work without it.
Disclaimer: Benro has not sponsored or paid for this video. I paid for the GD3WH with my own money. All opinions are my own.
=============================
Reference Links
=============================
Benro GD3WH 3-Way Geared Head
geni.us/jbnBN
Manfrotto 120-38 Spacer
geni.us/hLnOo
Mini Tabletop Tripod used in this video
geni.us/jgkxdl
=============================
Gear Used to Create This Video
=============================
Camera: geni.us/x1qWvob
Lens: geni.us/DlD0
Microphone: geni.us/qmVjq63
Audio recorder: geni.us/ABAEu
Key light: geni.us/cElYW
Fill light: geni.us/sxel38
Accent light: geni.us/gHsO5iV
⬇️ My C-Log to Rec.709 LUTs for the R5/R6
dominey.gumroa...
Complete gear list: kit.co/todddom...
=============================
Follow and Contact Me Elsewhere
=============================
Instagram: / dominey
Twitter: / tdominey
Blog: dominey.blog
Photography: dominey.photo
Email: dominey@gmail.com
=============================
Music
=============================
All music via Musicbed. 30-days free through this link!
www.musicbed.c...
=============================
Affiliate Disclosure
=============================
Some of the links in this description will direct you to online stores where I may earn referral credits from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. If you want to shop and support this channel, you may also use the following storewide links.
🛒 Amazon: geni.us/gotoam...
🛒 B&H: geni.us/shopbandh
🛒 Adorama: geni.us/shopad...
Hi Todd - I enjoy your videos. Although, this one you started off missing one of the largest categories of tripod heads. The first category is the 3-way heads, sometimes referred to as the 'pan-tilt' heads. They've literally been around for more than 4 decades (not years, decades). Three-way heads have the same purpose, the main difference is that the geared heads have the minute adjustments built-in, whereas the 3-way heads are simpler - you loosen them to freely adjust within that axis at the pressure of how loose the handle is (adjusting the drag tension). What is better about the 3-way heads is the handles are much longer, so much easier to use than these tiny knobs on the geared, although I assume they can be replaced with better handles. I just wanted to clear up your categories since you missed the primary category - 3-way heads. For the new kids, a few examples are the heavy-duty Manfrotto/Bogen 3030, 3039, and 3047 heads. There has been multiple versions of these over spanning 40+ years, with variances and styles of the handles. The 3047 is more for the serious photographer, easily supporting large and medium format cameras and large telephoto lenses. The 3047 was produced in 6 versions over the decades, with handles interchangeable across the styles, also works great with gloves on. Hope this helps in clearing-up the history on tripod head categories. :)
Again, I enjoy your videos - keep up the good work.
Combined with my Gitzo levelling base, this geared head replaced my ball head some time ago. It is precise and a joy to use. For shooting panos, I simply level the base, use the clutch to drop the camera to portrait orientation, level the camera using the built-in level, use the pan gear to accurately overlap images incrementally reading off the dial. Its also great for acurate astro panos using the latter method. I had the same issue as you describe with a 70mm tripod base. Benro make this for this purpose 1 x Benro GDHAD1 Geared Head (GD3WH) Adapter (GDHAD1) = £17.99
your point is spot on Peter, i can add that this gd3wh won't fit directly over the "Acratech Large Levelling Base 1170", i had to buy (afterwards...) the same adapter
Life saver. We have 3 Manfrotto 405 gear heads in the studio...one broken in need of repair. When ever I see someone using a ball head my brain explodes. I am sure there are good reasons to use a ball head but for my type of shooting I can only work with a geared head. (On a similar note, we have a Cambo 9ft studio stand here with separate movements for up and down and then for rotating. Recently, I've had to shoot at a client's studio and they use a cheap studio stand where once you release the arm the movements are all connected--makes me nuts). OMG. I just looked up the price on your Benro head and it is about 1/3 the cost of the Manfrotto and yet it seems very similar!
My best purchase in ‘21 as well. My problem with ball heads was the tiniest bit of slop that occurs over time. I use a 50mm tilt shift lens for nature photography. The lens isn’t designed for a tripod collar and is pretty heavy. I’d line the shot up, then need to move the camera a small amount, tighten the head and the camera moves a few mm’s and have to start over. Also lighter tripods are susceptible to moving with a heavy setup when you’re in a forest and everything is set, you remove your hand and… I fully understand it’s likely age of the equipment and bad technique on my part, but this head has totally solved all the issues. Excellent review Todd.
I actually have two Manfrotto 410 geared heads for architecture. I bought the first one 22 years ago. And it actually works better than the 5 year old one, which went in for warranty service. This Benro looks like a knockoff with an Arca Swiss mount, which is attractive.
For nearly twenty years, I've been using a Manfrotto 410 geared head for the still photography I do that is best suited for a tripod (architectural, theatrical & product work). I have a Really Right Stuff BH-40 ballhead for "travelling light." Despite the slimmer, simpler package of the ballhead, I keep coming back to the geared head - it gives me the precision and stability that I can't get any other way. I did put a RRS/Arca-Swiss compatible lever quick release plate on top of the Manfrotto 410 to make orientation changes with the L-bracket swift. It makes for a small kludge of hardware, but it does a nice job. The spacer was something I hadn't encountered before - it'll be a nice addition to my setup. In the studio, noting beats a geared head with a studio (aka salon) stand.
I just bought this bead two weeks ago and so far I love it! I just leave it on my tripod for transport. I usually keep my landscape tripod in my truck all the time and just carry it when I’m out hiking. It definitely takes some getting used to but it’s benefits quickly were apparent after it’s first use. I use it with the Attoll rotating camera collar and the two are perfect with one another! Only downside is that the Attoll doesn’t work with the R5 battery grip…so I have to decide what I need more before heading out!
Thank you for this video. I am late on this wagon! But definitely recommend it specially for astro when you have to align your laser (star tracker) to Polaris - ball head was becoming a real pain in this scenario!
Ya, I'm sorry, I own one of these and bought it after turning down a beautiful used Manfrotto 400. While this Benro is silky smooth, it was not designed by a photographer.
Now anyone who owns it can attest to this; the QR knob and pan knob have to be on the same side. Benro in their wisdom have put them 180° opposite. That leaves you with the QR knob stuck right under the lens. Sure you can flip it around but then you have your pan knob out front instead of in the back where it is much easier to reach.
Thanks for the review. I vacillated between the Benro and Sunwayfoto geared heads, and ended up with the Sunwayfoto partly because it's slightly smaller and lighter, but mainly because the operation of it is nearly perfectly smooth and precise. It will easily support a Nikon D850 with a 70-200 f2.8, my heaviest gear these days. The Benro feels more robust and will support more weight. As far as longevity, who knows, time will tell. For my purposes, either one smokes the heavy, cumbersome, and comparatively crude Manfrotto which I was very happy to get rid of.
I bought this head about 2 years ago and it is one of my best purchases. I shoot a lot of landscape with a Fujifilm GFX50S and this head makes exact composition easier. I also shoot weddings and portraits and find it very useful there too. Great head and delighted with it. With some careful adjustment I can make it fit in a Manfrotto bag while attached to a 055 carbon fibre tripod.
I have the Benro, and I like it. Same issue, it is big. I actually have a SunwayFoto GH-PRO II geared head too. It seems a bit more compact. Both are so much less frustrating than any ball head I've ever tried. I needed them before IBIS, now, they mostly gather dust :-)
I purchased this head this week. I'm now getting back into my photography (lots for me to relearn) after being away from it due to ill health. My hands and fingers are seriously restricted with arthritis and complications from surgery that didn't heal properly. I'm expecting that the Benro GD3WH 3 will give me much tighter and easier control of my compositions. I'm just waiting the arrival of an L bracket and I should good to go.
Got it. Love it. Travel internationally with it. Totally worth the room it takes up in my second bag. However I have imaged BENRO making a compact version at some point. Oh, BENRO is releasing a spacer to get it off the top plate of the tripod. I also purchased the Tortoise tripod from BENRO. Totally recommend it as well.
I could never go back to a gearless head... Always used the Manfrotto 410 but switches to the Sunway GH-PRO II. Another life/time saver as a architecture/interior photograher:-)
Thanks for the tripod base warning. Good detail to know.
This would be EXCELLENT for doing panoramic, multi-level shots. You could completely level, then do multiple levels of panned shots, then stitch them into beautiful panoramics.
I thought you were giving me the middle finger in the beginning! Love your video!
Amazing idea!
I have one of these. Indispensably for product and macro photography in a light box.
I love how this video is about a geared head, but I am actually more interested in the mini-tripod. LOL
OMG exactly what i’ve been thinking about getting.
Great review.
I've had this head for a few years now. Previously I had the Manfrotto 405, which is bigger, heavier and more expensive. Unfortunately, neither of them are rock solid platforms-both have developed play in the individual axis making composites difficult (annoying when turning your camera dials introduces small movements). At least the Benro is pretty affordable and uses the area Swiss mount. But you're right, a geared head is really nice for getting your composition dialed in just so.
SUPERB TODD -- got it --- so superb -- did not know about those -- thank you HEAPS :)
I am interested in that leveling base but I am still undecided yet. Where do I put that big glob when I travel. I will make up my mind soon. Thanks for the good review Todd.👍
Lol! At the beginning I thought it was going to be the iPhone 13 Pro. Yes, micro adjustment will help in macro photography. Nice video!
Wish the rotation was more fluid. Or even an electronic version with a app.
I've thought about that too, but it would make my Peak Design travel tripod too big and I'd have the head flying around in the backpack...
That thing is bulky and not handy at all for traveling for me as a landscaper. I know it's not that expensive and that's a good reason to buy and have one, but if you want the best of the best than try an Arca Swiss D4 GP and you will see what i mean. Okay, it's way more expensive, but there is simply no competition that stand up to it.
I loved mine when i worked real estate photography. its also great for headshots if you want to keep it locked. Only thing i dont like is that it sometimes has micro shifts when the shutter is clicked. even with a remote. luckily photoshop and lightroom are good are realigning the photos
I switched to a fluid panning head over a ball head as it's really easy to move if the system is balanced. I use a leveling base to get level and then a good fluid head literally moves effortless and is always level.
I hope you are ready for the NESARA & GESARA act! We're all going to be able to afford ANY piece of camera gear we can dream of.
I don't about that exists. Thanks for your existence that accessory
I don't get it. I'm subscribed to you and this is the first video that's been on my front page in almost 6 months. Why is the youtube algorithm so weird?! Great video as always Todd, I look forward to binge watching all the vids I missed recently.
Came here for the head and now I’m leaving with a cute little tripod! 🤦♂️
very nice video. BUT : K&F Concept GD3W or Benro GD3WH? That's the question ...
My only issue I can see with this is that the QR release knob is under the lens, making it difficult to access/turn. If it had a flip lever there, or on the side like the Manfrotto 410 that would make it much nicer.
Interesting video. I’ve learned something new. Thank you for sharing.
Great video Todd!
What brand/model is that small tripod you are using in the video?
Todd's best purchase in 2022: Arca Swiss Cube. Trust me.
Great review Todd. Question please. Which is the table tripod you used in this video? Thank you
Thanks for another great demonstration and sharing of experiences Todd. I've also had the Benro GD3WH 3-Way Geared Head for a while, but due to the size I replaced it. I have for a while now used the Leofoto LH-40GR which I would say works just as well and takes up less space in my photo bag. In terms of quality, I also think it is a notch up.
Sorry for my poor English.
Do you know if this head would fit the Monfrotto 055 tripod? I didn't look at screw sizes like an idiot, I just wanna make sure they'll fit together.
Sounds perfect for enabling my OCD!...
Abbbbsolutely
I had previously used a Bogen 3047 three-way head with my 5x7 Eastman 2D View. It was great for leveling that beast of a camera. When I downsized to a Sony NEX-7 it still worked nicely but was overkill. I tried a ball head which worked ok but, as you say, that last bit of adjustment was often elusive.
Two years ago, I chanced on James Brew's review of the Benro GD3WH -- ua-cam.com/video/qSZ9UEybDCw/v-deo.html -- and it made sense. I bought one. It gives me three-way axis control, precision and stability. Also, it's half the bulk and weight of the 3047. And, once I got used to it, easy to use.
There are other geared heads on the market, ranging from Leofoto to the Arca Swiss Cube, but the Benro Gear Driven 3 Way Head -- GD3WH -- feels solid and does the job admirably at a reasonable cost. Yes, it may be heavier and bulkier than most ball heads but it works for me. YMMV.
👍🏾🙏🏾
👍🏾🙏🏾