Part 1 of 2: After using the Benro geared head on more than 200 photoshoots I show what worked well and what didn't. Part 2 is at • Benro Geared Head Part 2 And for more on my real estate photography series see www.amazon.com...
After using my Pro Photo Clam ball head for years, your video made me wonder what the big deal was with a gear head. Then I saw your post last week about the sale on the Benro and thought the price was too good to pass up. Well yes, I’ve only used it on one shoot and I can see where you’re coming from regarding ball heads outdoors. That said, I was blown away by the increased stability. It had virtually no creep. Although the adjustment knobs aren’t completely second nature yet, the time I saved in post already saved time. Thanks for your review and sale link too. BTW, a person interested in real estate photography contacted me asking how to get into RE photography. I gave him some pointers and sent him a link to your page discussing that subject. Hopefully he’ll have a successful career Cheers
Hi Nathan,thanks for the detailed review. I've been thinking about buying geared head for some time and since I'm not ready to spend over 1k for the arca swiss,I've narrowed my choices to either Benro or Sunwayfoto gh-pro geared head,which looks also promising
I been using the Benro GD3WH for landscape photography since it was first released. It has worked well, I like the light weight, for a geared head, and that it is Arca-Swiss compatible without using an additional clamp. What does frustrate me is the unnecessary centre cut out in the arca-swiss clamp rail. If you want to use a small arca-swiss plate such as my Peak Design Capture Clip plates the cut out prevents them from being securely clamped, why build in that cut out Benro?
I got a geared head as I specialise in photographing Stained Glass windows. Mine is the Manfrotto which is a bit heavier which is why I'm considering the Benro.
Have you tried mounting the camera with the knob for the quick release on the lens side? Aka, rotated 90 degree. That should free up the bubble level for viewing.
Great solution, but it does feel strange reaching under the lens to tighten the mount, and makes it a bit more difficult to physically see that the camera is securely mounted. Certainly a great solution if you want to use the bubble level, and I think I'll have a follow-up video showing the ins and outs of that. Also seen others use it the opposite way with the tighten knob in the back so they can more easily slide the camera from side to side.
Great review. Love mine been using it for 6 months. That occasional tightening that you need to free up is annoying, seems you found the same 'fix' I use my plate like you have it in Part 2 so that I can use the FTZ adaptor
Thanks so much for this Nathan. Do you have a video demonstrating how to use this for straight on real estate shots? Been doing real estate photos for several years, and between my Benro B3 ballhead and Lightroom's transform panel, it's been fine for the most part, but increasingly clients are asking for those straight on shots rather than majority from the corner of the room shots - more editorial style than real estate. The ballhead is 'ok' for that, but I always end up having to fine tune especially the horizontal lines, and I'm curious at how much easier it is to get straight lines both vertical and horizontal using a geared head. Is there a demonstration to that? I think it'd be a cool video to do and a lot of real estate/architecture photographers would dig it. Thanks for all your work on making these videos and this channel. I used to live in your backyard in Topanga Canyon before moving to Oregon. Still miss that chaparral! Be well, w.
I bought it about a month ago and love it for real estate. The mount is a pain... I grounded out an L bracket that makes it acceptable because the Arca Swiss mount isnt exactly standard.
Thanks for doing this gear review. Very helpful. Now loving my new Benro geared head. You mention your Pelican 1510 case in your books. Would you be willing to share a couple shots of how you set it up? I hate cutting and ripping the foam for customizing but necessary evil. (Measure twice; cut once!)
Hi Patrick, good idea for a video. I don't recommend cases with foam; instead, one with dividers so you can switch it up quick and easy, like so: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019CSVMW/
I bought this head and am very happy with it. But I take a lot of panoramas, and then I used the leveling base on the stand. I have two leveling base, but none of them fit this head because it does not pass the bottom screw / wheel on the head. So I wonder if you know of a leveling base or adapter that fits this head.
I have one of these Benro Geared. heads. I tend to use the built in level in my D810 or the virtual horizon in Live View, although most of the time I don't like Live View. I did recognize the lack of access to the top bubble level. To compensate I put the quick mount running parallel to the camera body (180º from where you show it on your camera) and I have the bubble level on the back of the head toward me. I also paid $145 fir the head from China directly.
Thanks Brian. I talk more about the bubble level/plate-orientation in the pinned comment at the top of the comments here...I'll have a follow-up video to talk more about it too.
Hey Nathan, thanks for the review. Looking at getting one of these Benro geared heads for architecture and maybe macro work. Did you buy this on eBay? I've noticed that the price from eBay is quite a bit cheaper than say B&H. My main worry there is whether is it a genuine copy and what do you do for warranty if it comes from China or Hong Kong?
Been considering this for a while... thanks for another great trusted review. I’ve been using a Benro ballhead and tripod which I’ll keep for the “quickie” shoots... so if I get this I need a new tripod to go with it... what are using?
Hi Chris, there are tons of tripods to choose from. I talk about that more in my interiors book: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078NLRKNM?ref_=series_rw_dp_labf
A quick note on the bubble level issue with the plate turned 90°: I have a follow-up video on that at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-X9OXylFtwZ0.html showing the pros and cons of various mounting options, and safety issues regarding each.
Thanks for your videos. What tripod do you use today for interior photography? Im looking at the Slik 700DX PRO. My only concern is the leg spread when set up.
