If you are looking for a top-rated gimbal head, then look no further than this review. We have compiled the best gimbal heads on the market to help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore with Lucidcam
What Is A Tripod Head With A Gimbal?
Gimbal heads are tripod heads that balance your lens and camera along the sides of the tripod head. Gimbal heads that are the best allow fluid movement, whether you’re shooting portraits or landscapes.
Tripod gimbal heads are great for heavy lens and camera combinations. They are popular among wildlife and sports photographers. Fluid movements of the gimbal allow users to quickly follow the action. These gimbals are ideal for panning with your subject using a long lens.
You can get the gimbal heads with fluid cartridges. This adds some resistance to their movements. This makes it much easier to plan.
Gimbal Head vs Ball Head
What is better for photography: a gimbal or a ball head? This is a question that many photographers have to ask. It really boils down to whether you shoot wildlife photography or sport.
Gimbal heads can tilt and pan your camera while maintaining a level surface. It makes it easy to track movement in the frame. Gimbal heads are heavy and bulky. It is not ideal for macro, landscapes, or other types of photography. If birds in flight are your thing, this is a great option!
Ball heads are extremely versatile. It can be used to quickly adjust landscapes, portraits, and travel shots while on the move. It will make it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain your camera level while you pan, especially if the car is racing across your frame.
A tripod mount with a ball head is not designed to hold lenses over a certain weight. However, a gimbal head can carry a heavy payload. Gimbal heads will allow your 300mm and 400mm lenses to move easily.
Also, a ball head can’t switch between portrait and landscape formats as quickly as a gimbal.
Top Rated Gimbal Heads Review
- Gimbal-type design allows you...
- Rugged design offers...
- Arca Swiss style clamp...
- Anodized 6061 Aluminum Clamp,...
- Made in USA. Assembled in...
- INNOVATIVE: The fluid...
- CAPACITY: Holds one DSLR...
- IDEAL IN NATURE: The gimbal...
- HIGH SPEED: The cartridge of...
- COMPLETE KIT: With ergonomic...
- Lightweight carbon fiber...
- Load capacity: 66.0 lb (30.0...
- Arca-Swiss compatible camera...
- Vertical and panoramic scale -...
- Separate pan & tilt lock knobs...
- Designed for extreme tilt...
- Compatible with the universal...
- Features a specialized clamp...
- Stands at 9.5", weighs in at 3...
- Limited 3-Year Warranty...
1. Benro GH5C
This head is made of carbon fiber and is lightweight and strong.
- Construction material: Carbon fiber
- Load rating: 29.94kg
- Weight: 1.1kg
Pros
- Fluid panning movement
- Strong and light
- Vertical scales and panoramic scales
Cons
- Expensive
The Benro GH5C is a stunning gimbal head made from carbon fiber. It is stronger than aluminum heads and lighter, making it ideal for landscape-shooting trips. It can hold almost 30kg of gear, which is more than most photographers and videographers would need. It can still move smoothly even when loaded, Benro claims. This allows for smooth camera movements with the lightest touch. It’s easy to pan with the head.
This comes with a price, but it is worth the investment if you require smooth horizontal and vertical movement for heavy lenses.
- Lightweight carbon fiber...
- Load capacity: 66.0 lb (30.0...
- Arca-Swiss compatible camera...
- Vertical and panoramic scale -...
- Separate pan & tilt lock knobs...
2. Benro GH2
Gimbal head with the best value
- Material for construction: Aluminum
- Load rating 23kg
- Weight 1.44kg
Pros
- Great value
- No-nonsense design
- Smooth rotation
Cons
- Short on customization
Although it may be the cheapest option, the Benro GH2 will make it stand out from the Wimberley head (below). The GH2 isn’t as stylish or customizable as the Custom Brackets, but it is still a joy to use. The tilt and pan locking knobs make it easy to release gloves and lock the GH2 in place. There’s enough adjustment on the vertical arm for tall lenses and an industry-standard Arca mounting bracket.
Smoothness is the true test of a gimbal, and the GH2 does not disappoint. Although it’s not as silky as the other three expensive heads, both tilt and pan move smoothly and without any bearing slack. It’s quite good for the price.
Although we couldn’t find a combination camera/lens combo that would have allowed us to test the Benro at 23kg, the GH2 was able to support our 4.5kg 400mm f/2.8 setup.
- Designed for extreme tilt...
- Compatible with the universal...
- Features a specialized clamp...
- Stands at 9.5", weighs in at 3...
- Limited 3-Year Warranty...
3. Wimberley WH-200 Version II
Although technically the best, you will need to justify the expense.
- Material for construction: Aluminum
- Load rating: 68kg
- Weight : 1.4kg
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Super smooth operation
- Extensive lens compatibility
Cons
- High price
The WH-200’s first impressions will leave you puzzled as to why it is among the most expensive heads on the market. It looks average next to the ProMediaGear with its many features, but Wimberley’s heads are well-respected, and you’ll see why once you try one.
The head has plenty of vertical adjustment to mounting lenses of different sizes. However, it is only 23.5cm high and weighs in at 1.4kg. Both the tilt and pan axes turn extremely smoothly and can be locked perfectly by ergonomic knobs. They also adjust the friction resistance of each joint.
Wimberley provides replacement low-profile lenses feet for taller lenses.
- Gimbal-type design allows you...
- Rugged design offers...
- Arca Swiss style clamp...
- Anodized 6061 Aluminum Clamp,...
- Made in USA. Assembled in...
4. Gitzo GHFG1 Fluid Gimbal Head
Italian design is the crown jewel of tripod manufacturers
- Material for construction: Magnesium and aluminum.
- Load rating 8kg
- Weight 1.35kg
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Lots Lens Support
Cons
- Disappointing fluid dampening
Gitzo products are well-engineered and beautifully designed. The GHFG1 Fluid Gimbal head feels and looks great. Although the fluid dampening system is not quite as effective as one would hope, it’s still a solid gimbal that can support heavy kit setups. Although the maximum capacity isn’t quite as large as the Benro GH2, 8kg will be sufficient for most people’s support needs. Wildlife and outdoor action photographers can rest assured.
The control knobs are simple to use, and the Arca-style plate makes balancing and detaching equipment easy. You can’t go wrong when you have Gitzo-branded products, as this top-quality head shows.
- INNOVATIVE: The fluid...
- CAPACITY: Holds one DSLR...
- IDEAL IN NATURE: The gimbal...
- HIGH SPEED: The cartridge of...
- COMPLETE KIT: With ergonomic...
5. Custom Brackets CB Gimbal
It is hugely impressive, but it is difficult to justify the high price.
- Material for construction: Aluminum
- Load rating 100kg
- Weight 1.5kg
Pros
- Silky smooth operation
- Highly versatile
Cons
-
Expensive
- Variable friction control ineffective
This gimbal, named appropriately, is all about customization. There are nine knobs scattered around the bracketry. Separate tilt and pan drag knobs control resistance independent of the locking clamps. This modular, collapsible design allows for greater storage flexibility, as the vertical and horizontal arms can be easily separated.
A scalloped-edge baseplate is another thoughtful touch that you can use to grip the tripod’s head when mounting it.
The build quality is excellent, as you would expect from hardware at a premium price. It clamps down securely, and there is no lateral play in the bearings. The plethora of adjustment options makes it easy to mount lenses of any size. Even the largest glass will be able to move easily once it’s onboard.
6. ProMediaGear Katana
A stunning gimbal, if overkill for most non-pros
- Material for construction: Aluminum
- Load rating 22kg
- Weight 2.4kg
Pros
- Uncompromising build quality
- Large enough to use for super telephotos
Cons
- Pricey
- Hard to locate outside the USA
Due to its 33 cm height and macho design, the Katana appears more like a weapon hardware piece than support for your camera. The Katana is a tall gimbal, so there’s plenty of vertical adjustment to balance even the largest lenses.
A load capacity of 23kg is a result of the stellar build quality and superior material quality. This ensures that any lens from this side of the Hubble Space Telescope will be able to stand on its own. This gimbal is heavy at 2.2kg.
Steel ball bearings that are maintenance-free provide smooth tilt and pan motions. They also have no bearing slack when the locking buttons are removed. These bearings are large enough to be used in all weathers and can also be moved for easier access. To increase friction and reduce jerkiness, you can partially tighten the locking knobs. Once fully tightened, your camera will remain steady.
- ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana...
- Smooth panning and tight...
- Arca-Swiss type compatible...
- Hard anodized scratch...
- Sealed Maintenance Free Ball...
Buying Guide
1. Vertical adjustment
To feel the benefits of a vertical adjustment gimbal, you don’t necessarily have to buy one. However, if you are looking to lose weight completely, then you will need one. Vertical travel is more important than ever.
2. Precision engineering
Lowering the clamps that lock the tilt arm and pan base of cheaper gimbals can cause wobble and slack in the joints. Tolerances will be tighter for better designs.
3. Ergonomics
Although small controls and dials can look nice and neat, wildlife photographers know that they are easy to be distracted by bad weather. Look for a gimbal that is large and easy to use with gloves.
4. Mounting techniques
The Arca-Swiss standard is used on all of the gimbal heads that we have featured in this guide. You’ll get a better adjustment if you buy a gimbal head with a longer plate.
5. Do not skimp on your legs
Mounting a gimbal on a cheap tripod is like fitting a high-tech lock to a fragile wooden door. Even though the total weight of the legs will be heavy, it is important to choose rigid, sturdy legs.
FAQs
How can you balance ahead on a gimbal?
Are gimbal heads good?
What is a gimbal head?
Gimbals are a type of tripod head that balances the weight of your camera, so you can easily move it horizontally and/or vertically. Gimbal heads can carry the weight for you, making them ideal for large setups and heavy telephoto lenses. Some models support over 30 lbs.
You can check out How Does A Gimbal Work: Top Full Guide 2022 to learn more
Are you looking for wildlife photography equipment?
Conclusion
Last update on 2022-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
