I have a Benro TMA37C tripod with the Benro GD3WH geared head that I just purchased. I was frustrated with the stability of my MePhoto tripod as well as my inability to get the tripod and ball head leveled for panorama shots. With my new Benro kit, the panorama’s are a breeze. I could’ve be happier with the Benro setup. It is rock solid. By the way, I like the first composition of the bridge. This is my first time visiting your channel. I’ll have to explore it some more.
Sweet video, James. Seem to be following an increasing group of terrific British landscape photos. Heaton, Gibbs, Hardcastle and now Mr. Brew. Look forward to more!
Many years ago, 1989 to 1998 when I had my own camera shop & studio I was using a Benbo clone tripod mated to a Manfroto pistol grip head, it enabled me to work very quickly & once I released the pistol grip the head stayed right where I wanted it to be, also the head came with a QR system so swoping cameras was a doddle, the only drawback was the weight, but as a studio tripod it was ideal, if you are not au fae with the Benbo marque it can move from ground level to many feet in the air rapidly.
I've been using the Benro GD3WH for over a year and I love it. I bought it originally for macros. It allows me to control the camera movement in each axis without affecting the other two axes. After using it for a while I found this control also improved my landscape photos so now I use the GD3WH exclusively. The control you have when positioning your camera is unbelievable. You dial in the picture you want to shoot. The only negative I found to using the head was that you can't elevate the camera more than 30 degrees. Which is needed during astro-photography. To go further than 30 degrees of elevation, I simply shorten the back leg of the tripod.
I have had the same Benro setup for over a year - NO REGETS. My workround for the "elevation issue" is simply to mount the camera the other way around with the clamp knob directly under the lens. This enables an elevation of 90 degress.
@@richardmeyers4015 I tried that work-around but found I was fumbling with the controls so I just kept the same orientation and dropped the leg. Either way lets you use an excellent tripod head for all your work.
I've had the same geared head for three months. Love using it,stong but lighter than other geared heads. Smooth and easy to compose,level,and adjust just right! The plate retention is a good feature as well. No over tightening or getting too loose when adjusting. Just . . smooth. Holds my heaviest lens just fine.
Loved the first image! Was blown away by the second image... who would have thought? I have a Swiss cube 3 gear head. Ridiculously priced, ridiculously heavy, awkward to use as well... but precise as hell. Despite the weight, price and inconvenience it gives me a great steady, level platform that is second to none. If you do any panos, a geared head is a bonus. I have a ball head, never use it unless I need two cameras on the go.
I recently bought a reasonably priced set of carbon fiber legs and a used 3 axis head to go on them, I'm hoping to get out for a first test run tomorrow. I think the main reason why many landscape photographers go for a ball head (combined w/an L bracket) is weight, this new setup with that heavy duty head weighs as much as my old 1980s aluminum Coastar although it's got a lot more reach and a quick release.
I've been using the Manfrotto 410 geared head for some time - I love it as you can set up your composition so much more accurately - it's a bit like using a microscope for those fine adjustments - I've put a arca swiss plate on it to use my L bracket (the Manfrotto version is ridiculously over engineered) - it is heavy but I drop the first section of the tripod down and use it as my walking pole - works well and pays of when I get to my destination.
So James, have you tried the Highlight Priority metering mode and only going to -1.7 EV? Great image (first one) and the second had the added color which was awesome.
Thanks Dave. I usually just leave the camera in the default matrix metering and use histogram to judge shadows and highlights. Works the vast majority of the time 👍
Thanks John! Interesting point on the red rocks, I am colour blind so they didn't jump out to me at the time (if you're wondering why I didn't mentioned them haha)
A couple of lovely images, the second one was better for me, both because of the light but also that nice red colouring in the rock on the far side. The new tripod looks great. I used to use the Manfrotto geared head. Great for setting up really precise compositions. The only issue I had with it was the weight and that it made the tripod very top heavy when I was carrying it on the rucksack for long periods. So I bought a ball head for using when I was hiking with the intention of swapping them over depending on use. Gradually, over time, I just stopped using the geared head and eventually sold it. I'll look forward to seeing how you get on with the new tripod and head in the future
Thanks Ralph. The consensus seems to be the second shot was better from the comments made. Interesting you point out the red rock, I'm colour blind so that didn't jump out to me at the time but I can see it now. Very eye catching framed by the arch (got lucky there!). Yeah the Benro geared head is about 300g heavier than the ball head I was considering. The big question is whether that extra weight will be worth it. I'll only be able to figure that out over time - watch this space 👍
I use the same combination of tripod and head, and I'm very pleased with it. I mount the camera the opposite way of what i saw you did, so that I have the up/down control knob on "my" side of the head. Love this part of equipment.
Ah that's really interesting. I probably mounted it wrong to be honest. I'll need to use it a bit longer to figure out exactly how to use it to its max. Thanks for sharing your insights Jakob :-)
What a gem of a location you have discovered James. Two excellent compositions and detailed explanations to boot, what more can we want for a vlog. Thanks for sharing Mate, 👍📸
Thanks very much Rob! It certainly is a gem of a location, I feel bad for even sharing it. Locations like this are special because they are left alone and forgotten about. The kind of place you could sit all day in complete peace 👍
Great video James! It's very informative and entertaining, I like your style. Both photos are great, probably the 2nd is better because of the lights. I'm curious about your experience with the tripod, I want to change mine as well, so I look forward to your review in a few weeks time. Great work mate, keep it up!!
Cheers Robert! Appreiciate your support. I don't like to rush reviews (never get these people reviewing things after 1 hours use), so it will be later in the year before I can deliver any kind of verdict on it. First impressions are good so far but the key question is really how I adapt to the geared head given my ball head background. Back to school temporarily 🤓
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.
Second image is superb James so glad to decided to get a composition from that side the first image was great too but the second is for my eye is best what a brill location . Tripod looks a good bit of kit too James great video once again mate love it, keep up the great work my friend all the best -Shaun.
Thank you Shaun! Yeah the concensus seems to be the second image is the best. Always good to get opinions in 🙂 I was torn between them. Appreciate your support 🙏
Really love the second image - for the light - but also because the flow of the water leads you into the image. The bridge looks way bigger than it really is. Great video
I actually liked the first photo more - I tend to find I like the water coming towards me rather than a way in these type of shots, but more over I just think it all came together better. Both were wonderful though - and your explanations were very interesting. Thanks for sharing your artistry & expertise!
I have been using the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Tripod Head for years and its great. Really easy to compose with and solid. Great photos of a hidden gem. 👍
Awesome vlog, nice little find that bridge, intrigued to where it is after seen it on your insta! Few little clues in the video hopeful to see it some day ,
Great video James. Just "discovered" you tonight on CZcams. I have been using the Benro geared head for just over a year now, having gone back to one after ball heads and love the fine adjustments on 3-axes that you get. - David (Teesside ex-pat living in Canada)
This geared head is great I use it for landscape photography as well as I am out on a business shoot... plus it is not so heavy and it is so safe with the extra twist before releasing your camera from it! Nice vlog of course and nice images!
Nice vlog and gorgeous location James. I have the same set up of tripod and head and wouldn’t be without it, especially when the wind picks up. When you plant it you know it’s going nowhere fast. I also changed the feet for really right stuff rock claws for addled grip. Bit heavier than others but as said it stays put. Love both images but if had to make a choice the second for the light. Cracking vlog mate well done💯🤓📸🇬🇧👍🤪❤️
Cheers Chris! Thanks for sharing your experiences with this setup, nice to see someone else using the exact same combo. It feels absolutely solid I must say. Planting it out in the middle of that plunge pool would usually feel risky but it felt very stable. It feels so well built, so I'm eager to see how it performs in some stormy conditions...shouldnt have to wait too long for those given where I live 😂 Thanks for watching 👍
Very enjoyable video. Nicely done. I'm in my second year with the Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head and love it. I do still grab the wrong knob occasionally; it takes some practice but less frustrating for me than ball heads, more precise, and much more stable.
Cheers Ralph. That's very encouraging to hear. My thinking is that we like to get everything right in the camera as much as possible, so why not extend that thinking to composition framing. With geared head wonky horizons and the need to crop should in theory be less common as you can dial in very precise movements. Looking forward to using it more 👍
Two top images James. Never understood why so many landscape toggers use ball heads, since as you say they move in all directions when trying to frame a shot. I have the same Benro set up, and composition framing is just so much easier.and rewarding given you control 3 axes minutely. Get yourself longer spikes though. Will include a link. Got them after watching them used by Simon Baxter and he told me where to get them. The tripod is such great value for money and at Xmas Benro usually offer 20% off both items for an even better bargain. 😁
Spikes not currently not available on Amazon, but I managed to get them off ebay. So well made as well and with screw on rubber ball feet that are so solid. 👌 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00VRAL1BY/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
@@warrenswales5693 Thanks for sharing your thoughts Warren. Didn't know that Benro offer 20% at xmas...should have waited haha! I'm very impressed with the setup so far. Those spiked feet look great too, I'll see if I can secure any 👍
No you did not make any mistake using a gear head for landscape photography, Acually i just got a benro tma28a tripod with a gd3wh gear head , its really a game changer !!! Also i would not tell anyone about youre location , That seems to be a very special place , I have acually found some fantastic locations to shoot at around the world , The world must be left in a way god intended it to be , enjoyed .
Lovely spot James and images. I’ve been using that same head for a while now and have no regrets. So much easier to compose a shot, particularly an intimate composition. You soon get used to the different knobs. Atb
I have a geared head as well, its great for those incremental refinements but it often doesn’t go in the kit because of the weight. When you’re trekking a long distance and you’ve got a couple of heavy lenses then the geared head often gets swapped for the ballhead. I know the RRS BH-40 PCLR is easy to use and not nearly as heavy.
This is great news James. I have the D750 and is my back up camera for my D850. You’ll actually find it’s a bit better at astro and video than the D850. It’s a brilliant camera for dynamic range and a little trick is to turn your record button into the ISO button for photos so it feels like the D850. Go to Controls > Assign Record Button > ISO. Good to see you back out and at it mate after the D850 mishap 👍🙏
May I ask a stupid question? It is a good photo and I like the composition but where is the market for an image like this? Can you share for example what you will do with these two images specifically please.
I don't really make any money from them. If people want to buy them as prints, great, otherwise that's it. I make very little money from any of my photos in all honesty. Thanks fo watching
Cheers! Yeah I adore shooting locations like this, really feels like pioneering new ground and somewhere free from influences of previous photographers work
Beautiful little bridge and love your images. First one is my fave. Well done on being the first person to photograph the bridge. I promise not to try and find it. I would probably get lost anyway and end up like that sheep! 🤣🤣.
Cheers Chris! Not sure I truly am the first to shoot it but I like to tell myself that haha. I'm not 100% sure it was a sheep, may have been another vlogger hehe
@@JamesBrewphoto James I've watched your video on Lee filters. Are you still using them and do you recommend. I'm looking at a Lee Polariser kit and its bloody expensive!!
@@chrisseveris5126 Hi Chris, yes I am still using them. They are good but I agree overly expensive. It might be worth considering other brands such as Benro for example :-)
Stunning images James, from both sides. It is a beautiful example of small scale civil engineering too. I wonder how old that would be as they certainly don't make them like that any more.
Gem of a post and images, James. Verticals worked well, tight crop, water flows, and texture in the stones. Birthday present red jacket, new (unstuck) filter, new tripod and venue - super. Wish you had covered more of exactly how you set up the tripod (beyond leg) for the shoot, and time it took. Had to gasp as you stepped over the bridge - risky business. Animal remains in other posts, as I remember. My guess is that the arch did not frame a sunset or sunrise.
Thank you Paul! Glad you enjoyed it. The polariser is not unstuck yet, I've had to return to Lee for them to fix. I'll hopefully have it back before my next upload and will discuss that. The bridge does not align for sunrise and sunsets as the river flows south to north. A beautiful location though and something a little different from the usual :-)
Great location and shots. 4 years ago i decided to upgrade my tripod/ head combination. After months of research i decided against the manfrotto options due to the weight and bulk. Choices at the time were limited and i ended up with the Arca swiss D5. Nice and light and compact, for the tripod i went with a Feisol CT3472 which has been fantastic.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. The geared head was about 300g heavier than the ball head I was considering, whether that extra weight is worth it, i'll just have to work that out over time 🙂
@@JamesBrewphoto After moving from a 3 way head, which is all i ever used i would never use anything but a geared head. People say they take too long to adjust, but i have found them quicker. No need to unlock - then alter position - lock the handle again. Just turn the knob and position the camera to suit, job done. :)
@@JamesBrewphoto Hi James, i realised after your using the D850, then i watched your year review of it too. I've got the nikkor 14-24mm f2.8 and was interested on your infinity focus video too. Great stuff
I have used my Manfrotto gearhead. my only complaint is the weight of it. use it for my florals and precision is incredible, but the control is simply amazing. your pictures are spot on!
Really nice shots. Funnily enough I've been talking to another tuber about locations that only me and the dead sheep know about. Keep the exact location quiet otherwise in ten years time it will have plastic bottles and barbecue trays lying around it. Been thinking about changing tripod. I've got a Manfrotto (geared head) that is too heavy to carry round, so I just use a cheap light video tripod in the hills, not ideal but works fine with a bit of TLC and not carrying the camera on the tripod. Its forced me into the habit of walking around the site first and looking from different angles, then set up tripod and only after that set up the camera. Geared head or ball head is just photographic fashion, like snap or twist legs. If it works it works.
Cheers Iain. Yeah very good point on the litter and BBQ trays, I usually put a location map in my descriptions for locations but in this case I've not done so. I'm probably not going to give out directions either. If people can work out where it is from the footage, then fair play to them, they are probably the type of people who won't ruin the place. The Benro geared head is about 300g heavier than the ball head I was considering - in my head that extra weight will be worth it for the improved accuracy and stability in shooting...however I could be wrong. I'll deliver that verdict in a few weeks / months. Watch this space 👍
I keep looking at geared heads and definitely prefer a 3-way head to a ball-head for landscape work for all the reasons you stated. But they are heavier and bulkier so, on my travel tripod, it's a lightweight ball job. I'll be interested to hear how you adapt to the geared model. BTW I read somewhere that Ross Hoddinott uses a geared head for his macro and landscape work so you won't be alone.
You will want to practice PANOs, my 1st and only pano with my geared head was a milky way 3 row and was a disaster, because you are not rotating from the center of the tripod. The geared head is great for slowing down and really studying the composition & telephoto alignment is precise, no droop.
I'd be all over that head for architectural photography but I think I'd find it annoying for landscape--too big and slow to use. As always an enjoyable and informative video. One thing to consider is that the levels in some of these cameras are themselves pretty good--though I've an irritating situation on my D800s where the level on one of them is spot on no matter what way you hold it while the other only likes to be held the "right way up" and the level is out of calibration for holding it upside down or with the grip down when in vertical.
Thanks for watching! The benro head has a really nice system with seperate knobs that allow you to turn the gear axis quicker. Definetly slower than ball head but I don't actually find it significantly slower so far
Nice video, thanks. I’m a big fan of this Benro geared head! I’ve gone through two Manfrotto 410 geared heads which seem to get stiffer and also start stiffer than the Benro. I’d love to know where your little bridge is please? I’ll happily credit you on Instagram if I post it.
I'm in agreement with other comments here. 2nd image is a corker! Excellent location. Btw, the bridge is 4000 years old, was built by aliens for herding camels..........probably.
Thanks Max. Yeah I was fascinated by it. Looks like a dry stone design and very old. In such a remote location that it must have been incredibly hard work moving all those stones in and shaping them. Wonderful craftsmanship that has stood the test of time 👍
Hello James. Nice work. But I believe that your composition was at 2:30 minutes. Second capture is better for my taste. Please, keep the location secret. Not selfies on that one.
Interesting that you mentioned about the nerves of going out into the wilderness. This is something that definitely holds me back on landscape photography. Don't know why but it's almost like a stigma, interested to hear others thoughts on this, any experiences?
Nah mate, just pack your kit and get off out - its brilliant on your own - no-one mithering you with inane drivel, got it all to yourself - perfic !! If your windy about the mountains then just go to dales etc to start off with. No-one in their right mind worries about horror stories, injuries etc. A bit of basic planning and away you go.
Many thanks for this very enjoyable video. I just stumbled across it. Photographs of that small bridge are superb. Just shows you never know until you seek and try. With regards to your Tripod and Geared Head choice. Check out this long term review by Lee Pengelly - a landscape photographer - he uses this combo and is 100% pleased with his choice (czcams.com/video/kGJwmrf8HkE/video.html). His video and yours - well means I am off to my local photography shop this weekend to pick this combo up for myself!
@@gbye007 I think if more people had the chance to try one then the absolute convenience and accuracy would far outweigh the sake of carrying an extra mere 500grams or so max
@@JamesBrewphoto Agree my gitzo legs alone were just under £800 few years ago and a gitzo head would have been in excess of £300 but I went with a benro ball head and a geared head for half the price and they are still doing well! So benro is one of the good alternatives just now.
Save yourself some time and skip to 12 minutes for actual info re: tripod. Thumbs down for HORRIBLE title leading us to believe this is about the tripod. This guy rambled for 12 full minutes to tell you very little about landscape tripod choices.
I have a Benro TMA37C tripod with the Benro GD3WH geared head that I just purchased. I was frustrated with the stability of my MePhoto tripod as well as my inability to get the tripod and ball head leveled for panorama shots. With my new Benro kit, the panorama’s are a breeze. I could’ve be happier with the Benro setup. It is rock solid. By the way, I like the first composition of the bridge. This is my first time visiting your channel. I’ll have to explore it some more.
Sweet video, James. Seem to be following an increasing group of terrific British landscape photos. Heaton, Gibbs, Hardcastle and now Mr. Brew. Look forward to more!
I’ve had my Benro for six years. Clever, flexible and great value for money.
Many years ago, 1989 to 1998 when I had my own camera shop & studio I was using a Benbo clone tripod mated to a Manfroto pistol grip head, it enabled me to work very quickly & once I released the pistol grip the head stayed right where I wanted it to be, also the head came with a QR system so swoping cameras was a doddle, the only drawback was the weight, but as a studio tripod it was ideal, if you are not au fae with the Benbo marque it can move from ground level to many feet in the air rapidly.
I've been using the Benro GD3WH for over a year and I love it. I bought it originally for macros. It allows me to control the camera movement in each axis without affecting the other two axes. After using it for a while I found this control also improved my landscape photos so now I use the GD3WH exclusively. The control you have when positioning your camera is unbelievable. You dial in the picture you want to shoot. The only negative I found to using the head was that you can't elevate the camera more than 30 degrees. Which is needed during astro-photography. To go further than 30 degrees of elevation, I simply shorten the back leg of the tripod.
Thanks John! That is a very interesting point on the 30 degree angle, I'll keep that in mind when astro shooting
I have had the same Benro setup for over a year - NO REGETS. My workround for the "elevation issue" is simply to mount the camera the other way around with the clamp knob directly under the lens. This enables an elevation of 90 degress.
@@richardmeyers4015 I tried that work-around but found I was fumbling with the controls so I just kept the same orientation and dropped the leg. Either way lets you use an excellent tripod head for all your work.
@@richardmeyers4015 Thanks for the tip :-)
Wow what a crazy little bridge it’s amazes me how people make these great couple of images.
It's a really amazing little bridge! Thanks for watching Paul :-)
Love the wee bridge, thanks for sharing and happy new tripod James.
Cheers! Thanks for watching 👍
Absolutely beautiful images, James. Love that bridge. What a find..
Thanks Jann 🙂
I've had the same geared head for three months. Love using it,stong but lighter than other geared heads.
Smooth and easy to compose,level,and adjust just right! The plate retention is a good feature as well. No over tightening or getting too loose when adjusting. Just . . smooth. Holds my heaviest lens just fine.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very encouraging!
@@JamesBrewphoto The only drawback so far is that true 90° portrait tilt may require an L bracket IF using a camera utilizing a flip screen.
Loved the first image! Was blown away by the second image... who would have thought? I have a Swiss cube 3 gear head. Ridiculously priced, ridiculously heavy, awkward to use as well... but precise as hell. Despite the weight, price and inconvenience it gives me a great steady, level platform that is second to none. If you do any panos, a geared head is a bonus. I have a ball head, never use it unless I need two cameras on the go.
Thanks for watching Ron and sharing your thoughts :-)
Thanks for watching Ron and sharing your thoughts :-)
I recently bought a reasonably priced set of carbon fiber legs and a used 3 axis head to go on them, I'm hoping to get out for a first test run tomorrow.
I think the main reason why many landscape photographers go for a ball head (combined w/an L bracket) is weight, this new setup with that heavy duty head weighs as much as my old 1980s aluminum Coastar although it's got a lot more reach and a quick release.
I've been using the Manfrotto 410 geared head for some time - I love it as you can set up your composition so much more accurately - it's a bit like using a microscope for those fine adjustments - I've put a arca swiss plate on it to use my L bracket (the Manfrotto version is ridiculously over engineered) - it is heavy but I drop the first section of the tripod down and use it as my walking pole - works well and pays of when I get to my destination.
Another great video and a couple of stunning images!
Thank you John 🙂🙏
Nice video James. Always wanted to shoot in Ireland, my ancestors are from Antrim. Keep posting, I look forward to seeing more!!
Thanks Joseph 👍
So James, have you tried the Highlight Priority metering mode and only going to -1.7 EV? Great image (first one) and the second had the added color which was awesome.
Thanks Dave. I usually just leave the camera in the default matrix metering and use histogram to judge shadows and highlights. Works the vast majority of the time 👍
Fantastic images James, I love those reddish brown rocks.
Thanks John! Interesting point on the red rocks, I am colour blind so they didn't jump out to me at the time (if you're wondering why I didn't mentioned them haha)
Great tutorial James at the location setup and what a cracking tripod.
Thanks very much Peter 🙂🙏
Lovely 2nd image, glad to see you are happy with the new Benro.
Thanks Derek! Yeah so far so good but will need a lot longer to fully get used to it. Using the geared head feels rather alien so far 👽
What a hidden gem that is!😳 very nice photos !👊🏼😎
Thank you Matt - much appreciated 🙂
Great video man. Yeah that little bridge is really cool 😊
Thanks very much Pavel
A couple of lovely images, the second one was better for me, both because of the light but also that nice red colouring in the rock on the far side. The new tripod looks great. I used to use the Manfrotto geared head. Great for setting up really precise compositions. The only issue I had with it was the weight and that it made the tripod very top heavy when I was carrying it on the rucksack for long periods. So I bought a ball head for using when I was hiking with the intention of swapping them over depending on use. Gradually, over time, I just stopped using the geared head and eventually sold it. I'll look forward to seeing how you get on with the new tripod and head in the future
Thanks Ralph. The consensus seems to be the second shot was better from the comments made. Interesting you point out the red rock, I'm colour blind so that didn't jump out to me at the time but I can see it now. Very eye catching framed by the arch (got lucky there!). Yeah the Benro geared head is about 300g heavier than the ball head I was considering. The big question is whether that extra weight will be worth it. I'll only be able to figure that out over time - watch this space 👍
I use the same combination of tripod and head, and I'm very pleased with it. I mount the camera the opposite way of what i saw you did, so that I have the up/down control knob on "my" side of the head. Love this part of equipment.
Ah that's really interesting. I probably mounted it wrong to be honest. I'll need to use it a bit longer to figure out exactly how to use it to its max. Thanks for sharing your insights Jakob :-)
Love those images and that second one really does pop as you say
Thanks very Much Brian 👍
Top job mate great new tripod 2nd shot with the light wins hands down 📷❤️
Thanks Paul. Appreciate your thoughts 🙏 I think I agree, 2nd wins for me too
What a gem of a location you have discovered James. Two excellent compositions and detailed explanations to boot, what more can we want for a vlog. Thanks for sharing Mate, 👍📸
Thanks very much Rob! It certainly is a gem of a location, I feel bad for even sharing it. Locations like this are special because they are left alone and forgotten about. The kind of place you could sit all day in complete peace 👍
@@JamesBrewphoto don't post the gps co-ordinates!! Lol.👍📸
Great video and my preference was the 2nd shot .
Olive on the edge of exmoor and need to investigate it more with my camera .
I think you did a great job with the location, excellent images. PS I subscribed.
Thank you! Much appreciated :-)
Absolutely stunning photos!
Thanks Lee 🙂
Great video James! It's very informative and entertaining, I like your style. Both photos are great, probably the 2nd is better because of the lights. I'm curious about your experience with the tripod, I want to change mine as well, so I look forward to your review in a few weeks time. Great work mate, keep it up!!
Cheers Robert! Appreiciate your support. I don't like to rush reviews (never get these people reviewing things after 1 hours use), so it will be later in the year before I can deliver any kind of verdict on it. First impressions are good so far but the key question is really how I adapt to the geared head given my ball head background. Back to school temporarily 🤓
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.
Second image is superb James so glad to decided to get a composition from that side the first image was great too but the second is for my eye is best what a brill location .
Tripod looks a good bit of kit too James great video once again mate love it, keep up the great work my friend all the best -Shaun.
Thank you Shaun! Yeah the concensus seems to be the second image is the best. Always good to get opinions in 🙂 I was torn between them. Appreciate your support 🙏
Really love the second image - for the light - but also because the flow of the water leads you into the image. The bridge looks way bigger than it really is. Great video
Thank you for watching! The power of the wide angle lens, making little foot bridges look like the golden gate haha
I actually liked the first photo more - I tend to find I like the water coming towards me rather than a way in these type of shots, but more over I just think it all came together better. Both were wonderful though - and your explanations were very interesting. Thanks for sharing your artistry & expertise!
Thanks very much Alan :-)
I have been using the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Tripod Head for years and its great. Really easy to compose with and solid. Great photos of a hidden gem. 👍
Thank you very much! That's encouraging, I'm fresh into the world of geared heads 👶
Awesome vlog, nice little find that bridge, intrigued to where it is after seen it on your insta! Few little clues in the video hopeful to see it some day ,
Thanks for watching :-)
Excellent shots and location, thanks for sharing
Thanks very much Adrian 🙂
Great video James. Just "discovered" you tonight on CZcams. I have been using the Benro geared head for just over a year now, having gone back to one after ball heads and love the fine adjustments on 3-axes that you get. - David (Teesside ex-pat living in Canada)
Great video and great images mate. I got the same Benro recently - great value for money.
Cheers Andy! It certainly is, feels like it should be double the cost. A bargain!
This geared head is great I use it for landscape photography as well as I am out on a business shoot... plus it is not so heavy and it is so safe with the extra twist before releasing your camera from it! Nice vlog of course and nice images!
Cheers Dave
Nice vlog and gorgeous location James. I have the same set up of tripod and head and wouldn’t be without it, especially when the wind picks up. When you plant it you know it’s going nowhere fast. I also changed the feet for really right stuff rock claws for addled grip. Bit heavier than others but as said it stays put. Love both images but if had to make a choice the second for the light. Cracking vlog mate well done💯🤓📸🇬🇧👍🤪❤️
Cheers Chris! Thanks for sharing your experiences with this setup, nice to see someone else using the exact same combo. It feels absolutely solid I must say. Planting it out in the middle of that plunge pool would usually feel risky but it felt very stable. It feels so well built, so I'm eager to see how it performs in some stormy conditions...shouldnt have to wait too long for those given where I live 😂 Thanks for watching 👍
Brilliant Tripod I use the Aluminium version
Gary Gough swears by his geared head too...
May have to give one a try sometime...
Thanks for sharing those great images!
Thanks for watching 👍
Very enjoyable video. Nicely done. I'm in my second year with the Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head and love it. I do still grab the wrong knob occasionally; it takes some practice but less frustrating for me than ball heads, more precise, and much more stable.
Cheers Ralph. That's very encouraging to hear. My thinking is that we like to get everything right in the camera as much as possible, so why not extend that thinking to composition framing. With geared head wonky horizons and the need to crop should in theory be less common as you can dial in very precise movements. Looking forward to using it more 👍
Excellent shots James, they’re really well balanced despite the actual circumstances, v interesting to see how you got them :)
Cheers David. Glad you liked them. Appreciate your support 😊
Great that you put in the effort to find a location that is special to you. Prefer the second shot, the light makes all the difference.
Thank you Mike - appreciate your thoughts 👍
Great vlog mate, really interesting subject to shoot! The benro looks like a beast I must admit but I’m a 3 legged thing man 😂
Cheers! It's an absolute UNIT 😂
Two top images James. Never understood why so many landscape toggers use ball heads, since as you say they move in all directions when trying to frame a shot. I have the same Benro set up, and composition framing is just so much easier.and rewarding given you control 3 axes minutely. Get yourself longer spikes though. Will include a link. Got them after watching them used by Simon Baxter and he told me where to get them. The tripod is such great value for money and at Xmas Benro usually offer 20% off both items for an even better bargain. 😁
Spikes not currently not available on Amazon, but I managed to get them off ebay. So well made as well and with screw on rubber ball feet that are so solid. 👌 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00VRAL1BY/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
@@warrenswales5693 Thanks for sharing your thoughts Warren. Didn't know that Benro offer 20% at xmas...should have waited haha! I'm very impressed with the setup so far. Those spiked feet look great too, I'll see if I can secure any 👍
No you did not make any mistake using a gear head for landscape photography, Acually i just got a benro tma28a tripod with a gd3wh gear head , its really a game changer !!! Also i would not tell anyone about youre location , That seems to be a very special place , I have acually found some fantastic locations to shoot at around the world , The world must be left in a way god intended it to be , enjoyed .
Lovely spot James and images. I’ve been using that same head for a while now and have no regrets. So much easier to compose a shot, particularly an intimate composition. You soon get used to the different knobs. Atb
Cheers Trevor! That is very encouraging 🙂
I have a geared head as well, its great for those incremental refinements but it often doesn’t go in the kit because of the weight. When you’re trekking a long distance and you’ve got a couple of heavy lenses then the geared head often gets swapped for the ballhead. I know the RRS BH-40 PCLR is easy to use and not nearly as heavy.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts :-)
This is great news James. I have the D750 and is my back up camera for my D850. You’ll actually find it’s a bit better at astro and video than the D850. It’s a brilliant camera for dynamic range and a little trick is to turn your record button into the ISO button for photos so it feels like the D850. Go to Controls > Assign Record Button > ISO. Good to see you back out and at it mate after the D850 mishap 👍🙏
That's a brilliant tip - thanks for the suggestion Adrian :-)
Love my benro tripod. Tough as old boots. It got full of volcanic sand in Iceland, but it’s very easy to clean
Benro seem like a fantastic brand from my experiences with them so far
May I ask a stupid question? It is a good photo and I like the composition but where is the market for an image like this? Can you share for example what you will do with these two images specifically please.
I don't really make any money from them. If people want to buy them as prints, great, otherwise that's it. I make very little money from any of my photos in all honesty. Thanks fo watching
Some great images, and what a quirky little find!!?
Cheers! Yeah I adore shooting locations like this, really feels like pioneering new ground and somewhere free from influences of previous photographers work
Beautiful little bridge and love your images. First one is my fave. Well done on being the first person to photograph the bridge. I promise not to try and find it. I would probably get lost anyway and end up like that sheep! 🤣🤣.
Cheers Chris! Not sure I truly am the first to shoot it but I like to tell myself that haha. I'm not 100% sure it was a sheep, may have been another vlogger hehe
@@JamesBrewphoto 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍
Superb James 👍
Cheers Chris
@@JamesBrewphoto James I've watched your video on Lee filters. Are you still using them and do you recommend. I'm looking at a Lee Polariser kit and its bloody expensive!!
@@chrisseveris5126 Hi Chris, yes I am still using them. They are good but I agree overly expensive. It might be worth considering other brands such as Benro for example :-)
Stunning images James, from both sides. It is a beautiful example of small scale civil engineering too. I wonder how old that would be as they certainly don't make them like that any more.
Thank you Sean! I think it has to be over 100 years old. The secluded location has probably helped protect it
Beautiful created pictures 👍🏻amazing
Thank you 🙏
Gem of a post and images, James. Verticals worked well, tight crop, water flows, and texture in the stones. Birthday present red jacket, new (unstuck) filter, new tripod and venue - super. Wish you had covered more of exactly how you set up the tripod (beyond leg) for the shoot, and time it took. Had to gasp as you stepped over the bridge - risky business. Animal remains in other posts, as I remember. My guess is that the arch did not frame a sunset or sunrise.
Thank you Paul! Glad you enjoyed it. The polariser is not unstuck yet, I've had to return to Lee for them to fix. I'll hopefully have it back before my next upload and will discuss that. The bridge does not align for sunrise and sunsets as the river flows south to north. A beautiful location though and something a little different from the usual :-)
Great location and shots. 4 years ago i decided to upgrade my tripod/ head combination. After months of research i decided against the manfrotto options due to the weight and bulk. Choices at the time were limited and i ended up with the Arca swiss D5. Nice and light and compact, for the tripod i went with a Feisol CT3472 which has been fantastic.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. The geared head was about 300g heavier than the ball head I was considering, whether that extra weight is worth it, i'll just have to work that out over time 🙂
@@JamesBrewphoto After moving from a 3 way head, which is all i ever used i would never use anything but a geared head. People say they take too long to adjust, but i have found them quicker. No need to unlock - then alter position - lock the handle again. Just turn the knob and position the camera to suit, job done. :)
You got that tripod from watching me haha you will love that tripod mate I love love love mine
Ah do you use the TMA38CL too Paul? Didn't realise. Seems like such a good bit of kit
No mine is bigger still the 48 and I love it
Great video and smashing images.
Very interested in the tripod set up too.
What camera and lens are you using in the video as well?
Thank you! I'm using a Nikon d850 and Nikon 18-35mm in this video 👍
@@JamesBrewphoto Hi James, i realised after your using the D850, then i watched your year review of it too.
I've got the nikkor 14-24mm f2.8 and was interested on your infinity focus video too.
Great stuff
@@thomassalway63 thanks for watching 👍
Well done!
Thanks Randall 🙂
I've planned to go out next week but might leave it until the leaves really turn colour? 🤔
Good luck with your shooting. Hope the leaves look good for you
Hey? Does that geared head hold your Arca-style L-bracket? Lovely images, as always, by the way.
Thanks very much Karl! Yes, it fits my arca Swiss l bracket perfectly 👍
@@JamesBrewphoto Thanks.
Does anybody know, is this in Peak District?
It's the Isle of Man
I have used my Manfrotto gearhead. my only complaint is the weight of it. use it for my florals and precision is incredible, but the control is simply amazing. your pictures are spot on!
Thanks Rose!
Really nice shots. Funnily enough I've been talking to another tuber about locations that only me and the dead sheep know about. Keep the exact location quiet otherwise in ten years time it will have plastic bottles and barbecue trays lying around it.
Been thinking about changing tripod. I've got a Manfrotto (geared head) that is too heavy to carry round, so I just use a cheap light video tripod in the hills, not ideal but works fine with a bit of TLC and not carrying the camera on the tripod. Its forced me into the habit of walking around the site first and looking from different angles, then set up tripod and only after that set up the camera. Geared head or ball head is just photographic fashion, like snap or twist legs. If it works it works.
Cheers Iain. Yeah very good point on the litter and BBQ trays, I usually put a location map in my descriptions for locations but in this case I've not done so. I'm probably not going to give out directions either. If people can work out where it is from the footage, then fair play to them, they are probably the type of people who won't ruin the place. The Benro geared head is about 300g heavier than the ball head I was considering - in my head that extra weight will be worth it for the improved accuracy and stability in shooting...however I could be wrong. I'll deliver that verdict in a few weeks / months. Watch this space 👍
I keep looking at geared heads and definitely prefer a 3-way head to a ball-head for landscape work for all the reasons you stated. But they are heavier and bulkier so, on my travel tripod, it's a lightweight ball job. I'll be interested to hear how you adapt to the geared model. BTW I read somewhere that Ross Hoddinott uses a geared head for his macro and landscape work so you won't be alone.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Alan. I'll be sure to post updates on how i'm finding the geared head in future videos :-)
You will want to practice PANOs, my 1st and only pano with my geared head was a milky way 3 row and was a disaster, because you are not rotating from the center of the tripod. The geared head is great for slowing down and really studying the composition & telephoto alignment is precise, no droop.
Thanks for the advice - I've not yet tried a pano with it, will be interesting to see how it performs 👍
You did not say the rough location or which country,---Scotland England Wales or where ?
Isle of Man 👍
Beautiful images James. Hope it's all going OK on the IOM just seen the news reports 😕
Thanks very much Adam! Luckily I don't live anywhere near where the flooding occurred. I count myself very fortunate!
The first image is perhaps an argument for taking an off camera flash with you?
Hi Tony, I never use flash in my landscape shooting. It tends to produce very unnatural looking results in my experience. Thanks for watching
I'd be all over that head for architectural photography but I think I'd find it annoying for landscape--too big and slow to use. As always an enjoyable and informative video. One thing to consider is that the levels in some of these cameras are themselves pretty good--though I've an irritating situation on my D800s where the level on one of them is spot on no matter what way you hold it while the other only likes to be held the "right way up" and the level is out of calibration for holding it upside down or with the grip down when in vertical.
Thanks for watching! The benro head has a really nice system with seperate knobs that allow you to turn the gear axis quicker. Definetly slower than ball head but I don't actually find it significantly slower so far
Photo Two for me and there is no requirement to share the location as it will get ruined very quickly
Thanks for watching Chris - I will be keeping the location secret
Nice video, thanks. I’m a big fan of this Benro geared head! I’ve gone through two Manfrotto 410 geared heads which seem to get stiffer and also start stiffer than the Benro. I’d love to know where your little bridge is please? I’ll happily credit you on Instagram if I post it.
Geared heads are good, but way too large! I will stick to my RRS BH 55 ballhead for now. Very happy with it.
Is your comment a bit sarcastic.....?
Bh 55 is a large piece of equipment on its own
@@dakmandotcom6682 Yes, BH55 is large, but not as large as a geared head.
I'm in agreement with other comments here. 2nd image is a corker! Excellent location.
Btw, the bridge is 4000 years old, was built by aliens for herding camels..........probably.
Thanks Dave. It's certainly a hidden gem! I thought it was nearer 2 million years old and made by wallabies haha
@@JamesBrewphoto They've done a better job of it than Trump and his wall 😁
The bridge could be Roman.
Nice image of the old bridge James. Just think about how it was built. The curve of the stones is what keeps it up. And it was built by hand.
Thanks Max. Yeah I was fascinated by it. Looks like a dry stone design and very old. In such a remote location that it must have been incredibly hard work moving all those stones in and shaping them. Wonderful craftsmanship that has stood the test of time 👍
Hello James. Nice work. But I believe that your composition was at 2:30 minutes. Second capture is better for my taste. Please, keep the location secret. Not selfies on that one.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jaime 👍
Interesting that you mentioned about the nerves of going out into the wilderness. This is something that definitely holds me back on landscape photography. Don't know why but it's almost like a stigma, interested to hear others thoughts on this, any experiences?
Nah mate, just pack your kit and get off out - its brilliant on your own - no-one mithering you with inane drivel, got it all to yourself - perfic !! If your windy about the mountains then just go to dales etc to start off with. No-one in their right mind worries about horror stories, injuries etc. A bit of basic planning and away you go.
Many thanks for this very enjoyable video. I just stumbled across it. Photographs of that small bridge are superb. Just shows you never know until you seek and try. With regards to your Tripod and Geared Head choice. Check out this long term review by Lee Pengelly - a landscape photographer - he uses this combo and is 100% pleased with his choice (czcams.com/video/kGJwmrf8HkE/video.html). His video and yours - well means I am off to my local photography shop this weekend to pick this combo up for myself!
Thanks for watching. Interesting to see some other photographers using the same setup 👍
I didn't watch the whole video ....but where is the bridge ?
The bridge is seen through most of the video...you must have given up watching pretty quickly haha
@@JamesBrewphoto HaHaHa, very good, It was location I was asking about. thanks
@@WildPhotoShooter haha - It's located in the hills of the Isle of Man. Can't say exact location, trying to protect it
@@JamesBrewphoto It's well protected by the Irish sea, there won't be herds of people looking for it. Lovely little bridge though.
Expensive on Amazon cheaper on Ebay, as is most things.
Funny you say that, I bought the geared head on Ebay for that exact reason!
The mistake is that more landscape photographers aren't using geared heads......
Maybe they're a bit heavy to lug around.
@@gbye007 I think if more people had the chance to try one then the absolute convenience and accuracy would far outweigh the sake of carrying an extra mere 500grams or so max
Try lugging them regularly up proper mountains not hills, then you will see why some of us are happy to leave them in a shop window.
Great two images. Don't ever share how to get to that location online please; too many spots being ruined by 7 billion people.
Thanks! Totally agree!
P.S. Don't share the location (for reasons that you mentioned earlier in the video).
"Not so premium prices" - are you having a laugh?
Hi Joe, Have a look at Gitzo and Manfrotto alternatives and tell me the Benro isn't more affordable! It's all relative.
@@JamesBrewphoto for a tripod and even a head, that is a premium price. End of.
@@JamesBrewphoto Agree my gitzo legs alone were just under £800 few years ago and a gitzo head would have been in excess of £300 but I went with a benro ball head and a geared head for half the price and they are still doing well! So benro is one of the good alternatives just now.
Save yourself some time and skip to 12 minutes for actual info re: tripod. Thumbs down for HORRIBLE title leading us to believe this is about the tripod. This guy rambled for 12 full minutes to tell you very little about landscape tripod choices.