Why I chose a Benro Geared Head for Woodland Photography
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- čas přidán 22. 11. 2021
- Some of you may have noticed I have recently changed from my 3LT Winston tripod to the Benro Mach 3 and Geared Head. To show you why and how I am using it for my woodland photography I head out to my local Gnarly oak woodland and was lucky enough to get some great conditions again
Superb shots! The third from last one made me think of a certain Michelangelo painting.
Thanks and yes funnily enough I titled that one Michelangelo - the Hands of Oak when I shared on twitter!
like always stunning images !!!! GOD BLESS !!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you!
Thanks Jamie. I have been thinking of getting a new tripod. Will look more into the Benro series of tripods. Geared heads aren't something I have considered.... Lovely lot of images......
The Benro range are worth a look Mark. Well made and very strong. Thanks for watching as always 👍
Great stuff. Man, you're getting so slick these days: "Pano done, here it is ..." nice! 😊👍
Haha no messing me!! Your feedback is always much appreciated mate
really nice video Jamie great talking and lovely images too
Thanks Mark, really appreciate that
Enjoyed that mate, first image is a beaut
Cheers Stu, appreciated mate. That image turned out better than expected if I'm honest - thought it was just going to be a warm up!
Thank you for bringing this over to us.
I have been using the Benro Geared Head for around 12 months now and I will never
go back to using a ball head for the exact same reason.Precision.
Take care
Yes I agree, I can’t see me going back now either. Thanks for watching
Them Stags are noisy ! Some lovely images mate especially liked the first one at 11:46 processing is lovely. Something i need to work on i think for woodland. Glad to see your happy with the geared head and new legs, looks a great bit of kit . Take care mate.
More likely to be the Roe deer I would think - loads of the around and great to see. Yes I think I've found a set up I going to stick to now for a while.........perhaps! Thanks Lee
I've got the same set up as your self. I was concerned with the weight. I can honestly say it's absolutely joy that you can zone in the composition so precisely and it outweighs the extra weight you are carrying
I really injoy your videos thank you
On the pub podcast which is brilliant you are the voice of balance
Thanks Peter, I'm pleased you're enjoying the videos. Its a great set up, and lighter than my old Winston tripod which is a bonus
I have the same setup myself as well and for the same reason of precision. Just for those that are interested and may not know, you can disengage the gearing by turning the teethed ring on each axis for quick sweeping changes. Thanks Jamie.
Can't see myself going back to a ball head to be honest Graham. And yes, I'm aware you can do that also which is handy for a larger, quick comp change
What a wonderful place , great to see the making of that amazing first image . And the other characters dotted around .
Thanks David, pleased you enjoyed it
25 minutes of woodland calm, thanks Jamie.
Pleased you enjoyed it Keith 👍
Absolutely gorgeous photos!
Thanks Shannon, much appreciated
Nice video, Jamie. The Benro is a nice cheap alternative to the more superior, but also more expensive, Arca Swiss D4
good job!
Excellent!
Thanks
Beautiful panoramas and the last two photos. I feel the colours definitely peaked last week, just in time before the cold spell arrives.
Thanks Russ - yes I think your right. They were certainly at their peak last weekend in this woodland. Beautiful to see
Loved this video Jamie it was really helpful for me and helped make the decision to but both the Benro Mach 3 and the Benro Geared Head
That’s great to hear Terry. I’m really loving the set up. It’s perfect for my style of photography
Looks like a wonderful spot. Another great film. Thanks Jamie
Thanks James
What a great woodland,loving the gnarly oaks...some fine images,especially the second pano.The geared head looks interesting too!
Thanks a lot Neil, much appreciated
Really enjoyed this Jamie, great images, a nice relaxing vlog to watch, probably your best yet 👍🏼
Many thanks Ben, pleased you enjoyed it
Another really interesting and enjoyable vlog mate loved the images thank you hope you are keeping well Burt
Thanks so much Burt. All good thanks, hope you and yours are too
So, I have to admit I’ve watched only one other of your vlogs previously. And I have to say what a mistake that was and now I have to work through your back catalogue of vlogs, so many hours ahead. Why the turn around for me? I really enjoyed your relaxed talk throughout the vlog, the photography was absolutely stunning, the editing also brilliantly done. What a joy this video was and I’m going to rewatch it again tonight, it was so good. I’ve also seen other vids on the benro head and if I do get one it’s because of the way you showed it in action. Like you, I’m a slow, calm photographer and your process is familiar and yet inspiring to me. The panos, OMG. Just beautiful. And your first image, just wow. I said to my wife imagine if that stag pops out near the bottom of the trees. Thanks for this wonderful ‘experience’, I did feel I was there with you in a workshop. Ps I don’t need to look forward to the next vid, got hours ahead of me to catch up 💯
Tom, many thanks for your lovely comment and kind words. Much appreciated. I’m probably getting slower in my old age but I do think what you see is just me being me and nothing false put on for the camera! I’m really pleased you enjoyed it
I shoot 6x17 panoramics and I also don't like ball head. Never tried geared, though. Thank you!
The geared head is so much easier to fine tune compositions. I would never go back to a standard ball head now
That's a belter of a woodland Jamie & you made the most of it ,some lively images indeed 👌
I'm loving my Benro geared head, as you say it gives far more precise control for those micro adjustments 👍
Must admit, watching you with yours was one of the reasons I got the Benro to be honest. I love it! DG has one too now!
Great images Jamie - particularly that first one ! 👍
Thanks John, that turned out better than expected
usual quality vlog , love the way you explain what your doing to find the composition ,no need for all the setting as the light would never be the same on the next visit. Catch you sunday on the best show of the week LOL.What three words would be nice Possibly Sunday night so your followers can visit , thanks.
Thanks Roger, much appreciated. Whilst there is public access to this woodland, it is a conservation area for the deer so I don't want to share the location far & wide for obvious reasons!
@@JamieOverland No problem ,yes far & wide not a good idea but i do have messenger ! :) Im a loner also when it comes to photography ,( take time & peaceful)
Great images Jamie!
Thanks Chris
As for panos, I don’t see how it stays without leveling the tripod itself first since the head is still following the path of the tripod legs. If I am in a creek and get my tripod legs secured but on different height rocks which as you know means legs are at different heights themselves, then adjust that spirit level on the head to be level. As soon as I turn the knob to the left or right, the head follows the path of the legs.
Hi Jamie.
great vlog this, great location and some gorgeous images.
like the way you work your images out and the thought that you put into them.
I also love my Benro tripod and gimble head, next purchase will be a Bemro magnesium ball head.
cant go wrong with their gear.
stay safe and see you on the next one.
Cheers Gary. Very impressed with this Benro gear to be honest. Great quality and not at the top end of the price range either
@@JamieOverland don't think for the money there is much better 👍
Lovely video
Thanks
@@JamieOverland whereabouts is this place it looks lovely
Cracking vlog and images Jamie, I do like the fine adjustments the tripod head gives the telephoto lens, it looks like a decent solution I think many encounter out and about, see you soon and best wishes!
Cheers Paul. I’m really happy with the setup now. Suits my style of shooting perfectly. Hopefully see you soon mate
Great video Jamie I am so jealous of the woodland you get to shoot in there are no Ancient woodlands or broadleaf tree woodlands near me so really envious of that. I have the same Benro legs but with a ball head, I must admit it can be a pain sometimes to get it exactly in the right position. That first shot where you said it was just to get you going is superb great composition and lovely soft colours, followed by more excellent woodland images., Great job mate.
Cheers Kevin. Must admit I don't think I would return to a ball head now for my style of shooting anyway. Not suitable for everyone but in woodland it works great
Lovely video, and wonderful images. I’ve used a Manfrotto geared head and just can’t get on with ball heads, for all the reasons you gave.
Thanks Ian, don’t think I’ll be going back to a ball head
Nice vlog Jamie - looks like a beautiful location. Some superb images - well done.. 👍 Just subscribed btw so look forward to going through back catalogue etc.
Thanks John, much appreciated. Just don’t go back too far in that catalogue, my early days were a bit ‘raw’ 😁
@@JamieOverland :-) Mate I've got full respect for all vloggers that can go and stand in a middle of a wood or other places & do bits to camera - I know 100% that I couldn't....
Hi Jamie, I've also got the same set up (changed earlier this year from a ball head) I love it. Not just for the fine adjustments but the fact it slows me down which is a good thing 😁. That looked like a fantastic location, I assume that you have visited in misty conditions 🤔
Spot on Paul, it definitely slows you down and allows to to fine tune the composition. Yes I've been there a couple of times now in lovely foggy conditions.
1st !! - Kid in a sweet shop comes to mind... as you hopped over that style and looked at the wonderful array of Oaks in front of you I was smiling with you.. conditions that will get you the nickname the "mist whisperer" methinks, lol. Lovely opening image and that geared head is something I have been contemplating for ages now - maybe in 2022. Lovely tranquil footage and music to match. Enjoyable watch as always Jamie. atb Al
You don’t get a bloody prize you know 😁
What an amazing landscape! Im definetly jealous 😂
Thanks. It’s certainly looks beautiful in its Autumnal colours
@@JamieOverland and of course your besutiful photos you made!!!
Superb images as always Mate. Totally get the need for a geared tripod head, what's the weight of it?
Cheers for sharing Mate and take care, 👍 📸
Thanks Rob - Legs are 2kg and the head is 800gms. Whole thing is still lighter than my Winston 3LT and Airhead
Hi Jamie, absolutely gorgeous images as always. I’m a keen follower of your work - I haven’t done too much woodland photography myself but I’m learning loads from you, your images are truly inspirational. I really enjoy your enthusiasm and relaxed vlogging style and look forward to watching each of your videos. Keep up the fantastic work! I find it difficult to find a good woodland location, one that is not too busy and where the trees are nicely spaced out like this - I think I’m fairly local to you, would you mind dropping a hint as to where this is? It seems like a great place to work on the woodland skills a bit more! Thanks Jamie. Huge thumbs up from me. 👍
Thanks so much for your kind words Stuart. Makes it all worthwhile to read comments like this! I don't really want to share the location publicly as although there is public access its a conservation area and deer park. If you find me on twitter JamieOPhoto or Instagram, and send me a DM I'll happily share with you
I progressed from a ball head to a Manfrotto geared head to a Sunwayfoto GH-PRO ll geared head and the Sunwayfoto is absolutely one of the best gear purchases I've ever made.
Yes I've seen that one and it has very good reviews
@@JamieOverland Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that my tripod head is better than the Benro, because I haven't used one of those. What I should have said is that geared heads have changed my experience using a tripod for the better because of the ease and precision in making adjustments, and that I've found the Sunwayfoto to be a huge improvement over the Manfrotto.
No problem, I didn’t take it like that either. I agree the difference in the accuracy of minor adjustments is just so much better with geared heads but I’m aware they are not for everyone. For me personally, it’s really helping me fine tune my woodland comps 👍
Looks great that geered head, but very bulky. I assume heavy as well. Hope the kid in the sweet shop ate all the sweets…… with a smile past his ears. Great images to boot.
Not bulky at all. In fact the whole set up is lighter and much easier to carry than my old 3LT Winston. Thanks Nicky
Had the same geared head for a few years now, light but sturdy. Good choice old chap...rather like the channel too..🙂
Thanks Nigel - can see why you enjoy it. Great piece of kit
The Maximum Payload Capacity is 6kg. Are weights like 3kg well supported? In panoramic photographs is this head accurate with these weights?
I’ve had no problems with doing panoramas with my Sony A7R3 on the Benro head . Very balanced
Some lovely photos Jamie. I love the first pano, the composition and colours are gorgeous. Good comments on your geared head. I admit I get frustrated with my current ball head. Nice video. Being from Lincolnshire myself congratulations on finding some great woodland. Dare I ask where you where? If you don’t want to publish that detail I understand. 👍
Thanks Peter. As per DM I hope you enjoy your visit 👍
All nice images Jamie but the first one stood out for me. Nice work ATB.
Cheers Andy. That first one turned out better than I expected I’ll admit!
I've had the Bentro geared head for quite a while now. I can honestly say that whilst (sadly) it's not improved my photography it has considerably improved my enjoyment of photography. No more messing about with a ball head and I no longer suffer from creeping droop (but that's another story!).
I'm currently considering getting a new tripod and I'm wondering which Mach3 model you are using? Also, one of my considerations is whether the tripod can be sufficiently disassembled to enable thorough cleaning - can you yet comment on this?
Hi William, I haven't actually disassembled mine yet so can't comment with any experience however I have seen online that its very easy to do. Luckily the woodland cover is relatively clean at the moment so its not getting too dirty! The legs I have are the TMA38CL carbon fibre - hope that helps
@@JamieOverland That's great thanks. My existing tripod is on its last legs (pun intended) following an evening on the beach and now I find that the legs cannot be disassembled.
A lovely video Jamie, and the trees are majestic. Where did you say this was filmed?
Thanks Ian, this a woodland in South Lincolnshire
I do like the geared head of Benro too. But the level indicators on the head are not great. So I always level the tripod itself (the level indicator on my FLM tripod is perfect) and use it in conjunction with the 3d level indicator in the camera. Leveling first your tripod is essential to get perfect pano's. At first it is a bit fiddely without a leveling base, But you get used to it quickly. For making a pano it is then realy easy, just turn the knob:)). The best of using a geared head is that is slows down making the photograph. All those small adjustments lead to better compositions is my experience.
Thanks Ruud. Yes I would agree, levelling the tripod too is important for panos. I think woodland panos however are a little it more forgiving as you haven't got the horizon to worry about so much. Loving the geared head though for the reasons you state 👍
What Camera are you using
Hi Ben, I use a Sony A7r3
after a year of shooting sports with a Canon 600mm F4 one of the the knobs bent and the knobs became stiff and hard to operate..... not a good head ......
Mine has been fine, latest 3 years and counting
Ball heads are generally lighter but geared heads are more accurate for minor adjustments. Landscape I'd always go for geared although often I'm shooting handheld as my tripod either sinks in the bog or falls off the mountain.
Nice pano's but I like the abstract of the final shot most. You must use really good presets ....... 🤣
No presets were harmed in the making of this video 😊