Gimbals for Wildlife, Comparing the Best of the Best
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- In part 3/3 of my gimbal series, I look at the most expensive tripod gimbals on the market, and how they compare to the $600 Wimberly WH-200.
For more exclusive videos that take you behind the scenes and focus on editing techniques in photoshop specifically for wildlife, check out:
www.patreon.com/wildlifeinspired
Interesting in any of the products shown in the video, please consider the affiliate links below, they cost you nothing but help earn the channel a tiny commission to support costs.
Wiimerly WH200:
bhpho.to/3KQ6WuF
amzn.to/3waO43I
Promedia Gear Katana Jr.
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amzn.to/3waO43I
Fotopro E-9h
bhpho.to/3LT53xP
amzn.to/3960PEU
Promeida Katana
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Zanelli CARBONZX
bhpho.to/3yraccV
00:00 Intro
1:15 Wimberly recap
3:45 My Hybrid Gimbal Set-up
5:00 Promedia Gear Katana Jr.
10:55 Fotopro E-9H (note change in price!)
19:40 Promedia Gear Katana
24:05 Zanelli CARBONZX
28:45 Favorite, summary and closing thoughts
After losing hundred of dollars on gimbal heads and never being happy i found the Promediagear katana JR it is IMO by for the best gimbal with a great price out there!! I have used it in all kinds of conditions from - 48 in Yellowstone with no freezing up to the hot salt climate here in south Texas beaches and never a problem!!!! The only time I had a problem was on a trip to Yellowstone for the elk run. TSA dropped my Katana JR and broke off one of the knobs locking it up and jut stick it back in the case. Once i opened up my gearbox and saw my gimbal broke in two pieces i figured my trip was going to be ruff one being i was shoot a 1DXMKll with a 600F4ISll a pretty heavy rig. So I called up PMG and spoke with Tom one of the owners. I told him my problem and he ask if i had any tools to work on it which i didn't. Tom said he would go over night the part and the tools i needed to fix my gimbal and the he would personally drive them to the shipping company so that he knew everything would get to me. Well the next day a box showed up with the parts and tools i needed to fix my gimbal saving my trip!!!!!! Not many companies were you can call up, talk to the owner and have him go out of his way to make sure you are taken care of. But Tom at Promediagear did just that!!!!!!!!!
And that's how you build life long relationships and loyalty! Well done PMG
@TwentyEighthParallel The best by far!!
Great video. I watched completely to the end. 20 minutes before watching I pushed the button & bought the Wimberley WH 200 model 2, directly from Wimberley. While I do shop B&H exclusively for 99% of my gear. The price is exactly the same either way. I shoot wildlife & I'm confident I made the right choice for me. thank you for the great information.
When I started 2-1/2 years ago I did some research and jumped into the PMG Katana Jr. I love this thing..In fact I have yet to purchase a product from them that I didn’t like. Built solid and the various attachment points on it come in handy. For me it’s smooth as butter and when i lived in NY/NJ and shot in freezing cold temps I never experienced any issues. Now in Arizona and dealing with extreme temps at times I have also found no issues in use. Great products. Highly recommended! Thank you sir for this video. I admire your honesty.
Lots of positive comments for this one !
Thanks to several of your videos, I just ordered a Red ProMediaGear Katana Pro Jr. Appreciate the videos and comparisons. I was this close to getting the Wimberly WH200.
I hope you love it!
The best reviews I've seen on the subject. Thanks!
Thanks! feel free to spread the word.
I was sold on Katana Jr. gimbal head in 2016 and I still use it, love it! Two years ago, I also purchased PMG's GKJr. Katana Pro specifically for my 600mm f/4 FL. Their stuff is AWESOME!
I really like their products also
After using the Wimberly Sidekick for a couple of years I just moved up to the Katana Jr. I was not dissatisfied with the side mount but hoped that I could get a more fluid movement with a full gimbal. I was correct and really love the Katana. Not surprised that it’s the favorite of many. I’ll use the Sidekick at times when I want the ball head option availability but with the BH-55 it’s a heavier carry too. I do appreciate the US aspect and am prepared to pay for it when the quality and features justify. I was eager for you to get around to this review so appreciate your effort.
Thanks ! I think the katana jr is a solid choice
Thanks, Scott - what do you think of the big Katana (with a Sony a1 and Sony 200-600) for shooting rowers at crew races? I have arthritis in my hands and want the most stable option available. Thanks - I would really appreciate your input, please.
I have recently started using the PMG Katana Jr on a carbon fibre tripod or monopod with 1DX III and 500mm prime and I love it! I just got back from a trip to the Farne Islands in Northumberland where I used the rig to photographs seabirds specifically puffins in flight and it performed brilliantly. I particularly like the range of tension controls - easing it up is great for flight shots, and tightening it is fantastic when shooting using the monopod to give that extra stability. I'm really happy with my investment. I ordered directly from PMG and it arrived less than 48 hours later in the UK.
awesome!
Thanks again, It helps.
Glad to help
Great series of videos. I just stumbled on this channel but I have subscribed. I need a new gimbal and I'm hoping you might give me a spoiler from your next video. I like the Katana, but nobody sells it in Canada and by the time I pay for shipping & brokerage it is close to twice the price of the Leofoto PG-1. Can you give me your thoughts on which way you'd go?
I just received my Fotopro E9-H and I agree with you. Your review was spot-on. Also, right out of the box it feels way to slow for moving objects. I’m on the fence to return it, but it seems very well made and versatile. If anything, I can use for landscape, macros, and other general purpose shots,… and slow-moving things. I’m hoping the tightness loosens up over time.
give it some time, Sometimes in the field things don't move as fast as you think, but if you were doing really quick birds or erratic (moving from here to there quickly) it might be sluggish and again, could loosen over time. That sluggishness MIGHT be good for video which is why I think it is really well rounded but probably not the BEST option for birds in flight alone
@@WildlifeInspiredlooks like a nice gimbal. Just disappointing it’s not made here in USA 😢
Rather surprised you didn’t get the Zenelli name correct! Just love the replacement lens feet and if I could afford it, would get a Zenelli gimbal.
I wouldn't get that based on what I saw and felt. some people love it, and I knew a person that had it and hated it. Wimberly seems safe, I prefer Promedia Gear.
Friction control and locking should be performed with 2 different controls. All in one is a compromise.
I have a 1st generation W gimbal and used it for more than 5 years with a 15 # rig and I can tell you what breaks on Wimberleys. 1) breaks your wallet and 2) breaks your back. Sorry- I could not resist. Apart from that, once they are set up properly, they are very smooth. Having seen SK's other video on lower cost gimbals, I think I will downgrade and move to a monopoly. Ggggreat channel!
Thank you so much!
Hi Scott, first of all thank you for your great videos! You have one more subscriber.
I'm also getting the Katana Junior in the next few days and since this is my first gimbal head, I'm just wondering if I'll have to turn off the image stabilization then? Or only switch off when the gimbal is fixed?
Would be great if you could answer that for me as a gimbal newbie.
Many greetings
when you are on a tripod and have higher shutter speeds, you can turn off VR. If you are panning (slow shutters pannign on one axis) you can sometimes use the option that might be labeled differently (sport). As a generally rule, we were always told over 1/500-1000 of a second turn off image stabilization. Theoretically you will get a better image with stabilization off (if the camera and lens are stable) Practically I am not sure if it makes a big difference.
I'm very happy to see your review of the Promedia Gear gimbals as I "was" curious about them. I kind of thought they would be similar to their chief knockoff, the Leofoto PG1, which I have and don't love (okay, I do like the weight). As I've commented on your prior reviews, I don't like the multi turn lockouts on the Leofoto knobs. But I also don't like the fact that that style of lockout results in the camera/lens moving a small bit when you lock it out. The Wimberley doesn't move. Got you framing exactly where you want it...and try to lock it out. Sorry, it's gonna move with the Leofoto...and most likely, the Katana's. Not my cup of tea.
And one more thing. I have my Wimberley on a Robus tripod I bought from B&H. It's fine. Also have Gitzo tripods, but the Robus works for me. Is it as stiff as the Gitzo? Beats me. But I have no complaints.
the Robus is NOT as still I literally hung weight on both thanks god they didnt snap. But Gitzon (PMG, RRS) are all stiffer. NOW here's the thing. Can you practically feel it. Not really once you add 15 lbs of gear on top almost all carbon fiber FEELS the same. BUT if you extend it REALLY tall for some reason, you can start to see the differences. Bottom line, most reputable tripods will suffice as long as the leg diameter is 32-36 inches with 3-4 sections and good construction. I have 2 Robus tripods with no complaints and each is about 40% less than the "big" names.
@@WildlifeInspired Okay, I knew that Gitzo carbon fiber legs are stiffer than the cheaper knock-offs, such as Leofoto or Benro or Induro. I didn't know where Robus fit in there...but not surprised to hear they are more like Leofoto. I do have the tallest Robus tripod model. FWIW, I'm not a gotcha type...just wanted to point out that of course you meant millimeters and not inches for leg diameters.
The two Gimbals I am interested in at the Katana Jr and the FotoPro E-9H. Both links to Amazon are incorrect.
I prefer the dualies with the Gitzo.
Don't worry, I can afford it.
Beautiful... I love when someone appreciates a good set of Dualies made me chuckle
You use the term "Arca Plate" for what should be called "Arca Clamp". The plate is what goes into the clamp. Mentioned this because I thought people might get confused.
Also, I purchased a used Fotopro E-6H to test one out without paying full price, but I ended up returning it. The reason it has a fluid head type feel is that a heavy grease is used on the bearing surfaces. This grease was leaking on the one I purchased which made surfaces around the lockout knobs sticky, and I was worried I would get this grease on my hands and onto my camera.
I caught this when I was watching. I do that often and sorry to confuse. It's really hard to make videos lol I once called a square a circle and didnt realize that I had said it during the recording! I called knobs dials also which isn't technically correct and sometimes call monopods tripods for no good reason. It really is odd when you don't realize you do this. I had so many audio issues making this one, I could not stand to reshoot that part (thought I probably could have added a caption in post).
@@WildlifeInspired No problem. I wasn't complaining. I enjoy your videos a lot.
didnt come across snarky at all Alan and I appreciate the feedback honestly. I need to be better and more careful (or at least caption the mistakes) Best wishes!
At one point you mentioned that a larger knob would allow a quicker "lock" on the gimbal. That is false.The thread pitch on the screw will affect the lock, NOT the size of the knob. Also, you evaluated the Italian $1200 product without mounting a camera. That is a bogus evaluation. You "spun" it to show it did not continue to revolve - BUT you had less mass than the others - since you failed to mount a camera/ lens. You should evaluate each within the same or similar parameters and let the reader decide if the extra $ is worth it. The $1200 gimbal was super light and the carbon materials accounted for that - also the extra price. Otherwise, a reasonable review.
I did mount the camera for the record. This my opinion and I'll stand by it. If you bought a 1200 gimbal to save 10% on weight you wasted 600 dollars. The gimbal did not have good tolerances. That is my opinion. I mentioned it to a friend who has shot a dozen gimbals. He got it for free from the company and sent it back and said no thanks. The thread pitch is a fair point however and I do appreciate the view and critique.
I was considering the Wimberley WH-200, the Pro Media Gear Katana Jr., and the Custom Brackets Gimbal, all about the same price, give or take. I have a Custom Brackets flash bracket, and I absolutely LOVE it, so I was about to buy their gimbal, as well. One of the things I liked about it is that it breaks down for easier transport and travel. I imagine, based on my experiences with their flash bracket, that it would still be rock solid in use, and I've had good customer service from Custom Brackets on the flash bracket.
As it turns out, though, I was able to put a bit more money into purchasing a gimbal, and since I had a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head and have been really happy with it, I opted for their PG-02 Gimbal. It, too, breaks down into three pieces that fit into a significantly smaller case for traveling than the Katana or WH-200. It's also rock solid in use, and is quite flexible. If you had a reason to do so, and the situation warranted it, you COULD put two cameras onto this unit by buying another upright and swing arm, as long as your tripod would handle the weight!
In short, I recommend you take a look at both the Custom Brackets Gimbal and the RRS PG-02 gimbal. I'm curious about your thoughts on these.
ill try to get my hands on them. I think they were rated very conservatively for capacity which made me worry that they wouldn't handle hiking with a heavy lens
What r your thoughts on the best of these two products leophoto pg-1 or Benro GH5C I would be using them with a canon 600 f4 usm is and a Gitzo 5 series tripod and for wildlife photography thanx for taking the time to help me Ron
I think both are actually good options. You might want to see if you can order both and return on after testing them inside the house. They are a little different in the why they are designed but BOTH are good options.
Hi Scott, awesome video thank you 🙏. I do not shoot birds (yet) mostly Surf/Kitesurf, landscape, other still… and sometimes videos. So after watching the video and as I am looking for one head capable of doing it all, I was going for the Fotopro (hesitating between E7, which seems newer and E9), but after trying to reach Fotopro several times and reading the other comments under this video I am now thinking about getting the Katana Jr, so here is my question, is there anything the Katana Jr wouldn’t be able to do that the Fotopros would? Thank you 🙏
the fotopro has a smaller footprint for travel and has that ability to tilt (for landscape panos) It's a good gimbal, not doubt just has more resistance built in to it. The katana jr is butter.
@@WildlifeInspired understood but I have never used a gimbal before, could I use it (the Katana Jr) for stills and videos as well?
I picked up the Fotopro E9-H with the associated Fotopro carbon fiber tripod on a one-day sale that Adorama had last week. The kit was on clearance for just under $500 (list is about $1500), so I decided to try it. Both the head and the tripod are very robust. While I am not sure if I will use the head for wildlife, it will serve a lot of other purposes. I don't think I could have found a better value, and I can still add a Benro GH5C when it goes on sale again.
Good to know!
Yep, I grabbed one too. Great design & features, , , BUT, , Out of the box mine had a bad leg locking joint, and the pan function had way too much, (3-4 times) the friction as the tilt (with tension knob backed off completely). China based company has no USA office / contact. After weeks of s-l-o-w emails, they eventually sent parts for ME to repair the leg on a new tripod, but said I would need to send the gimbal back to china for repair AND I'd have to pay the shipping BOTH WAYS. Returned to Adorama for replacement. At first it was just backordered. Now it is listed as backordered AND 'no longer available', , whatever that means. At least now I think I know why it was on 'CLEARANCE'. Saving now for ProMediaGear, hoping for a sale.
For me the Katana Jr. looks very similar to the Leofoto PG-1
Here in Austria the prices are 450 vs. 750 € for the Katana Jr.
Are there differences (functional) - for an example your demonstration of the rotating Katana her makes me wonder if the PG-1 is also that smooth?
The simple questions - would you prefer the one of the 2 more and why?
Ill just keep this real..... if made is US matters, and money isnt an object (god bless you ) the Katana is better made but comes at a cost. Blindfolded, I doubt you would tell a difference. PMG service is fantastic, Leofoto is a company that does actually seem to respond to inquiries so I give them credit for that!
@@WildlifeInspired Thank you for the detailed answer.
Since I'm in Europe service will be a mater of the retailer. By the way the same for both products.
Due to the price difference of abut 70% I'll go for the Leofoto.
You definitely need a levelling head for your tripod. I’d be interested in how easy they are to remove. The Winberley has a hole you can put an Allen key in as leverage. The Gitzo doesn’t and can be a real pain to remove!
Some (PMG and Robus) are very easy to remove and replace - 20 seconds.
I wondered why you didn't include the Gitzo Gimbal Fluid Head GHFG1 in this comparison.
I may do a separate video on that soon
@@WildlifeInspired That would be great. Your reviews are so good/informative. Thank you for your reply.
I will be buying one of these soon. But I’m curious where you said the FotoPro was $125 off. Both the links that you provide in the description are showing it as $725.
Ok weird. The price when I published was 599 (dropped from $750?) I thought it was a permanent price cut since it didnt mention "sale" now its back at 725. I will update the caption. Not sure if this was on B&H end or Fotopro. But I think I saw the $599 price point on multiple sites.
@@WildlifeInspired I’ve got the Promediagear katana pro jr. in my cart with B&H, through your link, of course! Thanks for the review.
I have been using CARBON ZX for 10 years, it is the top. And then if you have to compare PMG Katana Jr why don't you compare it with the CARBON ZC?
I did not like the the Zenelli at all for the price. Other than saving a few oz of weight, I saw not advantage.
@@WildlifeInspired do you hiking or flying? if so, would you watch the oz too.
Vibration damping seems little to you, since I've been using carbon heads the world has changed. A Casio digital watch tells the time but it is not a Rolex. Just cheap wins. Bye
are you photographing on top of a seismic area? In what situation is the margin vibration dampening helping you in your photography?
The Wimberley Gimbal AND their plates are too heavy for walking/stalking --
I have the Zanelli AND one of their Carbon Fibre replacement feet as well -- which means I can avoid both weight and hand on metal chill.
Re-the knobs -- you are crazy - you also ignored the gimbal lock, which stops the arm hitting you in the head or moving while attaching the lens.
YOU DID NOT USE IT so how can you actually review it !!! It is not about cost.
Sadly feet designed for the Nikon E-FL foot mount will NOT fit on the new Z-mount 400 or 800 lenses. Your rig needs to have a leveling head.
I am waiting for an ACRATECH video head and leveling head - which is even lighter.
Sidekick gimbals are very dangerous for the lens.