I love geared heads, but not this one (Neewer GM-38)

[@NeewerOfficial]

Thank you for your candid review of Neewer's GM38. Your feedback is crucial to us, and we take product quality seriously. We've discontinued the GM38 and our team is working on a new, improved version addressing the issues you highlighted. Stay tuned for the new release later this year.

[@j_g123]

Stickers peel off to reveal the bolts for servicing. Manfrotto 410 also has this, possibly Benro too

[@DennisBater]

Good to know! The $1800 one is excellent but I think most people won't purchase it because of the price.

[@flowreader6755]

The knob tightness issues you mention also happen on both large and small models of Manfrotto geared heads (I've gone through 4 of these over 20 years). Perhaps it's just a byproduct of how these types of geared knobs are able to be engineered. Based on your review, I don't see why it wouldn't be a decent enough inexpensive option. Should I have gone with an Arca Swiss and saved myself having to replace my geared manfrottos every 5 or so years? I don't think so, since the Manfrottos are fast to use, well known in the industry, rentable in a pinch, and since tripods take a beating as grip devices, I don't want another thing to worry about along with my cameras. The Neewer head seems like actually not a bad compromise.

[@GeorgeENorkus]

I've used Neewer products before and agree they keep the price down for those who just plain can't afford the high-end items. About the sticker degree markings, The "dirt" is not acceptable even for lower-priced items but I'm sure that is the reason they use it for the lower cost. Concerning the geared portion that you found had become a little harder to turn then became easier. I'm not totally sure but think they attempt to save funds here also. They likely don't have the expensive precision tooling needed for the gears to be precisely aligned. When you turn it part way, it is easy then it gets out of alignment and becomes more difficult, and so on. That is my "guestimation" of why that would happen.

[@nidalbattikha]

Hey Todd, I know this is a slightly older post and you probably no longer have the mount, but the plastic bit you commented on is actually just a plastic cover. I just got this head (was investigating before and your video came up) and checked and that plastic but comes off. I have the K&F one as well and it was the same, I didn't realize it for a few weeks. Although the underlying info isn't engraved, it's printed directly on the metal.

[@nidalbattikha]

Actually, I got the TH15 (couldn't find the GM-38, but they appear to be identical) so maybe what I have is an updated version? Those little locking pieces do not seem to move on mine although if I hold the silver dial things I am able to move the axis in larger sweeps than turning the black dial. This is how my K&F works as well.

[@brettritchie4014]

Hey Nidal May I ask your thoughts on which one you prefer... The K&F or the Neewer? Thanks mate

[@yukonica4560]

Looks eerily similar to a 410 Junior. The tension issue mentioned seems to come from trying to use the micro adjustment for large movements. If you need to move the head more than 1/4 of that dial's range you'll be wiser to use the clutch knob regardless of the lousy ergonomics. I also own a GH-Proii that is now reserved for landscape use. Super light and easy to use but there is way too much slack in the gears for precise studio work such as stacking macros. If the Neewer is well machined it would make a good specialized backup to a general purpose ball head.

[@jason.coward]

Thanks for the review. I was hoping you might mention how it compares to the Benro GD3WH 3-Way Geared Head, which you've discussed before since it is at a similar price point.

[@OldGirlPhotography]

Neewer is well known as a company that simply copies the designs of other brands and tries to cheapen them (comment below about this looking similar to another product). All I can say is you get what you pay for. I've bought a couple of their items, but knew exactly what I was getting and why I went that way.

[@israelayaladiaz9410]

I really hope that neewer releases that extension tube on its own. I have a geared head from another brand and I have run into some issues with certain tripods 😢

[@msmith2016]

You can get one from smallrig but its a little smaller. Solid aluminum though so I think it would still work.

[@FelixGA9]

Manfrotto 120-38 tripod spacer.

[@gottago9824]

Neewer products can be hit or miss. I have a few of their products and have had mostly good luck. I also know that Neewer products are not super high quality and will wear out before other brand products. A good budget brand for sure.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Todd

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I'd agree

[@photozen8398]

Thank you …. I am not sure how others fare in the same league, Benro has a problem with the plasticky mechanism of the arca Swiss locking plate knob , feels cheap and insecure, seen many reports on gears of K&F gives and the camera wobbles after few uses….Manfrotto does not support arca Swiss they have their own plates which is a pain putting on and off your bracketed camera…..then comes the cube with its price tag….Sunwayfoto leofoto all are Chinese knockoffs with their shortcomings…..wow .. i am dizzy….LOL …did not find yet the perfect balanced 3 way geared head that combines quality and reasonable price tag.

[@MikeRouallo]

Thank you Todd for this perfect review. What is your recommandation for a good geared head if this one is not the good one? What do you think about Manfrotto MHXPRO-3WG?

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I was going to say that 6:32 , it looks rough and deosn't look like its going to last long. I have pay experience with neewer products in the past

[@peterbourget8798]

Are you sure they are stickers? They look like protective film for shipping.

[@jbclski]

Could you please review the 'new' Neewer GM39 Gimbal Tripod head?

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

neewer is the stickers again. 7:00 Lazy R&D in my option

[@jeli3953]

You didn't mention the very common 3-way head. The geared head is a type of 3-way head.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Oh 100% agree 10:30

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Oh no, they did it again, 8:00 - it's going to snap. This happen to one of their ballheads

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

How about a pan and tilt head. I use the one offered from Acratech.

[@PoeInTheDitch]

That's the fluid head, is it not?

[@robertgrenader858]

@@PoeInTheDitch No, it's their Large Lens head. Panorama base, front-to-back adjustment,

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

@@PoeInTheDitch No, they do work similarly but not the same.

[@PoeInTheDitch]

​@robertgrenader858 sorry, didn't mean the specific head he mentioned. I meant "tilt and pan" heads Are fluid heads.

[@MikeNovakPhoto]

@@robertgrenader858 That company has two models. The Large Lens Head and also a Panoramic Head. There are other companies that make pan and tilt heads but Acratech is just the brand I went with.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I am not a fan of Neewer gear after so many purchases and no respect from Neewer honoring their warranty and not very knowledgeable on their own products. Right Micheal from newer especially the Neweer Q3 system

[@theshortlist]

The Arca C1 is the best option for studio work, but in the field, being an architecture photographer i use the Arca D4 geared head... 10 years of use, still as new... Stop buying knock off... buy an Arca for the rest of your life...

[@dcshores49]

Yes, I am taking issue with your review. It is fair that I, a novice, should accept that you are a very knowledgeable "near" expert in your field, you fall far too short in this video for the most inane reasoning. The bits of grime and the illusion of quick deterioration on the dials is quite simple to fix ... simply remove the film covering installed to protect the actual dial. When you do this simple task, used throughout the industry, you'll quickly find a solid, robust, wrinkle and dirt free, professional dial! The test of your "problems" definitely fall in line to this unprofessional evaluation.

[@christiankirkenes5922]

I love great head too but I'm married.