Kentfaith K&F Concept - GD3W - Geared Head - Is it any good?

[@Colinpowellphotography]

Great review mate. After you let me have a bit of a play with it, I was impressed. It's definitely a contender if I need to replace my Benro GD3HW. Very solid and stable piece of kit. Neither the Benro or the K&F have a quick release mechanism for the Arca swiss plate. With both you have to use the thumb screw which in cold weather with gloves can be an issue. The build quality and materials used does give it the edge over the Benro. It'll be good to see how it performs over the next few months if it remains just as solid with use.

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks mate, it's very similar to the benro, curious to see how it holds up in a few months, but seeing the build quality as it stands I don't foresee any issues. Good point about the quick release, I've only ever had thumb screw heads, would be cool if they offered both.

[@RobertWalker-kv9hn]

I have a leveling base under my Manfrotto 410 head that solved the clearance problem and adds a fine adjustment to the tripod picked it up from Ebay

[@MHLandscape]

Oh great will have a look 👍

[@Stainphotography]

They really are a game changer

[@MHLandscape]

Really are matr

[@ianthomson9363]

I watched this with great interest- I've been dithering over which geared head to buy as the fine adjustments they offer appeals to me. I like K&F products and already have tripod (lightweight but absolutely solid), backpack (seems to make everything weigh less and very comfortable to wear for extended wanders) and ND/polarising filter (not yet tried using it) from the company. And now I've bought the geared head as well! Thanks for a very useful video.

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting, I'm very glad to hear you found the video useful. I've used K&F for a number of years and find their products to be of great quality at a reasonable price. I'm sure you'll be very pleased with your new purchase. The fine adjustments really do help 😊

[@ianthomson9363]

@@MHLandscape As well as occasional landscape expeditions, I use a tripod-mounted macro lens a lot, photographing models that I've built. it's difficult to make precise changes to the composition with a ball head, so the new head will get a fair amount of use.

[@MHLandscape]

The geared head will be perfect for that

[@richardstorier6172]

Very timely as I have been looking at these types of head!

[@MHLandscape]

They are a great investment, I'd never go back to a ball head.

[@richardsisk1770]

I agree completely. I was shooting 617 panos with a view camera. Always preferred a geared head. Thanks

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks Richard, geared head all the way for me from now on, a lot argue they are slower to use than a ball head but I think if there was a race set up between two photographers one with ball, one with geared, to frame up a composition I don't think there would be much in it.

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Thanks for the review Martin. Think this definitely something I need. I’ve been doing a bit of woodland photography recently and noticed just how much of a pain it is fine tuning the composition with a ball head. I have K&F filters and they are very good. They do seem to be making some good products at a decent price

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks Anthony, honestly geared heads for woodland photography especially are a game changer. I've had a play with Steve's Benro one and couldn't really see a great deal of difference between them, only the benro uses plastics instead of metal on some parts.

[@IanElson28]

I've used a Manfrotto geared head for quite awhile now. Only reason because it allowed me to use the quick release plates and L bracket I use. Love the slow precise movement, with the ability to quickly set up using the release lever to move like a ball head, then fine tune. Anything happens to mine, won't think twice about replacing it. lovely video again.

[@MHLandscape]

I can't believe how slow I was to make the move to a geared head, I use to swear by ball heads but realise the error of my ways now 😂

[@IanElson28]

@@MHLandscape I couldn’t get on with a ball head, used a 3 way non geared head for 4 yrs before changing over.

[@garrysugdenphotography]

Been using the Benro head for a few years now. Didn't even know the K&F head existed - might have to be a purchase to go on my spare tripod. Thanks for the honest review.

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks Garry, The K&F has only been out a few months I think, it has many similarities to the Benro, which my mate Steve also uses. Been using for a couple of weeks now and it's been brilliant.

[@Auhana50]

I came close to buying the ghpro2 bumped into your vlog because I didn’t want to spend a lot of money KF will be my first choice 👏

[@MHLandscape]

That's great to hear, still using mine now and it's working very well.

[@chrishomer]

And that’s how you review something. Brilliant mate. I thought about one of these recently when out using my 600mm. And I do like the K&F stuff.

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks mate, quite enjoyed doing the review, something new for me. K&F stuff is great and nicely priced (and not just saying that cause they sent me this for free). Geared heads are a game changer for longer focal lengths.

[@chrishomer]

@@MHLandscape hmmm. Gonna have to get one I reckon. Thanks mate, consider giving me a shout if you’re ever Clent Hills way

[@MHLandscape]

Definitely mate, need to get myself over that way, only ever been clent the once, a couple of years back for the blue bells.

[@chrishomer]

@@MHLandscape ah yeah, great for that. Bluebells and wild garlic, April May time, something to do with the soil

[@MHLandscape]

Yeah struggled last time I was there, went for sunrise to that big open bit of bluebells and didn't account for a hill being in the way of the light.

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Fantastic content you gained a new subscriber

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks so much, glad to have you onboard

[@carlb401]

Everyone is lucky now as there is a huge choice in geared heads available. When i was moving over from a 3 way head to a geared head, there was only the 2 from manfrotto and 2 from Arca swiss. I ended up with the Arca Swiss D4 as it was the smallest and lightest of them all.

[@MHLandscape]

Loads of choice today, the K&F is very similar to the Benro which I've also had chance to try, the Arca Swiss looks an incredible piece of kit, far too steep in price for my pockets though 😂

[@carlb401]

@@MHLandscape Yeah photographer's are spoiled now for geared heads, there must be at least 20 now to choose from. Arca swiss is expensive but lasts a while, i bought mine in 2015 and it's still going strong.

[@MHLandscape]

I guess it's a case of you get what you pay for.

[@colingerard7863]

Hi Martin. I will need a geared head for pictures I am taking towards the end of the year. The K&F and Benro seem to be the main contenders (the Sunway only really being a two way, the locking mechanism to rotate 360 that doesn't seem very durable, and the cranking handles looking like a gimmick, meant it wont be considered). The K&F has two things over the Benro that I can see; The orange lever to release the gears is better designed and easier to use. The mechanism to rotate 360 has plastic gearing which questions it's durability. An informative review on location of this product. Also, why didn't you return the faulty Sunway was there a problem communicating with the company? I like the vibes of your channel.

[@MHLandscape]

Hi Colin, I know a few that have used both the K&F and the Benro, many seem to prefer the K&F for the reasons you mentioned. Durability is something I will only tell over time, so far so good though. The Sunwayfoto, I never returned simply because whenever I thought to do it I was busy doing other things and over time simply forgot, tardiness on my part 😂 glad you are enjoying my content.

[@allenfutrelle9090]

Well done.

[@MHLandscape]

Thank you Allen

[@paulwbakerphotography]

Yep, as you know I also purchased the Sunwayphoto head, which has been good but also has the wobble. Their customer support is really poor too, probably because they’re in China. I might look at this one and as you are the one recommending it, might buy it too. Thanks mate

[@MHLandscape]

It's really good, Steve been sent one to test too

[@paulwbakerphotography]

@@MHLandscape they seem to have missed me out

[@pascalhibon7928]

I also own the Sunwayfoto geared head. Mine doesn't wobble like yours does. But I don't use it anymore. A geared head is way better than a bullhead but it still is not ideal for panorama shots. Since a couple of years I'm using the Leofoto VH30-R head. My tripod has a levelling base and this combination is my absolute favorite. An added bonus is the lightweight of the VH30-R, specially compared to the geared head. Highly recommended!

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks will have a look in to that, I do find the geared head very good for panoramic though

[@pascalhibon7928]

@@MHLandscape Geared heads share the same "issue" as balheads for making panoramas: you need to level the tripod legs. That is addressed by using a leveling base with the VH30-R. Once the head is leveled it is impossible to throw off the level by adjusting the head. I have been using this system for a couple of years and won't go back; it's that great :-)

[@MHLandscape]

@@pascalhibon7928 yes I use a levelling base with the geared head works a treat

[@qvarfoto]

Great video mate! Been looking at getting one of these, but man they sure are costly compared to normal ball heads, and even some fluid heads too. Cheers!

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks mate, with the discount code you can get it for around £160, not too far off a decent ball head. Well worth it in my opinion

[@malcolmcog]

I'm sold on a gear head ! The number of times I have faffed around trying to get the best shot manually !

[@MHLandscape]

Great to hear, still using mine since last year and love the precision it offers.

[@stephensmithphotography]

Great review 👍 lovely pics too 👍👍

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks so much Stephen!

[@stephensmithphotography]

@@MHLandscape 😊👍

[@MatthiesWesche]

I really like your style of video and the way you talk to the camera....I should really try and work on my won ability to do so....might save me a ton of editing time getting rid of all my "uhm"s and pauses...Thanks for the insights on this geared head! I'm contemplating exchanging my current standard ballhead that came with my Rollei tripod with one like these for the exact reason you stated right at the beginning: I'm tired of framing up my comp only to have the ball head sag ever so slightly and ruin it. And the ability to change with this level of accuracy is a nice feature!

[@MHLandscape]

Thank you Matthies, I have lots of uhms and pauses still, you just don't see them as I edit them out 😂 honestly I recommend trying out a geared head, I could never go back to a ball head now.

[@trials6]

Wobble after 2 weeks? Must have been a defect as my Sunway is going on 2 years and it's still solid as day 1. The KF does look good especially for the money and I like the fact they added the quick adjustment.

[@MHLandscape]

Like all manufacturers I guess some just have defects, but I know a few people who had the Sunwayfoto and it failed on them. I've been using the KF for a good few months now and no issues.

[@ne0nlightz]

great review, can this type of geared head be used as a replacement for a fluid head for videography work? Or is this just a replacement for a photography ballhead?

[@MHLandscape]

Thank you, I don't see it being good for video work, e.g. smooth panos, I do think a fluid head is best for those type of shots.

[@ericbarkhurst2951]

I know you are using a large lens with this - but normally you would face the camera 90 degrees the other way. So the back is towards that upper knob. Makes it much easier to use and compose. I mean you can use it either way though. I also own the Sunway photo gh geared head - I wanted to just let everyone know it has developed a huge amount of play. I do use it extensively for my business but that should not happen. I ended up taking it apart and the way the internal bearings are is poorly made. They end up loosening over time and ive taken it apart 4- times now to try and fix it. It firms up then the play begins again. I am not able to use it anymore. This is pretty common with the Sunway - which is a disappointment since it is so small. I also have the Benro which has been really good with no issues. I am hoping one of these companies makes a quick release or maybe use an adapter. Thanks for the review!

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks Eric, The Arca Swiss connection on my 100-400 is at a 90 degree angle, normally I have it set up correctly, sorry to hear of your troubles with the Sunwayfoto, I know a couple of others with the same issue unfortunately. The Benro one is great, never heard of any issues.

[@photonomist6345]

Thanks for your interesting video. I have the Benro and it is knackered. I got around two years use from it and thought that was a defect, but reading your review and others it seems that might be par for the course!? I am thinking of buying the K&F now. Any further thoughts since you made the video? Once again appreciate your work in bringing out your content.

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks for your kind comments, the K&F geared head is still going strong, I know a few who have used both the K&F and benro and they prefer the quick release axis of the K&f

[@photonomist6345]

@@MHLandscape Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. That clinches it and I am going to order right away!

[@MHLandscape]

If you follow the link in the description and use the code KFPRIME20 between the 19th and 20th you'll get 20% off

[@photonomist6345]

@@MHLandscape Thanks

[@nicola6323]

Any thoughts on how it compares to the Benro GD3WH? I'd say that’s its main competitor.

[@MHLandscape]

Hi Nicola, I haven't used the Benro myself but know many who do and even know those that have used both, honestly their feedback is that they are very similar.

[@nicola6323]

@@MHLandscape I've been using the Benro for a year now and needed a backup. I’ve ordered the K&F, it’s on its way now. 🙂

[@MHLandscape]

​@@nicola6323great stuff, I'm sure you'll love it.

[@Ahrtaler]

Thanks for the video. Ask, where do you see the differences to the Benro GD3WH?

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks for watching, having had a play with a friend's Benro GD3WH, I would say they are very similar, the main difference being more use of metal construction in the K&F, My mate prefers the quick release mechanism on the K&F too.

[@_CharlieHarper]

... great video ! I can see you're using that "blue" spacer under the geared head and I trust it is there for purpose. Can you please share a link where to get one? Using the geared head on a larger tripod plate, that's the issue, right? ... my second question : how satisfied you are with the "geared-to-free-move" switchers? This is often an issue ...

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks Marc, that blue thing isn't the spacer, it's the lever to allow me to raise the centre column. Unfortunately for this video I didn't have the spacer but have since purchased it, this is the one you would want www.cameraworld.co.uk/benro-gdhad1-geared-head-adaptor-6053.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw17qvBhBrEiwA1rU9wwHTd4bpR3cxwkfponzB_RYMsUAXpUHMXLHE5Xc0eRstkoLFUG6JjRoCOewQAvD_BwE

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Or use a Tripod with a narrower top, add a self leveller cup device to go e more hight making the whole package a bit smaller and lighter.

[@MHLandscape]

Whatever works for you

[@HyperlapsePro]

I have Sunwayfoto GH-Pro II and I like it. But now I'm looking for something more stable. Because I can't use it with 100-400 mm lens. Is K&F Concept - GD3W stable enough even during the windy weather?

[@MHLandscape]

I use it with my sigma 100-400mm, works great, I do recommend spikes on your tripod legs.

[@Theflicker67]

bought one in January seemed lovely until one of the gears broke on second outing.................

[@MHLandscape]

Sorry to hear that, had mine for about 6 months now and no such issues

[@Theflicker67]

@@MHLandscape Just taken the gear out, turn screw part metal the inner gear broken into 3 pieces and it's plastic. All that money for nice metal work and they stick cheap plastic gear on metal collar inside for the important part disappointing..

[@MHLandscape]

Doesn't sound good, do reach out to their customer services, they are usually good.

[@Theflicker67]

@@MHLandscape contacted customer service and after sending a video of broken inner part they arranged a replacement part to be posted which was 12 euro post. Didn't get the part I wanted they sent a whole new head excellent.

[@MHLandscape]

​@@Theflicker67thanks for updating me, thats really good to hear 👍

[@aparajito1]

The BENRO GD3WH is cheaper. (151£ ). K&F Concept just made a copy of it for (209£).

[@MHLandscape]

With the discounts you can get the K&F around the same price, I've tried the Benro, it's great, although uses a lot of plastics too.

[@gee7102]

Does this geared head actually foul that Benro tripod? It looks like there’s enough clearance for most situations and only an issue when the angles are quite extreme? I only ask as I have the same tripod

[@MHLandscape]

In the configuration in the video it's no issue, but I normally use a levelling base (which unfortunately I'd broke just before this video) which is too wide and gets in the way of the knobs.

[@gee7102]

@@MHLandscape Good to know, thanks!

[@steviem8466]

I'd say that by raising the centre column slightly, this would alleviate that issue.

[@siriusgd4753]

I wouldn't buy anything from this company. They have the worst customer service. They take your money and then they don't send you the product and then play games with you for weeks not giving you a product NOR your money back. I'll never buy anything from these clowns.

[@MHLandscape]

Never had a problem

[@brianhenno4744]

Bought one of these geared heads after watching this video put it on my tripod and there is loads of play in it, contacted k and f about it but not get any help ofg them, AVOID

[@MHLandscape]

I'm sorry to hear this, I genuinely haven't had any problems and I know many people who have purchased this geared head and not experienced the issue you are experiencing. Hope K&F can sort it out for you.

[@MHLandscape]

If you don't mind, drop me an email with your order number and I will email my contact at Kentfaith and see if I can get someone to help you. I don't work for them but hopefully I can at least get someone to help you.

[@MHLandscape]

[e-mail]

[@oneeyedphotographer]

It's a flawed design. It's got all that engineering to ensure the photographer can get the camera level, but as soon as you turn the camera in the process of making a panorama, the levelling is forr mothing. Proper design would have the camera rotating on a level base. And, if you want multiple layers, ....

[@MHLandscape]

Thanks for commenting, it works great for me, especially when used with a levelling base.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@MHLandscape I have a couple of levelling bases so good I wonder whether I need a head at all. Just a panning base.

[@JamesKerwin]

GH pro ii is a useless piece of kit. Great concept - but the wobble sucks!

[@MHLandscape]

A lot of people have had the same problem unfortunately

[@numptytwonk1680]

Developed a wobble after a couple of weeks for £210? ...that'd be straight back for a full refund!

[@MHLandscape]

Don't worry I did in the end

[@gerardferry3958]

benro is better

[@MHLandscape]

Ok

[@azpiazu]

This one looks like a rip off of the Benro GD3WH (even in the name LOL).

[@MHLandscape]

They are very similar, I've tried my mates Benro, he also has the K&F one and he prefers the K&F for the quick adjustment knobs.