The BEST tripod head for real estate photography

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

For those commenting on L-Brackets, the Leofoto G4, and the Arca Cube: 1. On L-Brackets and cages: This video concentrates on tripod heads. While the mount is important like I show in this video, the variations are endless. Since there seems to be a lot of interest in L-brackets and cages, I'll make a video soon covering those. 2. On the Leofoto G4: I do NOT recommend that head. The Leofoto G4 is essentially a knock-off of the "real" Arca Swiss D4. Also, the Leofoto is hard to find new these days which, as I mention in this episode about the Rogeti, raises a red flag. 3. On the Arca Swiss Cube C1. Please recall from the beginning of this video where I talked about cost vs quality vs longevity, etc. Since the C1 head costs about $2000 US, it doesn't fit within those parameters, so I didn't include it. The other heads I review in this video are more cost-effective, and about 1/10 the price.

[@gigxr]

thanks for the suggestions bro. just starting out for interior photography

[@MusicFed]

thanks and great video. on the subject of Three Legged Thing, would you recommend their L brackets to use with the K&F? they do a Sony version which I am thinking of buying

[@CoastGuy09]

I alternate between landscape and wildlife and my RRS BH40 bullhead wasn't getting the job done for me when I wanted to make fine adjustments. I ended up purchasing a Arca-Swiss Monoball P0+Hybrid Classic with a quick release base. Quite expensive but absolutely nailed the specifications I wanted. Much lighter and compact than most geared options. The ball is reversed resulting in the camera and lens remain more centered. It provides 15 degrees of movement in both directions for each axis. I can remove the ball head from the tripod in less than 10 seconds. It weighs 420 grams (less than 1 lb.). If you value good engineering design and want a lighter more compact camera support and budget isn't a major constraint, this could be worth considering. It is the best ball head option I have ever seen or tried.

[@roadbiker1]

Hello Nathan. Been doing this for about 12 years. I started with the Manfrotto Jr and found the same issues as you. After a while it got sloppy, so about 7 years ago I switched to the Benro. I found that after a while, it too got a little loose. Fortunately Benro has excellent service and they replaced it for me... twice. The last time, they told me to simply keep the old one. I found that it was so easy to remove the calibrated stickers on the sides of the gears, tighten them up, and reapply the stickers. Aside from that, I agree that the Benro is the way to go. Recently, I have been getting a little movement (again) forcing me to make minute adjustments in Photoshop when layering several photos (for "flambient"). I don't know what could be causing the very slight movement of the camera, maybe switching the flash on and off, but I will recheck the Arca Swiss plate next time. I always make sure that the camera is secure on the head. Thanks for the great videos! JMAUROPHOTO

[@chuck3442]

Great straightforward no nonsense review thank you for the information. I used the Manfrotto 410 Jr for years, yes it wears out over time. It was great for quite a while and there were not many options back then other than the 405 ($$$) or a Cube ($$$$$$). I put up with the slight wobble of the 410 before getting a D4. I've used the D4 for 3 years or so and it still works like new. I have a SmallRig cage on my camera. The SmallRig bottom is a full length Arca plate. Keep up the good work Nathan!

[@nestedcrystalpalace]

Only used 2 of the ones you tested. The best mounting clamping system is on the Manfrotto 410, biggest surface area so no movement & simple easy click on pull the lever and off. The Manfrotto head lasted me about 4000 properties/4years (now on my 5th). Switched to the Benro for the arca Swiss system, my Benro lasted about 2500 properties/2.5years. Now that the Manfrotto price is nearly double the price of the Benro. THE BENRO IS NOW THE BEST VALUE of the ones I’ve used. Next up I will try the k&F & see how that does.

[@markkempton4579]

Thank you for sharing. I was not aware of the K&F. I do not shoot RE photography, but found this as I was looking for a new head for landscape photography. Unfortunately, the ball head I've been using and my old three-knob Manfrotto both allow a ton of creep when shooting with a heavy rig like my 20 yo Canon 400 2.8 IS with a 2X TC and a large body. I'm hoping for something with the weight capacity of the D4 somewhere closer to the price of the Neewer (300-400). I don't necessarily need the level of precision but need something super steady when trying to line up telephoto landscape. Have you run across anything like that? Looking forward to your other videos. Thank you again!

[@VolkswagenNut1969]

As chiefly a real estate and architectural photographer, this video was a great bit of info. The Manfrotto ball head I’ve been using for a few years has been solid, but starting to fall apart. I was just about to order a new one when I saw your video. Ordered the K&F geared head instead. Cheaper and might solve the time consuming headache of doing fine adjustments to level out the camera and straighten lines. 😉 The plate doesn’t matter since I use one piece grips/bottom plates that have the Arca dovetail built into them. That part will be solid as a rock! Thank you for taking the time to shoot and upload this video. 😉

[@jhullphoto]

Thanks for the video, it's always good to see what falls short, and what just works. I have been using the Manfrotto 405 with the Really Right Stuff B2-LR-II Lever-Release Clamp and L-Bracket for years on both my primary and backup gear. For me it has been rock solid and 100% reliable. It is a bit on the expensive side, but if it holds up for years and years of abuse, that's worth a lot in my book.

[@Just-a-Guy1]

I broke the clamping device on my Benro and replaced it with the same thing. I use an "L" bracket and the head works fine and I do lift my tripod when I attach the camera. The one time I didn't lift the tripod with the camera, my D850 hit the street. Did you know cameras don't bounce on concrete? Broke the battery door and the battery release. From the marks on the "L" bracket I think the bracket saved the camera from a lot more damage.

[@bigdemi]

I had a Manfrotto 410 years ago. Was flawless for like 5 years until I dropped it. Got a replacement, loads of play in the tilt. Sent it back, got another. Same issue. They don't make em like they used to...

[@southeastgasservices]

Three legged thing L bracket, solid as a rock. worth every cent. I've decided to go for the K&F head. great review...

[@j_g123]

Great review. I'm looking to replace my 410. The knobs are tough as hell to turn and the plate release mechanism broke after 1 year of use (replacement parts are available, fixed now). Plus the plate itself is from an era when large format film cameras were its intended target - huge and awkward to latch on.

[@Daniel_W_]

I'm a fan of the Benro heads. But the longevity is still 2-3 years. I was able to have mine replaced due to a gear slip mid third year of the warranty. I've had the replacement for 2 years now and have the same issue of the tilt gear slipping almost a complete turn before catching after setting in the reverse direction. For the price, it's worth the 3-year warranty. If they still have it.

[@Archontasil]

I used the benro and manfrotto. I prefer the benro.

[@markkempton4579]

Thanks again. Still using this video as a reference for another purchase. Seems silly to not buy something b/c of the plate or a screw, however. I have replaced all thumb screws with D-ring screws in my plates, and I have at least a dozen A/S plates scattered across my various bags and gear, so it is not a restriction of any sort.

[@photonomist6345]

Hi, and thanks for the interesting video. I use a geared head for landscape - definitely better than ball head apart from their size. I've used the Benro but after a year or so I've had so many niggles with going mega-wobbly and also the "freeing" mechanism for each lever getting stuck plus the ends of each nob coming off and need re-gluing. Plus niggles with the clamp that you speak about. So I am ready for a new one and so thinking of going for the K&F. In terms of the quick release plate issues you discuss I just keep a high quality one on the bottom of my camera and almost never have to give it a single thought. Really recommend that. Can't remember last time I looked at the D lever!!! Once again appreciate your content.

[@AleRodrigues]

Great video Nathan, thanks for an unbiased review of the current tripod heads on the market. I've been using K&F Concept and Benro. My K&F Concept head I had to return it due to manufacturing issues, but I'm very happy with my Benro GD3WH.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks! What exactly were the "manufacturing issues"?

[@AleRodrigues]

@@NathanCoolPhoto The K&F Concept geared head after a few uses started to wobble, similar to the Sunwayfoto (which I had the same issues you've mentioned in the video, and I wouldn't recommend it either). The manufacturer replied the following: "It is possible that there could be an issue with the internal gear of the product. However, as the supplier does not have the product in their possession, they cannot be certain. Therefore, would you kindly assist us in returning the product to China? This will enable them to analyze and make the necessary improvements. We will gladly refund the shipping cost for you" . so I have returned and haven't heard back since. Once I have an answer I'll share it here. Thanks

[@nicola6323]

I’m a landscape photographer. I'd be scared to use the Arca Swiss out in nature, with rain and snow. It’s just too expensive for that.

[@TheCaboChannelMexico]

Timely as I am going through my new list for gear and back up gear; thank you for the efforts you put into these videos; It sets you apart and you get an extra star for saying "crap" because sometimes, gear is crap!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thank you for this!

[@jonathangoote6237]

My benro head got play in it right away but was still able to use it for a while but was super annoying. I almost bought another benro but I just pulled the trigger and got the D4 and after using the d4 up I’ll never go back to the benro style heads

[@rc3683]

4:12 - "They really don't pan out." I see what you did there! 😉 Great video as always!

[@ThomasBergers]

Thanks again! Love the Benro. Use the plate for gimbal and Picpole.

[@AtlantaDroneGirl]

Thank you for making this video. I am in the market to purchase one as we speak and this really helped. I have all your books as well.

[@LeoDodier]

Hi Nathan, great video. I kept waiting for the L bracket segment…I thought OK , he’s saving that for last! But next video is good too. I have the canon R6 and have used the Promedia gear PBCR 5/6 with the PLX3T L bracket for the longest time. It locks on really solid and never moves. It has an arca Swiss adapter which I love, but I have the hardest time making sure it fits exactly in the Benro head, which I also use all the time. I just have to be very careful. But even with some difficulty mounting it, I still love is and have no movement on the tripod at all.

[@zachs.6994]

The Benro has been my first and only geared head, and I paired It with a Small Rig L bracket, which I highly recommend for these Arca Swiss budget geared heads. Once you have these heads dialed in level, it's nice to be able to quick release and capture vertically by simply reclamping in the vertical position. Before the L bracket, if I wanted vertical after composing horizontal, I would need to do a slight tripod reposition because going vertical with the head alone puts the camera to the left. Also, not mentioned in the review, the Benro gears are either light-grade aluminum or plastic; I have broken teeth on the tilt gear (I don't know how, I just noticed slop on the tilt gear one day on site). However, a simple fix is to open the joint and flip the gear so the broken teeth are in a less commonly used position. Been working fine ever since.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Not sure if you've seen this, but here's my video on using L-Brackets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eomZoKVqn5qkba8si=0ycU7etVE19qMr5P BTW: I did mention the gears in the review, and that after years of use on multiple heads, not a problem with the gears. You do though, like with any other geared head, may have to release tension simply by turning the larger knurled knob and turning the head. No need to open the head.

[@LaurentSaintJean]

Arca-Swiss D4 absolute best, I even bought 2 ... one down side is that they will not tolerate being dropped.... so watch out !

[@AlSo-Fotografie]

Nathan your video comes right in place🙏. I'm about to buy a gear head for my real estate jobs. Thank you :)

[@angibenet6138]

And what tripod do you recommend to pair with the K&F gear head?

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

Excellent comparisons, Nathan! Thank you.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video!

[@Perceivedshift]

Been using the Benro without issue for years, agree the clamping mechanism is the worst part about it. Ive been on a quest to find the best tripod for RE with little luck. I want it to have long legs, two clamps max, with a telescoping center column proving at least 2’ adjustment, and STURDY. Most tripods are designed with portability in mind with 4 or more clamps on the legs and a 12” center column. Meeeeeh…. Does this tripod exist?!? Im about to freakin build one myself 😂

[@dj_DERANGED]

Great timing for this video! My Benro has been a champ for over 3 years now, but its due to be replaced. I will buy another Benro but im gonna watch this video first. 👍

[@thelongarmmarine]

I run with the Benro, but my Canon is in a cage…works well…but if I have any issues, I might consider the K&F…fwiw, I also have/use a pistol grip for portrait work…that works well, but a little finicky for RE…

[@JasonTzzz]

The quick release spring snapped on my Manfrotto 410 Junior after ~10 years of use. It's a solid tripod and the Manfrotto quick release plate is sturdy too. Just purchased the Benro as my replacement and will get the K&F as my backup. Gotta get some extra Benro & 3-Legged quick release plates. Would you have a link to them?

[@jordanscanlan0822]

What tripod do you recommend to use with these gear heads?

[@lensalucia]

Many thanks Nathan. I totally agree with on Benro. It is reliable and steady, the only problem is that small knob. It loosen up everyone now and then and goes off, so you have to remove the small cover and tighten the small screw. Other than that, I won’t trade it to another brand.

[@cl-audio]

great video, very helpful. Thank you!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome!

[@brandonlee1292]

Nathan, do you have any thoughts on the Leofoto GW-01? Can’t really find any reviews on it.

[@gunfightingtechniques]

Another disadvantage of the Benro is that it does not work with the Peak Design camera plate due to the cutout in the clamp

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

True, but to clarify: The Peak Design standard plate isn't true Arca Swiss, and neither is the Benro head. In fact, although many heads and plates say they are "Arca Swiss" they usually are out of tolerance. For instance, Peak Design describes their standard plate "works with most ARCA-Swiss tripods", but not all. It's a common problem with other plates and heads, and both Peak and Benro are often out of Arca-Swiss tolerance.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

I’d love this review ❤❤❤❤

[@RVNmedic]

Thanks Nathan. I just purchased the KF Concept and replaced the plate with one of the many I have. It works great. About B&H. I love the store and all the info you can get. However their return policy is not unlimited. I've spent thousands there. I don't live where I can get to the store so I do send things back. They told me I can no longer return items. It's a shame because I enjoyed doing business there.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome. B&H has a 30-day return policy, allowing you to return items for any reason. Here is more info on that: www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/ReturnExchange.jsp

[@Bonky5000]

Hey Nathan! Just found your channel, and had a quick question. I currently use a Falcon F37 quick release plate to switch between my tripod and gimbal. Based on the great video I just watched, I was wondering if you had any insight as to whether or not my plate and the K&F would have the same great stability as the other plates you mentioned. Thanks!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

I think you mean "Falcam" plate (not Falcon) and the F38 model (not F37)? If so, then it probably will work since the Falcam F38 is Arca Swiss. One way to find out is to buy the K&F head, try it, and if doesn't work then return it within 30 days from amzn.to/3LobDOc

[@Bonky5000]

@@NathanCoolPhoto Okay. 1) yes, Falcam F38 (apparently I can’t type on a keyboard anymore) 2) the K&F was the best investment I’ve ever made. THANK YOU!!

[@sebarosca]

Thank you boss man.

[@reubenprincess855]

Can you do a gimbal moves for those into land banking real estate

[@paulhopkins1905]

Arca Swiss charging 1140 for a tripod head is a situation of charging that much because they can, not because its worth it.

[@geoffbrabecdronestate]

Thank you Nathan! I have a Newer ball head and I like it, but I find that after I tighten down, the level moves a bit and I am no longer in the green on my Canon EOS R6.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're welcome! As I said though, I don't recommend ball heads for RE work.

[@geoffbrabecdronestate]

Agreed. I am looking in to the gear head now based on your video. @@NathanCoolPhoto

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

Thank you!

[@Image1Nation]

I use the Ulanzi Falcam quick release system for mounting my camera on everything I have. The plate itself is a square arca Swiss that comes with a d-ring and is pretty stable. Will that work well with the k&f? Thank you.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

If it is an Arca Swiss plate then it will work in an Arca Swiss clamp. All of the heads I recommend in the video have Arca Swiss clamps.

[@Image1Nation]

@@NathanCoolPhoto thank you.

[@599miata]

Good review, 👍👍👍👍

[@kevinfordham4455]

I purchased the K&F Concept head and I can only go by what I have experienced , I ordered one and had to send it back the same day. There was so much play in on the left/right axis and this was on a brand new head, what on earth would it be like after a few months of use. Such a shame, not sure what to go for now.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

To clarify: You said you returned it the same day, but you also said it had a lot of play after a few months of use. Was it bad from the start, or only after a few months?

[@kevinfordham4455]

@NathanCoolPhoto what I said was, what on earth would it be like after a couple of months. It was literally rocking about 3mm so not good.

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Ah, gotcha. So in that case, I'd say you got a bad copy. The K&F head I have is very tight and solid.

[@TomaszTwojFotograf]

Hi Nathan. I use Benro after You recomendation for more they a year now. First I was worry, how to carry two hesd, but after instaling the Benro i NEVER have need to change - even I made also lanscape or even headshots. (recenlty i find my all ballhead in the old boxes - it can stay there :) ).

[@Scorlyp]

Thank you for so detailed review! For the Ball heads is it correct that the bigger Ball is than better?

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

You're very welcome! As I mentioned in the video, I don't recommend ball heads for real estate photography.

[@WINDSHEAR-STUDIO]

Was wondering when you were gonna try to sell something. I could smell the whaff coming. At least you saved it to the end. Anyways, your idea for mods is excellent. I have done this myself in the past though not with what you specified here. You have provided some great ideas and your experience with these pieces is helpful. Thank you for doing that.

[@VeldingNl]

The new Neewer is actually very very stable!! i recently bought it on Amazon. It has not a rounded arca plate as you mentioned but square. It is a Panoramic Quick Release plate.... Nice!

[@NathanCoolPhoto]

Nice! I might grab one to test it out. And thanks for clarifying that plate! It is a bit on the small side, not the 70mm plate that I recommend in the video, but still not the round lower-contact one I thought it was.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Stay away for the neewer is so poorly design and it’s the worst than sunwayfoto