ROGETI RG-1 Geared Tripod Head Review

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In this video, I review the Rogeti RG-1 Geared tripod head.
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Website - adamgibbsphoto.com/
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[@ThePandaPhotographer]

this is such a good video explaining the brand and the comparison vs sunwayfoto as I am using sunwayfoto gear and others.

[@deanpratley125]

Good review Adam!

[@SimonLewis_photography]

Wow! Love what you did to the interior of the Delica! Looks more spacious now.

[@ibp2007]

Thank you Adam.

[@vicwahbyphotography4866]

Great video! I've used this head for 2+ years now. The X2Y adapter plate is for changing the camera's orientation on the head by 90 degrees, making it unnecessary to rotate the camera base.

[@rlores11]

D4 Arca Swiss is incredibly well made and precise. I got the manual version and love it so far.

[@tjcuneo]

I am using the Sunway head, it works perfectly and is considerably less expensive. I have found it to be better for my workflow than a ball head. It all comes down to personal preference/style. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@WyantWin]

Great video, I use the extra quick release plate for gimbal video with my manfrotto 501 plate

[@seth.graham]

Been waiting for this review! Not gonna help me because I went out and got my geared head back in January, but in five years when I break it I can come back to this. But this looks like a really well thought out head and it's good to give them a little coverage because I had no idea they existed (when I was product searching they didn't even show up when you searched for geared heads). Just to note, that mystery quick release plate they put in the box is for use on long lenses that have collars on them. Collar mounts are turned 90 degrees from the plate on the body, so it's nice they tossed it in the box. But if you got the panning mount it's irrelevant.

[@blivieriphoto]

Looks like a nice solid piece of gear, but those knobs look small. Gotta say, I bought the Sunwayfoto head on your recommendation and I haven’t regretted that decision one bit. I love that head so I’ll stick with that. But thanks for the great review. Happy Father’s Day! 📷

[@jonathant1797]

Thanks for the review. That head looks interesting. Can you comment on this vs. the sunwayfoto, why one should get one vs. the other? Thanks!

[@peterpage597]

I think those teeny-weeny knobs would drive me crazy. After watching your review of the Sunwayfoto geared head I researched it and bought one for as you mentioned $300 CDN. I really like the way I can make very fine adjustments that are independent of one another in a way that I never could with a ball head. Thank you for making me aware of geared heads as well as for this and all your other videos.

[@billonthehill9984]

Thanks so much Adam...It should prove interesting just how functional this gearhead is in the field over time... My initial impression is the Sunway is a much easier head to operate, but it seems to lack that high end quality somewhat. I still use the Acratech GP ball head to good success. I emphasize ' good ' success because as high as the quality of this ball head is, it is still a ball head & it suffers the same pit falls that ALL ball heads experience, i.e. you set your composition up just the way you want it, do a quick double check on the in-camera level, only to realize you lost level, now you loosen up the ball head to regain level & now you have LOST the position of the composition & you have to start all over again or simply say to hell with it & take the damn picture! This is a CONSTANT problem using a ball head, the gear head is close to the PERFECT solution to what I have described here enabling one to dial in with precision without all the frustrations of using a ball head to achieve dead level & composition simultaneously before snapping the picture... Thanks again Adam, Bill on the Hill... :~)

[@davebenson1504]

Sounds like you feel comfortable still with the Sunway... especially at the price break

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Hi Adam - Thank you for the review. What is it about a geared head that makes you prefer it over a ball head? I can’t help thinking that with all those knobs, that it would be very complicated to use in the field.

[@sorenmelchior]

I have been using a Photoclam Multiflex head (copy of Arca Swiss C1 "Cube") for many years for my large format and architectural work. But this Rogeti looks quite a bit lighter and more compact. I might have to try one out.

[@davidg3307]

My concern would be for dirt and sand getting into those gears. Is it easy to clean ?

[@pmc7105]

Wow, I didn't fully realize just how big that camera is until now.

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

Thank you for an informative and interesting review. I managed to pick up a brand new Sunfoto Mk2 geared head off eBay for £147 last year and am happy with the quality and functionality. I am a bit of a gear geek myself. But I couldn't ever justify the $998 (plus import duties & shipping costs) of the Rogeti. I think Rogeti sent the geared head to you rather than you buying it outright like you had the Sunfoto if I understood you correctly. If you were buying and choosing one upfront now. Would you still buy the Sunfoto over the Rogeti or would you put up the extra $$$ for the Rogeti?

[@jimwaliker5631]

Adam have you tried the benro geared head , I love it.

[@josephasghar]

My Benro started to slacken, so I got an Arca instead. Pricey, but so far so good.

[@JeremiahTrue]

I’ve been looking at this as a compliment to their tilt shift lens frames. I currently use the Benro GDW geared head after starting with a Manfrotto 405 which was nice but very heavy and prone to slippage. Currently I’m considering another Benro as mine is starting to slip and needs service, the Leophoto G4, and this Rogeti. Thank you for your opinion. I might not get it on this round but it’s certainly in the hunt.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Unfortunately the Rogeti slips as well after time with long lenses that is.

[@seanirving808]

Are you able to get the Benro Geared head in Canada? They get pretty good reviews here in the UK - I’m looking at getting one when I have the money

[@Wandy1D]

I wish the release knobs were larger. I can imagine how difficult it might be to operate them during winter and while wearing gloves….. Great review. Thanks!

[@davidg3307]

I use some stuff called “sugru” to build up and add grip to knobs etc. It calls itself a “mouldable glue” and has a rubbery feel to it.

[@TheLDunn1]

agreed.

[@davemenard5089]

There is only one head that will improve our photography and it is of course Adam Gibb’s. 😉

[@chrisroot7182]

Have you tried it in freezing temps? I would be concerned that if it stiffens up it would be hard to turn the knobs. Since they are small you will not get very much mechanical advantage. Interesting piece of gear though (see what I did there?) ;-)

[@borromine]

Hi. The closest competitor to this head is the Arca Swiss D4. I have that head and like it but this seems easier to use with more bubble levels. I’d be interested in a comparison between the two. Given that you are using a very pricey camera I wonder why you are not using the Arca cube or D4. The other question I have is a kind of subtle movement in geared heads after stopping turning gear. My D4 exhibits that.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I am currently using the Cube, this is an older video. The Rogetti is a well made head that is considerably cheaper than the Arca Swiss. However, after using it for awhile I didn't like the small knobs so have since upgraded to the cube which is three times the amount.

[@d1m18]

Be nice to see it function with a heavy camera / lense combo

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It creeps

[@lylestavast7652]

I'd never heard of them, so your review is giving them some exposure, which in both marketing and photography is what you're after, right ? ;)

[@wbuttry1]

I would like a motorized head with a remote and an increment button with a bubble level on all four corners

[@urtedavid]

Hi!, very cool video. I didnt't find too many review videos about this geared head and I find it very usefull to consider buying this. Thanks for that. I have some questions about the maximum weight capacity of this head. The MKII version specifications says that can upload up to 12Kg. I usually shot with a Linhof Master Technika and with a Pentax 67 medium format camera. I currently have a Manfrotto 229 3D Super Pro that can upload up to 12Kg too and I didn't find any issue during using my large or medium format cameras with it. Do you know if it would handle well this type of equipment? I am looking for a precise and fluid tripod head. I love de gear head systems and my dream is to have an Arca-Swiss C1 Cube, but it cost a lot... Maybe some day, in the future. But I found the Rogeti's gear head can maybe do the job quite good and precise. So, maybe you can tell me more about the load capacity of this head and If you think that will handle with zero problems a 4x5 large format camera kit, like a Linhof Technika. Thanks for all, best regards,

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Shouldnt be a problem. The only issue is if you have a lot of weight hanging over the head or in front such as a long focal length

[@robertgrenader858]

For Astrophotography with a DSLR, a geared tripod head is a must. The fine adjustments make it easy to precision center on a celestial object. And, they never droop like a ball head.

[@TheLDunn1]

Arca Swiss P0 has an asymetric ball/socket which really does help combat ball droop....why does that sound like a nasty ailment???

[@robertgrenader858]

@@TheLDunn1 Happens to a lot of us as we get older.

[@dougheizenrader2280]

I’ve been using a geared head (Benro) for a couple of years now and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Granted it’s slower than a ball head, but I like the fact that it slows me down. The precision and ease of dialing in a composition is something you just can’t get with a ball head. If you are more of a run and gun photographer, stick with a ball head. But if slow and deliberate is more your style a geared head can’t be beat!

[@chrissnyder4439]

So glad to have come across your comment. I feel I move too fast when on a traditional ball head, and I kind of like the idea of slowing down and really being able to dial in my comp. I also like the idea of independently moving each axis instead of them being combined. Do you find this also to be true? I'm considering getting the Benro, but I've been using a ball head for so long, I'm hesitant about making such a change.

[@mat536t6]

It seems maybe, you haven't seen the Benro geared heads? All axis knobs have a clutch so large movements can be rapidly, easily made...then fine adjustments applied using the gears, superior product, and far more reasonably priced than the reviewed item..

[@neilt]

I bought myself a Benro a few months ago, it was a fair price and it works well. The advantage of this Rogeti is its compact size but the price is too high.

[@t.abarnett2393]

I have the benro geared head, it’s true that the quick movement is nice, but the way the clutch is implemented, it creates play on all three axis. Not a big deal unless in architectural shoots where you are switching between bracket sets and need to touch the camera between stacks. Because of that alone, this makes the benro not accurate. Something on a set track with no clutch (like some Arca-Swiss brand heads) will be smoother, second would be a manual clutch that you can crank down and eliminate play. But twist release geared heads will suffer from play on all three axis. Hope this helps!

[@swissheartydogs]

Tripod or two legs/wheels?

[@tompetersphotography]

Looks so interesting buddy, but I think them geared heads might be a bit to slow for me lol 😂

[@santacruzallstars]

So you need the extra pano attachment to get the camera in the right orientation but then later turns out you don't because they supply the additional plate with it to do that job.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Sure except if you want to shoot at a different angle pointing down other than a right angle.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

This Rogeti tripod seems a bit faffy for my taste, and not something I need; but it sure is pretty.

[@MICHAELMG62]

Which version is that on, please ie Mk1 etc?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I believe its the first version

[@victorfeinstein1815]

Hi, can you please tell me if I use a geared tripod head , do I still need a leveling base?Thanks in advance.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

No you shouldn’t need one

[@victorfeinstein1815]

THANKS!!!!

[@neilt]

Looks nice, but note you'll also pay VAT and duty on imports to European countries. That adds another 20% at least, making it unreasonable unless you really need it. That's a shame, it's a very neat design and is much smaller than most geared heads.

[@kronkite1530]

As someone who suffers from terminal GAS and has ruined myself by buying, selling, buying, selling and on and on (tripods as well as cameras and lenses) your final comments got me thinking… If the GFX100 hasn’t improved your (and, chances are, others’) photography why bother with the size, weight, bulk and expense? Unless printing really large what’s the advantage over something like a 7Riv etc? Does any tonal gain really show?

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Yes it does, it’s a brilliant camera. The newer Fuji 100 is much smaller and lighter

[@kronkite1530]

@@QuietLightPhoto So you do find that you can see, either on screen or on prints up to, say 30" x 24", a difference in tonal range and subtlety? Worth my upgrading from the Sony? I come from a film background btw, using 4"x5" and having had very large prints made so believe I would spot it (too) if present.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

@@kronkite1530 Ive not used the Sony but all I can say is that the files are extremely forgiving in the shadows, I rarely need more than one exposure even in the contrastiest of conditions. Im not sure its worth an upgrade as the differences will be slight.

[@kronkite1530]

@@QuietLightPhoto Again, thanks for the reply. I moved from a Canon 5DSr and am still getting used to the files from the Sony. It's colour gradations especially in skies and 'digital green' I'm still struggling with. Wondering also whether its time to shift from Lightroom to Capture One. Money, money, money...

[@EdwardKilner]

Wow, the price was surprising, on the high side. Seems slow and awkward. All geared heads do to some extent. I will stick with a fluid damped ball head. I did buy an L-bracket for my camera. Might have been the best gear purchase of my life. Easy to switch from landscape to portrait.

[@mchjubjub6915]

There's only so many tripods and heads you can have and I'm not entirely happy with any of them but its compromise at the end of the day. I've ended up two for landscape and a ball for portraiture and wildlife when the camera is not handheld. Someone mentioned the size of your camera Adam. Its huge (the camera I mean!) And I first thought hows it gonna hold up. This is a head too far and daffy for me but loved the review and the "hello hello everybody" and I'm sure the head will be great for architecture etc but not for me! Great vid as always!

[@chrissnyder4439]

It's rated for 26lbs, so he should be OK

[@jimrookphotos]

I'd hate to even think of using those tiny knobs in sub-zero weather. At $1,000+ for the head and panning head one would want this system to work accurately and easily under any conditions. At 688 grams not including the panning head, it's definitely not a head I'd want to carry for long or difficult hikes. Lots of nice features but, is it worth the cost. Not for me. Really appreciate your review, Adam.

[@brentdrafts2290]

It's okay to cut off the cushion manufacturing tags....;)

[@kronkite1530]

Funny, I was thinking just the same! My OCD found them distracting.

[@Rodan102]

SWEBO ND2

[@gordonbrunner9429]

...good review ...but will still stay with my ball heads...in 40+ yrs i have never needed micrometer precision while taking photos and really dont need a whole lot of knobs to tax my fading brain..

[@TheLDunn1]

I have a number of different heads, including a geared head. This Rogeti doesn't appeal to me for a number of reasons. It may be beautifully manufactured & is a precision piece of kit, but its not for me. Firstly the adjustment knob diameter looks too small to me. Too much turning involved with the axis that don't have that clutch mechanism. Having to add a turntable to the top to get the desired orientation of camera to head seems like a band aid covering up a poor design decision to me. Just my opinion which I know doesn't matter to anyone....except maybe me ;-) I still appreciate your video, because its how we collectively learn about new kit & whether we think it might suit us as individuals or not.

[@pbsalfen]

I've had more issues with ballheads than geared heads, but that price point is a bit high. (You'd better be careful there! Karen might go full Amanda on you if those spikes poke a hole in her table.)

[@TheLDunn1]

It wasn't until I got an Arca Swiss P0 that I discovered a near 'perfect' ball head.

[@keithreed2731]

I don't know if you still have the D850 Nikon but Thomas Heaton had trouble pulling up shadows when he tested it compared to his old 5D IV. Dave Morrow seems to have a work around. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIK4ZZJ5r9t7grM

[@tjsinva]

Have you been battering Gavin with it?🏏😉 🥂

[@cloudydays9968]

$799.00 just for the head! Canadian companies are very good at ripping off.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

I believe the company is Hong Kong based?

[@mere_mort4l]

Did you have a hair cut? lol

[@oswaldbastable4139]

Plot lost, cya.

[@nigelbramley4188]

A serious amount of cash for something thats flawed..

[@ush45]

Are you trying to appeal to a US audience by pronouncing your T's as D's more? You said Baddered and Battered, right after each other. It's jarring to hear in your dialect

[@QuietLightPhoto]

No but I have lived in Canada for 40 + yrs so perhaps it’s rubbing off on me