Video Tripod Head Buying Guide // Best Fluid Head for the Money

[@insanejughead]

Finally someone has acknowledged E-image's existence. I have a boom pole from them and have no complaints about it.

[@jakeschannel1066]

Hi, I'm Gerald Undone and (stare at the camera and say nothing for 10 seconds)

[@Metaldetectiontubeworldwide]

The previous one i had to slowdown speed at 75 % to keep up ...😂😂🙌

[@justoalejandrogonzalez5097]

YES

[@Metaldetectiontubeworldwide]

@@krane15 haha ..true ..its gotta be stronger ... What's 'Geralds' brand ? Wanna tune in on that frequency ..lol

[@ramcka789]

I own the GH06 head and love it. One thing I learned while flipping thought the manual is to unlock, and loosen the drag when traveling with it, I assume that’s because if it gets bumped, it won’t break anything. Also, be careful with the using e-image plate, on certain Manfrotto heads it’s not a perfect fit, but can work. Edit: Happy New Year!

[@geraldundone]

Happy new year! And yeah, generally it's best to not store any fluid head completely locked down. Good tip!

[@imdavemtz]

Can you use arca swis plate on the ball head ?

[@matt.pereira]

Thank you! Whilst this video may be older than some, the information is still valid ... I have been in a quandary recently about what video tripod to get, to replace my woefully inadequate current system -I managed to get myself a combo kit of the GH6 Fluid Head and Carbon Fibre legs - Marvellous!!!!! Thanks a lot !!!

[@chumleyk]

Damn, I just realized that watching these channels is the same as watching QVC but more niche///// What a way to spend your life.

[@billschannel1116]

Oh my God, did you see last night's Gem segment? Who knew gems came in leopard print.

[@matthijsdedeugd]

The bloopers cracked me up 😂 so recognizable! I always find myself staring into the camera trying to find the words, and then reconsidering all life choices in the meantime 🤪 keep it up Gerald, informative content and now humor = gold!

[@geraldundone]

🤣🤣🍌👍

[@networkedperson]

@@geraldundone it would be nice if you would not promote such an anti-social company

[@JesseDriftwood]

I’ve been needing to upgrade my fluid head for years! Super helpful info dude!

[@geraldundone]

Thanks, Jesse! 🤓🙏

[@thekaiser4333]

Sachtler fsb-8

[@EposVox]

I'm Gerald Undone and I'm a video head.

[@AustralianImage]

The Benro S8 (that's not talked about very often) is an excellent and reasonably priced fluid head capable of holding 8kg, yet holds my 9kg rig without issue. The tilt and pan are very smooth, whether moving individually or in tandem. The tilt and pan also have infinite drag adjustment and it has a three stage counter-balance for varying weight cameras. It's a flat base fluid head, but Benro sell ball adapters (or any brand will do), so it can work with any type of tripod. I also have an E-Image GHO3F fluid head, which has a lower capacity, but it's not as well made. Gimbal heads are also potentially useful, even for video cameras, especially if you're following any form of action with a large lens.

[@geraldundone]

Thanks for the tips and suggestion! Cheers.

[@HotRodHippie]

I really like my Benro S7 head. For $180 on B&H it's got great smooth pan and tilt control with separate locks. I wish it had a slightly better counter balance when I have my Atomos on camera, but that's asking a lot. Also Benro sells Bowl adapters for flat heads, that's what I'm using on my S7 setup.

[@martinXY]

Love my 502. We got one in at work, I used it, then I bought one for myself at home. Panning is so smooth. Plus with the long plate, I can balance a a teleprompter setup consisting of a teleprompter, camera and a second 502 weighing somewhere near 10kg.

[@ACDGibson]

I rented some gear for a music video shoot and I've been using manfrotto 502 for the first time. I liked it enough to start thinking about buying it. You can get the job done with it. In the long run though, the lack of numerical drag settings would be a pain in the as#. Also the mount could drive you crazy because while panning the head might become loose. I tried to screw it really hard on to the tripod and accidentally I screw the pan drag ring also and could not move it. I had to ask my friend for help to unscrew it! He held it and I had to twist it! I can see this GH06 ticks a lot of boxes and I think it's worth it.

[@randomk7897]

Dude, you are seriously becoming one of my favorite gear reviewers.

[@matteosivilotti9800]

Me: Hey Gerald Undone how fluid is this Tripod head? Gerald: With regards to dynamic fluidity, Newtonian fluids under shear can be thought of as having many sliding layers stacked on top of one another. In any given flow, these layers are moving at different velocities with respect to one another, and the fluidity of the fluid arises from the shear stress that opposes a force applied on the fluid. So I postulate that the viscosity (inverse of fluidity) for a straight, parallel, and uniform flow is related to the shear stress in the following way: τ = μ.(du/dy) ... Me:

[@d-watshoustonsfinest7363]

This is why I literally have a playlist named Undone, and after reading for myself, will ONLY search his page for any follow up. The only way I go somewhere else, is if my favorite nerd doesn't have it. #GetUndone

[@gcprost]

I have a Manfrotto 502 and I'd agree with you comments. I also have two Manfrotto 504's which are a bit bigger. The locks are better positioned. They have a lighted level which is easier to see. I'd prefer to have more range on the preload, and now that I have a drop-in quick release plate on another tripod, I'd say that is a valuable feature. I also have a gear head which is very similar to the pan tilt head but it is much easier to get very precise positioning. I use this for my wide shot when I'm doing concerts, live theatre, and dance shows. It allows me to precisely frame the stage. On this tripod and head I have attached the Small Rig drop-in Manfrotto plate quick release. This is an excellent unit and I highly recommend it.

[@NICUofficial]

Super-useful for the filming I'm about to do for my synths / music channel. I got the Manfrotto 502AH since it was so frequently recommended as a standard workhorse. I'm a musician & songwriter, not a filmmaker, so I'm just looking for "no-brainer solid choice" type filming gear that's very high value for the money. Still feel like I made a solid choice with the Manfrotto, especially since I'm such a noob. This also helped serve as a tutorial on tripods and heads. Thanks again

[@joshdrewpic]

WHOOOO!! Was just looking for a solid vid on this. THANK YOU!!

[@thisisscotts]

Love my GC752 tripod, but I elected to go with the Benro BV6H head. Not sure how it compares to the e-image head, but I'm very happy with the combo.

[@charlieross-BRM]

I finally quit screwing around and ordered that exact E-Image combination this past July and it's immediately obvious how it differs from the lower category of products. It was a significant expense (much more than $700 now) but no regrets.

[@americansafarico]

Most excellent. I started this video knowing zero about video tripods/heads. I feel like I know what I don’t know now.

[@bcnewsvideo]

I have the E-Image GH10 that comes with 100-mm bowl and carbon fibre tripod. Probably one of the better rigs out there for the price. I especially like the monolock system for adjusting the legs.

[@EmoEmu]

I own two video heads. I've never used them. I still sit here and listen to more reviews.

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Wish I had seen this before I bought my first and second fluid head. This is one area I would invest the money in a good one first. Bad ones are really unusable for anything but photo work. Also, save you back and go light weight or put it on rollers (with locks) for the studio.

[@ConstructionKronies]

Thanks Again! I just bought the Manfrotto 504hd + 546B with my bmpcc4k rig and am still learning how to use it.

[@4ksydneyeventvideographer806]

E-Image delivers the absolute quality and joy of operating, while others have the bigger names and prices (we been using 6 of the E-image for 10 years), I don't care it's made in China, It's unbeatable.

[@marekmucha2300]

Man! I bought a monopod and fluid head yesterday! It’s like you were reading my mind! I have chosen Sirui brand tho.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks for touching on some other little topics besides just the heads. Excellent. video execution.

[@Pharesm]

Great, detailed comparison! I only regret, that in 2020, the iFootage K7 Fluid head wasn't out yet, which seems to give the same features as the GH-06 in a smaller package with matching features for ~$350

[@toofy7253]

Thanks for the info. I'll look into this and it might save my wallet today 👍

[@smjsychj]

Is iFootage K7 a real fluid head or "fluid motion" head? E-Image GH06 is a real hydrolic head with fluid cartriages

[@kacpermichno]

Big shout out to the Velbon PH 368. It is magic for the price. I love the GH06. IT CHANGED MY LIFE

[@GeraldBertramPhotography]

It's 2020 so I'm trying this one again: "I'm Gerald Undone. The second best Gerald on KZbin."

[@geraldundone]

NEVER! 🤣👍

[@Thedudemannn]

HEY GERALD ! Could you do a 2022 updated version of this video for best tripod heads and sticks this year ? Thanks :)

[@MeridianMedia]

As always, thank you for providing such helpful, thoughtful, and thorough content.

[@98JamesNixon]

Bought the GH06 head thanks, very good fluid head and so much smoother then my old manfrotto

[@Leonelrm93]

6:40 Here Gerald mentions an acceleration to overcome. It is more appropriate to discuss the forces one has to overcome as the sum of all of the forces determines what kind of acceleration or pan/tilt occurs. Either there is a static friction or static fluid resistance that needs to be overcome since those static forces are larger than the kinetic or moving resistances which lead to a more comfortable tilt or pan. These resistance forces (friction and drag) are dependent on the amount of force between the surfaces and fluids respectively which is dependent on the shape and materials of the head as well as the distribution of mass of the camera, hence Gerald's earlier boxy camera comment. Keep in mind that there is rotation involved so a more in-depth analysis is required than simply pushing a box along the ground. Thanks for the video Gerald! Recently subscribed!

[@creativesymon]

The Manfrotto Nitrotech 612 is a genuinely awesome head and a fantastic upgrade on the flawed Nitrotech 12 that was release not too much earlier.

[@Stone1108]

Hi Gerald, happy new year to you. i’ve subscribed to and watched your channel regularly for some time now. I watch KZbin regularly, a broad mix (mainly photography and moto blogs), you should know that your channel is right up there with the best. I just wanted you to know that in my view you are getting it DUNN, we’ll done it’s evident how much work you put in and that’s to be applauded, you deserve your KZbin success. Please don’t burn out. Have a great year. 👏

[@geraldundone]

Thanks so much, Andrew! That's very encouraging and highly appreciated. Means a lot. Cheers! 💜🙏🙏

[@nauticfilms]

Uff. You just reminded me that I can call myself SO happy to own a good old Sachtler SB 6 and the tiny little brother, the long out of production Sachtler "Hollywood", made before the DSLR revolution, to a much higher standard than their ACE offerings today. Puh, one gear issue I don't have to think about.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Excellent info. I am learning some stuff. Never knew you should balance a camera on a tripod. Thanks.

[@innstikk]

Thanks for making the purchase so easy this time. Looking forward to test the GH06 out.

[@benoitlandot5475]

Love the bloopers ! As always, hank you very much for the review. I had come to the very same conclusion Manfrotto vs E-image.

[@VllKlNG]

The BH06 looks really good. The one downside I can see is the clicking noise it makes when you change adjustments. Hopefully you don't have to adjust while recording! Thanks for the tips and review!

[@tallguytrav]

I can't imagine needing to adjust these settings while shooting. You set up the tripod, adjust the settings to the weight of your camera and then go. Unless your camera is changing weight while shooting (I can't imagine a scenario where that would happen) you should be good.

[@gcprost]

One type of head I find very useful in my work is a gear head. I use this for my wide shot on Multicam shoots. It allows me to make fine adjustments easily. I use Manfrotto 504’s for my fluid heads with the legs that came with the kit.

[@ShaneCarrigan]

Instead of making a new video about fluid head mechanics you defer to one that already exists, so instead of over-saturating the platform to make a little more money with a video, you credit another expert and save everyone a little bit of time. Thats integrity. You rock. #GoodGuyGerald ...It's why I continue to trust what I am being told on your channel, 'preciate ya Gerald, keep going!

[@geraldundone]

Thanks, Shane! Means a lot. 🙏💜🤓

[@98JamesNixon]

Got the GH06 fluid head and tripod for £475 for an upcoming project, thanks for the help!

[@TommyCallaway]

Are.. you.. me? Lol! I just picked up two separate Sachtler fluid heads in the past week (just for use), but was planning a video on them already, comparing the same iFootage head, and a cheap ebay head.

[@geraldundone]

Ooooh! I love Sachtler. I'd be interested in seeing that video.

[@alex0589]

"Are you me?" Is something i ask Gerald a lot, seems to be talking about subjects im looking into within a week. Im also canadian and cant speak english either.

[@semurgid4082]

Just the best KZbin-channel about video. Tried for for some months to stay away from subscribing at your channel. But so many useful video. I give up)))

[@avdpost]

For a tiny bit more money Camgear have some good options too. The DV6P comes in a kit that is $1066 CAD (dvshop) and provides a a little more weight and more counterbalance adjustment points. And hey if you are in Canada they service them in the GTA, too. It's design is heavily influenced by Sachtler and rumor has it the enginners are folks who left Sachtler to use their expired patents to make the more budget friendly camgear heads. Love the videos, keep them coming!

[@rondonski101]

Thanks! Very informative but it's hard to see what you're doing with the equipment when you have a dark background, black shirt, and not enough light on the black products that you show. I can't see the product clearly. Sony product demos are well lit.

[@thebee18]

Turn up your brightness brother

[@16strato]

"I'm Gerald undone and don't forget to feed your camera some carrots"

[@wcsdiaries]

how does the manfrotto 502 compare to m500AH?

[@16strato]

@@wcsdiaries sorry, this is my brother who said it one year ago

[@wcsdiaries]

@@16strato how does the manfrotto 502 compare to m500AH?

[@daleb194]

🤯 Great video and information!! Thanks for the effort and great video

[@fasti8993]

Great video, very helpful. I like that your comparative reviews end up with a clear recommendation! Many youtubers do reviews and tell you that every product has its advantages but don't make a decision. I like your new setup, especially the camera angles. The only thing that I don't like about it is that als your new backdrop doesn't have any structure und therefore some times there are some prominet banding artifacts visible in the background

[@BentleyPascoe]

Perfect timing! I was actually just starting my search for a fluid-head set up. Thanks for the details Gerald!

[@nazhif1]

I've been using the Manfrotto 500A Fluid head for years now and it's been great. But recently I'm starting to use bigger A7 rigs with V mount and the tilt lock on the 500A can't hold it. I was planning to get the 502 but the GH06 seems intriguing

[@usernamehandle]

This intro gets me every time

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Informative. And I love those outtakes. LOL. Happy 2020.

[@CLesley89]

Lmao I was just searching up and pricing fluid heads for a rig that I am configuring for my job, and for my own personal setup. Looked at my phone and saw you just released a video on them. Your timing seriously could not have been better.

[@jeradhill]

Congrats on the 100k subs!!

[@geraldundone]

Thanks, Jerad!

[@CorneliusCreations]

Great video bro! Quick question for you, for a 32” motorized slider, would you use a heavy duty tripod or go with 2 light stands for each side of the slider? Thank you again for the video man!

[@martin_wood]

Yeah, the 502 checks alot of boxes, but as a slider operator, having the tilt knob on the same knob as the arm (right side) kills my vibe. Tilting with my right hand and locking it down with my left hand is huge for me on set.

[@DennisJacobsenWildlife]

Thanks for doing this one :) i got the e-image setup after seeing this review and love it!

[@OuglandMedia]

That GH06 looks smooth. Been looking for a good and cheap head for some time. I see this video is 2 years old now, do you have any other recommendations for a good videohead now, or is this one still a bargain? :)

[@DragRacingTV]

i made the unfortunate mistake of following gerald's advice here, and bought the gh06 head/sticks... the head broke the third time that it was used, specifically the tilt drag adjustment can't rotate into the lowest settings and e-image does not have any u.s. support locations... when you try to buy that head on b&h it's listed as "This item is noncancelable and nonreturnable"... the sticks were nice but without support e-image as a company is a fail, buy their products at your own risk.

[@smittyfilms_]

What is the base called that you used for the manfrotto 502ah?

[@J.Arnold]

My god, I've never seen your content before but had to instantly sub after that blooper reel at the end. lol That was a fantastic explanation of the different dimensions of consideration that a newbie like me doesn't even think about before buying a pair of sticks. Thank you!

[@Nickporter17]

Just got my GH06 in the mail. It's is buttery smooth but the first click of counter balance is too strong to hold my a7iii in place unassisted.

[@satchelack]

Another super clarifying video! Many thanks, as always. Quick question about 75mm vs. 100mm … If you have 100mm sticks and a 75mm head, does a 75-100 bowl adapter really make them work well together in practice? Or is it clunky and not worth the trouble?

[@lynnm8081]

Very helpful, entertaining and well put together! Thank you. 😊

[@jeremyhaage7251]

Anyone have comparisons between the e-image gh06 and other heads in the same price range? $400-500 USD. The Manfrotto shown in this video is 1/3 the price and I see they have other offerings around the $400 USD mark (504HD and Nitrotech N8). I'm not surprised the gh06 head is better than the 502 head, but curious if other heads priced similarly are roughly comparable.

[@SarahJonestoo]

Brilliant as ever. . . and this will inform my purchase later today!

[@spielundzeug]

I'm a big fan of number 2!

[@joenicklo]

Good review as always. I’ve had TWO of the Manfrotto fluid heads freeze up on me on the pan. Had to send them out for warranty repair. My third one has been fine.

[@shammyh]

Starting off 2020 strong. Excellent content!

[@TheFriendlyReviewer]

Very smooth Gerald, very smooth

[@gotscottgreen]

Love my Manfrotto 502, works really well when shoot stuff at a far distance too when zooming in and out (live theater, dance recitals, etc). Smooth, easy to adjust. I also bought the extension arm so I can use it sitting with a remote easier as well. It's great!

[@orlando9666]

Hi, I’m Gerald Undone... don’t forget about the white balance. While looking very serious and wide eyed

[@krzysztofzwolinski956]

Plus wrong white balance is set.

[@dufflyon8903]

Thanks so much for this! Building up my camera kit, this video came up at just the right time as I was planning on tripod options.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

Wow, you just saved me $2,000. I was looking at the Sachtler Flowtech with one of their fluid heads.

[@michaels3003]

You should split it and send a half of it to Gerald.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@@michaels3003 I bought it through his link, he got his cut. Random note: Guiliani was there when I was picking it up.

[@garybrown9719]

Im looking at the Mongoose M-2.3 Gimball Head One for everything

[@joyoffilming9500]

Gerald, another head that would be worth to take a look at is the relatively new Manfrotto Nitrotech 608 Fluid Head. It is the successor of the famous N8 with lots of improvements. After I had watched your video I wanted to go for the E-Tech head that you recommend in your video, but I could not get it in Germany. So, after a review of a German film making magazine, I bought the 608, and I am more than happy with it, especially when mounting my S1H with an adapted Sigma Sports 120-300mm f.8 (which is a heavy beast) onto it. It is buttery soft with exact amount of resistance and great to balance. But one need to know that it comes with a flat bottom instead of a ball that needs to be purchased separately. For me this is perfect as I can re-use a good Manfrotto tripot and mount the head on a slider.

[@harrisongang]

Great review. I have been wrestling with what replacement tripod and fluid head to buy, and I think you found it for me. Where are these tripod and head combos available for about $700? Amazon lists them for $1,049 and B&H lists them for $899.

[@InnovativeGadgets]

I've have just found and purchased a nice head. I'm very excited waiting to receive it!

[@randomgeocacher]

One feature I don't get is why all/most heads has a screw for fastening the plate, which can be quite annoying to fasten with some cages or larger cameras. Would be so much easier if the design was changed; the quick release could be tightened with a lever opening/closing in a horizontal direction, so it never interfere with the camera body in the up/down position.

[@bmefilms6879]

OMG the outtakes where hilarious!

[@gcprost]

I have two of the Manfrotto 504's and one 502. The 504's are great; however, I bought these as a kit and they are quite heavy. They are also quite difficult to fit into the audience seating area which I am increasing compelled to do. Often I will use the 502 in this situation. I don't use a pan and tilt head for my unmanned wide shot, I use a gear head which is very similar but it makes it simpler, I feel, to get quick and precise postioning. Thanks for the info on the E-Image. I might just replace the 502 with this, as the legs that it came with have a 75mm bowl. The importance of a bowl cannot be understated.

[@JoeMustang99]

I can hike some for wildlife video with the K5 but not with the Manfrotto! But the K5 slight jerkiness at start/stop of movement is definitely a problem. Most of the time I just have to live with it or try to edit it out. First choice is definitely the Manfrotto when I can handle the weight. Great video. Thanks

[@madcat1007]

Nice video, thanks. Does the plate on the Manfrotto accomodate a lens with an Arca Swiss tripod foot?

[@movingphotoproductions2830]

When the bloopers started, I just imagined that scene from Rocky IV, "HE'S NOT A MACHINE, HE'S A MAN!" So yeah: I'm Gerald Undone, and I'm not a machine, I'm a man.

[@kelloghill]

Great info! And nice touch on the out takes... 🤣 thank you!

[@braddahbill8131]

Can the GH06 Head be converted to flat base? I have a tripod with a bowl type leveler but not sure the GH06 Head would fit that bowl.

[@PhotoGearFun]

The new studio setup looks great!

[@MrCameraJunkie]

Really enjoying the end time blooper footage. 😁👍🏽

[@juliosnap]

PSA: I don't think the k5 has the problem that gerald mentions. I don't know if they've improved it somehow but I just ordered it to see for myself and it's great. As long as you set the lock correctly, there's no initial jerk, and I'm able to go from static shots to panning/tilting without jerkiness. The fact that my rig is fairly heavy might be a contributor to that, but it's a pretty amazing product for the price.

[@typoded]

these thumbnails are gettin good dude

[@KarenVaisman1]

Hi Gerald I love your videos you are very informative but this video really confused me. I am new to the video world. I have a Nikon Z6 and I’m starting to get more involved in Hybrid shooting. I would love more in-depth information on this topic of fluid heads and tripods. This video was a good introduction. After watching it I’m more confused about the topic. I am at Professional Portrait Photographer (30 years experiece}. I would like to get more into corporate interview videos for small businesses moving into hybrid video and I have a lot of photography gear so I’m wondering what I can use with a lightweight mirrorless camera if I wanted to get good video performance. I’m using you really right stuff ball head for photography any advice would be appreciated or if you want to make more in depth videos I would eagerly watch it.

[@janedavis5131]

Hi Gerald, thanks for this video! What’s the difference between GH05 and GH06 heads? Is it worth looking at the cheaper one for a BMPCC4K rig?

[@omykola]

Congrats with 100k subscribers 👌

[@outofoffice4757]

Thanks for the info. I am looking for suggestions for a light weight travel option, any thoughts?

[@miriammoriarty8588]

Great comparison. I'm just starting so I'm going to go with the bargain basement Neewer fluid head tripod for $80 while I'm learning. Hoping the Gh5 IBIS smooths it out.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

I bought the head/tripod combo via your link. The quick adjustment on the legs is fantastic, it definitely sped up my shoot.

[@harrisongang]

Hey Robert, where did you purchase your combo, and how much was it?

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@@harrisongang $699 @ B&H. If I knew the price would go up 50%, I would have bought 2 more.

[@harrisongang]

@@robertfeliciano5723 Thanks Robert. I will try to wait for a price drop. This definitely looks like the combo I need.

[@harrisongang]

@@robertfeliciano5723 By the way, did you get the carbon fiber tripod, or the aluminum?

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@@harrisongang Carbon.

[@fugitivephilo]

Am I right in saying that one of the major upgrades here to a Sachtler Ace XL head (or FSB-6, at greater cost) would be the benefits of a 75mm bowl with a flat base for slider use? The E-Image is bang-on for the price, but you would need a 6" hi-hat for slider use (which adds height/balancing issues on a slider).