Benro launches four new gimbal heads

Kenro the UK distributor of Benro tripods and accessories has today announced four new gimbal heads for photographers using super-telephoto lenses. The heads range in terms of load from the GHA which weighs 0.47kg has a maximum load of 15kg (33lbs), and an RRPP of £220 inc. VAT through to the top of the range GH3, which is claimed to be able to support up to 25kg (55lbs) and will retail for £584.99 inc VAT. The GH2 shown below weighs 1.44 kg, has a maximum load of 23 kg and an RRP of £439.99. All the heads include an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release clamp.

Benro is the sister company to Induro (and distributed by Profoto), which offer the same range of heads (GHBA, GHB1 and GHB2, though Induro haven't as yet announced a GHB3), so there could be some price advantage to the Benro models. It's also worth noting that the Induro models (and now these from Benro) are made for them by Wimberley.

Press release:


New Benro Gimbal heads available
Kenro has announced the UK availability of four new Gimbal heads as part of its extensive Benro Tripod range.

Benro Gimbal heads have been developed to allow the user to manipulate heavier cameras with large telephoto lenses more comfortably than with a standard tripod head. This is especially important in long distance, sports and wildlife photography.

Speed, stability and maneuverability are especially important features when using long and heavy telephotos, where a steady camera platform combined with quick smooth action control is essential to ensure sharp imaging. The mechanism on Benro Gimbal heads operates on the principal of manipulating the lens using its own centre of gravity. Using this principal enables the photographer to operate high magnification telephoto lenses very effectively.

The Benro Gimbal Head GHA weighs 0.47 kg, has a maximum load of 15 kg, and an RRP of £220.00.

The Benro Gimbal Head GH1 weighs 0.71 kg, has a maximum load of 12 kg, and an RRP of £319.99.

The Benro Gimbal Head GH2, weighs 1.44 kg, has a maximum load of 23 kg and an RRP of £439.99.

The Benro Gimbal Head GH3, weighs 1.76 kg, has a maximum load of 25 kg, and an RRP of £584.99.

Kenro's Managing Director, Paul Kench, says: "These Gimbal heads are rock solid and smooth in every adjustment. They help long lens users (both professional and enthusiast) to achieve consistently sharp results."

To view Kenro's full range, or for details of your nearest stockist please visit www.kenro.co.uk

Induro tripod reviews coming soon

Induro CX213 + Markins M10

I've been testing some Induro tripods and I'm mightily impressed. The above is the Carbonflex CX213 complete with a Markins M10 Q-ball, RRS plate and Pentax K-7 with 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited. I hope to post a short review later today, or tomorrow. Also to be reviewed is the top-of-the-range C414.

Update August 01, 2009: The C414 review can be found here.

Induro C414; first impressions

I have some Induro carbon fibre tripods in for review, and my first impressions are very favourable. The top-of-the-range model, the C414, is a bit of monster, but every bit as impressive as the Gitzo equivalent.

Unlike Gitzo though, the naming convention makes a lot of sense; you can tell it's a carbon fibre model with series 4 tubing (the largest and greatest load bearing), has a centre column and 4-leg sections for a smaller pack-down size. Quoted load is 12kg, somewhat conservative in my view but I would imagine easily bearing that load when fully extended.

Body castings are magnesium alloy, though you wouldn't really know it from looking. Maybe the marketing guys need to do more there with the guys at the factory. If that wasn't enough, the Induro retail for a good deal less than the price of the Gitzo equivalents, come complete with a decent (padded) bag, tool kit and steel spikes.

I can see how they could be improved (a subject for another post, or maybe a proposal to the manufacturer, if they're interested) but what's not to like?

We didn't have a Carbonflex 8x CX214 (pictured above) when we wrote the macro tripod feature, as it was being redesigned at the time but we have one now, and may well post a specific review.

Links: Induro