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

Accessories for macro photography

Tripods aren’t the only means of support for the macro photographer, especially if working close to or at ground-level. I've rounded up a few accessories that'll make life that little bit easier.


Gorillapod SLR Zoom $54.95 (£35).

This little table-top tripod uses a series of ball-joints to make up each of its three-legs, enabling not only ground-level access but allowing the legs to be wrapped around fence posts, branches and the like. The SLR-Zoom easily supports small to mid-size DSLRs with a 50 or 100mm macro lens, and weighs just 241g.

Kirk Low Pod $150 (£120)

This specialised piece of kit, essentially a stable mounting plate for a Ball head, allows easy low-level work for the macro-enthusiast. Made from cast aluminium, it comes with a large carrying handle and four-rubber feet for stability on a number of different surfaces.

Wildlife Watching Supplies – Double Bean Bag $ 51 (£21.72)

Featuring two-bags sewn back-to-back to provide additional support and greater stability in the field, the Double Bean Bag is a pretty low-tech but hugely reliable solution to the problem of working at ground-level. At the price quoted the bean bag is supplied unfilled and without liners. Use bird seed, rice, corn and the like to attract animals, or fill with polystyrene for low-weight.

Wimberley Plamp PP-100 Adorama  ($36.95), Wex UK (£29.99)



Using a similar concept of ball-joints to the Joby Gorlliapod, the Plamp is a semi-rigid arm that clamps to your tripod, or nearest stable object, and is used to steady your subject. Measuring 48cm in length you could always use a second to position a tiny reflector or hold back some stray grass.

To return to the beginning of the article, please use this link.