Gitzo video heads?

N

n0signal

Active member
I don't know if this has already been posted, at least I've not seen it since I've been lurking on here. Has anyone had experience with either of the current two Gitzo video heads? I ordered one in at work the other day (I work in Jessops UK) and had a little play with it, seems pretty solid and drags okey, just wondering what people's opinions of it were before I'd commit to buy.

I had no choice but to try it on some classic (055?) Manfrotto legs, which buckled under the drag. *tut*
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

So... noone's had any experience or has an opinion of Gitzo fluid heads!? Fair enough, may take that as a bad sign and buy a Libec tripod kit instead. :-/
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

Yes, I have experience with the g1380 Head. I love it and I just ordered a kit with it and some carbon fiber legs. The best thing is it can support cams from 2.2 lbs to 22 lbs. But not cheap at 1600 bucko's. But in my opinion well worth it.
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

G1380 is a fascinating head, liquid smooth, very hi-Q, same mechanism as the Bogen 505 head (at $600), with multi-spring action for different weight cameras.

Post the model # of the head you're interested in, and I will see if I have one in the shop to do some testing on for you... ;)
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

I have a Gitzo 1380 head and sticks. The head has really smooth pan and tilt action.

However, the tilt lock is a piece of dung. The design is ridiculous. It doesn't give you the sense that you're locked and secured. The head can be tilted pretty easily even when lock is 'engaged'.

I really wish they would redesign this part of the Gitzo head.
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

Sorry, Terry, I meant for nosignal to post the model of his head. Terry, isn't there some way you can tighten that tilt? I will try to do that with the one I have in my office on Monday.
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

Hey Rush!

It was actually the G2380 head that I was looking at. Just need a lightweight head that I can take to and from Uni with me. Being a poor student type I can't afford the G1380. *sob*

The head seemed alright anyway. Just a bit basic. :-/
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

nosignal, I finally got a hold of a photo of the G2380, and remembered that I tried them at the Bogen booth in Videomaker expo. They were surprisingly smooth for the size and price. Then again, I wasn't expecting much... Still, I think I am going to buy one with a small CF tripod for hiking/travel. My 503/3221 gets a little heavy on my shoulder after hiking a while, and I think the little CF is going to travel a lot lighter in a suitcase. Hope that helps!
 
Re: Gitzo video heads?

It does indeed help, thanks Rush. Yeah, it seemed like a decent head when I had a play with it at work, just wanted a second opinion since I've not actually got my DVX100A yet (hopefully next Tuesday!).

Kool, will probably pick that up on staff price when I'm in tomorrow, and buy some Manfrotto 525MV legs to go with it. Probably. Gitzo legs are mucho expensive and pants for video!
 
I have been told by a reliable source that Gitzo's dont last as long as other tripods and that they have a bad name on the Pro Field, he reckons that Manfrotto is better but not by much. Has anyone had experience with the longevity of a Gitzo? specifically the Gitzo G2380 its either that or a Manfrotto 503.
 
I have two G2380's and love them both. Fluid enough, sturdy and great friction controls. Nothing wrong with G2380 and for that price...
 
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