E-Image GH06 Head with 2-Stage Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs

Very Smooth stand/head, and counter balance works great for heavy rigs. The more weight loaded, the better it performs. The ground spikes really digs in so utilize the rubber feet on carpet. Overall, a well built tripod kinda close to Benro which means this will not disappoint for the price.

I felt compelled to write a review of the E-Image 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod with GH06 Head, because I couldn't really find detailed information on how well it would work for a smallish camera. This is the most expensive tripod and head that I have ever used, so I am not able to compare it to the big names, like Manfrotto, Sachtler, etc. The tripods I have used up until now have fluid heads and fixed tilt, pan, and counterbalance. I've been happy with them, but this one is way better! The biggest unknown I had going into this purchase is if, or how well, the counterbalance would work with the Canon HF G60. The camera itself weighs about 2.5 pounds (1135 grams) and I don't add anything to it, except a small Comica wireless receiver mounted on a small ball head in the cold shoe. The whole setup is fairly light in relation to what this tripod and head are designed for. With the counterbalance set on 1 and the tilt drag set on 3, the head will give you about 10 degrees plus or minus without having to hold it in position. Beyond that, it will drift back into that zone. This works pretty well for something like a pulpit shot where the tilt operates in a narrow range. Just make sure your camera is perfectly balanced with the tilt drag temporarily set on 0. With the counterbalance set on 0 and the tilt drag set on 3, you get a bit more range, maybe 15 to 20 degrees, before the head slowly falls forward or backward. This works pretty well for something like a dance recital or stage production, where there is a lot of movement, and you will generally have your hand on the pan bar at all times. With the counterbalance on 0 and the tilt drag on 3, you could probably use this for any small camera (even a smartphone) and be very happy with the performance. It may seem extreme to have the tilt drag set on 3, but it really isn't difficult to tilt and works really well for holding a small camera in position. I keep the pan drag set on 1. Because the camera is so small, anything higher than the pan on 1 requires a lot of effort to move. Pan bounce back is very minimal, almost nonexistent, especially if you just hold the position for a few extra seconds, before letting go of the pan bar. The sticks are wonderfully heavy and rock solid with some nice configurable options, but so far, I have only used the default narrow stance with the rubber feet. Although this tripod is obviously designed for camera setups that are heavier than mine, I am very pleased with the smooth, buttery feel of this combination. My only regret is that I didn't buy two when they were on sale!

Unlike many others this tripod head oozes quality. It has adjustable pan tilt dials as well as a counterbalance that can be dialed in for the weight of your camera. I'm impressed with the design of the fluid head. The aluminum legs are not so great. First of all they are too heavy. I like the single knobs at the top of the legs for setting up the tripod but collapsing the legs requires you to bend all the way over to the floor to pull up the first two legs by the loop provided. It's nice that the mid level spreader is adjustable to move the legs further or closer to the center. But overall I regard the 399 sale price I paid to be worth it for the head alone. From what I've read the carbon fiber legs also available for this kit are only about a pound lighter. So get used to a heavy tripod for this kind of quality.

Had heard about this tripod for years from various sources. Always wanted to give it a go but never got around to it. Finally pulled the trigger and have had it a few weeks now. It is INCREDIBLE. The fluid head is the star attraction as it's a wonder. Buttery smooth, consistent, and a joy to pan and tilt with. But the carbon fiber legs were also a great surprise. Simple, easy, and lightweight. I've previously used Sachtler's amazing flowtech system. While I love the system it is a bit heavier than I'd like. I use a Sony fx6 with a ninja v and small hd monitors and it holds them all perfectly. Cannot stress how amazing this tripod has been for our productions. Highly recommended over the more expensive sachtler and more entry level manfrottos.

I love the head on this tripod. It's a perfect value Sachtler alternative with proper counterbalance and drag adjustments. The counterbalance is pretty strong at its lowest setting, so I wouldn't recommend for lightweight mirrorless camera. They are too light to properly balance unless you intend to rig it out with a cage and accessories. Love the top load option, and that I can use Manfrotto 501PL plates with it (of which of have many). The legs are good and fairly lightweight. I love the monolock system. It's like a poor-man's flow-tech. No reaching down to unlock the second stage. Works great raising up, but can stick when collapsing so that's something to consider. Spreader is just OK and plastic. The bag that comes with it is garbage, unfortunately. It's flimsy and not padded very well. Mine came with an interior zipper essentially fused closed. I ended up having to cut it open to get the mounting plate and warranty card out. I've switched to the tripod bag from my older system. All in all though, pleased with the purchase.

I've been using Manfrotto fluidheads for over a decade but needed something cheeper. This tripod is as good or better than my Manfrottos. A little heavier because of the large aluminumm build, so if you need to haul this over distances I would splurge on the carbon fiber one. Excellent fluid head with proper tension adjustments for tilt and pan (not found in cheeper models) though I wish there were more steps in the tension nob. my favorite quality is the single lock legs. No need ot fuss with a lock on each leg stage, just twist the single lock on each leg and it releases all the stages.

I found this fluid head to work much better then it's price tag with my full URSA Mini G2 setup of 12lbs. Love the light weight legs!