Will a geared tripod head fit a Gitzo boom tripod for overhead artwork photography?
Asked 12/7/2016
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2 answers
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I use a Gitzo tripod with a horizontal/extendable arm to photograph flat artwork from directly overhead. The setup works well, but because I assemble and disassemble it each time, I have to re-level the camera to the artwork surface on every use. Right now I do this by loosening the head, nudging it, tightening it, and checking with a handheld level, which is slow and fiddly.
I’m considering a geared head, such as the Manfrotto XPRO Geared 3-Way Head, so I can make small, precise adjustments with control knobs instead of repeatedly loosening and retightening the head. Will a geared head like this fit a Gitzo tripod, including at the end of the horizontal arm? Are there better geared-head options for this kind of overhead copy/artwork setup?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
2
You're fighting a losing battle with the laws of physics. Here's an idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMWu5W8b_yg
If you're really wedded to the idea of a cantilevered rig like the one you've shown in the picture, a geared head might help - a Manfrotto 405 is what I've got with an ArcaSwiss adapter that eliminates the silly QR that Manfrotto used.
Originally by user76056. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user76056
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if your Gitzo arm/tripod mount uses the standard tripod thread, a geared head should fit. The Manfrotto XPRO geared head is commonly used on 3/8" tripod screws, and can also work with 1/4"-20 via an adapter, so compatibility is likely as long as your Gitzo uses one of those standard mounts.
For your use, a geared head is a sensible upgrade because it allows precise leveling without the loosen-nudge-tighten routine. The Manfrotto XPRO geared head should suit overhead artwork/copy work well. Community feedback suggests it works nicely for studio use, though adding multiple components can reduce rigidity.
If you want a higher-end option, the Manfrotto 405 and Arca-Swiss D4 were both recommended as very effective geared heads for fine adjustment, with the D4 noted as more compact and easier to use—but more expensive.
One caution: with a cantilevered overhead setup, stability is always a limiting factor. A geared head helps with alignment, but it won’t eliminate the physics of flex and vibration in an extended arm setup.
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