I have a Benro TMA37C tripod with the Benro GD3WH geared head that I just purchased. I was frustrated with the stability of my MePhoto tripod as well as my inability to get the tripod and ball head leveled for panorama shots. With my new Benro kit, the panorama’s are a breeze. I could’ve be happier with the Benro setup. It is rock solid. By the way, I like the first composition of the bridge. This is my first time visiting your channel. I’ll have to explore it some more.

Sweet video, James. Seem to be following an increasing group of terrific British landscape photos. Heaton, Gibbs, Hardcastle and now Mr. Brew. Look forward to more!

Wow what a crazy little bridge it’s amazes me how people make these great couple of images.

I’ve had my Benro for six years. Clever, flexible and great value for money.

Love the wee bridge, thanks for sharing and happy new tripod James.

Another great video and a couple of stunning images!

Absolutely beautiful images, James. Love that bridge. What a find..

What a hidden gem that is!😳 very nice photos !👊🏼😎

I've been using the Benro GD3WH for over a year and I love it. I bought it originally for macros. It allows me to control the camera movement in each axis without affecting the other two axes. After using it for a while I found this control also improved my landscape photos so now I use the GD3WH exclusively. The control you have when positioning your camera is unbelievable. You dial in the picture you want to shoot. The only negative I found to using the head was that you can't elevate the camera more than 30 degrees. Which is needed during astro-photography. To go further than 30 degrees of elevation, I simply shorten the back leg of the tripod.

What a gem of a location you have discovered James. Two excellent compositions and detailed explanations to boot, what more can we want for a vlog. Thanks for sharing Mate, 👍📸

I've had the same geared head for three months. Love using it,stong but lighter than other geared heads. Smooth and easy to compose,level,and adjust just right! The plate retention is a good feature as well. No over tightening or getting too loose when adjusting. Just . . smooth. Holds my heaviest lens just fine.

Many years ago, 1989 to 1998 when I had my own camera shop & studio I was using a Benbo clone tripod mated to a Manfroto pistol grip head, it enabled me to work very quickly & once I released the pistol grip the head stayed right where I wanted it to be, also the head came with a QR system so swoping cameras was a doddle, the only drawback was the weight, but as a studio tripod it was ideal, if you are not au fae with the Benbo marque it can move from ground level to many feet in the air rapidly.

Great video man. Yeah that little bridge is really cool 😊

A couple of lovely images, the second one was better for me, both because of the light but also that nice red colouring in the rock on the far side. The new tripod looks great. I used to use the Manfrotto geared head. Great for setting up really precise compositions. The only issue I had with it was the weight and that it made the tripod very top heavy when I was carrying it on the rucksack for long periods. So I bought a ball head for using when I was hiking with the intention of swapping them over depending on use. Gradually, over time, I just stopped using the geared head and eventually sold it. I'll look forward to seeing how you get on with the new tripod and head in the future

Nice video James. Always wanted to shoot in Ireland, my ancestors are from Antrim. Keep posting, I look forward to seeing more!!

I recently bought a reasonably priced set of carbon fiber legs and a used 3 axis head to go on them, I'm hoping to get out for a first test run tomorrow. I think the main reason why many landscape photographers go for a ball head (combined w/an L bracket) is weight, this new setup with that heavy duty head weighs as much as my old 1980s aluminum Coastar although it's got a lot more reach and a quick release.

Loved the first image! Was blown away by the second image... who would have thought? I have a Swiss cube 3 gear head. Ridiculously priced, ridiculously heavy, awkward to use as well... but precise as hell. Despite the weight, price and inconvenience it gives me a great steady, level platform that is second to none. If you do any panos, a geared head is a bonus. I have a ball head, never use it unless I need two cameras on the go.

Great video and great images mate. I got the same Benro recently - great value for money.

Great video and my preference was the 2nd shot . Olive on the edge of exmoor and need to investigate it more with my camera .

I actually liked the first photo more - I tend to find I like the water coming towards me rather than a way in these type of shots, but more over I just think it all came together better. Both were wonderful though - and your explanations were very interesting. Thanks for sharing your artistry & expertise!

Two top images James. Never understood why so many landscape toggers use ball heads, since as you say they move in all directions when trying to frame a shot. I have the same Benro set up, and composition framing is just so much easier.and rewarding given you control 3 axes minutely. Get yourself longer spikes though. Will include a link. Got them after watching them used by Simon Baxter and he told me where to get them. The tripod is such great value for money and at Xmas Benro usually offer 20% off both items for an even better bargain. 😁

I use the same combination of tripod and head, and I'm very pleased with it. I mount the camera the opposite way of what i saw you did, so that I have the up/down control knob on "my" side of the head. Love this part of equipment.

Lovely 2nd image, glad to see you are happy with the new Benro.

Nice vlog and gorgeous location James. I have the same set up of tripod and head and wouldn’t be without it, especially when the wind picks up. When you plant it you know it’s going nowhere fast. I also changed the feet for really right stuff rock claws for addled grip. Bit heavier than others but as said it stays put. Love both images but if had to make a choice the second for the light. Cracking vlog mate well done💯🤓📸🇬🇧👍🤪❤️

I think you did a great job with the location, excellent images. PS I subscribed.

Brilliant Tripod I use the Aluminium version

This geared head is great I use it for landscape photography as well as I am out on a business shoot... plus it is not so heavy and it is so safe with the extra twist before releasing your camera from it! Nice vlog of course and nice images!

Great video James! It's very informative and entertaining, I like your style. Both photos are great, probably the 2nd is better because of the lights. I'm curious about your experience with the tripod, I want to change mine as well, so I look forward to your review in a few weeks time. Great work mate, keep it up!!

Lovely spot James and images. I’ve been using that same head for a while now and have no regrets. So much easier to compose a shot, particularly an intimate composition. You soon get used to the different knobs. Atb

Great video James. Just "discovered" you tonight on KZfaq. I have been using the Benro geared head for just over a year now, having gone back to one after ball heads and love the fine adjustments on 3-axes that you get. - David (Teesside ex-pat living in Canada)

Awesome vlog, nice little find that bridge, intrigued to where it is after seen it on your insta! Few little clues in the video hopeful to see it some day ,

Excellent shots and location, thanks for sharing

Top job mate great new tripod 2nd shot with the light wins hands down 📷❤️

I have been using the Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Tripod Head for years and its great. Really easy to compose with and solid. Great photos of a hidden gem. 👍

Superb James 👍

Some great images, and what a quirky little find!!?

Great tutorial James at the location setup and what a cracking tripod.

Great that you put in the effort to find a location that is special to you. Prefer the second shot, the light makes all the difference.

Beautiful created pictures 👍🏻amazing

Fantastic images James, I love those reddish brown rocks.

Well done!

Absolutely stunning photos!

Second image is superb James so glad to decided to get a composition from that side the first image was great too but the second is for my eye is best what a brill location . Tripod looks a good bit of kit too James great video once again mate love it, keep up the great work my friend all the best -Shaun.

This is great news James. I have the D750 and is my back up camera for my D850. You’ll actually find it’s a bit better at astro and video than the D850. It’s a brilliant camera for dynamic range and a little trick is to turn your record button into the ISO button for photos so it feels like the D850. Go to Controls > Assign Record Button > ISO. Good to see you back out and at it mate after the D850 mishap 👍🙏

Really love the second image - for the light - but also because the flow of the water leads you into the image. The bridge looks way bigger than it really is. Great video

So James, have you tried the Highlight Priority metering mode and only going to -1.7 EV? Great image (first one) and the second had the added color which was awesome.

Great location and shots. 4 years ago i decided to upgrade my tripod/ head combination. After months of research i decided against the manfrotto options due to the weight and bulk. Choices at the time were limited and i ended up with the Arca swiss D5. Nice and light and compact, for the tripod i went with a Feisol CT3472 which has been fantastic.

Very enjoyable video. Nicely done. I'm in my second year with the Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head and love it. I do still grab the wrong knob occasionally; it takes some practice but less frustrating for me than ball heads, more precise, and much more stable.

Gem of a post and images, James. Verticals worked well, tight crop, water flows, and texture in the stones. Birthday present red jacket, new (unstuck) filter, new tripod and venue - super. Wish you had covered more of exactly how you set up the tripod (beyond leg) for the shoot, and time it took. Had to gasp as you stepped over the bridge - risky business. Animal remains in other posts, as I remember. My guess is that the arch did not frame a sunset or sunrise.

No you did not make any mistake using a gear head for landscape photography, Acually i just got a benro tma28a tripod with a gd3wh gear head , its really a game changer !!! Also i would not tell anyone about youre location , That seems to be a very special place , I have acually found some fantastic locations to shoot at around the world , The world must be left in a way god intended it to be , enjoyed .

Great vlog mate, really interesting subject to shoot! The benro looks like a beast I must admit but I’m a 3 legged thing man 😂

Stunning images James, from both sides. It is a beautiful example of small scale civil engineering too. I wonder how old that would be as they certainly don't make them like that any more.

Love those images and that second one really does pop as you say

Beautiful little bridge and love your images. First one is my fave. Well done on being the first person to photograph the bridge. I promise not to try and find it. I would probably get lost anyway and end up like that sheep! 🤣🤣.

I've been using the Manfrotto 410 geared head for some time - I love it as you can set up your composition so much more accurately - it's a bit like using a microscope for those fine adjustments - I've put a arca swiss plate on it to use my L bracket (the Manfrotto version is ridiculously over engineered) - it is heavy but I drop the first section of the tripod down and use it as my walking pole - works well and pays of when I get to my destination.

Love my benro tripod. Tough as old boots. It got full of volcanic sand in Iceland, but it’s very easy to clean

I have a geared head as well, its great for those incremental refinements but it often doesn’t go in the kit because of the weight. When you’re trekking a long distance and you’ve got a couple of heavy lenses then the geared head often gets swapped for the ballhead. I know the RRS BH-40 PCLR is easy to use and not nearly as heavy.

Excellent shots James, they’re really well balanced despite the actual circumstances, v interesting to see how you got them :)

Gary Gough swears by his geared head too... May have to give one a try sometime... Thanks for sharing those great images!

You will want to practice PANOs, my 1st and only pano with my geared head was a milky way 3 row and was a disaster, because you are not rotating from the center of the tripod. The geared head is great for slowing down and really studying the composition & telephoto alignment is precise, no droop.

Really nice shots. Funnily enough I've been talking to another tuber about locations that only me and the dead sheep know about. Keep the exact location quiet otherwise in ten years time it will have plastic bottles and barbecue trays lying around it. Been thinking about changing tripod. I've got a Manfrotto (geared head) that is too heavy to carry round, so I just use a cheap light video tripod in the hills, not ideal but works fine with a bit of TLC and not carrying the camera on the tripod. Its forced me into the habit of walking around the site first and looking from different angles, then set up tripod and only after that set up the camera. Geared head or ball head is just photographic fashion, like snap or twist legs. If it works it works.

You got that tripod from watching me haha you will love that tripod mate I love love love mine

I have used my Manfrotto gearhead. my only complaint is the weight of it. use it for my florals and precision is incredible, but the control is simply amazing. your pictures are spot on!

I keep looking at geared heads and definitely prefer a 3-way head to a ball-head for landscape work for all the reasons you stated. But they are heavier and bulkier so, on my travel tripod, it's a lightweight ball job. I'll be interested to hear how you adapt to the geared model. BTW I read somewhere that Ross Hoddinott uses a geared head for his macro and landscape work so you won't be alone.

May I ask a stupid question? It is a good photo and I like the composition but where is the market for an image like this? Can you share for example what you will do with these two images specifically please.

Great video and smashing images. Very interested in the tripod set up too. What camera and lens are you using in the video as well?

Geared heads are good, but way too large! I will stick to my RRS BH 55 ballhead for now. Very happy with it.

I bought this head and am very happy with it. But I take a lot of panoramas, and then I used the leveling base on the stand. I have two leveling base, but none of them fit this head because it does not pass the bottom screw / wheel on the head. So I wonder if you know of a leveling base or adapter that fits this head.

The first image is perhaps an argument for taking an off camera flash with you?

I'd be all over that head for architectural photography but I think I'd find it annoying for landscape--too big and slow to use. As always an enjoyable and informative video. One thing to consider is that the levels in some of these cameras are themselves pretty good--though I've an irritating situation on my D800s where the level on one of them is spot on no matter what way you hold it while the other only likes to be held the "right way up" and the level is out of calibration for holding it upside down or with the grip down when in vertical.

Nice video, thanks. I’m a big fan of this Benro geared head! I’ve gone through two Manfrotto 410 geared heads which seem to get stiffer and also start stiffer than the Benro. I’d love to know where your little bridge is please? I’ll happily credit you on Instagram if I post it.

Hey? Does that geared head hold your Arca-style L-bracket? Lovely images, as always, by the way.

Beautiful images James. Hope it's all going OK on the IOM just seen the news reports 😕

I've planned to go out next week but might leave it until the leaves really turn colour? 🤔

Photo Two for me and there is no requirement to share the location as it will get ruined very quickly

I'm in agreement with other comments here. 2nd image is a corker! Excellent location. Btw, the bridge is 4000 years old, was built by aliens for herding camels..........probably.

You did not say the rough location or which country,---Scotland England Wales or where ?

Hello James. Nice work. But I believe that your composition was at 2:30 minutes. Second capture is better for my taste. Please, keep the location secret. Not selfies on that one.

The bridge could be Roman.

Interesting that you mentioned about the nerves of going out into the wilderness. This is something that definitely holds me back on landscape photography. Don't know why but it's almost like a stigma, interested to hear others thoughts on this, any experiences?

Nice image of the old bridge James. Just think about how it was built. The curve of the stones is what keeps it up. And it was built by hand.

Expensive on Amazon cheaper on Ebay, as is most things.

Does anybody know, is this in Peak District?

I didn't watch the whole video ....but where is the bridge ?

Many thanks for this very enjoyable video. I just stumbled across it. Photographs of that small bridge are superb. Just shows you never know until you seek and try. With regards to your Tripod and Geared Head choice. Check out this long term review by Lee Pengelly - a landscape photographer - he uses this combo and is 100% pleased with his choice (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oa16qtCjy56sm3k.html). His video and yours - well means I am off to my local photography shop this weekend to pick this combo up for myself!

The mistake is that more landscape photographers aren't using geared heads......

Great two images. Don't ever share how to get to that location online please; too many spots being ruined by 7 billion people.

P.S. Don't share the location (for reasons that you mentioned earlier in the video).

Save yourself some time and skip to 12 minutes for actual info re: tripod. Thumbs down for HORRIBLE title leading us to believe this is about the tripod. This guy rambled for 12 full minutes to tell you very little about landscape tripod choices.

"Not so premium prices" - are you having a laugh?