I've been working as a professional union camera operator for 15 years, and I can tell you that the E-image line of tripods are very good quality for the money. If you can't afford Sachtler, Miller, Vinten - these are great. My problem is that I do a lot of field work in rough terrain, and I needed these to come with a mid-level spreader and rubber feet. It was a requirement for what I was looking for. They do not. Even though they are pictured in the description and listed in the video, they do not come with the kit, and if you try to contact IKAN they will act very, very confused as to what you're even talking about. Read more
This Tripod and Fluid Head came out a few years ago and E-Image had updated it in October of 2015 so that the plate is 100% compatible with Manfrotto plates & Quick Releases. Prior to that the plate was slightly smaller and were not compatible. You'll want to be sure that the serial number found under the QR plate of the Fluid Head is H1510XXX or later. I would ask the seller before making the purchase as there may still be a few older ones laying around. I had bought one that had been sitting around in the Dealer showroom for awhile and it was H14XXXXX. Was upset that my standard Manfrotto plates didn't work. But E-Image was very professional and kind and provided an update to the head without charge. I'm sure every situation will be looked at its unique situation and hopefully you'll get the same treatment. But I'm just speaking for my own experience. Now onto the GH10L Fluid Head. The head is buttery smooth and the drag rings click into place assuredly. The counter balance work very well and had no trouble getting it set up. I think it'll help even more if you have a slightly heavier load than I have. I'm working with a rigged out Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K with Matte Box, rails, etc. It would easily support the Canon C series or the Sony FS7, Ursa Mini Pro, etc. I was at a camera shop and compared this to Sachtler FloTech75 legs and Ace XL Fluid head. I loved the FloTech and liked the idea of a lighter tripod. But I'm glad I went with this 100mm bowl and carbon fiber legs. The single twist locks the legs into place, no muss, no fuss...and very secure. I liked the Ace XL well enough but felt it was Cheapish in feel especially compared to the FSB6. I would place the GH10L somewhere closer to the FSB6 than the Ace XL. All in all a great purchase. Time will tell how well it will hold up. I've previously had a Manfrotto 501 which took a beating for 20 years and held up really well. I wanted an upgrade. The GH10L and GC102 legs look to be far superior. Read more
