#photography nerditry:
I’ve been playing with the Rogeti RG1 geared tripod head, and I’m liking it more than I expected to. Rogeti is a small specialized Chinese manufacturer; the tripod head is their flagship product. Compared with the Arca C1 Cube (my go-to), it’s a bit smaller and lighter, but the thing that’s really growing on me is the interchangeable modules for z-axis (panning) movements.
It’s not cheap (about USD900), and there are a few annoying quirks, but I’m using it more and more.
@mattblaze@federate.social what a coincidence. Just this morning I was doing more research on reports and reviews as I’m looking for new geared head myself. There are very few reviews or even just comments on forums by people who have used more than a single of of those heads. Was looking for reports on the Rogeti and Linhof heads, but found no direct comparisons. This mini thread of yours is helpful - to me at least. Thanks for sharing! Wondering how long you’ve been using the RG-1 so far?
@RecoveredExpert@mastodon.social A couple months now. The linhof is generally better - it has VERY precise and smooth gearing - but it only allows +/- 12 degrees of leveling. That’s more than sufficient for level photos, but can leave you wishing for more if you want to shoot upwards or downwards. The RG1 has more range, and is a bit cheaper.
@RecoveredExpert@mastodon.social Also, if you go for the Linhof (assuming you’re in the US), you save a TON by ordering it from abroad. Linhof and Studio outside London is a reliable retailer that I’ve dealt with, and has them for much less than any US dealer.
@mattblaze@federate.social Linhof Germany is just about 25 mi from where I live. With 19% import
Tax and possibly custom fees the RG-1 with shipping from China would be more expensive to me than the 3D Micro. Wish I could rent both and test them, but that impossible where I live.
Thanks for sharing your experience in the original posts and your replies to
my questions!
@mattblaze I’ve narrowed it down to the RG-1 and 3D Micro already. Wondering how much weight you’re putting on it, if that is on or off-center and if you’ve noticed any sag.?
@RecoveredExpert I think my heaviest setup is maybe 12 lbs, a bit off center. No problem for either head; both are rock steady. I wouldn’t use either with a 600mm monster.
@mattblaze@federate.social
Was asking b/c beside my std use case (simple FF DSLR/MILC) camera + not too long lens (200 mm or less on “full frame”) I also wonder if I could use it as a fancy leveling base when using my motorized +automated pano head. That’ll get me to around 7.5 kg/16ish lbs and a load that is a bit off center. It’s not something I do often anymore, but when I use it my old leveling drives me nuts.
@RecoveredExpert@mastodon.social yeah, I’ve never tried with anything like that. You’re PROBABLY ok, but the arca cube seems more solid (and has adjustable friction).
@mattblaze@federate.social For my standard and most common use case (which include 17 & 24 mm T/S lenses) the C1 isn’t ideal. Getting two geared heads seems a waste of space and weight, especially when traveling ;)
@RecoveredExpert@mastodon.social Totally. I don’t think there’s any perfect solution here. The Arca heads are more rugged but less precise, sadly.
Personally, I’d probably go with the Linhof if I had to pick just one.
@mattblaze@federate.social I was under the impression you prefer the Rogeti over the Linhof?
@RecoveredExpert@mastodon.social The Linhof is definitely a more precise instrument , but has more limited range and is bigger amd heavier. Rogeti is better for general use (especially traveling light), but the Linhof is better if the range is sufficient.