Just wondered if there are any long-term users of this head out there, as I'd like to reassure myself about the long-term reliability of them given a couple of negative reviews I've read. I've certainly been very happy with my Gitzo tripod for several years and like the look of this head to accompany it... Any thoughts would be appreciated!
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Gitzo GH1720 long-term reliability (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Grando
- Start date
Saxatilis
Well-known member
Yes, that sort of prompted this question. I suppose I was hoping to hear from a few people who hadn't had that experience, as I think there's a danger that only the unlucky, dissatisfied customers post their comments, leaving a false impression of a product's quality and reliability.
I suspect that the Gitzo won't be as smooth at panning as my Manfrotto (with two locks), but it will hopefully be more stable, easier to attach the plates, much quicker to control, and much lighter. Obviously though if many people's experience is that they break after a few months then I shan't touch it! Given that there is a 7-year extended manufacturer's warranty on them, however, and my good experience of their tripod legs then I'm tempted to risk it. Dear as they are, it's not quite like buying a new scope...
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I was considering lightweight fluid heads quite recently, looking to mount a Swaro ATS65 to a Benro CF tripod.
The 1720 was given much consideration, but eventually i went with the Sirui VA-5. I have found it quite delightful so far. It's not the 'single operation', with separate pan and tilt (pan being basically on or off, but the resistance when off is just about right), and i guess i'll never know if i would have been ok with the 1720, but there was just enough doubt generated by reviews to look for alternatives.
The 1720 was given much consideration, but eventually i went with the Sirui VA-5. I have found it quite delightful so far. It's not the 'single operation', with separate pan and tilt (pan being basically on or off, but the resistance when off is just about right), and i guess i'll never know if i would have been ok with the 1720, but there was just enough doubt generated by reviews to look for alternatives.
Alexis Powell
Natural history enthusiast
I've been using the GH1720 on a weekly basis for about 4 years and have had no problems or changes in its operation. I find that it works very well and that nothing of the same mass compares for performance.
--AP
--AP
henry link
Well-known member
I've had a 2720 for about nine years and a 1720 for about 4 years.
I think the panning function of my 2720 has become a little more fluid over the years, which is a good thing since it started off too stiff. The 1720 hasn't changed, which isn't such a good thing since when the locking control is fully off the tilt is a bit too loose and floppy. In my experience with the Gitzo 17/2720s the downside of a single locking control is that the tilt and pan may not be equally fluid on every unit and there is no way to change that. Be certain from the start that the tilt and pan fluidity on your unit is a good match.
I think the panning function of my 2720 has become a little more fluid over the years, which is a good thing since it started off too stiff. The 1720 hasn't changed, which isn't such a good thing since when the locking control is fully off the tilt is a bit too loose and floppy. In my experience with the Gitzo 17/2720s the downside of a single locking control is that the tilt and pan may not be equally fluid on every unit and there is no way to change that. Be certain from the start that the tilt and pan fluidity on your unit is a good match.
