What is the difference between the GKJr Katana Pro and the GK Katana GImbal Head?
The main difference between the two models is the size. The Katana Pro is more portable due to its smaller footprint.
If you have extremely large lenses and heavy setup, then the GK Katana is for you. But, if you value portability, then the GKJr Katana Pro is the one.
Will the clamp work with other brands?
Yes, the GK Katana and GKJr Katana Pro has a regular Arca-swiss clamp that allows you to use any camera accessories that has an Arca-swiss plate.
What is a side clamp gimbal?
It works by having the camera pivot up and down by its side while panning left to right through the gimbal mount.
Processing Times
Orders received before 2:00 PM CST will ship the same day provided the product ordered is in stock. Most orders received 2:00 PM onwards will ship the next business day.
Orders not processed or shipped on Saturday and Sunday, except by prior arrangement.
Shipping
USA
We offer regular shipping for orders over $100. This takes around 3-5 business days for delivery. Feel free to select express shipping to receive your items in 1-3 business days.
International Orders
Shipping costs start at around $35 for UPS/DHL. Items worth $300 or higher have a shipping rate of 8-10% of the total value of the order. Cheaper methods are available at your discretion. But we are not liable for any lost packages due to the lack of tracking numbers.
Expect your orders to arrive in 7-10 business days.
Once shipped out we are not responsible for delays, missing, lost or stolen packages. Kindly inform us for any delays experienced and we'll do our best to ensure that you will receive your order.
Customers are responsible for all shipping charges, including custom fees for international orders.
Exchanges
We offer a 30-day money back guarantee on all orders. Your satisfaction is our guarantee.
For returns or exchanges:
- We must be notified through our email at pmg@promediagear.com
- Item must be return or exhanged in top-notch condition.
If the received item is damaged/defective upon arrival, please notify us immediately.
Please keep in mind that international orders might take a while when it comes to exchanges and returns. You may chat with us prior to ordering if you need help in deciding which product to get.
I've been using a video heads(Sachtler FSB8 etc.) to take pictures of wild birds by super telephoto lens(600mm f4).
However, video heads are very heavy and I was very tired when bird watching, so I considered installing a gimbal head to reduce the weight of the head.
My requirement for a gimbal head was to be able to easily adjust the friction in the tilt and pan directions.
After looking up reviews on various gimbal heads on YouTube, etc., I bought the GKJr Katana Pro Gimbal head because it looked good.
When I checked the operation of the gimbal head I received, the friction adjustment was as expected and was excellent, so I am very satisfied.
In addition, since the clamp width was small at about 60 mm, I changed the Cradle Clamp to Wimberley SP-WH-001(the width is about 90mm).
And an original pan handle has been added to improve operability.
I'm very satisfied now.
Using a ball head is a pain as the moon is a moving object so I got the katana jr to make it easier and I can’t ever see myself going back
I've only had the opportunity to use it properly once so far. Build quality is fantastic. (I'm using it to support a Canon 5D IV and the 100-400 mkII)
The gimbal is worth every dollar spent, and I have owned it for years. It has experienced weather conditions - from blowing sand in Botswana, to freezing rain in Minnesota, to frigid cold and snow in Northern Ontario, Canada. It has traveled to Africa, Alaska, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, South Carolina, and many other places from the East Coast to the West Coast of the US. So with this travel record, and facing extremes in weather, it still performs like new. It is built extremely well, and even is stylish in craftsmanship. I could not get the images I do without this fine gimbal. I now have accessories from PMG for it, like the GF2 Gimbal Head Flash Doubler. I especially love how their other products work so well together.
I have had the opportunity to use several gimbal heads including the Wimberley V1, V2, a cheap gimbal from Amazon and the Katana Jr. Of all of these, the Katana Jr is my favorite. The Wimberley products are outstanding, they are as smooth as silk and built like a tank. The Katana Jr are also as smooth as silk and built like a tank but 1 pound lighter. That weight savings is great in the field.
I have to admit to having some vanity and as such, I find the Katana Jr is a better looking product. I know as a photographer it should not matter what the gimbal looks like if it gets the job done but if the Wimberley and the ProMediaGear products both work the same and one looks better than the other...
The only negative I have encountered with the Katana Jr is the "grainy" feel of the tension knobs as apposed to a Wimberley. The Katana Jr is not as smooth when tightening down the tension. This, to me, is especially true of the lower tension knob. It just isn't as smooth as the Wimberley. This is not a fatal flaw and certainy not a negative that would preclude me from choosing the Katana Jr a second time if I had to.
The Katana Jr is an outstanding product for anyone with a long lens who has occasion to stand for long periods of time waiting for the perfect wildlife or sports shot.
Thanks ProMediaGear,
Matt
Update: Previously in my review I indicated that the adjustment knobs had a "grainy" feeling to them, especially the lower adjustment knob. As time has passed and I have had more opportunities to use the Katana Jr, the grainy feeling has smoothed out. The Katana Jr really has been a pleasure to use. I have had more than one person ask me about it while it sat on my tripod.
