Andoer BK-45 Gimbal Head Tripod Screw for Heavy Telephoto Camera DSLR

The good: The Beike BKI-45 Gimbal head works fine with my Canon 7D and 70-200 f/2.8 lens, but it came with several problems. However, when I contacted the vendor about the problem noted below the response was immediate and friendly so part of the problem was resolved. Not so good: When the shipment arrived it was in a basic box with no packing material (only a simple plastic bag) and no product paperwork. The knob/screw used to prevent rotation around the axis parallel to the ground was significantly bent. Note: This same problem was reported by two other reviewers who attributed it damage in shipping, however in my situation, even though the product was shipped without any protective padding, the box itself was not damaged. So, given that the bent screw was quite visible, and I doubt it happened in shipping, my conclusion is that the factory or supplier had a stock of units with bent screws (possibly returns) and elected to ship them "as is". Also, the unit has a small bubble level which was frozen (does not function) so it's obvious there was no product inspection before shipping, or if there was, their standards are different than mine. Side note: This product also includes a small compass on one of the knobs which looks cool but I can't imagine what purpose it serves. Back to the bent screw: it actually worked but because of the uneven torque I suspect it would fail at some point. And since I was irritated that the product was shipped that way I thought about returning the unit, but decided to contact the vendor first with pictures showing the problem and a suggestion they send me a replacement screw. As mentioned above, the response was immediate and a screw arrived about 10 days later (from China). Bottom line: While I haven't used the product much since it arrived, and my usage is expected to be "occasional", basic testing indicates it will work so I plan on keeping it. However, given the amount of money many photographers have invested in cameras and "big" lenses, I can understand a serious user spending another $100-$300 to get a quality unit. Personally, I think the vendor is making a serious mistake by not addressing the quality issues (bent screw, non-functioning level, lack of inspection, proper packaging for shipment, and including a basic product/instruction sheet). If the cost has to go up $10 for these steps, so be it. It would still be a "good buy" and that that would move my rating up to a 4 or 5.

This is a good solid head. I really like it. I was quite skeptical because of the price and some of the negative reviews. But honestly it is a good head. Would a Wimberley be better...absolutely. And the Wimberley also costs more that $500+ more. Does this get the job done...you bet. I have no concerns about this head holding my lenses. I just purchased a Sigma 150-600 sport lens which weighs 6.3 pounds by itself. This head has no problems holding the lens and my Canon 5D MkII. Once the rig is balanced correclty, things work good and movement flows just fine. I have no problem tracking birds in flight or other wildlife. Works a million times better than using my nice ball head with a big lens.Some reviews talk about it being a little stiff and yes this is true, but the rotation that allowing panning back and forth is very very smooth and silky. It did come with a slightly bent screw, but it still tightens things down just fine. Moving the lens on the up and down axis is a little stiff, but I would not want it much looser or the camera would move around too much. I also had ordered a second and longer arca-swiss plate from a third party and the clamp on the head had problems gripping this second plate all the way. It just did not sit 100% tight. This caused just a slight play and thus made it so the camera does not sit level. It is off by about 1 degree. Very annoying. But, this only happens if I use the third party lens plate, so not sure if it is the lens plate or the head. I am going to order a different brand lens plate and try one more time. So that is the only real complaint I have. I would totally buy this again because the price is so good. I have not used this for an extended period of time, but so far I am very pleased.As far as I can tell, this is the exact same head as the Opteka GH1 and this head sells for almost half the price of the Opteka GH1. What a deal.(If the manufacture reads this, it would be nice if you send me a straight screw.)

Upon opening the package to my dismay the screw was bent also. I contacted the supplier and he said it would work but I was not going to try it as it is a casting and no good can come from it. They first offered a discount but when i gave my offer they said they would get me a new screw. Yes I received that now. In the mean time I went to ace got a 3.5" 8mm screw drilled out the old one.. there was a metal plate in the knob which was good. After a few re-drills i got the screw to be the same length filled the top with gorilla glue waited and all is well. For 1/5th the price using it for a 100-400 it serves the purpose. Now, if and when i get a 600 f4 I will spend the money on the real thing...insurance.. Btw you will need a bigger plate also 100mm or bigger for balancing right.. It actually is ok as the mount feels dampened which actually helps...(Im sure not high quality bearings, but for the price you get what you pay for).

I just purched my first large lens, a Nikon 200-500 f5.6. Prior to this I used a Nikon 300 f4 for my bird photography and found handholding or my ball mount very sufficient. With the new lens I find the tripod very restrictive and the ball head totally inappropriate.When I met some birders on the coast of Mass. Two of the where working with larger lens then me on s monopod with a Wimberly Gimbal on top. After talking with them I decided to give it a go but when I saw the cost for the Wimberly I was not sure. Missed some great Bald a Eagle shots so started looking.While the reviews on this unit were not always great I decided to give it a shot. Really glad I did. Mine worked great out of the box and makes a huge difference on top of a monopod it allows great freedom of movement and since I'm a little over 6 foot the monopod gives me a better view. I have added an AquaTech Monopod grip to the monopod(heave outfit for me) and it goes everywhere with me. Gimbal makes all the difference and I have been very happy with it for the past two months.

I'm happy with the product, although the screw that holds the base plate on my long lens usually works itself loose after a few hours of carrying it around. So I just remember to keep and eye on it an tighten it up if I find my lens is moving on the plate. Decent quality for the price, especially since I am not using it to make a living. I was a tad disappointed at the additional $25.00 custom charges, which ended up making the item not quite as good of a deal.

Seems reasonably well-built. Haven't used it long enough to see how it holds up over time.

Not worth the money

I took a chance and ordered this gimbal in spite of mixed reviews for the BK-45 sold under various names.The knob to loosen and tighten the swing arm must have been tightened by a gorilla, it's completely seized.The horizontal rotation is very stiff regardless of how loose you unscrew the locking knob. I think they used sand or glue instead of a proper lubricant.Very disappointed with the BK-45. I wasn't expecting Jobu quality for $100 but the item I received would make a good paper weight if it was priced at a $1