From Digital Camera World · · 2m
Sirui PH-10 Gimbal Head Review: Heavy-Duty but Lightweight
Sirui PH-10 gimbal head offers smooth performance but struggles with lens balance.
In brief
Sirui PH-10 gimbal head offers smooth performance but struggles with lens balance. Sirui PH-10 gimbal head provides smooth movement and carbon fiber build but lacks sufficient height for optimal lens balance. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Digital Camera World Verdict
The Sirui PH-10 Gimbal Head has a sufficient payload rating for big telephoto lenses but is not tall enough for ideal lens placement.
Reasons to buy
Luxury carbon fiber build, fairly compact and lightweight, smooth free-flowing movement.
Reasons to avoid
Arguably too short, relatively modest max payload.
Sirui Background
Sirui is a Chinese company founded in 2001, known for tripods, support gear, anamorphic lenses, and photographic lighting.
Gimbal Head Type
This is a conventional gimbal head for supporting telephoto lenses and cameras on a tripod, not a run-and-gun stabilizer.
Specifications
Carbon fiber construction, max load 15kg / 33lb, weight 0.98kg / 2.2lb, height 20.8cm / 8.2in.
Price & Availability
Priced at $249 / £229 / AU$404, discounted to £179 / AU$215 in the UK and Australia.
Design & Handling
8-layer carbon fiber L-shaped bracket with aluminum components, smooth panning and tilting mechanisms.
Panning Mechanism
Full 360-degree rotation with position markers at 90-degree intervals and a calibrated scale marked at 15-degree intervals.
Tilting Mechanism
Mirrored scale from 0 to 75 degrees upward and 60 degrees downward, with 15-degree intervals marked.
Lens Bracket Issues
Short upright section prevents centering lens with tilt pivot, causing imbalance when not horizontal.
Mounting Platform
Adjustable platform with 50mm movement, calibrated scale, and safety screws for stability.
Performance
Smooth movement for tracking erratically moving objects, but unbalanced when not horizontal.
Verdict
Great value for money but requires careful alignment for optimal balance with telephoto lenses.
Alternatives
Benro GH5C offers more height for lens balance at $435 / £485 / AU$900; Leofoto PG-1 is aluminum and lighter at $458 / £420 / AU$789.
Conclusion
Sirui PH-10 is great value but not ideal for lens balance without adjustments.
The big picture
Sirui PH-10 gimbal head provides smooth movement and carbon fiber build but lacks sufficient height for optimal lens balance.
