Oben GH-30/30C Gimbal Head User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Oben
Table of Contents
Oben GH-30/30C Gimbal Head
INTRODUCTION
Thank You for choosing Oben!
The Oben GH-30 and GH-30C are gimbal-type tripod heads designed to balance a
lens along its vertical and horizontal axes. Both gimbal heads feature solid
and sturdy construction, and they mount onto most tripods with a 3/8-inch
threaded stud.
Ideal for wildlife or sports photography, the gimbal heads are designed to
ensure fast and precise camera positioning to capture the desired subject,
even with a heavy lens. Lenses that are large or heavy enough to affect quick
moving and aiming can be tilted or swiveled effortlessly and remain securely
in place once positioned.
Engineered with a strong and durable curved main arm, both heads support up to
44 pounds, yet balances the load so even a large lens feels weightless. An
arca-type quick-release plate is included for swift and secure camera
mounting, and it’s designed with safety studs to assure the security of your
lens so it won’t slip off of the head.
KEY FEATURES
- A. Tension control/Swinging arm lock
- B. Swinging arm
- C. Swinging arm scale marks
- D. Curved main arm
- E. Platform adjustment knob
- F. Plate platform
- G. 1/4 in. mounting screws (×2)
- H. Arca-type quick-release (QR) plate
- I. Plate release lock
- J. Panning lock
- K. Panning base
- L. 3/8 in. tripod mounting socket
- M. Panning degree marks
- N. 1/4 to 3/8 in. bushing (×2)
OPERATION
Mount the Gimbal to the Tripod
- Tighten the panning lock until it’s secure.
- Screw the mounting socket of the panning base onto the tripod’s mounting stud.
If your tripod has set screws on the platform, tighten them to secure the
gimbal to the tripod.
Important: Make sure thehead is screwed on securely so there are no gaps
between the base and the tripod.
Attach the Plate Platform to the Gimbal
- Loosen the platform adjustment knob, and slide the platform down to the bottom of the arm.
- Tighten the platform adjustment knob until the plate platform is securely locked.
Attach the QR Plate to the Lens
The Arca-type quick-release plate has two 1/4- inch mounting screws that
attach to most lens collars. Two 3/8-inch bushings are included, in case the
lens collar has 3/8-inch sockets.
Warning: Always hold the camera and lens while following the attaching
and balancing instructions.
Attach the screws of the quick-release plate with the D-rings, and then
tighten them with a coin or slotted screwdriver.
Mounting a Lens
- Tighten the swinging arm lock, panning lock, and platform adjustment knob, and make sure they are secure.
- Loosen the plate release lock, and place the QR plate and lens assembly into the plate platform’s grooves.
- Make sure the QR plate is seated properly in the plate platform, and tighten the plate release lock until secure.
Balancing a Lens
The correct balance is achieved when the lens and camera can be tilted at any
angle—up or down—and remain in place. With the proper balance, the lens can be
moved effortlessly, and it will stay pointed in any position without locking
the swinging arm.
Follow these steps to balance the camera and lens on the gimbal head:
Horizontal Balance
- Tighten all locking knobs so the camera and lens won’t accidentally move when mounted on the gimbal.
- Loosen the plate release lock, and adjust the horizontal balance of the camera and lens. Tighten the plate release lock until secure before proceeding.
- Loosen the swinging arm lock, and tilt the lens up and then down at a 45° angle. If the lens wants to return to a center position, the camera and lens are horizontally balanced.
Vertical Balance
- Loosen the platform adjustment knob, and adjust the height to vertically align the center of the lens with the axis of the tension control knob. Re-tighten the platform adjustment knob after every adjustment.
- After each adjustment, test the balance by pointing the lens up and down. If the lens and camera can be tilted at any angle and remain in place, they are now vertically and horizontally balanced.
Pro Tips
- For each setup, use masking tape or a grease pencil to note the position on the swinging arm and along the QR plate. This will make balancing the camera and lens much faster in the future.
- To maximize image sharpness, support the camera with your right hand while resting your left hand on the front third of the lens.
SPECIFICATIONS / WARNINGS
| GH-30 | GH-30C | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Diameter | 2 in. (5.1 cm) | 2.4 in. (6 cm) |
| Base Pan Range | 360° | 360° |
| Width | 9.3 in. (23.6 cm) | 9.3 in. (23.6 cm) |
| Height | 9 in. (22.9 cm) | 9.1 in. (23.1 cm) |
| Weight | 3.15 lb. (1.4 kg) | 2.7 lb. (1.22 kg) |
| Maximum Load | 44 lb. (20 kg) | 44 lb. (20 kg) |
Warning:
- Please read and follow these instructions, and keep this manual in a safe place.
- Do not attempt to attach the base of head to a tripod with the camera attached.
- Remove the camera and lens from the head during setup or transport.
- Do not exceed the head’s maximum load capacity of 44 pounds (20 kg).
- Ensure that all appropriate locks are engaged when necessary.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- All images are for illustrative purposes only.
WARRANTY
One-Year Limited Warranty
This Oben product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later. The warranty provider’s responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider’s discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended environment. Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty provider. If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and function.
This warranty does not cover damage or defect caused by misuse, neglect, accident, alteration, abuse, improper installation or maintenance. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, THE WARRANTY PROVIDER MAKES NEITHER ANY EXPRESS WARRANTIES NOR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This warranty provides you with specific legal rights, and you may also have additional rights that vary from state to state.
To obtain warranty coverage, contact the Oben Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to Oben along with the RMA number and proof of purchase. Shipment of the defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense.
For more information or to arrange service,
visit www.ObenSupports.com or call
Customer Service at 212-594-2353.
Product warranty provided by the Gradus Group.
www.gradusgroup.com
Oben is a registered trademark of the Gradus Group.
© 2019 Gradus Group LLC. All Rights Reserved.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners
Visit our website at ObenSupports.com for more Oben products.
References
- Oben | Tripods, Monopods & Tripod Accessories
- Gradus | Gradus Group
- Oben | Tripods, Monopods & Tripod Accessories