The GKC Katana Sidemout Telephoto Lens Gimbal Head from ProMediaGear provides ultrasmooth movement and stable support for even the longest telephoto lenses. It has a load capacity of up to 150 lb of equipment, yet weighs only 4.5 lb. This unique gimbal head design features an Arca-type cradle attachment in place of a traditional cradle arm, allowing it to attach directly to the foot of a large telephoto lens with an Arca-type dovetail or quick release plate. Separate locking and adjustment mechanisms allow friction adjustment without instability. Camera and lens positions can be adjusted smoothly with one hand and a balanced position maintained without tightening. The GKC Katana is CNC precision machined from 6061 aluminum alloy and made with weather-sealed ball bearings to enable smooth movements.

Load Capacity: 150 lb    Height: 13"    Length: 9.5"    Weight: 4.5 lb    Arca-Type Quick Release Clamp    Cradle Arm-Free Design    2 Bubble Levels    Panning Base with Locking Knob    CNC-Machined 6061 Aluminum Alloy    Hard-Anodized, Scratch-Resistant Finish

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does this Katana head have a screw in the bottom so that I can attach it to my Gitzo series 5 tripod? If any adapter is needed what would it be?

A: This will work with any regular tripod. Both the Gitzo Series 5 and the Katana use 3/8"-16; the tripod will have the male threads and the gimbal will have the receiving mount.

Q: 2. Is it worthy to buy for lens 800mm with 1dx mark 2

A: This is rated for 50lbs. The Sigmonster I own, with camera weighs about 17 lbs.

Q: 3. What is the main differences between Katana and the more expensive model they make?

A: The more expensive one has a lateral arm and supports twice the weight, of course it is bigger and heavier.

Q: 4. Can the camera be mounted in the portrait position? Can not seem to tell in the photos. Thanks!

A: If you're using a telephoto lens where the foot can be rotated then yes you can! Otherwise you'd need an L bracket and then an arca quick release adapter like this: https://bhpho.to/3kVPpGI . To set this up you'd need a base arca plate that would go into the gimbal head. That plate would screw into the bottom of the quick release clamp. Finally the L-bracket would slide into the quick release clamp.

Q: 5. Does this head comes with the quick release plate?

A: The Katana and Katana Jr. Gimbal Series come with a free PX6 or PX7 balancing plate included in the box. ($3540 value). This would include the Jr. w/o cradle.

Q: 6. Is there any difference if I get the gimbal version + the A36 conversion kit vs the side mount version + A40 conversion kit?

A: There is no difference in getting the ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro Aluminum Gimbal Head with the A36 conversion kit versus the side mount version with the A40 conversion kit. It just depends on what is in stock and available, or if you don't mind waiting for a special order. ProMediaGear offers options to change the gimbal no matter which one you initially buy.

Q: 7. Does it include the arca swiss adapter plate?

A: No, this does not come with an adapter plate.

Q: 8. Just received this tripod head. I am not able to loosen the cradle clamp knob. Is there a trick I'm missing? Thanks.

A: The cradle clamp knob by the plate should be smooth and easy to turn. I am sorry you are having difficulties with this product. Try loosing up the screw or try lifting the knob. If you are still not able to loosing it up I will recommend you to join our Pro Photo Video Chat department for more assistance.

Q: 9. Is there a way to get nodal point for panoramic photography with this GKJR?

A: The ProMediaGear 8" Dovetail Plate with Integrated Arca-Type Clamp (Nodal Slide Rail), B&H # PRPXC2, would be a good nodal slide rail compatible for use with the ProMediaGear GKJr. Katana Junior Aluminum Gimbal Head.

Q: 10. Is the GKJr cradle removable and is the vertical rail compatible with using the RRS PG-CC Cradle Clamp that has a quick release lever?

A: The GKjr clamp is removable. The vertical rail is Arca Swiss compatible which means the PG-CC will mate to the rail and the release lever will point to the outside away from the Gimbal causing no obstruction to the lever.