Benro GH2

£259/$350

It may almost be the cheapest option here, but stick the GH2 alongside the Wimberley head and you’ll have a job spotting the difference. Although you don’t get the customisation of the Custom Brackets head, the GH2 is a pleasure to use. Its pan-and-tilt locking knobs are easy to lock and release with gloves on; there’s enough adjustment on the vertical arm for mounting tall lenses; and it includes an Arca mounting plate.

The test of a gimbal is smoothness, and the GH2 doesn’t disappoint. It’s a fraction less silky than the three most expensive heads here, but both pan and tilt move beautifully smoothly.

We couldn’t find a camera/lens combo to fully test Benro’s 23kg rating, but the GH2 had no trouble supporting our 4.5kg 400mm f/2.8 set-up.

Pros: No-nonsense design with smooth rotation; very well priced

Cons: Short on customisation options; bland design