Do Micro 4/3 photographers need tripods or gimbals ? the Gimbal Head Innorel QZSD Q45S

Micro 4/3 photographers are fortunate for bird, wildlife, and sports photography due to the system’s compact size and lightweight nature, offering a good image range compared to APS-C or Full Frame systems. This advantage is especially noticeable at air shows, where many photographers showcase large, heavy gear.

I attend air shows at least twice a year and often notice photographers looking down on my equipment, considering it a “toy camera” compared to their professional gear with massive lenses and tripods.

For micro 4/3 photographers, this isn’t an issue. Cameras like Olympus, OM System, or Panasonic with a Lumix Leica 100-400mm f4-6.3 lens are compact and lightweight, offering an 800mm field of view in a setup less than 250mm long and weighing around 1800 grams.

However, even light systems feel heavy over time, especially as you age. While short bird or wildlife shoots are manageable, static work at air shows benefits from a lightweight tripod/monopod and gimbal.

I’ve used the Gimbal QZSD Q45S for three to four years, which was particularly useful with heavier Pentax and Fujifilm cameras. After overburdening myself with many lenses last year, I plan to bring just one or two lenses to this year’s air shows, along with a tripod and gimbal, and enjoy the event under a shady tree with a cool drink. Despite its size and weight, this gimbal is affordable and performs well.

The Innorel QZSD Q45S Gimbal Head: Detailed Overview

Overview and Specifications

The Innorel QZSD Q45S Gimbal Head is a professional-grade tripod head designed primarily for wildlife photography, particularly when using heavy telephoto lenses. Here are the key technical specifications and features:

• Material: Aluminum alloy
• Dimensions: 210 x 76 x 210 mm
• Weight: 0.9 kg (900 g)
• Maximum Load Capacity: 20 kg
• Base Diameter: 48 mm
• Screw Thread: 1/4″ for camera attachment, 3/8″ for tripod connection
• Rotation Angles:
• Horizontal: 360 degrees
• Vertical: 180 degrees
• Quick Release Plate: Included, compatible with most DSLR and mirrorless cameras

Use Cases

The QZSD Q45S is ideally suited for scenarios requiring stable support and smooth maneuverability for heavy camera setups. Its primary use cases include:

1. Wildlife Photography: The ability to handle heavy telephoto lenses makes it perfect for capturing fast-moving animals with ease.
2. Sports Photography: Allows for quick and fluid tracking of athletes in action.
3. Bird Watching: Provides stability and precision for bird watchers using high-magnification spotting scopes.
4. Astrophotography: The robust build and precise movements are beneficial for tracking celestial objects.

Advantages

1. High Load Capacity: Can support heavy camera and lens combinations up to 20 kg, accommodating most professional equipment.
2. Smooth Damping Mechanism: Ensures fluid movement in both horizontal and vertical axes, crucial for tracking fast-moving subjects.
3. Full Panoramic Rotation: 360-degree rotation capability allows for seamless panoramic shots.
4. Sturdy Build: Made from aluminum alloy, offering a durable yet lightweight option.
5. Quick Adjustments: Features like the quick release plate and platform lock button make setup and adjustments fast and efficient.
6. Price: For those looking for an affordable tripod head/gimbal, the QZSD Q45S is a great option. It typically costs around €70, $75, or £60.

Disadvantages

1. Weight: At 0.9 kg, the gimbal head adds considerable weight to your gear, which can be a drawback during long treks.
2. Size: Its dimensions make it less portable compared to smaller tripod heads, potentially requiring more space in your camera bag.

Conclusion

Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of tripods, and certainly not of a tripod head that weighs one kilogram on its own. That’s why I initially chose a lightweight system like the Olympus Micro Four Thirds format, which is perfect for handheld shooting.

That said, if you stay in one location for an extended period, whether for wildlife, sports, or airshows, every camera eventually becomes heavy.

In my case, with airshows, I’ve experienced several times that I missed shots because I was just giving my arm a brief rest.

Nowadays, I am also taking my first steps into filming videos of birds or other subjects, and even then, a freely movable support (gimbal on a monopod) proves to be a useful tool.

In these kinds of situations, it’s nice to have a gimbal with you.

The QZSD Q45S Gimbal Head is a cheap, robust and reliable choice for photographers and videographers needing to support and maneuver (heavy) camera equipment with precision. Its advantages in load capacity, smooth movement, and sturdy construction make it a valuable tool . However, its weight and size should be considered, especially for those who prioritize portability.

If you’re interested in this gimbal head, search online for “QZSD Q45S.” Although my gimbal is branded as Innorel, it’s often sold under various names or even without a brand. I found mine new from a shop in Europe on eBay, but you can find it in different online stores using the type number mentioned above.

If you prefer, you can opt for a different, lighter gimbal. Just make sure it can support the weight of your camera and lens with enough margin, and that it moves smoothly and effortlessly. A gimbal that bends under the weight or jerks when rotating won’t do you much good.

In my next review, I will discuss a different type of camera and lens support—one that might be of particular interest to bird photographers. It’s a rifle stock type, but extremely lightweight, providing excellent support for lenses like the Leica 100-400mm f/4-5.6 and the Olympus 100-400mm f/5-6.3. Of course, it works well with almost any lens.

This article was written by Marc R.
While I primarily speak Dutch and have some knowledge of English and a little French, ChatGPT helps ensure my writing is grammatically correct. I often mix Dutch and English in my drafts, and ChatGPT steps in to translate and correct.