Gitzo 2 Way Fluid Head – Lightweight Magnesium Fluid Head for Traveling

by Jakub HanOctober 4^th, 2018

On Photokina, Vitec Group introduced their new Gitzo 2 Way Fluid head. It offers fluid movement on both pan and tilt axis and maximum payload of 4 kg. All that in a lightweight magnesium body, which makes it a very interesting head for traveling filmmakers – despite the fact that it’s actually made for birdwatchers.

Gitzo is a tripods, monopods, heads and accessories brand managed by Vitec Imaging Distribution. Vitec Group also includes six other brands (Manfrotto, JOBY, Lowepro, Colorama, Lastolite and Avenger) in their portfolio. On Photokina, among other products, the company has introduced their new Gitzo 2 Way Fluid Head.

Funny enough, the Gitzo 2 Way Fluid Head is mainly marketed towards birdwatchers and wildlife photographers and videographers using DSLR or mirrorless cameras. We were told, however, that basically every filmmaker can benefit from using this head. The Gitzo 2 Way Fluid Head is a very compact fluid head (on both pan and tilt axis) with an ergonomic design. One of the advantages for wildlife applications is its reflection-free surface which offers good camouflage.

Gitzo has been popular for their extensive use of carbon fibre whch results in a lightweight but sturdy tripods. The key innovations of this head are the fluid cartridges and the precise inner mechanism. The Gitzo 2 Way Fluid Head has a stiff and lightweight magnesium body, which weighs less than 0,6 kg (1.3 lb) and can safely support a payload of up to 4 kg (8.8 lb). The lightweight design matches well with the carbon fibre Gitzo tripods making it an interesting travel tripod-head combo. The head will of course fit any other legs too as it is equipped with a standard 60mm base with a 3/8″-16 screw.

On top of the Gitzo 2 Way Fluid head, there is a long rubberised Arca-Swiss compatible plate. The head also has an adjustable and accurate counterbalance system, which allows for precise balancing of the camera setup. The fluid cartridges in the Gitzo 2 Way Fluid head guarantee smooth and broad movements without stick-slip during observation and shooting even over a wide range of temperatures. It offers -60°/90° tilt movement and 360° pan movement.

The Gitzo 2 Way Fluid head should start shipping in November 2018 and it can now already be preordered. The price is €319 including VAT in Europe and around $319 in the USA. Links to the products can be found underneath the article.

What do you think of the new Gitzo 2 Way Fluid head? Have you ever had an experience with Gitzo products? Share with us in the comments underneath the article.