Reviewing the Leofoto G4 Pro geared tripod head with leveling base
Watch my video review or scroll down for my written thoughts on this tripod head combo for nature and landscape photographers.
Back in July 2024, I purchased a Leofoto LM-324CL X tripod (find my review here) to replace my too-short Benro tripod that I'd been using for roughly five years. Initially, I paired it with Leofoto's hybrid tripod head, the LH-40GR, which is essentially a ball head with a 2-axis geared platform. While I have absolutely loved that hybrid setup since purchasing it a few years ago, the one complaint I had was its lack of a geared panning movement.
Enter the Leofoto G4 Pro geared head.
Note: If you decide to purchase the G4 Pro or any other Leofoto items, use the code MICHAELRUNG at checkout to receive a 12% discount. I am an affiliate, and may earn a commission on any sales, but my thoughts below are my honest impressions. Leofoto had no involvement in my purchases or the content of my video/blog.
Leofoto G4 Pro Geared Head Review
I'd been intending to replace the hybrid head whenever it broke or was damaged, but towards the end of 2024 I decided to just go ahead and take the leap, replacing it with the G4 Pro. There are two versions of Leofoto's G4 head: the non-Pro model which doesn't include geared panning (2-axis gearing) and the Pro model which does have geared panning (3-axis gearing).
The addition of geared panning to my setup was exactly what I'd hoped it would be: awesome.
Having geared movements for all three axes is a huge leap forward in terms of precision when composing frames, especially when working at longer focal lengths where it's nearly impossible to get perfect framing with any ball head, regardless of quality. Even at shorter focal lengths, such as with my 24-105mm or even my 14-35mm, I find the geared setup to be incredibly valuable.
Admittedly, working with a geared-only setup can be a bit slower in terms of initial dialing in of a composition, but I feel that disadvantage is more than made up by the fact that you can more easily dial in your framing exactly as you want it, instead of (too often) making multiple attempts to get it right with a ball head setup.
The G4 lineup of geared heads from Leofoto also have a trick up their sleeves: you can unlock all gears to enable a fluid, free range of motion. This allows you to quickly get a rough framing of a scene and, once you lock the gears again, you can refine it using the standard geared knobs.
Admittedly, unlocking all the gears does have a downside. Once unlocked, all axes have zero friction, which requires you to always hold onto your camera lest it suddenly moves suddenly without any resistance, until the gears hit the end of their travel. This, coupled with having to unlock multiple components instead of loosening one knob to adjust a ball head, does require some getting used to, and it can frustrate someone coming over from a ball head setup.
Fortunately, there's a solution for that, too.
In my case, the tripod I purchased in July has a 75mm bowl instead of the more standard flat base to which you mount a tripod head. It came with an adapter to allow for that standard attachment, but also included the bowl itself, which allows for the passthrough of a level base with grip. After a few outings with the G4 Pro with the standard setup, I went ahead and purchased Leofoto's 75mm leveling base (model YB-75MP).
If your tripod doesn't have a bowl, fear not: you can find leveling bases, such as the Benro LBA2 or one from Acratech, that attach to the flat base. The main difference between such an option and my setup is you won't have the grip that extends below the base.
The addition of the leveling base took my geared setup from great to nearly perfect (and I'm more or less just hedging my bets by including the "nearly" designation... I have zero complaints).
Since purchasing the leveling base, I've yet to unlock the gears on the G4 Pro. Instead, I'm able to quickly unlock the leveling base with one motion, get my framing in the ballpark of what I want, and then, after locking the base again, use the geared axes to refine my composition until it's perfect.
The leveling base doesn't have as broad a range of motion as a standard ball head, but as long as you've set your tripod in a reasonably "correct" position, it is more than sufficient (I assume the flat platform leveling bases linked above may not have as many degrees of range of movement as my bowl setup).
Leofoto Build Quality
The G4 Pro and the leveling base for my tripod are, respectively, the third and fourth pieces of Leofoto gear I've purchased. Based on my experiences with the hybrid head's quality, I felt confident in trying one of their tripods, and it has also been fantastic. That gave me the confidence - along with several peer recommendations - to go ahead and purchase the G4 Pro and, subsequently, the leveling base.
Everything operates exactly as it should and feels solid and durable. I've experienced no play in any of the equipment, aside from some on the G4 Pro when I first unboxed it that was easily resolved by tightening a single screw.
What's more, if you do encounter issues, all Leofoto gear (excluding electronics) has a lifetime warranty, assuming it was purchased on or after May 1, 2024 (note: this may vary from country-to-country).
If you're on the fence about trying a geared head setup, Leofoto also has a 30-day return and refund policy if you're not happy with the purchase (return shipping is covered for defective replacements). I'm confident that, once you get used to the changes to muscle memory with a geared head versus a ball head, you'll love it... but if not, you have ample time to send it back.
Final Thoughts
It's hard to adequately express how much of a game-changer a geared tripod head setup is for getting your compositions' framing right in camera, especially at longer focal lengths. I'm not exaggerating when stating that my purchase of Leofoto's hybrid head was probably the single best gear purchase I've made, and switching to the G4 Pro fully geared head has been an even better experience.
Any negatives - namely, being a bit slower to work with - are more than offset by the benefits and, really, the "slowness" is really a matter of seconds. Aside from capturing the most fleeting of moments, it won't have an impact in the real world (and if you opt for a leveling base, there will likely be no impact at all).
There can also be value in being forced to slow down, and having the precision of geared adjustments also helps you be more conscious of the edges of your frame and how things are lining up.
Bottom line? Once you go geared, there's no looking back in the rearview mirror! (insert groan here)
Don't forget, if you decide to purchase a Leofoto tripod, head, or other item, use the code MICHAELRUNG to save 12%!
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