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ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro Aluminum Gimbal Head

BH #PRGKJR • MFR #GKJR
44 reviews
ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro Aluminum Gimbal Head
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 50 lb
  • Height: 9.75", Weight: 2.4 lb
  • Arca-Type Compatible
  • 360° Pan with Independent Pan Lock
The GKJr Katana Pro from ProMediaGear is a lightweight, aluminum gimbal head designed with the traveling sports or nature photographer in mind. Cameras, lenses, or sport optics that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the included, 6" PX6 Double Dovetail Plate, which is secured to the KJr Katana Pro using an Arca-type clamp
In Stock
$649.95
$55/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
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ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro Overview

The GKJr Katana Pro from ProMediaGear is a lightweight, aluminum gimbal head designed with the traveling sports or nature photographer in mind. Cameras, lenses, or sport optics that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the included, 6" PX6 Double Dovetail Plate, which is secured to the KJr Katana Pro using an Arca-type clamp

The Katana Pro's black anodized aluminum frame has been precision CNC machined to remove every ounce of unnecessary weight. This new super-strong yet hollow frame weighs an easy-to-carry 2.4 lb while maintaining the ability to support up to 50 lb of gear. Standing at 9.75" tall and using a variable-height, Arca-type compatible support arm, the Katana Pro can hold a wide range of large telephoto lenses all the way up to 600mm.

From a functionality standpoint the Katana Junior functions the same as any common gimbal head, with fluid movement on both the 360° panning axis and the floating tilt. Both axes may also be locked separately via large aluminum control knobs which are easy to grip even when wearing gloves.

With the expectation that the user will likely subject the Katana Pro to the rigors associated with the great outdoors, the head has been designed to be extra durable to ensure maintenance free operation. Its hard anodized aluminum coating makes the entire frame scratch and nick resistant, preventing the likelihood of creating reflections that might alert wildlife to your presence. Additionally, the head's fluid joints use sealed ball bearing cases which make them considerably less susceptible to corrosion or malfunction due to moisture, dirt, and debris. It is also worth noting that the Katana Pro is designed and constructed right here in the USA.

UPC: 609456714488

ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro Specs

Head
Head TypeGimbal Head
Base Mount3/8"-16 Female
Camera Mounting ScrewNone
Quick Release Plate TypeArca-Type
Number of Bubble Levels1
Independent Pan LockYes
General
Load Capacity50 lb / 22.7 kg
MaterialsAluminum Alloy
Weight2.4 lb / 1.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight3.705 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)12 x 10.25 x 4.1"

ProMediaGear GKJr Katana Pro Reviews

Exceptionally smooth

By Matthew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-12

This gimbal is really the best of the best (although the price does match) and incredibly smooth with an old 600 f/4 mounted on it. Other folks mention the plastic knobs for tension adjustment. I would just like to say the revised model I received now has aluminum knobs, which definitely add to the quality.

Awesomely smooth

By Larry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-29

The gimbal head is super smooth. I'm very happy with the purchase.

Broke upon first use

By Peter
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-28

This gimball broke upon first use in my backyard trying it out before a trip to yellowstone to shoot wildlife. I placed the gimball on my gizto tripod to take photos of birds in the backyard. It balanced flawlessly without difficulty and moved smoothly. Everything was going great until I attempted to remove the gimball. When I attempted to tighten the bottom rotation knob to remove the gimball off the tripod it broke rendered the gimball stuck on my tripod and unable to be removed. I would recommend avoiding this gimball unless you are interested in a $650 paperweight. I am now going to the garage to get a vice grip to see if I can get this thing off. AVOID!

Light gimbal head

By Rekha
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-26

I bought this for travel as every ounce adds up when I'm carrying my tripod/gimbal head/1dxcanon/canon600 mm lens. (I'm 4'10"). This works as well as the Wimberley but is lighter. Time will tell if it will take the abuse that my Wimberley has been subjected to but so far it's been perfect. It's also very slick looking.

Best gimbal i have owned & Best customer service out there.

By Angie
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-12

After losing hundred of dollars on cheap and some not so cheap gimbal heads and never being happy I found the PMG katana JR it is IMO by for the best gimbal i have own out there!! I have used it in all kinds of conditions from - 48 in Yellowstone with no freezing up to the hot salty climate here on south Texas beaches and never a problem!!!! The only time I had a problem was on a trip to Yellowstone for the elk run. TSA dropped my Katana JR and broke off one of the knobs locking it up. Once i opened up my gearbox and saw my gimbal broke in two pieces I figured my trip was going to be a ruff one. Being I was shoot a 1DXMKll with a 600F4ISll a pretty heavy rig. So I called up PMG and spoke with Tom one of the owners. I told him my problem and he ask if i had any tools to work on it which I didn't. Tom said he would go over night the part and the tools I needed to fix my gimbal and he would personally drive them down to the shipping company so that he knew everything would get to me. Well the next day everything showed up the parts and tools that I needed to fix my gimbal saving my trip!!!!!! Not many companies were you can call up with a problem, have the owner answer and then have him go out of his way to make sure you are taken care of even when the problem wasn't his fault. But Tom at Promediagear did just that and saved my trip!!!!!!!!! Show less

Butter

By Ken
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-21

Very smooth, milled aluminum, strong, pricey.

Awesome gimbal head

By Philip
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-03

I got this gimbal because of a review of several I watched on YouTube. It has been wonderful, I love it. The build quality is great and performance is outstanding.

Super smooth!

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-11

I wanted a second gimbal for a smaller lighter rig and this is perfect! I have used a Wimberly for years and continue to use it but it's larger and heavier and sometimes I want to lighten it up. Using it with a Sony a1, 400 and 600GM. It works well and is smooth as silk! Great addition to my kit.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Can this head be used on a skimmer ground pod?

Can this head be used on a skimmer ground pod?
Asked by: Mary Susan
I have never used a ground pod with this head, but I don't see why it wouldn't.
Answered by: Tim
Date published: 2021-06-24

How does this do for pointing your camera and ...

How does this do for pointing your camera and lens straight up overhead, most gimbal heads have restricted motion for straight up shots. In astronomy jargon this position is called zenith. Thanks.
Asked by: Mory
The only lens I use on this head is my 500f4 and it can't shoot straight up.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-02-05

Just received this tripod head. I am not able to ...

Just received this tripod head. I am not able to loosen the cradle clamp knob. Is there a trick I'm missing? Thanks.
Asked by: Mary Susan
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.
Answered by: llinelva
Date published: 2021-06-28

Is the GKJr cradle removable and is the vertical ...

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?
Asked by: Tom
Yes, it is removable. But be aware that the GKjr cradle clamp is designed so it can sit lower down on the vertical rail. If you swap it out with an RRS with lever, or a Wimberley cradle clamp, the cradle will not be able to go down as far. The original GKjr cradle clamp sits about 3/4" above the base at its lowest point. A Wimberley cradle clamp (for example) sits about 2-1/2" above the base at its lowest point. I believe the RRS would be similar to the Wimberley. This could pose a problem when trying to balance larger lenses.
Answered by: Sylvia
Date published: 2022-09-29

Is there a way to get nodal point for panoramic ...

Is there a way to get nodal point for panoramic photography with this GKJR?
Asked by: steve
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.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2020-02-28

Does the cradle center above the point of ...

Does the cradle center above the point of rotation?
Asked by: Frank
Please see the next question, using it for panoramic photography will only work if the camera sits directly above the point of rotation. The question - does the camera sit directly above the point of rotation? This is my question.
Answered by: Frank
Date published: 2020-10-15

Can the camera be mounted in the portrait ...

Can the camera be mounted in the portrait position? Can not seem to tell in the photos. Thanks!
Asked by: Harvey
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.
Answered by: Ryan
Date published: 2021-11-21

question

Use a Nikon camera 80-400 lens and a battery pack do i need a larger plate do u have to buy it separate ?
Asked by: robert g.
The GKJr Katana Jr. Gimbal comes complete with the ProMediaGear PX6 6 inch long lens balancing plate. It should be a good plate for your lens. If you feel you need additional length we also manufacture an 8 inch model, PX8.
Answered by: Tony P. ProMediaGear Expert
Date published: 2018-08-27
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