ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro telephoto gimbal head, side mount version

ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro telephoto gimbal head, Side Mount Version for demanding telephoto photography

With the ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro telephoto gimbal head, Side Mount Version, you’re adding a gimbal head to your setup that is clearly built for serious telephoto photography. No toy, no wobbly compromise, but a very well-balanced mix of stability, weight and precise operation for heavy camera-lens combinations up to 800 mm f/5.6. And yes, a 600 mm f/4 also feels very much at home on it.

The head is designed as a classic telephoto gimbal and uses a lateral sidekick suspension so that your camera with telephoto lens can be perfectly balanced. By shifting the combination horizontally in the quick-release clamp, you position the center of gravity exactly where it belongs to enable smooth pans and relaxed handling, even when conditions outdoors get uncomfortable.

Robust construction made of 6061-T6 aluminum and stainless steel

The base of this gimbal head is made of hard-anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, complemented by stainless steel components at critical points. This material combination ensures high rigidity, corrosion resistance and a very long service life, even with regular outdoor use. All main elements are precision CNC-milled so that the fits engage cleanly and nothing rattles or feels spongy.

With a weight of around 0.82 kg, the ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro remains pleasantly portable without sacrificing stability. The compact depth of about 7.9 cm, a width of approx. 21.5 cm and a height of around 24.8 cm make it a well-handling tool that doesn’t push itself unnecessarily to the fore in your camera backpack, but immediately shows what it can do in use.

Made in the USA, precision and workmanship at a professional level

The ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro telephoto gimbal head is manufactured entirely in the USA, and the build quality clearly reflects that. The black surface-finished parts not only look high-end, they are also resistant to scratches and weather influences. Sealed axle bearings and smooth-running ball bearings ensure that the head still moves smoothly even after many uses.

The combination of precise manufacturing, clean anodizing and robust bearings makes this gimbal head a tool you don’t have to replace every season. It’s more of a “buy it right once and then enjoy peace of mind for a long time” product.

Smooth movements: tilt axis and panning axis adjustable separately

The tilt axis has its own bearing and separate lock. This means you can adjust the tilt with fine control and then securely lock it without your camera suddenly dropping. The panning axis runs smoothly and evenly, which is particularly helpful for slow, controlled movements, for example in wildlife, sports, or when you want to track birds in flight cleanly.

A practical detail: the lock for the panning axis is completely separate from the axle bearing. This keeps the movement calm and even, even if you tighten the brake a bit more. The result is fluid pans that almost feel like they’re running on rails.

Compatible quick-release clamp: Arca-style compatible and more

The integrated 38 mm dovetail quick-release clamp uses a screw clamp and, according to the manufacturer, is Arca-style compatible. This makes it suitable for a wide range of common plates and lens feet. It accepts, among others, the following dovetail profiles: Jobu dovetail, Really Right Stuff dovetail, Wimberley dovetail, Pro Media Gear dovetail and Kirk dovetail.

If you already use ARCA-compatible plates, you can generally continue to use them directly. For optimal use with heavy telephoto lenses, we recommend a quick-release plate that is as long as possible or a suitable replacement lens foot with dovetail clamping profile so that you can balance the combination precisely at its center of gravity via the sidekick suspension. This way you avoid unnecessary stress on the tripod head and achieve a significantly more stable way of working.

Ergonomic operation with grippy locking knobs

The locking knobs of the ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro are deliberately large and grippy. They can be securely grasped and finely adjusted even when wearing gloves, which is a real advantage in the cold or when you need to react quickly to changing subjects. The screw clamp of the quick-release system allows you to securely fix your camera-lens combination without feeling that you have to apply excessive force.

Thanks to the Side Mount Version, the lens sits laterally on the clamp, which improves balance and gives you very direct control over movements. Combined with the maximum load capacity of up to 10.0 kg, you are well equipped even for heavy professional telephoto setups.

Stable base and practical dimensions for field use

The base of the gimbal head has a diameter of about 6.0 cm and is equipped with a 3/8 inch UNC internal thread. This allows the head to be mounted on most sturdy photo tripods designed for telephoto photography. The combination of relatively low own weight and high load capacity makes the ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro a reliable partner when you want to use longer focal lengths safely and in a controlled manner.

Whether in a hide, on the sidelines of a playing field or somewhere in the mountains where the wind can really pick up: the solid construction and thoughtful design help you keep your setup steady and focus on the subject instead of on wobbly equipment.

Ideal for telephoto photography with long focal lengths

The ProMediaGear GKJrC Katana Pro telephoto gimbal head is clearly designed for telephoto photography. It is suitable for lenses up to 800 mm f/5.6 and offers the control you need to keep even fast or unpredictable subjects reliably in the frame. The sidekick suspension and balancing by horizontally shifting the lens in the quick-release clamp ensure that you can move your setup almost weightlessly instead of constantly having to fight against the weight.

This comfort becomes particularly noticeable during long sessions, such as in wildlife photography or at sporting events. Movements become smoother, your hit rate increases and you can focus more on timing and composition.

Note on mounting lenses and suitable quick-release plates

To mount your telephoto lens correctly and balance it at its center of gravity, you additionally need a sufficiently long quick-release plate or a replacement lens foot with a dovetail clamping profile. Only then can you fully exploit the advantages of the Side Mount Version and the sidekick suspension.

For Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma and many other lenses, suitable plates and replacement feet are available that are specifically designed for the respective lens feet. This gives you secure clamping, a clean center of gravity position and significantly more comfortable handling, especially with longer focal lengths and heavy combinations.