If you’ve ever worked in a photography studio and wished you had an extra set of hands for managing equipment, then a grip head will be your new favorite accessory!
Grip heads come in a few different configurations, but no matter which one you choose, they all simplify the process of positioning and using lighting and studio equipment.
Understanding Lighting Grip Heads
Grip heads, also known as gobo heads, securely attach to telescoping lighting stands, C-stands, and background stands to hold accessories like scrims, reflectors, and grip arms.
Grip heads are made up of a light stand adapter, a two-sided disc for mounting grip arms, and a tightening knob, and they’re fairly simple to use. Photographers can adjust the position of grip heads in any direction and tighten them in place so photographic and lighting equipment is perfectly positioned.
How Do Grip Heads Lock in Place?
Once you position your equipment with your grip head, just turn the handle to tighten and lock your accessories in place. As you shop, look for grip heads with larger handles for better leverage and easier maneuvering. When using heavy equipment, make sure your grip head is securely tightened and balanced.
Single, Double, and Triple Grip Heads
Single grip heads are designed for use with one accessory at a time, while double and triple grip heads feature multiple clamping sites to attach several accessories to a single lighting stand or C-stand.
Single grip heads make it much easier to stabilize your accessories because you only need to worry about a single source of weight. If you’re using a double or triple grip head, pay attention to how your gear is weighted and positioned. Use a sandbag for extra stability if needed.
Grip Head Sizes
The most common size for traditional photography and videography applications are 2.5-inch grip heads. Other available sizes include 1.25-inch grip heads for small, table-top shooting accessories, 2-inch, and 4.5-inch versions to accommodate larger pieces of equipment.
Top Brands for Lighting Grip Heads
Grip heads secure heavy and expensive photographic equipment, so it’s important to invest in a model by an industry-preferred brand. Trusted companies like Kupo, Matthews, Avenger, Flashpoint, and Studio Assets produce solidly built, easy-to-use grip heads.
Whether you’re bouncing light with a lightweight reflector or mounting your camera parallel to the ground for shooting flat lays, you’re making the right choice when you buy a grip head from these and other trusted brands.
