The Gitzo G2180 video head is a small to medium size video head useful for smaller DV or DSLR cameras. It is also suitable for birdwatchers using spotting scopes.
Unboxing the G2180 was quite surprising how small the head literally it. It comes disassembled meaning you have to attach the pivot / tilt arm which can be done in a heartbeat using a screwdriver or even a larger size coin. – Great if you´re backpacking in the field as it fits in pretty much every backpack and if you´re within the reach of your wallet you can in fact assemble it anywhere.

Starting from the base which is marked by degrees it´s obvious you´re dealing with a quality Gitzo product. The base is quite larger fitting the 2 series Gitzo´s or similar sized tripods. Note you can use smaller tripods although the base will protrude the top of the tripod.

The body itself of the G2180 feels extremely solid. – It feels like you could use the entire head as a hammer!
The Gitzo G2180 is made of a material which Gitzo calls Soulid 238. It gives the base and the rest of the head a better ability to sustain vibrations compared to a typical Aluminium / Steel head while still retaining the somewhat low weight.

Moving upwards and you´ll find the tilting part of the tripod head together with mount for the adjustment arm and the main lock and drag knob.
The knobs are made in aluminium and are art pieces themselves. Beautifully made and well working!
The outer knob controls the main lock while the center controls the drag. This goes for both pan and tilt – I would have like them to be separate, that is one drag knob for tilt and one for pan but for a relatively simple head it works as advertised and I found it quite easy to set a desired amount of drag on both axis.

On the opposite side you´ll find the arm mount and the unique tilt resistance knobs usually found a much more expensive and “serious” tripod video heads. Although it wasn´t accessible how this very knob actually functioned inside of the head, it felt like a spring was activated when the knob was used. Although not too scientific Manfrotto actually uses a similar type on their much much larger ENG type head.
I liked the knob and the function it added but I also wished for more user selectable resistance like the main drag knob.

The tilt / pivot arm is made of aluminium and is rubberised for comfort – Great!

On the top of the head you´ll find the Manfrotto / Gitzo quick release with a equal camera / lens plate.
I´m not a big fan of the Manfrotto system and although I wished it was a Arca Swiss type of quick release, it functioned perfect for this type of video I shot.
It features a anti slide button so if you accidentally unlock the quick release the equipment will not fall to the ground.
I feel the more skilled videographer the better this head will function – I´m quite the novice in this area!

Conclusion
There is no doubt the Gitzo G2180 is a great video head. It features butter smooth panning and quite good tilting to help you achieve the video you need. It is important to remember how capable this head is for its size and how easy it is to bring everywhere. I used the Panasonic DMC-GF1 and Casio FH20 super zoom camera – Both worked sublime on the G2180.
I liked the extra tilt knob that ads even more resistance but I wished it was adjustable and less of “the more you push the more resistance”.
Either way I have no problem by recommending the head – Great and fun to use in a very compact design.