60 reviews for Manfrotto MVH502A,546BK-1 Professional Fluid Video System with Aluminum Legs and Mid Spreader (Black) Tripods : Electronics

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   andrew jordon – March 9, 2024

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   Beast of a video head!

   I have traditionally not been the biggest fan of manfrotto products, particularly their tripods as I feel they are not generally at the forefront of innovation, and value for money tends to not be the best. Don’t get me wrong their quality is decent, but they are kind of like the Harley of tripods. I have an ifootage monopod that I needed a head for. I already had a Komodo K5 that is well made and compact, but the fluid head features and adjustments are extremely limited, so I purchased this head based on many positive reviews.The pros: excellent range of fluid adjustments light to heavy for vertical and horizontal movements.Separate locks for both vertical and horizontal.Sturdy build quality.Cost seems to be acceptable for such an adjustable fluid head.Cons: much larger than expected, approximately 2-3 times the size of my Komodo K5.Clearly a cast piece of equipment, some flashing and minor casting marks are readily noticed.Bottom line I would highly recommend this if your goal is function foremost.

   One person found this helpful

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Kevin – March 9, 2024

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   I really dig it! It works great! Serious!

   I don’t know…I try to read as much user feedback on anything I buy before I buy…I’m also very skeptical of most feedback that I read as I assume a majority of it is planted, positive feedback by employees or friends of the company selling the products. And of course, you are always going to find exceptions to the rule, positive and negative. That said, I don’t work for Manfrotto nor have I even heard of the brand really prior to purchasing the 502 head. All I can say to you know is that, yes I’ve pretty much read every negative, or even kinda negative feedback on this item. I’ve watched videos and read as much as I could. But, I bought it. And, I think it’s friggin’ sweet! I think it is soon smooth panning in all directions. The adjustments for drag up/down, left/right are just fine. The motion is smooth. You can tweak to your satisfaction and preference for your needs. Its sturdy. Looks impressive. And it’s like my favorite camera accessory. Considering, I’m just staring and have no idea of what I’m really doing, the 502 head is a wonder product. Paired with my Ravelli APGL4 Tripod, I have one super solid base for my Ax33 camera. If you need to get a nice pan head, and have a few hundred you’d like to spend…I say do it! Just do it!

3. 

   Rated 2 out of 5

   Amazon Customer – March 9, 2024

   2.0 out of 5 stars

   You cannot balance your camera! Tilt ONLY!

   It was not “Like New.” It has damage and obvious wear. And, now that Amazon will no longer allow returns to them, you’re pretty much screwed. This is the LAST product I will ever purchase through Amazon.

4. 

   Rated 1 out of 5

   A guy from Seattle… – March 9, 2024

   1.0 out of 5 stars

   Quality problem and DSLR camera pairing

   Two comments specific to my purchase and return of Manfrotto MVH502AH Video Head. One concerning quality of construction, the other concerning compatibility of use for shooting video with a DSLR camera.(1) Quality of construction: I received a MVH502AH Video Head with same quality issues as others have already provided feedback on (search 1-star Amazon reviews). Head has a grinding/clicking noise associated with the fluid system, a noise that it very apparently audible at arms length distance, and that will be picked up by on-camera mic. This grinding grinding/clicking noise is easily duplicated at both the +/- ends associated with the large adjustment knob labeled ‘Fluid Head System’. When backing the knob off from either side of the maximum setting of the knob, a sound I can only describe as falling ball bearings or broken plastic gearing is easily heard.(2) Compatibility of use for shooting video with a DSLR camera: I had high hopes for pairing this video head with my Panasonic G85 for the sole purpose of shooting video, but have one negative regarding it’s pairing with my camera, and another regarding the video head in general. On pairing with my camera — the 502 Video Head has a very long base plate, somewhere in the 4″+ range. If the camera is mounted onto the rear of the plate, the plate extends under the attached lens. Using my small-to-medium length 12-60mm Panasonic 3/4 lens, this base plate is almost touching the bottom of the lens. Manual zooming of the lens is difficult and problematic, as this static base plate prevents you from easily and quickly zooming manually, so be prepared to give up zooming in many instances. I did use a small steel washer inserted between the base plate and my camera which improved the awkwardness of zooming, and adding an additional 1-3 washers would have eliminated this awkwardness, but one washer was the most I felt comfortable using because of the length of the base plate screw that screws into the camera. Because of this lens/zooming issue that 502’s base plate presented with my Panasonic G85 setup, I cannot recommend this video head for anyone with the same setup. Other manufacturers camera’s may not have this clearance issue that the long 502 base plate presents.Aside from my comments, the 502 video head is heavy and large, and you definitely are constantly aware of this when carrying it around attached to you tripod. I returned the Manfrotto 502 video head in exchange for the

   Manfrotto XPRO Fluid Head with Fluidity Selector Plus Two Bonus Replacement Quick Release Plates for the RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter

   . The Manfrotto XPRO is sized appropriately to work well with a DSLR camera and the size/weight of the head is easier to manage while attached and transporting on my tripod. In use, I feel that the Manfrotto XPRO panning/tilt smoothness is a slight step down from the Manfrotto 502 video head ( I attribute this to the substantial difference in weight/mass that the two video heads have to each other).Bottom line, if I did not experience the quality issue and the compatibility issue with my Panasonic G85 body/lens setup, I would always be bothered by the size and weight of the Manfrotto 502. Aside from the quality issue, I feel the Manfrotto 502 is more suited to pairing with handheld camcorders (because zooming is done by pushing a button or touching a screen, and not manually by hand onto the lens), larger prosumer-type video recorders, or DSLR camera’s with very long, and heavier, telescopic lenses, where the hefty size and weight of the Manfrotto 502 head would be advantageous.

   3 people found this helpful

5. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   TicToc – March 9, 2024

   4.0 out of 5 stars

   So far… So good!

   If you’ve seen my reviews, you know I’ve been in the industry since we carried $90k tube cameras in the field with 1″ video field recorders. That’s some old school *^%@ if ya know what I mean. So to have an opportunity to use some the newer lighter weight digital acquisition cameras and gear is a true blessing. Sure, nothing will replace the quality of a $7500 Vinten tripod and head, but do you really need that for a Canon MkIII or a Black Magic? Not me. I’d rather travel lean and mean, capturing great imagery without killing my back. So… try the Manfrotto 502. It’s not small or light weight compared to consumer stuff but it is far more portable than what we carried back in the day. Is it perfect? No. But can I get smooth shots when panning or tilting? Yes and that’s all that matters.I would have given it 5 stars, but it is made in China and I need a bit more time to report on how it will hold up over a year or so… stand by for that update. But don’t wait on me, go get one, they’re cheap considering the alternatives. Oh, one more bit of an issue, the quick release is not standard size, so don’t expect to use your Giottos plates with it, another reason for 4 stars.

   2 people found this helpful

6. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Mr. Marcus – March 9, 2024

   4.0 out of 5 stars

   Very useful and well-constructed with minor issues.

   This 502 head works beautifully with my battery-gripped 5D II, field mixer and shotgun mic mounted. The pan and tilt action is smooth, controlled and highly adjustable. The placement of adjustment dials could have been better thought out and as I understand it, has been corrected in subsequent heads . As reported by other reviewers there is a bit of panning recoil. I left a message at Manfrotto for a call back regarding the recoil and spoke with two different tech support guys on the same day. One of them said the panning recoil is not a known issue and that I could try to swap it out for another head from Amazon. The other tech guy said it is “normal for all fluid heads in that when you arrive at the end of your panning sweep the fluid inside the head is still moving and translates to minor head movement” . Perhaps this law of physics does not apply to more expensive heads which do not exhibit recoil. With a bit of practice though, I have been able to reduce the recoil and find the head to be perfectly useable . I find I am better able to control recoil with the rig mounted on a heavy studio tripod rather than the lightweight carbon fibre one I first used .

   One person found this helpful

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Tumbleweed – March 9, 2024

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   I am very happy with operation and quality of this head

   Reading other reviews, I thought there were ways around some issues. Yes! And, I am very happy with operation and quality of this head. I placed the pan bar on the left, though I am right handed, because I wanted to use my right hand to operate camera controls. I can place the bar under my armpit and some limited movement is hands free, though a hand is required on the bar for other work. The tilt lock is on the right, and I use that lock much more than the pan lock or drags. So with my right hand free, it is where I need it. The tilt drag control on the left is less used and so out of the way. The pan lock could be better mounted but the sensitivity from “free” to “useful lock” is a very short turn and I can do so with usually one finger or two. The pan drag is located OK and works great. Even with a long lens, I was able to slide balance the rig just fine. With my DSLR Nikon D7200 and 18-300 lens, this head, combined with my Manfrotto 055XPRO3 tripod is a winning combination for my varied needs.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Leland Sandberg – March 9, 2024

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   Smooth as butter, absolutely love it!

   I recently saw a blogger’s photo of a packed camera bag containing a 502 head and the rest of his bodies and lenses. The caption read “The 502 is the heaviest thing in the bag, and it’s also equally important as the cameras.”Well.. I have to agree. Sorry 5DMKIV!When it comes to getting commercial grade smooth pans/tilts, the 502 absolutely delivers fantastic results. The fluid drag smooths out all of my jerky movements resulting in camera movements that are A+ grade every single time. Both the tilt and pan have separate pressure adjustment knobs which allows you to dial in just the right amount of force needed to glide the head. The handle is as comfortable as it looks, very nice grip!Only cons as far as I can see is the weight, and less so, the medium-large size. I don’t personally find it an issue as it usually lives on the tripod. If I had to backpack it regularly I MIGHT consider a slightly smaller head, but I dunno the 502 is hard to beat in my opinion.Another quality product worthy of the Manfrotto mark.

   One person found this helpful

9. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   ThePandaPhotographer – March 9, 2024

   3.0 out of 5 stars

   Amazon send me a damage item for the start

   The media could not be loaded.

   Hi I’m a photographer that tries to emphasize how to shoot video correctly. But I’m also was once an Amazon prime memberAnd have influence a number of people when buying a product and understanding what you’re buying. So disclaimer, I purchased with my own money. For the last three weeks I’ve been using this manfrotto and then trying to figure out what is going on with the tension on the Manfrotto. As a landscape photographer a lot of landscapers photographers would modify the fluid help by taking the tension spring out. But in order to do that that’s a screw that you either have to loosen or tighten And that’s very screw was stripped from the very start which indicated someone was using it.I have a video showing the problem. But the problem lies with Amazon because they told me that I had to wait 48 hours for Amazon to determine if this product can be replaced knowing that I fall and within the 30 day guideline of any Amazon purchase. Mind you this was Amazon’s choice for filled and Amazon refuse to fix the problem the right way. Why do Amazon rep had to file a request for a replacement when I’m within my 30 days of my Amazon warranty? Keep in mind I talk to the rep for 50 minutes and her reply was “ there is no replacement at this time for this product, she will have to fill out a form to see if the product can be replaced“.I said next that doesn’t make sense I didn’t have this product no longer than 30 days not only that it’s an Amazon choice it’s for fulfilled by Amazon. So now everyone, I have to wait 48 hours to hear back if they’re able to replace it or not.

   One person found this helpful

10. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Frank_the_Tank – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Perfect Alternative!

    This was the Perfect Alternative and addition to my arsenal! Already had a set of Manfrotto sticks that i love and this made my video work that much easier. My main focus, no pun intended, has been portrait work.Recently I’ve been helping a friend with many of his video projects and I was in need of a real video head and not just my ball head. The company I work for has a Manfrotto MVK500AM that I borrowed from time to time, but I quickly realized that it was time to buy my own. Not wanting to drop that much cash this was the IDEAL solution. Granted, not having a bowl does have its limitations – thank goodness for the bubble level.Pros: Ideal solution for those who don’t always need a video tripod but have a nice set of sticks to drop this on. Very well designed fluid drag system Perfect for DSLR shooters (I currently shoot with a 60D) Compact and solid!Cons: not any that that you shouldn’t already be aware of (i.e. no bowl) I get a squeak from time to time if I don’t loosen it enough, but that’s just friction.

11. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    WhaddaHeck – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Good for Refractor Telescope

    I use this with a 60mm refractor telescope (about 3 lbs) or a 15×70 binoculars (5.5 lbs). Smooth and steady, but not variable resistance. Good for astronomy viewing, and pan easily and then lock the altitude to hold a view. I bought an extra QR plate, the 500PLONG is the right one. (although the 504PLONG fits also, I use it too, it’s a little longer so can balance more.)If you like taking your small scope on trips, this 2 lb head pairs up nicely with a Manfrotto Befree tripod (3 lbs – take the ball head off this tripod and put on the MVH500AH). That’s 5 lbs. Add the 3 lb scope (complete with one eyepiece), and you hve 8 lbs. Add a couple eyepieces, and you have a kit under 10 lbs, good for astronomy or birding. [but for home, you want a more substantial tripod)

    5 people found this helpful

12. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    John Wood – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Adapting Panhead to conventional camera bodies.

    Manfrotto 502 Video Head MVH502AH: I have a Nikon D800 and Sony A7RII, both with Arca Swiss L mounting brackets. I am using a hoage adapter in order to mount the cameras transversely. Is there any other way to use these Manfrotto panheads with conventional camera bodies?

13. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Vincent P. Del Vecchio – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    BIG improvement over the 501HDV. Perfect for DSLR and HD Camcorders.

    After using (and liking) the Manfrotto 501 (the older version, not the HDV), going to the 502AH is like night and day. This 502AH pans better and moves more fluidly than the 501 ever did. The price is a bargain as this is considered a pro-video head. I purchased this after a recommendation from my brother who is a professional producer and video editor. It fit on both our Manfrotto tripods; one a smaller tripod and the other a huge and heavy one with a lever to raise and lower a telescoping head.I just used this to film an anime convention last week in Baltimore and I had no trouble at all with it. Now, it is a tad bit heavy when you need to carry it around all day, ESPECIALLY if your carrying it whilst mounted to an even heavier tripod but you get what you pay for and when you pay for this, what you get is professional quality with simple ease of use and great results. To mimic previous reviewers, the panning unlock know is definitely in an awkward place but you get used to it after using it once or twice.I’d certainly purchase this again and again for my video needs because it holds both my Nikon D7000 DSLR nicely, enabling beautiful video and it also holds my Panasonic AG-HMC40 pro-HD camcorder nicely. I was able to film panels, a concert, a masquerade, a dance, and Q & A sessions and its stability and fluid drag head made everything look like a professional video shoot.This was a good purchase and I don’t regret it for even a second.

    2 people found this helpful

14. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Krzysztof Bartoszewicz – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Five Stars

    ok

15. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    C. Hawks – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Very Versatile, Very Big, and Very GOOD! For the price, Love it!!

    This thing is HEFTY! It’s huge, comes in a “huger” box that honestly, I just don’t understand… The box is 3-times the size it needs to be with a large cardboard matrix spacer under the tripod head itself. Not even really effective protective packing material. Perhaps they use the same box for multiple heads and just put a different ‘wrap’ on the container? I don’t know… Anyway, we don’t buy it for the box, right?The fluid adjustments on this unit are very nice and the range of resistance is also more than adequate. The brakes for the pan and tilt hold the head in place perfectly when you don’t want the leverage the fluid movement. The plate is HUGE just like everything else. I am using the head to hold a DSLR rig on a large teleprompter assembly in a studio room designed for solo-production – meaning the talent is doing EVERYTHING, kinda like a VLogger on steroids.This head is so versatile, I was able to mount the head backwards on the tripod so that the plate would stay locked in place but leave enough of the screw slide for mounting the camera hanging over the base that my bolt to mount the Prompter People teleprompter rig could bolt right up. On top of this ‘2-story’ rig sits a DSLR with a forward-facing field monitor and I hang headphones and other stuff on the prompter rig. This head doesn’t even seem to know any of the gear is even on it. And the tilt handle can mount in any direction on either side – so in my case, it’s pointing at the talent so they can make adjustments themselves.For the price, this thing is awesome! It’s BIG – like, really; news floor big (well, ok; maybe a tad exaggerated but not by much…) but if size and weight aren’t your primary concern – like you’re mounting a REAL video camera, or a RED or something, this head will do the trick and for WAY less money than many other alternatives.

    3 people found this helpful

16. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Jnruff – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Four Stars

    I love this head for small cameras. It is very fluid.

17. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    LaserM – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Very smooth, strong, and stable.

    This is an outstanding tripod and video head. I am blown away by the build quality, stability and ultra smooth fluid head movement. I am a fan of Manfrotto products and this does not disappoint. The stability is much better than I expected for this type of leg design, especially in light of other reviews I have read. The large mounting plates take some getting used to, but they are rock solid and easier to balance on the head.This does not come with a protective case. This work nicely: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JV1DJ7X?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

18. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    J. F. Rick – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    fluid head = excellent, mount = only good

    The fluid action is worth it. I’ve had some problems with the release plate. (1) You can’t turn the tighten knob when you attach something that goes beyond the sides. (2) The push button release got stuck a couple of times. I’m not sure why Manfrotto didn’t include a better mount (available on other heads).

19. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Kai Tiura – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    You get more than you pay for!

    I’ve seen a bit of griping about this head being ‘clunky’, not smooth. I’ve used it for taking video of birds and natural surroundings and it not only was smooth as silk, but noiseless as well. However, I think I understand the complaints on its clunkiness; it comes (or mine came) pretty well tightened down (perhaps to keep it from flexing too much during shipping…?), and you need to loosen the bindings that cinch the ball bearing mounts which I believe are only on the pan mechanism, and use the fluid mount adjustments to fine-tune the fluidity of movement instead. Once I did this, that little choppy, clunky chatter (which you skateboarders, or anyone familiar with ball bearing joints, will recognize as problematic if tightened too tightly) will go away. The result is a nice, smooth, quiet movement.I had it too loose at first, and was having trouble keeping the movement fluid, but after adjusting a few times I found it to be awesome! I got really nice movement on the pan, the rise and lowering, and both in unison, as it should be. At this point, you’re on your own to develop the feel it takes to make those smooth movements.As a fledgling filmmaker, I’m working on my control of all things involved in my filmmaking, but this help immensely in making what would otherwise look like a handheld, YouTube vlog video look very professional. One suggestion would be to always allow a second or so to begin and end your movement so that the jerky beginning or ends of your clip, if any, can be edited out in post. Other than that, I find this to be the perfect tool for what I need to make my videos look really nice! Like anything else, it’s not something that will do all the work for you, and since you’ll most likely use it to smooth out DSLR/Mirrorless footage, you aren’t going to have the added weight of a big, heavy camera to help slow erratic movements. It is capable of holding one of those cameras; there are two mounting screws included, a 1/4″ and a 3/8″, so attaching any DSLR-type camera is a breeze, and either screw can be removed so it’s not in the way or rattling around on the slider plate. The slider plate allows for easy balancing of your camera on the head so whatever lens you’re using, it’ll balance nicely. I’ve used it on a Peak Designs Travel Tripod with a Canon EOS R and a Canon 70-200 zoom with spectacular results, even without using the lens’ mount for additional balancing!For the price, I’m really pleased with this purchase!

    4 people found this helpful

20. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    P.K. FraryP.K. Frary – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Silky smooth pans & excellent fit and finish

    The MVH500AH is a light duty fluid head aimed at the travel and amateur video markets. The flat bottom fits standard photographic tripods (3/8″ thread) and has a wide platform for DSLRs, making it a good choice for photographers dabbling in video production.BUILD: The cast aluminum fittings, removable panning handle, giganormous quick release plate and excellent fit and finish make for an impressive package. Plus, installation was easy: a few spins and the MVH500AH mated to the 3/8″ bolt on my Manfrotto 190. It held my Canon 80D with EF-s 18-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM perfectly and delivered silky smooth pans. Drag is fixed but resistance is ideal for pans from 10mm to 200mm on APS-C and smoother than my larger and more expensive Manfrotto MVH502AH video head.The pan handle is comfy and provides plenty of leverage, making it easy to grip and steer. One thing I appreciate is the panning handle is not only adjustable for angle, but can be mounted on the left or right side. I’m right-handed but prefer panning with my left-hand, using my right-hand to work camera controls.QUICK RELEASE: The 500 sports a Rapid Connect (Q5) quick release and includes a single 500PLONG plate. The 500PLONG is the long (5.5″) version of the 501PL plate. It’s ungainly on a DSLR and obviously designed for the long and narrow form factor of pro camcorders. However, it’s designed to slide in the clamp like a rail, allowing it to be positioned for optimal balance.Mounting the 500PLONG takes multiple steps: angle in plate from above, snap in, position for best balance and, finally, tighten the thumbscrew to lock. Tabs prevent the plate from sliding out of the clamp if you forget to lock it. To release, unscrew the lock lever and press the release tab while lifting the rig out. Not quick but secure and easy to rebalance after a lens or camera change.I use the Arca-Swiss (AS) quick release system on my other heads. So I installed an AS compatible clamp (Sunwayfoto) on the head by mounting it on the 3/8″ stud of the 500PLONG, yielding an easy to use quick release. Best of all, I can leave an AS plate on my camera and mount it on any of my heads without swapping plates. And, yes, mounting/removing the camera is faster with the AS clamp but I can still slide the 500PLONG for optimal balance.GOTCHAS: Unlike most other Manfrotto video heads, plates for the 500 can’t be slid in. Instead, they snap in from above at about a 20 degree angle. Snapping in the plate is more difficult and slower compared to sliding in, especially with larger lenses and accessories attached to the camera. However, since I use an AS compatible clamp the before mentioned is a moot point for me.The extremes of the vertical tilt befuddle me: if I release my grip on the panning arm at the lowest or highest point of the vertical pan, the head is deflected in the opposite direction as if spring loaded. Of course I can hold the panning arm or lock it down but other positions in the pan-path hold position. I’m not sure if this is a feature or defect but my Manfrotto 128LP fluid head simply sits there instead of recoiling and doesn’t need to be locked or held. If this is a feature, maybe it’s supposed to keep a heavy rig from suddenly crashing to the extreme of the vertical pan?FINAL BLURB: The 500 is a lightweight travel worthy video head and deal for shooting video with a small to medium DSLR. It’s almost perfect but, if I were to grade the 500, it would earn an A-. But it nails the important things: silky smooth pans, easy to balance, is stable and has great fit and finish.

    50 people found this helpful

21. 

    Rated 3 out of 5

    JakeJake – March 9, 2024

    3.0 out of 5 stars

    Hard to balance.

    The Bubble level on this video head is absolutely ridiculous the bubble hardly ever travels outside of the center circle so even if it’s completely unbalanced it still shows the bubble in the middle. The pan & tilt drag is absolutely horrible. This head is fine for a locked down shot but for live work I need one with notched pan/tilt drag. Also the fixed counter balance fights smaller cameras, (less than 8lbs) you can’t turn off the counter balance. I figured all of this considering the price so I guess I’ll have to fork over a few hundred dollars for the better quality.

    2 people found this helpful

22. 

    Rated 3 out of 5

    TriggerHappy – March 9, 2024

    3.0 out of 5 stars

    Made in China

    I actually like this head a lot. It seems well built and the movement is super smooth.However, here was my problem with it: When tilting slowly, there is this internal very faint squeaking / friction noise. Couldn’t hear it until I put my ear close to it. My microphone mounted on camera would pick it up when turned up during very quiet moments.I tried to “excercise” it out and played with it changing tension, etc and used it alot giving it plenty of time hoping it would work it self out before my return window would expire. It still would ocassionally make that noise.The other thing I noticed was that it is made in China. Seems Manfrotto is too embarassed to display that since it was faintly stamped and barely visible, hidden on the under side of the head. I own A LOT of Manfrotto / Bogen products over the years and they have always been made in Italy and never a prob. I guess times are tough from them too.This would explain why this head is very affordable over its other models?It wouldn’t be a huge issue with me except I did notice a couple of manufacture QC imperfections: The top of the head had a shallow scrape gouged in it right before the coating was applied, And the molding around the inset screw threads to attach the handles were not formed smooth.I know these are all petty cosmetic issues and would not make a darn difference in its operation, considering they eventually get beat up and worn anyway. However, it makes me question the Chinese production quality control over the the Italians. Maybe this had something to do with whatever was causing the tilting noise?I really like this head otherwise, however I am not sure about the long term reliability past the warranty period.I’d rather pay the few bucks extra for the piece of mind. Now if I can still get one made in Italy…

    6 people found this helpful

23. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    RedRob – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    VERY smooth, painful tension knob on left side

    This head is much smoother than other Manfrotto heads I’ve used (701, 501 series), and I really like the adjustability of the head.T’he reason for 3 instead of 5 stars, is that the tilt knob on the left sticks out so far, that it pushes into the palm of my left hand when I’m working the zoom/focus/iris wheels of my camera. If your shooting style doesn’t have you using the rings for extended periods of time, this will be a GREAT head for you. But if you’re like me and shoot 10-hr days with your left-hand fingers on the rings, you want to rest your thumb on the plate rim too… this head actually caused me pain as a result of the design. If I had a choice I would seek a similar head without that protruding tension knob on the left side.UPDATED 5/16/17 — I now own 3 of these heads and apparently adapted my hand position so the protrusion isn’t that big a deal. Handling is so far superior to prior versions that I’m buying a 4th now!

    One person found this helpful

24. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Bill Allen – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great for binocular astronomy

    I use this for astronomical binoculars, and it is great. The action is smooth, and the spring counter-weights work pretty well. Other users were complaining about the positioning of the tightening knobs, but I don’t know. This is my first video head, so I have nothing to unlearn or relearn, and I found it to be quite perfect for my needs. If you want the controls on the other side, and you aren’t pointing the lens(es) of your optical device more than 45 degrees up, then turn the head around and attach the handle to the other side. When used with binoculars, even very powerful large binoculars, like 25×100 binos, the action is smooth and following objects, like jets and satellites, is a piece of cake. When you find what you’re looking for, the head can quickly be locked into position so you can move about and concentrate on what you’re seeing for a while. I like this company’s equipment, and this video head particularly, a great deal.

25. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Biz – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Awesom video/photo shoot tripod head

    This head is sturdy and solidly designed. It has great dampening for video work and adaptability for still photography. It also has a variety of camera attachment options. I can use it with a variety of cameras with no problems. It come with a quick release mechanism and additional quick release plates are available from Amazon so you can quickly change camera bodies when doing a shoot.I primarily use this with a Canon EOS DSLR but have also mounted other cameras on the head.Of course, everything – leveling, tension, position of the pan arm, etc. is completely adjustable – the arm can be mounted on the RHS or LHS as well. It is also massive enough and fully dampened to eliminate a significant amount of vibration when used for static shots or dynamic video shooting.I highly recommend this tripod head.

26. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Frederick James (FDJ) – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Amazing must have piece of gear…..

    if you already have a great tripod for photos but you occasionally shoot video, this is a must have piece of gear. Strong, sturdy and very reliable. This is a must have piece of kit.

27. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Want to look profession on a cheaper Tripod

    I didn’t want to pay $600-1000 for a Manfrotto Tripod system. The Manfrotto 502 give your tripod system that professional and finished look. I have the Manfrotto 502 sitting on top of a Davis & Sanford Provista 7518B Tripod. ($149) so for under $400 I have a great Tripod Video Head that is smooth and holds my 17lbs camera rig with no problem. Because my camera rig is larger than the 8lbs counter balance I do have to ensure I am hold the camera when it’s not locked in place. But with that being said the 502 still delivers a smooth pan, tilt and drag function, which prevents those jerky and knock movements. Because I have the ability to adjust the friction control it delivers smooth moments to create a cinematic feel. Worth every penny!

    2 people found this helpful

28. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Andrew Butts – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Larger than expected, but more fluid than expected.

    The picture doesn’t do the size of this head justice, it is quite large, especially if you’re upgrading from teh 701HDV like me. If you’re upgrading from the 501, it’s probably not a shock. Size aside though, the fluidity of this head is sick. I find the pan dial very easy to use, even if it’s not emminently clear which direction is loosen or tighten. Loosened all the way, this head spins and spins on air, with good granularity all the way to locked. The tilt tension is slightly less haptically pleasing, but still does the trick and gives you plenty of control.My two gripes are just the pan lock and the plate lock. The pan lock is in the middle of the head and sometimes annoying to get to and the plate lock often times is obscured by the camera itself if you’re shooting dslr. Annoying, but not unmanageable. Works well on my 055XPROB, I’m sure it’d work just as well on the 190, if not just seem larger. Wish I would’ve gotten this over my 701HDV due to the problems that has with pan fluidity.

29. 

    Rated 2 out of 5

    Benjamin – March 9, 2024

    2.0 out of 5 stars

    Quite good, but some disappointments

    I’ve now owned 2 of these units for a couple years. For the most part, the fluid head works quite well. The vertical drag knob makes a weird sticking noise when it’s quite tight on both units. The horizontal drag control is quite smooth. I find it takes a little bit of moving the head around before filming to get a smooth motion. On one of my 2 units, the brass screw with plastic knob that secures the plate (part #1021 27S) broke when the tripod took a tumble inside it’s padded bag (included with the unit) in my vehicle. The replacement parts are expensive if you buy them most places. The cheapest I found it was $11 from a local A/V supplier. It was necessary to remove the threaded section with a screw extractor bit for a drill. It’s not necessary to remove the screwed on top plate of the tripod head to do this, but I did and I found that one of the four hex screws that screwed the top plate on must have been stripped when it was inserted. This one screw was difficult to remove and unfortunately the head of the screw snapped off leaving the threaded part of the screw inside the aluminum side wall block. If I had to do it again I wouldn’t remove the top plate of the fluid head. One of the 3 legs on one of my units has had a problem where one side of the leg seems to come out of the joint but it easily goes back in and it’s not something that happens every time I use it. At the end of the day, I suppose the fluid head is a good unit, if you are careful to not break that set screw. For travel I’m thinking about putting the tripod in a hard case so the screw that holds the plate in the top doesn’t get broken again. Personally I think there are better tripod bases out there, that’s just my opinion. This one’s fine for light work but it just doesn’t seem very sturdy or well made.

    One person found this helpful

30. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    IAN S. – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    This one ticks all of my boxes!

    Eagerly awaited towards eht end of a season of filming wildlife, and delivered in less time than even Amazon’s usual efficiency,(in New Zealand, an average of eleven days, from placement of order), the device ticks all of my boxes, and is in almost daily use,despite its much greater weight and bulk than what I had used previously. The addition of smooth pans, tilts, and both, has already revitalised my footage. Yes, the tilt-lock is in the ‘wrong’ place, the pan-lock is a bit inconvenient, and both take some getting used to,but the fact that the head is designed in a way that assures wobble-free smoothness at all settings, even when the ‘pan’ and ’tilt’ are on low settings, is a big plus, as the designs which support the ’tilt’ on only the one side, are usually hopeless. What small amount of backlash remains in my setup, has been traced to my tripod, (carbon-fibre’ with a small amount of ‘spring’ in the legs). When my finances recover from the current onslaught of renewing quite a bit of gear, I shall make ‘that’ a priority as well. Overall, I find it hard to fault this device.

31. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Frank – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Wow, enough said?

    Wow. Should leave it at that, but I’ll expand.Firstly, how I use it: For my Panasonic cinema camera (HMC150) and my Canon 7D.It is a video head, but I’m also using it for photo, since the position can be locked. Right now, I have no reason to use any other head for photo or video.The pan and the tilt fluid movement is adjustable and very good. It can shake a little at the start depending on the pressure selected, however. Maybe I need more practice. The removable quick disconnect plate is very well designed and has the install screw plus another notch to prevent the camera from moving laterally (to shear away from position). All has very good fit and finish. For just under 200 dollars, it is all I need (I considered the larger heads, but I’m satisfied with this one). It is more than enough to handle the weight of my Canon 7D and all my lenses (I have not tried it with the BIGMA, 18 to 500 sigma, but due to how it is mounted, I don’t expect issues). The big advantage for me is the flat bottom which connects to my regular photo Vanguard tripod. I did not want a 100 mm 1/2 ball because I would have had to invest in a new tripod bringing my cost up.The handle that comes with it helps me move the head smoothly the great great majority of the time. As with any mechanical device, you learn how to correct for little quirks if you find them.In the end, I suggest if you’re excited about the little I said above, try it. I do believe this is a well designed superior product that works at a reasonable price that suggests quality.January 2018: Still great, still use it. I realize now that the ball bottom would have been better, but didn’t want to have to buy the additional ball (female) that attaches to the tripod legs.Don’t regret it a bit, I just know how to manage it.

    4 people found this helpful

32. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Mogore – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great Fluid head

    Does the job, quality build and smooth movement.

33. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    H. Stevens – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Professional Quality Video Head

    I have a Canon 7D DSLR which I want to use to shoot video, and if anything this video head is overbuilt for it. However, if I ever attach heavier equipment to my camera or move to a bigger rig, I will not have to replace the video head.It actually took me a little while to figure out how it works, because it has adjusting features and locking features for each of the things it does. For example, you attach your camera to the sliding soleplate, slide it into a position where it is balanced on the video head, and then lock it down with a lever. The handle tilts the head up and down, and there is a tension knob and a locking knob for this motion. It also pans from side to side, and again there is a tension adjustment and a locking knob. When you set it up, you need to make sure that the locking knobs that secure the tilting and panning movements are unlocked. Another feature is that there is a hand adjustable locking knob on the handle, so you can lock the handle into position for steering the video head, and when you store the equipment you can lock the handle down so that it is not in the way.I agree with the comments Mr. Patterson has about the design of the head. The locking screw for the panning adjustment is in a particularly awkward place.The sliding soleplate comes with two interchangeable screws so that different types of cameras can be mounted on it. It also has some kind of stub toward the front of the plate for mounting large camcorders. Both screws are slotted, and meant to be screwed on and off your camera with a large coin. Everything on the tripod is meant to be easily adjustable with your hands, though you should make sure that you have a quarter handy when you attach the camera.The motion is very smooth with no jerking or rough spots. The two panning mechanisms work well together to produce an even motion of the camera in all directions. I expect it to be a strong element of my video set up. I am very well satisfied with it.I am pairing it with a

    Manfrotto 058B Triatt Camera Tripod – Replaces 3251 and 3051 (Black)

    , which is a particularly solid tripod. Between the two pieces of equipment, I have a very solid platform for shooting video.

    2 people found this helpful

34. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Bardo Matrix – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Simply awesome for the price!

    I have started shooting more video with my 5D and wanted something other than my ball head for video. I already have a Manfrotto 055X carbon fiber tripod and wanted something that would go onto that quickly. What a breeze! Just unscrew the ballhead, screw this one on and away you go. Probably 30 seconds to make the change. What I wanted was something very lightweight and compact. This head fit the bill perfectly. The fluid movements are really wonderful. Perfectly dampened and with springs to help return it to level. Smooth as silk! The sliding baseplate is plenty long enough to balance the camera with a long lens attached. I have the Canon 70-200 and there are no issues balancing. It is not necessary to use the lens mounting option at all. Just slide the camera back with the plate on the camera and balance is quickly achieved. The finishes are very nice and everything seems to lock down properly. It would certainly support a heavier camera. Overall I am very very happy with the purchase. The pan/tilt handle can be locked in most any position and used on the left or right side. This is really a GREAT choice for smooth pans and tilts and you really cannot beat the price for this very high quality head. Buy it and you will not be disappointed!

    8 people found this helpful

35. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Ryan Brenneman | The Smart Livestreamer – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Extremely happy with the purchase

    Very fluid movement. Extremely happy with the purchase!

36. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    patrick – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    BUTTERY SMOOTH HEAD, SHADY 3RD PARTY SUPPLIER

    READ THIS:Be cautious about who you order this head from. I ordered it from Ornem first and the 502 I received was obviously used and scratched up by the previous owner or maybe it was a demo/showroom model. I feel like Ornem was hoping some schmuck wouldn’t have cared about the condition and I ended up receiving it. When you order something that is described as BRAND NEW, that is what you should expect and what you should receive, no questions ask. I returned it that same day and ordered it again through CaMan and the new one I received was, you guessed it, brand new.Before I sent them my negative seller feedback, I noticed that they had a couple negative reviews in the past 30 days. So I went ahead and put together my review and it was live in about 10 minutes. NOT EVEN 15 MINUTES LATER, my review as well as the other reviews left by unhappy customers had been deleted! How is this possible? Amazon should be the only one that is capable of deleting reviews because now, Ornem has a 100% unblemished record and customers will never know about situations like mine.THE ACTUAL REVIEW:This head is a beast. It’s a solid build and the fluid drag system will give you buttery smooth panning and tilt footage. The only concern I had going into buying this head was the fact that it’s made in China. Not to say that stuff made in China is bad, I’ve purchased plenty of great products made in China, it’s just that Manfrotto chose to have it manufactured in China vs. Italy like the majority of their products that got me thinkin.I also ordered the 190 go tripod which is made in Italy so I was able to get a good idea of the build quality between the two. The 190 is flawless 5/5 no problem. The 502 is a 4/5, it’s constructed very well but it appears they took some shortcuts on the finish. The one thing I noticed about the 502 is that as you’re adjusting the fluid dials, there is this odd popping sound. My guess is it’s the fluid within the head as you adjust it accordingly. Not a huge deal breaker as the head pans and tilts consistently in all directions but I am hoping that it will eventually go away. There is some play in the dials too but I was aware of that when I was doing my research on this head.VERDICT:In the end, I’m super stoked to have added the 502 and 190 to my setup and I highly suggest ordering either of these products if you are in the market for some sweet gear. Once again, BE AWARE OF WHO YOU ORDER THIS THROUGH.

    5 people found this helpful

37. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Drewcifer – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Smooth video head, great quality, huge and heavy!

    I love Manfrotto products. Both my tripods, and my three ballheads are all manfrotto. I am a professional photographer, but have only recently gotten into videography. I was told that I should get this head as it was a quality product that I would be happy with ten years from now. So far, I was told right. However, there are a couple things that I want to point out.First, this thing is huge and heavy! If you are used to photo ballheads, this thing is sort of shocking. It is big on my 055, so you can image how huge it is if I try to put it on my 190!!! Plus, it is 3.5 pounds. That is a lot of weight. If you are trying to run and gun a wedding or something, weight is at a premium. With that said, almost all the videographers I have met at weddings use this video head. It seems to be the industry standard. Plus, once you add a monitor, external mic, and matte box to your camera, you are pushing a lot of weight anyway. You want a head that can do a smooth job even under stress. This video head fits that bill!The other thing I wanted to point out, is that if I had it to do over, I think I would have bought the 75mm ball version and bought a video tripod to go with it. Something like this:

    Manfrotto MVK502AM-1 Professional Fluid Video System Aluminum Tripod with Telescop Twin Leg (Black)

    I say that because leveling a tripod manually with the legs is a PITA. Yes, it is certainly more money to get the head AND a new tripod. However, in the long run, you might be better off. This, of course, is not the fault of the head, it is just something you should think about.

    5 people found this helpful

38. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Amazon Customer – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great vvalue

    Quality kit

39. 

    Rated 1 out of 5

    Lijing Du – March 9, 2024

    1.0 out of 5 stars

    Not what I expected. Needed a special tripod.

    Not what I expected. Needed a special tripod.

    One person found this helpful

40. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    P.K. Frary – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Ultra smooth pans and built like a tank

    The 502 is a midrange fluid head aimed at the serious amateur/semi-pro video market: flat bottom with 3/8″ thread to fit standard photographic tripods and a wide platform for DSLRs. It’s a big bruiser, boasting cast aluminum fittings, long beefy panning handle and a giganormous QR (5.5″) plate. I mated it to a Manfrotto 055 and mounted my 70D. Once balanced and tweaked for tension, it held position perfectly yet delivered smooth pans, even with a heavy telephoto onboard (EF 300 4L IS USM).PANNING HANDLE: It’s long (plenty of leverage), comfy, thick and easy to grip and steer. One thing I appreciate about the 502 is the panning handle can be mounted on the left or right side. I’m right-handed but prefer to pan with my left-hand, leaving the right-hand free to work camera controls and pan lock. My last head forced me to pan, lock and operate the camera with the right-hand only.QUICK RELEASE: The 502 uses the Rapid Connect (Q5) quick release system and includes a single 500PLONG plate. The 500PLONG is the extra long (140mm/5.5″) version of the 501PL plate. It’s designed to slide in the clamp and position for best balance. If you own the older 501PL plate, it still fits in the 502 albeit two inches shorter. And the 500PLONG fits in the smaller 577 clamp used on the 501 and 701 heads.Rapid Connect is a misnomer since mounting the 500PLONG takes multiple steps: slide in plate from rear, position for best balance and, finally, tighten the side lever to lock. Tabs prevent the plate from sliding out of the clamp if you forget to lock it. To release, unscrew the lock lever and press the release tab while sliding the rig out. Not quick but secure and easy to rebalance after a lens or camera change. I marked the balance points for my favorite lenses with a Sharpie.I use the Arca-Swiss (AS) quick release system on my other heads. So I installed an AS clamp on the 502 by mounting it on the 3/8″ stud of the 500PLONG. The clamp knob was too short to clear the edge of the plate, making it difficult to turn. A 5mm riser plate provides clearance for the knob, but I decided to use a Hejnar 500PLONG clone (M577-550F63B) with integral riser plate. I mounted my clamp on the Hejnar and it works like a dream: slides smoothly in the 502 clamp slot for balancing and locks tight. Best of all, I can leave an AS plate on my camera and mount it on any of my heads without swapping plates. And, yes, mounting/removing the camera is much faster with the AS clamp.GOTCHA: The vertical pan is limited to +90° / -85°, so not a good choice if you need to shoot shoot critters at ground level. Worse, the extremes of the tilt befuddle me: if I release my grip on the panning arm at the lowest or highest point of the vertical pan, the head is deflected in the opposite direction as if spring loaded. Of course I can simply hold the panning arm or lock it down but all other positions in the pan path hold position (assuming the rig is balanced). I’m not sure if this is a feature or defect but my other Manfrotto fluid head (128LP) simply sits there instead of recoiling and doesn’t need to be locked or held. If this is a feature, maybe it’s supposed to keep a heavy rig from suddenly crashing to the extreme of the vertical pan?FINAL BLURB: The 502 is a a beefy piece of kit and ideal for a medium to large DSLR with telephoto. Plus, it’s easy to convert to Arca-Swiss if desired. The smooth movements, excellent fit and finish and thoughtful features make it a joy to use, just wish the tilt wasn’t so bouncy at the extremes of the pan range.

    20 people found this helpful

41. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Amazon CustomerAmazon Customer – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Not designed for wide body camera, but it’s an issue you can resolve yourself

    I have a Nikon Coolpix p1000. On the tripod, my camera overhangs on the right side where you grip most DSLRs. This overhang is directly over the tightening screw used to fasten the plate in place so your camera doesn’t move. But because the camera is in the way, you can’t actually tighten it down because of the way that screw is designed, see picture. So instead I bought a 6M X 1 set screw and now I’m using an Allen key to tighten it down. This way, it doesn’t matter what camera I use, that tightening screw will always be out of the way now.Yes the knob has a spring in it so you can disengage the knob, rotate it, and tighten it again, but it’s in a cramped spot, it hard to do that. The instructions don’t tell you this, they just say to tighten it.I also had to buy a rubber washer to place between the head of the mounting screw and the mounting plate because even if when I fully tightened the screw, my camera would still swing back and forth.Reminder: It does not come with a carrying case and the packaging was poor. The whole tripod was just tossed into a box with no cushioning, so when it arrived, part of the box was damaged from where the tripod bounced around in the box during transit. For something this expensive, I would have expected proper care on the manufacturers part. But for how beefy this tripod is, there isn’t any damage to the product itself.Besides these design flaws and cheap packaging, it’s very sturdy and smooth to operate. I’m pretty happy with it.

    6 people found this helpful

42. 

    Rated 3 out of 5

    Mike – March 9, 2024

    3.0 out of 5 stars

    Fit and finish is great 5 star, usability not so much, 1 star, average 3 star

    I ordered this to use with a D800, 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 and some accessories. for a total weight of about 6 to 8 ponds total. It fits great in my RRS Versa 3 tripod’s 75 mm bowl. This will give you some idea about the set up so you can put my review in perspective.First, let’s talk about the quality, fit and finish. It is the best that I have seen from Manfrotto and even their higher end sister company Gitzo. I know some people were disappointed that this is made in China, but I think, that is probably why the unit has such a good fit and finish. I wish it was designed there too since the design is where this thing falls short.Three issues, Two major issues and One minor misrepresentation is what makes this a non-starter for me.1- The knob that locks the plate is too close to the top of the head and it touches the camera. Manfrotto tried to address this by making the knob adjustable so that you can tighten a little, adjust the knob back, and repeat until the plate is locked, this must have been designed by someone who never used a Video Head, because it is harder and slower than screwing the camera to a locked plate directly. It is sad when direct screwing of the camera to the head is faster and easer than the quick release. I know you can use a riser block to raise the camera but why bother, when there are better options.2- The Tilt lock mechanism is on the right side of the head and the Tilt drag adjustment on the left. If you use your right hand to Tilt and Pan, then you must either switch hands and use your left hand to hold the handle in the desired spot while you lock the tilt motion with your right hand, or let go of the handle and hope that the head does not move while you try to lock the Tilt. However, since the counterbalance weight is fixed on this head the chances of you having a perfect balance is slim. That means that the head will move before you can lock it. Meanwhile the drag adjustment is on the opposite side and you have to go back and forth switching hands every time either one needs adjustment. This is a major issue since no matter which hand you use to Pan and Tilt, you are constantly switching hands. Again perhaps a design by someone who never used a Video head in real world situation. By the way the location of the Pan lock is not much better. You have to reach around the setup to the front of the head to lock it but it is not as bad as the Tilt lock.3- The minor issue of the weight claim. Max Load of 13.2 pounds is a bit over exaggerated. I would say 6-8 pounds is the real world max functionally, specially when you consider the tilt lock situation. I am sure you can put 20 ponds of gear on this head if you want. The unit will physically handle it, but functionally, the counter balance would stop doing any good and the Max drag adjustment will not be adequate. If you need higher capacities, Manfrotto makes larger ones but they may have same issues.One last thing, the Tilt mechanism makes a popping noise when you move the head, I do not consider this an issue per say but it is important to mention it because it is loud enough to be picked up by the microphone especially if you have the mic attached to the head or the camera, or using the camera’s mic. I don’t think this is a production issue, it is a design issue, so if it is not acceptable to you, don’t order this head and hope you will get a good one that is quite.I hope this helps,

    31 people found this helpful

43. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    I-lean Dover – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Solid video head for Tripod

    Quality! Well made and Durable!

44. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Knife G – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    My first Video Head – very cool

    I purchased this video head along with the 055XPROB tripod (also reviewed). As an amatuer film maker i needed something that would provide silky smooth tilts and pans. My current chinese tripod, in comparison, seems like it has a washboard swivel. I had considered the 701 but chose this for better load capability and some other reviewer concerns on how fluid it really was as well as the drag. Please bear in mind this is my first prosumer head so many of the features are new to me.The video head was very well packed (which cannot be said for their tripods). When openeing the box, i was not expecting it to be this large. But i wanted something more professional and just by looking at it, that is what i got. The head, of course, tilts and pans with locking screws and drag adjusters. The adjusters allow you to increase/decrease the amount of drag on the both actions. The camera mount is a more professional type with a much longer and wider base. I am sure this is to handle larger cameras and actually dwarfs a small camcorder. It slides and snaps in to place and locks via a screw. It can be locked in any position to counter balance larger cameras (i think). However, once you unlock the screw be careful as it will suddenly slide even though you may not want it to; this is actually quite scary when there are hundreds of dollars sitting on top. As a result, the camera must be held while unlocking. A pan handle is included and completes the professional look. The handle angle is adjustable.Operation; compared to what i was using, this is amazing! The pans and tilts are silky smooth, the drag adjusters really assist in controlling the movement and the results are astonishing. When tilting, the head seems to slowly go back to the neutral position on its own when let go. I think there is a spring mechanism. I am not sure how this would work with a heavier camera but for a DSLR this is nice since if you inadvertantly let go the camera doesnt just drop forward or backwards.I am very happy with this purchase and it exceeded my expectations. This is one of two Manfrotto products I now own and i am very happy with them both; especially the video head. Happy filming!

    43 people found this helpful

45. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    DIX PIX photo, video, and pro audio – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Video results are GREAT, tripod is heavy, but VERY stable, and has a couple of flaws that can be lived with

    SUPER happy with the video results, smooth and fluid, allows you to zoom a zoom lens or change aputure without any shaking what-so-ever.This tripod has it’s flaws. At this price range, I would expect a bit more. As others have pointed out, the locking lever for the shoe mount gets in the way of your camera! This is basic, and should be fixed!! I do manage to get by despite this inconvenience. Also, I REALLY like how you need to push the release button to remove the shoe after the locking lever is loosened.There is no question that MANY cameras have been saved because of this feature.The leg locking bars are a REAL pain, and I don’t know why they didn’t just put locking levers instead of twist-tighteners, which I have always had trouble with when tearing down. You can’t unlock the twist locks without a pair of channel locks, and wind up needing to remove the leg stabilizer (which, fortunately, at least it CAN be removed, and you can still tear down, and fit it in the bag.) The leg locking bars could definitely be more solid, although they do the job. The tri-joint of the locking bars has play that can’t be stabilized.DON’T LOSE YOUR PAN AND TILT HANDLE! They will sell you another one, but you really should avoid that by attaching it with a cord, etc. toyour tripod!! I showed up for a shoot, and DIDN’T HAVE MINE, forcing me to borrow one, with slight embarrassment.At this price range, I would like to see these issues resolved, BUT– it definitely performs VERY VERY well, flawless fluidity, and allows you to touch your camera, and adjust your lens with ZERO shake, which is the whole point.This tripod is NEVER going to get knocked over unless you are using a very narrow leg footprint, and the legs are HIGHLY adjustable. You can set up the legs so in a number of different ways that are not centered, but still keep the tripod totally stable.The quality of the video head is the best feature, and the tripod is extremely stable. ALSO– get in the habit of ALWAYS returning the shoe to the video head, or you will LOSE it!

    4 people found this helpful

46. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Greg – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Camcorders Yes! DSLRs … maybe?

    This is my fourth fluid head and easily the smoothest. Although it doesn’t have any drag adjustments, the default resistance works pretty good. I also really like the quick release attachment mechanism. The thumbscrew which manages the assembly is easy to get to, and with a little practice, swapping out gear will take only a few seconds.One of the best features of the MVH500AH is the ability to slide the base plate along the dovetail track, balancing the camera front to back. From what I can see, my Canon 60D’s focal plane can travel about 2 1/2″ forward and 3 1/2″ behind the tilt axis, adding up to about 6″ of adjustment altogether. After balancing, you can safely release the handle without the camera taking a nose dive and your tilt movements will be all the better. It appears the ideal camera weight is between 3 and 5 lbs. Much heavier and balancing becomes more tedious, and the camera’s weight will override the built-in counterbalancing spring, requiring you to lock the tilt knob when unattended. Zooming out a DSLR lens or attaching a microphone can also affect balance, causing a nose dive. Yes, it’s that fluid!If this head has a shortcoming, it’s the length of the base plate and the dovetail track it slides in. No matter what I mounted to the 60D, balancing put the focal plane in the back 3″ of adjustment. This often left the lens’ zoom and focus rings over the track, making them difficult or impossible to adjust from underneath with my left hand. You can adjust them overhand, but that feels awkward to me. The work-around, which I intended when ordering this head, is to mount a dual camera platform to the base plate, putting both cameras to either side of the fluid head, leaving their focus rings where you can reach them. The MVH500AH handles this dual camera setup rather well. Otherwise I would suggest getting another head, perhaps the 700RC2 or 128LP. The latter should easily balance a single DSLR if the lens isn’t too big, and the former could be balanced by stacking another quick release plate (Giottos M621) atop the Manfrotto offering. As to the head in question, Manfrotto could improve it a lot by trimming at least an inch off the front, making it friendlier to DSLRs.

    One person found this helpful

47. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Bardo Matrix – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    A few thoughts on this head

    Just a few notes since other’s comments have been helpful: I have been using the MVA500AH head for two years. I love it. I wanted to upgrade and shoot with two cameras at times. I love Manfrotto products. This head arrived two days ago and it was obvious that it had been returned before. Since I bought it from Amazon I knew there would be no problem returning it. I have no problem buying something that was returned as long as it is in like new condition. I mounted it on my 057 legs and immediately noticed that the head (with all tensioners off) did not sit level. The camera was pointing up at about a 20 degree angle. Not right! I put my 80D with the 18-135 lens on and the counterbalance spring is way too powerful for this light of a camera. I then put on my 5D with the 70-200 f2.8 (heavy) lens and the spring was still way too powerful. If you add the fact that it was not level with all tensioners off, this made no sense. I see no reason to have to fight the spring to achieve level. Once the camera is balanced it should be fairly effortless to hold any angle. Since it was defective anyway, I decided to order the Benro S7 instead and here is why: On the Manfrotto head they put the tilt lock on the right side! On my 500 head it is on the left side and I use it regularly. I cannot imagine reaching around to the right side every time I want to lock the tilt off. My right hand would be on the pan handle and this move would be very awkward. Also, the Benro has several different settings for the balance spring which makes so much sense to me. For a DSLR rig and my preferences the spring is WAY too powerful. I will receive the Benro S7 tomorrow and will review that soon. BTW, the 500 head is wonderful. Very lightweight and works quite well. No complaints about that one at all. Happy shooting!

    5 people found this helpful

48. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Michael A. ThomasMichael A. Thomas – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Definitely good enough for my current needs (Sony A6600 video rig)

    Contrary to some other reviews, I find the construction to be very nice. Maybe some people are receiving cheap clones of this head? The controls are logical, feel of decent quality, and are well-located (well, maybe except for the pan lock, but it is workable). While the construction and controls are nice enough, the panning motion is not very even on my copy, it varies quite a bit as you rotate 360 degrees. It’s not the end of the world, and maybe it will get better as/if the fluid distributes (?).Counterbalance is *just enough* for my current setup. Maybe a bit better if running an actual V-mount battery (not shown in photo), since that balances out the lens and matte box.The plate and clamp interface is of good quality and is is long enough for good balancing, but man that’s a big and heavy plate. I miss my Arca Swiss dovetails, too. Oh well, video seems to be a Manfrotto world. At least my rig will NEVER topple when just sitting on a flat surface :-DNote: Yes, I have not invested in a set of dedicated video legs, and I probably won’t. And yes, the pictured legs are too wimpy for the load. I have a much larger Gitzo setup, without center column, that will eventually get used.

49. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    C. Crothers – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Awesome Basic but Durable Fluid Head

    I wanted a good fluid head to do video work with my new Sony A6600 and the beautiful Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. I originally wanted the 608 Nitrotech Head with all of the bells and whistles. Unfortunately, it was on a 3-month back order so I decided to go with this 502 head instead.The 502 is rock steady and smoothly handles the Sony A6600 mirrorless body with any lens I throw at it, even my Sony 75-200mm F/2.8 which is NOT a light lens by any stretch of the imagination. I purchased the flat base model because I wanted to also use it on my sliders.For tripod work, I purchased a separate 75mm bowl adapter to mount on my new Benro A67TM which has a 110lb capacity. Coupled together, for really long-range wildlife photos, it easily handles my iOptron 1800mm MAK lens where the lens itself weighs more than 22-lbs.Yes, I know the head’s capacity is only rated to 15-lbs. I’m not doing any video work with the 1800mm lens, just still photography, that would just be CRAZY at that focal length for ANY manual head no matter the price. All I have to do is balance the rig and pan and tilt until I get the composition I want, lockdown both axis tight, and the head and mount combo hold my gear rock steady to get amazing long-distant tack-sharp still photos.I am very happy with the 502. I saved 60% off the price of the 608 and it does EVERYTHING a tripod and head I wanted.

50. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    AC BC DCAC BC DC – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    An awesome upgrade for biggners taking the next step into serious videography

    I am not a professional cameraman. I purchased this so I could make videos of my daughter playing field hockey – her coach said it would be useful for all sorts of things. I had the basic amazon tripod which worked perfectly for me for stills. But it was terrible for videography – especially when panning. No amount of Wd40 could get that tripod to pan smoothly so I have some pretty unwatchable videos.So I started searching for a good head that could pan smoothly. Started learning a LOT of things about tripods. Eventually settled on this head. its probably overkill for my current needs but I hate to buy something and find out in a few months that I have outgrown the product and now need the next level product. With my approach I have room to grow and I usually end up with really good products.This feels like one of those products. It is one solid piece of machinery – it is about 3.5 lbs. The panning and tilting is really smooth. It is easy to use – even for a non-pro like me. I checked out some product reviews and so far cant find any issues that others described(with regards to smooth panning at least drag settings etc.). Ive included a picture of my little rig. It is a D610 with a Nikon 80-200 2.8f. I will be interchanging the D610 for a Nex5 from time to time.I tired this head on a Ranger 57″ ultra Compact all aluminum tripod and the tripod was dwarfed by it. I ended up getting a Manfrotto 190XDB and that is what you see in the pic. Would not recommend it for use with your average portable tripod.It comes in a massive box – you wonder what you are getting yourself into. 🙂

    16 people found this helpful

51. 

    Rated 3 out of 5

    manwiththe5d – March 9, 2024

    3.0 out of 5 stars

    Generally robust – if flawed – tripod head from Manfrotto

    ***EDIT – long-term update, March 2016***After running this head for just shy of three years now, I’ve come to accept the flaws in tolerance of the rotating part of the head (see original review below), which – in the field – doesn’t really present that much of an issue. Also, the pain of finding flaws in a brand new purchase have long since come and gone.Now that the original finish on the tripod plates have been worn smooth after three years of use, it’s become much more manageable to swap cameras back and forth; binding is not really an issue anymore. Still, the previous generation of Manfrotto HDV-series heads were superior in this respect.I did have to disassemble and glue the release spring on both of my MVH502A heads, but I have not had any trouble with the spring slipping and/or jamming since.I am to the point, however, where the plastic locking thumb cam on my most frequently-used 502A is beginning to strip against the brass hex nut that secures the tripod plate – and I’m generally gentle with it. I would have preferred to see the thumb cam made out of a more durable material, or at least designed with a solid brass insert to prevent such a used – and torqued – part from stripping and slipping.Definitely more deserving than of my original 1-star review, but not worthy of anything past 3 stars either. Try one of them and an older HDV before buying either – and judge for yourself.***************************************Original March 2013 review:I chose to purchase a MVH502A after having been impressed by the fluidity of a MVH502AH (same tripod head w/flat base) at a local store.Upon receiving the MVH502A, the camera baseplate (proudly marked “MADE IN CHINA”) release spring dislocated itself upon its second use, trapping my camera on the tripod head.The spring – which has no locator pin to keep it from slipping from its intended location – had jammed at a 90 degree angle, preventing the baseplate release tab from retracting the additional 4mm.At least that problem was fixable.The other issue is with the panning portion of the head.First – the panning sensitivity adjustment, when spun for adjustment, binds BEFORE reaching maximum friction. Closer examination revealed that the joint between the tripod head and the built in 75mm ball has at least 0.7mm of uncontrollable play (0.7mm may not sound like much on paper, but it sure shows up on any video footage). What’s more, lower fluid friction settings only affect counter-clockwise rotation – clockwise rotation is virtually unencumbered.The overall quality of the unit didn’t impress me as much as the store unit either, particularly as the camera plate (with a JVC GY-HD series camera installed on it) grated upon the head while being slid in. I was also quite surprised to see immediate paint loss on the mating surfaces, which would suggest soft paint – explaining part of the binding. By comparison, the finish of my older 701HDV and 501HDV heads are very tough, facilitating the installation of the plate with minimal binding.A resounding 1-star (and that’s too good for it) for this overpriced, under-built, red-anodized piece of trash – which poorly copies professional equipment.But then again, it’s Italian-engineered and made in China – why should I be surprised?

    4 people found this helpful

52. 

    Rated 3 out of 5

    K. Kekuewa – March 9, 2024

    3.0 out of 5 stars

    Okay, but watch that tilt!

    For reference, I own a large Vinten Vision 10 ENG style tripod and fluid head and a Miller Solo 20. I also bought a Manfrotto 503HDV head to use on 190CXPRO sticks for a relatively lightweight system. That combination was a bit awkward with the 503HDV being so large and heavy, especially with the 438 leveling base that I also added.I liked the 701 variant that was on my monopod and thought that would be a better match to the 190 sticks, but Manfrotto replaced the 701 with this MVH500AH.Indeed, it’s a better match for the 190 sticks. Together with the 438 leveling base, it works nicely. I also like the new quick release system, though the spring loaded lever you depress to release the plate does look a little vulnerable. One of the things I notice about the lower-end Manfrotto gear is the use of plastics where my Vinten uses metal. I try to treat my equipment well, but things get knocked around, and the plastic bits on my Manfrotto gear appears less robust. That release lever looks like it could get bent easily when sliding the tripod in and out of my grip case.The drag on this head is fixed. For panning, the drag amount is okay. For tilt, on the other hand, I wish for more drag or a pre-load adjustment. With a little camera like a GH4 and a native lens, you’ll have no problem. But, when I attach my Nikon 70-200mm to the GH4, I need to be mindful of the balance and make sure I lock the tilt. I’ve had a couple of heart stopping moments as I was setting up my camera with the long lens – soon as I took my hands off the camera to fish something out of my bag or make an adjustment to the leveler, the camera tilted rapidly, coming to a hard stop at the end of the tilt range.Of course, now that I’ve used the head and tripod combination for a while, I know what to expect, and include locking the tilt in my mental checklist. Unfortunately, there’s so much on my mental checklist when setting up for a shoot (turn off the overhead lights, close the door, turn off the A/C, turn on the recorder, check W/B, check focus, etc….), I’d be happier if a new piece of gear didn’t add yet another piece of mental baggage to clutter my thought process.So, 3 stars? Yah. It works as advertised with some new-user surprises. I’m not thrilled by the MVH500AH, but it does provide me a lighter weight option to my bigger sticks.

    10 people found this helpful

53. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Wade HowardWade Howard – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    The Smoothest Panning Video Head

    Like so many others, I was looking for a video head that people were really happy with when they wanted smooth panning footage. I haven’t had it that long, but I did test it outside with our dogs running around, and I was very pleased with the panning action. It was very smooth.I knew from reading many surveys that this video head is huge, and it is…in relationship to my little Panasonic HC-V180 Camcorder (See the attached pictures). It’s designed for an 8-15 lb camcorder, and it is designed to balance that heavier camcorder perfectly in the middle, which is a great feature I’m sure. This video head almost cost as much as the camcorder, but I know that it will be worth it; jerky panning is a bummer! This video head weighs in at 3.75 lbs, and they recommend you remove it when packing it around. I currently have it mounted on my SLIK PRO 700DX, and I wouldn’t want to pack that combo down a trail too far!I went over all the features in the provided product guide, and it is rich in features, and they are most impressive – though I won’t be needing half of them with this current camcorder. I will close with this: the panning is very smooth and adjustable. You can tighten up the panning, and video slow action; you can loosen the panning up, and video fast action. What ever your circumstances are, you can easily make the needed adjustments. I know this is going to be a wonderful video head for many years to come.

    3 people found this helpful

54. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Mike – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Smooth as silk

    Extremely pleased with this purchase. This video head is well worth the $.Being able to fine tune the resistance levels for both panning and tilting is an awesome feauture, especially when you are using telephoto lenses and the smallest amount of shake translates onto the footage.The build quality of this head is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Manfrotto. There are some that say their build quality has gone down recently but I do not agree. This video head feels like it will last forever and take any amount of abuse that I give it.I really like the fact that even when my camera (5dIII) is mounted onto this head, I can access the battery compartment. The head is just narrow enough so that I can swap out batteries without needing to take the camera off of the head.My only legitimate gripe about this head’s design is the location of the quick release lock. The locking knob is positioned towards the middle of the head and it sticks out enough so that you cannot lock the quick release plate if your camera is positioned in the middle of the head. In other words, your camera has to be slid forward on the head in order to lock it into position. It’s not really a big deal because this head is robust enough to easily support a heavy camera that is positioned forward and not perfectly centered, however I’d think that it might be an issue for larger cinema camera owners possibly.All in all, I highly recommend this video head. It’s silky smooth, built like a tank and well worth every penny.

55. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Steve G. – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    What is important to me is stability and functionality

    This head and tripod are a perfect match. Smooth functions and easy control of locks make this a very good head. Panning is simplified And again I could not ask for smoother functions. The tripod is a little on the heavy side you are not going to pack this in. Overall function and stability are exceptional. Mine came with a loose suction. I adjusted the clamp and I have no problems with it now. Somewhere I believe in my heart that this is so that you can figure out how to adjust the clamps on in the field or in the studio. Those people who have sent back the tripod because of this issue I need to take a class in how to fix something.

56. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Fernando Santos – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    A must have for videographers

    Very useful even with heavy cameras and telephoto lenses

    One person found this helpful

57. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Red Helmet Reviews – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Super smooth and easy to use

    I’ve never used a fluid head before but have been wanting one for years. I just purchased a Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod with Horizontal Column (MT055XPRO3) and wanted to make sure I get the most out of it, so I also ordered this fluid head based on the positive reviews of others, and I am so glad I did. This fluid head is super smooth, so easy to work, and the materials and build quality are excellent. Manfrotto products are top notch, so you can rest assured that they will work properly, be trouble free, and will probably even survive a nuclear strike.This fluid head has a built-in bubble level, the handle can be attached to either side to accommodate right or left-handed people, includes a quick-release plate, has great balance and very smooth operation. There are adjustment knobs so that you can tweak the speed and ease of movement or lock it down securely, whichever is needed. It also allows full 360 degree movement.For low-budget filmmakers who need cinema-level gear at an affordable price, this fluid head makes good sense.

    One person found this helpful

58. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    WhaddaHeck – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Nice Telescope Mount (refractors)

    Using this for a refractor telescope, 85mm, weight about 8 lbs total. On a Manfrotto 058B tripod, this gives me excellent panning and steady views up to the 240x magnification limit of the scope. Panning is silky smooth, no hint of jerkiness, no pushback. Resistance can be changed easily from zero resistance to full stop – both for horizontal panning (azimuth) and vertical (altitude). For my telescope setup, the 502 head will only balance for altitude a little bit; when 25-30 degrees altitude, I have to lock the altitude to hold a view. Previously I was using a Tele Vue Telepod “yoke & cradle” head, but this fluid head performs better for me.Also got an extra QR plate (had to go to Manfrotto website to find it in stock), the correct one is the 504PLONG. The original plate has better details than the extra, but both are made by Manfrotto for this head. Can use the extra plate for camera, binoculars, video. 504PLONG also fits the MVH500AH head, even though it’s longer than the original (I have both heads – MVH500AH and MVH502AH, and the plates are interchangeable even though the 504PLONG is longer.) I also got an extra 502HLV pan bar (the handle you steer with). This helps. Having a handle on both right and left sides helps me guide it more smoothly, and when I want to use a hand (change focus, lock altitude, etc), the other hand on a handle keeps things steady.

59. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    George, NYC – March 9, 2024

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Perfect. 10 out of 10

    Perfect price, perfect material, perfect motion. You spent money on your camera don’t buy crappy quality fluid heads, go for the best.

60. 

    Rated 4 out of 5

    Man – March 9, 2024

    4.0 out of 5 stars

    Unable to secure base plate tighting screw with camera on the tripod.

    Do not buy unless you are planning to buy a third party base which will raise the distance between the camera and the screw. The screw to tighten base plate is too big and impossible to secure the base plate with camera on the tripod. Not sure how the passed the design in the first place. Other than that good build quality and smooth pans.

    3 people found this helpful