Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming

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.

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.

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!

⭐ Quick Take I’ve been using my first Manfrotto 502 for over 2 years now and this is the second Manfrotto 502 I recently purchased (On sale $169.95). For the money this is probably the best bang for the buck head you can buy that you wouldn't end up regretting down the line. Is this the best full featured video head ever made? far from it but there's definitely reasons you might want to consider this for your next project. --- 💪 Build Quality – 4/5 Pretty solid! The materials don't feel cheap even if mostly plastic. I knocked off a star because of the hard plastic of the tilt Collar Lock, but overall I'm satisfied with the build quality. 💰 Value – 5/5 For what you get, it’s a great deal, but there are cheaper alternatives. If you're looking for absolute best value, I can't think of a better option that doesn't sacrifice reliability. ⚙️ Functionality – 4/5 Works as advertised— counterbalance is over all smooth and consistent, only wish the locking tilt knob was larger and less uncomfterable to unlock when really tightened. --- ✅ What I Liked ✔ [Biggest pro] – (Reliability over price is pretty great) ✔ [Second pro] – (Actually pretty consistence tension on both the pan and tilt) I've bought and returned the much more expansive Manfrotto 608 because of the horribly inconsistent tension.) ✔ [Last pro] - (Although not meant for 35 lb. camera rigs, it does feel pretty stable up to the listed 15lb capacity. ) ❌ What Could Be Better ✖ [Main issue] – (not a deal breaker for me but the ergonomics is pretty outdated at this point) It could get very uncomfterable if you find yourself needing to open the side tilt lock often after its been really tightened. ✖ [Another downside]- ( might be a deal breaker for some: this item has no fixed counterbalance settings for those needing more control and procession.) ✖ [Another downside] – (Again not a deal breaker for me but HORIBLME SHIPPING QUALITY Manfrotto!!) latest shipment came with the box beaten up and half open with the plastic rap on the tripod head clearly scuffed from a fall the head took when it slid out of the packaging at some point. --- 🤔 Worth It? If you have a $15k+ camera rig you should probably invest in a better video head that offers more granular and constant controls and a bit better build quality. If your on a budget but still value reliability more than the newest features or ergonomics this is probably a good fit for you. This is my second parches and there's probably a good reason this option has over 2,400+ reviews at this point.

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!

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.

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.

Pardon the silly photo this is one from when I was just starting to shoot video trying to figure it out Anyhoooooo I’ve used all sorts of counterbalanced gimbals, and such to be more mobile to take video…. And those are absolutely 100% the right call for the more interactive type situation (fer me:)…. I’ve also used lighter weight fluid heads, thinking that it would be more prudent because I’m carrying so much Glass into a situation…. Or because I didn’t wanna look like I was carrying more gear than the performer that I’m shooting…. That, my friend, is the wrong call for this girl. For me, this is a perfect example of using the right equipment for both my experience shooting and the finished product…. Hell it’s way more prudent than a lighter version because it cuts down on finagling footy in post. Also, I don’t have to fiddle or make sure that I’m completely Zen like a green beret sniperbefore I pan and follow the men riding waves in a onesie. I don’t have to think about any jiggles other than my own, but that’s another story for another time…..This thing is counterbalanced and It’s got the perfect drag. All I have to think about is that shutter and the light going through it and that it’s pointed at the right person. The shots I take with this fluid head don’t have my fingerprint on them. I’m not distracted from the subjectby the movement of the camera. Also, it’s heavy duty. It can definitely handle a really beefy zoom lens, and all the crap that we need to slap on there, to make sure that we have enough power the right microphone the right view finder and SSD recording thingamajig. This is worth of extra weight and inconvenience… once it’s set up, which doesn’t take very long, you are in the pocket. Also, don’t forget to turn off your image stabilization both on your lens and in your camera settings when you’re shooting video with this thing…..it is so SHMOOV,it confuses the camera because there’s no instability!!!lol I always forget when I switch from handheld that’s why I’m passing it on anyway may the force be with you and this is worth the investment if you’re an amateur professional whatever stage you’re at it’s worth it because it makes everything have a lot more fun

This is the best option for both photo and video users. I am primarily a still photographer and use a gimbal. However, this fluid head has replaced my gimbal at a much lower price. The only problem is the manfrotto type plates. However, several manufacturers sell adapters that allow Arca swiss plates to be used.

I was looking to upgrade my tripod for video work and this baby comes highly recommended. After alot of research and Scratching my head going back and forth with the "Should I spend that much or shouldn't I" question I finally decided to go for it. I got this and the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 tripod and the combination of the two is just smooth and like a dream. The fluid head is great for those paning from Left to right or up to down product shots especially. Extremely sturdy build and the quality packaging and delivery were amazing from amazon and the seller especially with prime shipping. Now in terms of practicality,this fluid head is one of the best out there.However if you are someone who travels alot and carries a ton of gear already,then this is definitely going to add some extra kg's.Its heavy. The money and the weight though is totally worth the investment.Anyone looking to get great video footage and photos wont regret this buy. Hope this helped.. Peace

以前にも使ってましたがやはり使いやすいです♪ 買ってよかった商品ですね✨

Très cher mais très bon, la meilleure rotule que j'ai jamais eu, je le recommande AVEC son pied pour le coup

Fault reported below resolved with replacement order. This item proved to be of exceptional build quality and thus great value for money at this price. As smooth as silk on both the vertical and horizontal planes under finely controlled continuous adjustment to produce languid cinematic effects while panning and tilting. Solid independent locking in both planes along with acutely angular positioning for those Dr Caligari's Cabinet weirding shots. Paired with a Manfrotto half bowl leveller, this rig was quick and easy to set up for any shooting scenario with confidence that it would all stay in place, all day, even under a hefty load. A 3/8" threaded hole at each side of the camera platform allow accessories such as field monitors and microphones to be rigidly stabilised off the camera body creating a more stable platform for sharper filming with less camera shake and cleaner audio. If there are better fluid heads available at even twice the price then you should buy one right away for a fabulous bargain. This is merely a very highly regarded piece of professionally engineered equipment at a very reasonable price. But it's a whole new level above its junior partner and streets ahead of the rest and many if its much more expensive competitors. Altogether, a bit of a photograhic and cinematic revelation. Original review: Red continuous fluid drag adjustment ring for panning function was seized on arrival and would not budge despite best efforts without putting it in a vice. Locking mechanism engaged and disengaged without issue and panning function itself worked very freely, probably set near minimum drag. This fault has previously been reported among earlier comments by another unfortunate buyer who was spot on. I'm giving Manfrotto another chance since this is my first brand purchase. Looks and feels very sturdy though and all functions otherwise perfect. Spring-back counterbalance on this model well suited to heavier DSLRs (eg. D850) and bulky lenses such as Sigma Art series with the automatic 4kg setting. Hoping for a better outcome after a further wait.