Manfrotto 502 Video Head with 75mm Half Ball MVH502A

Best on the market for this size. I have a camera that goes almost to the edge of its weight limit and this tripod performs very well. Smooth and strong. The tripod I have is an old tripod that happens to be compatible and needed a new head, it’s like I’m using a new set of everything. Great product, got here on time and I’m loving it.

So, I'm upgrading from a provista V fluid head. This is a great head, don't get the 4 out of 5 stars fool you. This head has everything I wanted. It's light weight, has a 75mm bowl, has tension adjustments, and is very durable. The only thing I don't like about this head is the tension locks. Mainly I'm annoyed by where the tilt tension lock knob is. It's on the right side of the head. Normally tension knobs are on the left for tilt, and in the front for pan. This one is on the right, making it hard to position your shot with your right arm (the usual way you grip a tripod arm) and then having to reach around to the front all the way to the right side of the head to lock it down. This is especially tough when you are trying to lock down a shot just right... That's my only gripe, everything else is amazing about this head.

Like the sturdiness and quality built. Dislike the fact that it does not have options for attachments such as cell phone.

***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?

Terrible product: #1: The counterbalance can not be disabled. Using my Sony AX100 the counterbalance kept making the camera drift upwards even when I had the tension is high as possible. This never happed on my earlier Monfrottos. This is a HUGE issue with this head. #2: The lock down is on the wrong side. Yeah I read about that before I bought it. I didnt think it was gonna be an issue but it was. #3: The tilt tension makes a crunching sound. If you are using on-camera sound it gonna ruin your shot(s) especially when you try to tighten the tension as much as you can and then camera drifts upwards because of the counter balance. I returned it because its garbage.

I love Manfrotto!!! The head is very sturdy, I didn't realized how big it is until it arrived, but then I figured it's perfect for my dslr rig - I might need a bigger one later on :)

I purchased this head to compliment my Ravelli AVTP Professional 75mm Video Camera Tripod. The tripod came with a fluid drag head, but it really wasn't very smooth. I docked this a star because of the thumb bolt that keeps the top plate in place. The bolt was sheered off on the first one I ordered, so I sent it back, thinking that the unit was mishandled, and I didn't want other issues. The second unit had the bolt in perfect condition, but after a single use, the bolt sheered off. I contacted Manfrotto, and they sent me a replacement. I recommend purchasing a backup from your local hardware store. I purchased a Cap Screw 6mm X 16mm (http://www.homedepot.com/p/6-mm-x-16-mm-Socket-Cap-Screw-2-Pieces-82648/100338059?keyword=cap+screw+6mm+x+16mm#.UZoYUSv72As) from Home Depot as my backup. It is a little tricky to tighten when the camera is secured to the plate, but it won't break. I actually use it primarily, and keep the one Manfrotto sent me as a backup. Other than that, though, the head is silky smooth. I actually get excited to use it.

Manfrotto stepped up their game on their video heads in the last few years. I used to own several of the older 501 and 502 fluid heads, and this one is much, much better. Granted, it's still no Sachtler, Miller, or OConnor, but for the price it is excellent. Nice smooth motion with a lot less sticking than the older models had. It still drags quite a bit more in colder temperatures than some of the higher end brands, but it usually doesn't take too much time moving it around to warm it up to the point where it moves more smoothly.