View CartManfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base
The Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base is an affordable yet remarkably full-featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509HD and 504HD heads). The 502HD is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR video cameras.
The head supports up to 4kgs, and spring-loaded counter balance is set for that weight. The balance plate's 3.27" range allows you to correct for uneven payloads that might be due to matte boxes or exotic DSLR rig configurations.
The bridging technology ensures that the pan friction control is intuitive and easy to set, but also protected against knocks. There are of course independent locks for pan and tilt, and drag for both is selectable in a continuous range from zero to the max level. This allows you to operate the head in a confident, smooth manner using the included pan bar.
Key Features
Pan drag and tilt drag are continuously adjustable from 0 (no drag) to the maximum level
Sliding quick-release place secured by secondary safety system
Load Capacity 8.8 lb (4 kg)
Diameter/Thread 3/8"-16 thread
Counter Balance System Spring-loaded
Counter Balance Range One fixed spring for 8.8 lb (4 kg) camera weight
Quick Release/Wedge Plate 504PLONG plate with 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 screws
Balance Plate 504PLONG plate slides 3.27" (83.0 mm)
Tilt Drag Continuously adjustable from 0 to max level
Tilt Range -80° to +90° tilt range front to back
Tilt Lock Yes
Spring Loaded Counter Bal Yes
Pan Drag Continuously adjustable from 0 to max level
Pan Range 360°
Pan Lock Yes
Pan Bar 1 included 2 possible positions
Leveling Bubble Yes
Material Aluminum
Color Black
Temperature Range -4 to +104 °F (-20 to +60 °C)
Height 5.12 in (13.0 cm)
Weight 3.53 lb (1.6 kg)
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 20 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Large range of motion (14)
- Attaches firmly (12)
- Stable (12)
- Strong clamp (6)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Video (12)
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Sports/action (6)
- Night shots (5)
- Wildlife (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (5), Photo enthusiast (4), Semi-pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
DSLR Video Shooter
I'm a commercial photographer who's recently crossed over to the dark side to shoot video. This head is great. It attaches really well to the 561BHDV-1 monopod, and has a great range...Read complete review
I'm a commercial photographer who's recently crossed over to the dark side to shoot video. This head is great. It attaches really well to the 561BHDV-1 monopod, and has a great range of motion. I use it on 55XPROB tripod legs when I need more stability. It also attaches nicely to my Kessler Cineslider, which is probably where I use it most. The monopod's handle is adjustable through a full range of motion so I can put it in just the right spot to get a really smooth pan along the length of the slider. I attach a D4 with 24-70 f2.8 normally, with great stability. it doesn't have any problems with the 70-200 f2.8 either, so no problems with stability with that type of rig.
I use the handle to regularly pull the weight of the Kessler Cineslider cart, camera and lens back up the slider when it's vertical - no problems.
Four stars instead of five because I find it a little tricky to reach to the front and lock the pan off. I'm about 5'5" though so taller people might not struggle with this. I ordered two at the same time and the tightening screws for both handles have to be really REALLY tightened down to lock off movement on the handle.
Other than that, great product, it gets out of my way when I'm shooting. Which is to say 90% of the time it does what it should do and I don't notice it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not too bad
Very affordable tripod head, however with tripods you get what you pay for. Lacks in silkily smooth motion without spending longer than desired tweaking to get correct tension for task at hand. Happy...Read complete review
Very affordable tripod head, however with tripods you get what you pay for. Lacks in silkily smooth motion without spending longer than desired tweaking to get correct tension for task at hand. Happy with the product, but if you have more money to spend, get something a bit better if you intend to use it almost daily.
Reviewed by 20 customers
Displaying reviews 1-10
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Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
Super smooth pans and tilts, adjustable to your preference, and lockable as well. The long baseplate gives great stability and allows you to position the camera for perfect balance.
Only one single flaw, and that is the clicking noise that comes out of the tension dial when adjusting. This can be picked up by your on-camera mic, so either use an off-camera recorder, or don't adjust the tension while filming.
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
Firstly, thanks Video guys for insanely fast and safe shipping!
I'm upgrading to this larger video head from a Benro S4 video head. There is just no comparison. My video quality has jumped to usable professional shots and I find that I get 99% usable pans. I wanted a video head with drag because I do a bit of product work, I wanted to be able to go slow and this head delivers. It's very strong and has no issue with my GH4 mounted in a cage with a montior attached, where as my old Benro was very underpowered and would not have enough resistance against the weight.
Build quality is top notch, I feel like it will hold up on the field. Knob placement is my only complaint for this tripod, but it's a small one and I barely notice now and it's only been 2 weeks.
I can't believe I didn't upgrade earlier, especially considering the price! It feels like a top end tripod head. My shots look like I always wanted them too and the most important thing is I do think have to struggle to get them.
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
Attached to a rail and then to a 2kg camera, while the location of the locks are a little to get used to, I prefer this over the Miller heads that I am used to. Solid, with great feedback on the fluid tension this is an amazingly good unit for the price.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Quality build
Cons
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
Great Starter head for your tripod at a great price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Lock Control
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
This is a great video head with smooth infinitely variable fluid motion adjustment.
My only criticism would be that the lock controls could be better sited however this does not detract from its main function.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
The fluid head is tailored for video production use and of course is a very sturdy base for still photography and timelapse.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
Using with a Canon 5D3 for video, love it thus far, yet to use more. Very fluid.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Smooth
- Steady
Cons
- No Short Pan Bar Option
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
great fluid head for video, won't find anything better at this price. would love the option of buying a shorter pan bar. excellent buy
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Quality Feel About It
- Slide Camera For Balance
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
- Size Could Be An Issue
- Weight Could Be An Issue
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
Smooth as! Looks and feels great, so very happy with purchase. Great solid feel about it, as there is a lot of aluminium used in its construction. Only complaints that I'm happy to live with are, its quite heavy and big. It measures around 17 to 18cm across the widest dimension. So, if you have to hike into a site, this video head may not be the best choice. Also, you have to tighten the main handle clamp quite tight to remove all the unwanted play. The clamp appears very robust, so I don't believe that being done up so tight will cause any issue.
Some video cameras may have issues with changing batteries once the camera is mounted and balanced. You could overcome this by moving the camera to the rear and adding the accessory weights the front.
Great pricing Videoguys! I normally buy most of my gear overseas as I'm sick of being gouged by aussie retailers! Thanking You!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base:
When fitted to my Manfrotto Tripod it becomes too big to fit in Supplied Tripod Bag
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
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Do you have questions about this product?
Get your Product questions answered by real customers and our in-house experts with the Videoguys AnswerBox!In this area, please only post questions specific to the product, i.e. operations, features, functions etc..
If you have questions about product availability, pricing, ordering, delivery, or other service issues, please call (03) 9543-8885 or use our Contact Centre to submit an email request.
Q:
That is the size of the thread on the bottom. i need it to be 1/4 to fit on a sliderAsked on 21/7/2016 by Josh1 answer
A:
The bottom mounting hole size on all Manfrotto Heads in 3/8" . All sliders i have ever seen and we have ever sold are also 3/8" thread. If yours is not you will need to adapt using a thread adapter to accomdate the head.Answered on 24/7/2016 by Michael from Videoguys
Q:
Can the counter balance be switched off on the 502 or is it always engagedAsked on 15/7/2012 by scooter from W A1 answer
A:
No it cannot be turned off...Answered on 17/7/2012 by Michael from Videoguys
Q:
I have a Manfrotto 290 tripod with a flat plate head attachment. Would the 502HD head fit onto this OK?Asked on 1/5/2012 by Tom from Melbourne1 answer
A:
yes that should be fine.Answered on 5/5/2012 by Michael from Videoguys
- Pan Bar
- 504PLONG Long Quick-Release Mounting Plate
- 2 Year Limited Warranty + 3 Year Extension upon Online Registration
Optional Accessories
You may also be interested in the following items:
Optional Accessories
You may also be interested in the following items:
- Pan Bar
- 504PLONG Long Quick-Release Mounting Plate
- 2 Year Limited Warranty + 3 Year Extension upon Online Registration
3 Questions
3 Answers