Manfrotto 502 fluid head.

[bob345]

So I have a manfrotto 502 fluidhead on the way. Anyone have any experience with this head? Anything to worry about or keep an eye on?

[ALwin]

So I have a manfrotto 502 fluidhead on the way. Anyone have any experience with this head? Anything to worry about or keep an eye on?

 

Are you talking about this model?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827210-REG/Manfrotto_MVH502AH_75Mm_Flat_Head.html

 

That's the one I am currently using.  It's wonderful, better than the previous generation of Manfrotto heads and perfect for DSLR shooters and any camera rig that is within its support weight.  I personally can't say any negative thing about it.

 

But it will look/feel oversized if your camera is small like a mirrorless system.

 

Two screws/locks I would keep an eye so as not to lose them. The quick release plate locking screw and the pan lock screw, don't over-loosen them.

[bob345]

Are you talking about this model?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/827210-REG/Manfrotto_MVH502AH_75Mm_Flat_Head.html

That's the one I am currently using. It's wonderful, better than the previous generation of Manfrotto heads and perfect for DSLR shooters and any camera rig that is within its support weight. I personally can't say any negative thing about it.

But it will look/feel oversized if your camera is small like a mirrorless system.

Two screws/locks I would keep an eye so as not to lose them. The quick release plate locking screw and the pan lock screw, don't over-loosen them.

yep, that's the exact model. Nice to hear that it meets expectations. I'll probably update this thread when mine comes in. Thanks for the reply.

[ALwin]

yep, that's the exact model. Nice to hear that it meets expectations. I'll probably update this thread when mine comes in. Thanks for the reply.

 

If you get your item and it feels a bit stiff or not as fluid as you expect, play around with it first moving the pan and tilt back and forth several times.  Don't jump immediately into thinking it's defective.

 

Also, I've seen some people complain that with their wide camera body gets in the way of the knob screw for tightening the quick release plate, some of them don't realize that you can pull out the plastic knob to the side and reposition it so that the wide camera body doesn't get in the way.  There is a spring holding it in place.

[ShadowCaptain]

So I have a manfrotto 502 fluidhead on the way. Anyone have any experience with this head? Anything to worry about or keep an eye on?

 

Its so good I bought 2

[bob345]

well, my 502 just came in and its nothing short of anything you guys said. And wow, it is WAY bigger than i expected.

 

[Bsmith]

damn that is HUGE and no I don't mean the price, looks sweet, high quality and smooth though.

 

Time to upgrade my tripod, so I can justify this.

[ALwin]

damn that is HUGE and no I don't mean the price, looks sweet, high quality and smooth though.

 

Time to upgrade my tripod, so I can justify this.

The quality is very good, just make sure you buy the model that supports your heaviest rig/setup.

[ALwin]

well, my 502 just came in and its nothing short of anything you guys said. And wow, it is WAY bigger than i expected.

 

Well, put it this way, this fluid head is solid that it will last you a good number of years as long as you take care of it properly.  And if you ever upgrade to a larger/heavier (within limits of course) camera/rig/setup, you are prepared.