The Professional's Source 800.606.6969 / 212.444.6615

Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head

  • Price: $159.99
  • B&H # MA701HDV
  • Mfr# 701HDV

Product Highlights

  • 8.8 lbs Capacity
  • Improved Ergonomics
  • Solid Grip for Better Control
 

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

800.606.6969
Live Chat
Close

Small and lightweight, the Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head is capable of accommodating payloads up to 8.82 lbs (4kg), and was designed principally to support the latest compact digital video equipment, including MiniDV and prosumer/professional-grade HD camcorders.

Ergonomics
The 701HDV has locks and knobs that allow for a more solid grip and better control.
Fluidity
This head offers updated fluidity from improved internal fluid cartridges.
Updated
This small head offers a double pan-bar rosette and a bigger sliding plate for better center of gravity adjustments.
Load Capacity 8.82 lbs
(4kg)
Diameter/Thread 3/8" Female Thread
Counter Balance System Fixed counter-balance spring @ 1.5kg
Counter Balance Range 58mm
Center of Gravity Not specified by manufacturer
Quick Release/Wedge Plate Yes 501PL
Balance Plate Fixed, 1/4" Screw and Locating Pin
Tilt Drag Fluid Cartridge with Fixed Drag
Tilt Range -60/+90°
Tilt Lock Yes
Spring Loaded Counter Balance 1 Fixed
Pan Range 360°
Pan Lock Yes
Leveling Bubble/Illuminated Yes / No
Temperature Range -10°C / 60°C
Height 3.7"
9.5cm
Weight 1.8 lbs (0.83kg)
Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head
  • Fluid Head
  • 501PL
  • Pan Bar
  • 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
  • REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

    by PowerReviews
    Manfrotto701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head
     
    4.6

    (based on 414 reviews)

    Ratings Distribution

    • 5 Stars

       

      (285)

    • 4 Stars

       

      (112)

    • 3 Stars

       

      (15)

    • 2 Stars

       

      (1)

    • 1 Stars

       

      (1)

    99%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Pros

    • Stable (346)
    • Attaches firmly (316)
    • Large range of motion (286)
    • Strong clamp (213)
    • Lightweight (16)

    Cons

    • Heavy (13)
    • Complicated controls (7)
    • Small range (7)
    • Weak clamp (6)
    • Unstable (4)

    Best Uses

    • Video (291)
    • Weddings (151)
    • Travel (141)
    • Landscape/scenery (132)
    • Sports/action (115)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Pro photographer (160), Semi-pro photographer (119), Photo enthusiast (64), Casual photographer (17), Photography student (9)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (297), Yes (6)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Heres the scoop

    Here is the scoop on this excellent video head. First of all it is fluid filled. This is a huge bargain for the money. If you use this with an HVX200 or similar 5...Read complete review

    Here is the scoop on this excellent video head. First of all it is fluid filled. This is a huge bargain for the money. If you use this with an HVX200 or similar 5 to 7 lb camera you will be able to produce very smooth pans and tilts. It is worth every penny. I have noticed that some reviews have cited that the arm interferes with the controls, the lock is not strong and that the movement is not smooth. Heres the low down. First the head is shipped with the arm installed back wards so that it will fit into a smaller box. Follow your intuition and instructions and you will find that there is no interference of the arm with the controls. The lock is appropriately strong, but you can increase the strength by adjusting the slide plate forward or backwards to balance your camera. This is a must for any head. This leads into smooth pans and tilts. If the balance is not adjusted properly the pans and tilts will not be as smooth as they could be, on any head at any price. Lastly you cannot substitute technology for practice and experience. You cannot expect a mechanical device to do the work for you. You must practice your craft e.g. pans and tilts. If you run a busy production company and your equipment gets alot of use or have a heavier camera then you can step up to the 503 or higher. If your an event videographer or independent (location) filmmaker you should like this product as it is relatively light.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Great head, but not perfect

    This head is fairly precise and does not slip/shift when starting and stopping a pan or tilt. The spring action for tilting returns the head to a level position in a smooth constant motion...Read complete review

    This head is fairly precise and does not slip/shift when starting and stopping a pan or tilt. The spring action for tilting returns the head to a level position in a smooth constant motion. The knob allows you to adjust the resistance of the tilt.

    The pan proved to be the troublesome part for me. While it is very smooth, it is quite stiff. I purchased the head for use on a camera slider, but had difficulty because it takes a considerable amount of force to pan the head. There is no adjustment knob to change the resistance. On a strong tripod it would be great, but for a fine touch use it's a little too stiff when panning.

    Reviewed by 414 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-20

    Back to top

    Previous | Next »

     
    5.0

    Love it!

    By Darin

    from vacaville, ca

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Good Stability

    Cons

    • Expensive

    Best Uses

    • Video
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

    Works great and smooth, great buy

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Ideal for my use

    By Pupcreek

    from Tubac, AZ

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability
    • Large Range of Motion
    • Smooth motion
    • Strong Clamp

    Cons

    • No Base Lock

    Best Uses

    • Home
    • Sports/Action
    • Travel
    • Video
    • Wildlife

    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

    This is my first fluid-head but so far I am pleased with its performance. At first I was disappointed due to the base unscrewing but I realized Manfrotto had installed a set-screw under the flange. Excellent product for intended use.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    A great investment.

    By CycloneJones

    from Highland Springs, VA

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability
    • Large Range of Motion
    • Strong Clamp

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

      My camera is the Panasonic AG-AC7. I was using the SunPak PlatinumPlus 7500TM tripod with poor results. But now with the Manfrotto 701HDV Pro, I have much better control and smoother operation.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      great video head

      By Yuriy

      from Detroit, mi

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability
      • Large Range of Motion

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Video
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife

        Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

        using this on for 60D on mini jib because of its light weight.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Video Head Excellence

        By Videography Student

        from Illinois

        About Me Photography Student

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion
        • Nice Size For Dslr
        • Relatively Small
        • Smooth

        Cons

        • Limited Controls
        • No Pan Tension Adjustment

        Best Uses

        • Video

        Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

        Great video head! You can get the smoothest pans and tilts with this thing, I find it to be a great addition to the legs I purchased, just the right amount of bulk and weight I needed.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Does its job well

        By ChrisH

        from New Hampshire

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • Large Range of Motion

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

            I use this with a simple GH3 rig, and haven't found anything to complain about. Smooth pans and tilts as you'd expect, although I'd suggest picking up a second pan handle (which are really cheap). A lightweight addition to my gear that does what it says and has held up well so far.

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Smooth pans ...

            By maneev pictures

            from Roseville, CA

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Portraits
              • Video
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

              Very useful head - especially when combined with a decent video tripod. The pans are smooth and there is very little play.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Great video head!

              By Trisha the Photographer/Videographer

              from Los Angeles, CA

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attaches Firmly
              • Good Stability
              • Large Range of Motion
              • Strong Clamp

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Home
                • Video
                • Weddings/Events

                Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                The pan and tilt on this video head is superb and smooth. i use it with my manfrotto monopod and it works like a charm! Some would say that it's a little bit heavy, but I like how it's built sturdy and strong - making it more reliable and stable. I use it for practically all my video shoots.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                It Works

                By BIGinTX

                from SATX

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Attaches Firmly
                • Good Stability
                • It Bloody Well Works
                • Large Range of Motion
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Portraits
                  • Sports/Action
                  • Video
                  • Weddings/Events

                  Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                  I use this with a 5DMKII and a 70-200f2.8 Canon lens.
                  The 701 HDV Pro works will beyond the weight as advertised.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Just what I was looking for

                  By Alex

                  from New York, NY

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attaches Firmly
                  • Good Stability
                  • Large Range of Motion

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Travel
                    • Video

                    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                    Solid. Quality. I use it for shooting video with a DSLR and on a pocket dolly and am very satisfied with the results.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Perfect for Small Video Cameras

                    By WEGO

                    from Sacramento, CA

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Affordable
                    • Ease of Use
                    • Flexible
                    • Good Stability
                    • Strong Clamp

                    Cons

                    • A Bit Big But Worth It

                    Best Uses

                    • Home
                    • Home Video
                    • Sports/Action

                    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                    I am a photographer.. not videographer. So don't laugh when you hear I was using my RRS BH-55 and panning by hand to capture video of my son's lacrosse games. Needless to say, very jerkey even with the smooth ballhead. I have a Canon HF M300 video camera which is a small unit, and I was concerned about a fluid head that would be "too much" for the small camera. This unit was just what I was looking for. It fit the video camera perfectly, and it has room for growth when I get move into DSLR video. The smoothness of the videos is like night and day, and you can stop at any point without any drift or unwanted movement. Very nice unit on my 055-MF4 Manfrotto carbon tripod.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Fits the bill!

                    By Big MIke

                    from Glastonbury, CT

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Attaches Firmly
                    • Good Stability
                    • Large Range of Motion
                    • Strong Clamp

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Portraits
                      • Video

                      Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                      I use this for my Canon T2i and HD30 Camcorder. It is very smooth and sturdy. Great quick release with safety, and has both small and large mounting screws. Only slight niggle is that when panning downward, the internal fluid cartridge pushes it back up ever so slightly after letting go. Very minor. Doesn't happen panning upwards. Still gave it 5 for the quality/price ratio.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Great Mini Head!

                      By Massagran

                      from Los Angeles

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attaches Firmly
                      • Good Stability
                      • Large Range of Motion
                      • Strong Clamp

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Home
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Night Shots
                        • Sports/Action
                        • Travel
                        • Video
                        • Weddings/Events
                        • Wildlife

                        Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                        Great Mini Head. I put t in my old Benro Tripod and now I have the feeling of having a great Tripod for Video.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Love this Manfrotto Fluid head

                        By Carlylack

                        from San DIego, CA

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Attaches Firmly
                        • Good Stability
                        • Large Range of Motion
                        • Strong Clamp

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Home
                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Night Shots
                          • Portraits
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Video
                          • Weddings/Events

                          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                          This tripod head offers amazingly smooth pans. I use a Canon 60D DSLR for amateur videography and it really gives my video a professional look. I even shot a music video and some of the slow pan shots I got with this head were remarkable. Definitely reccomend!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Good but why other plate gets stuck?

                          By mpdznr

                          from San Francisco, CA

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Pros

                          • Attaches Firmly
                          • Good Stability
                          • Large Range of Motion
                          • Strong Clamp

                          Cons

                          • Heavy

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Night Shots
                          • Portraits
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Travel
                          • Video

                          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                          Good product but one strange issue: How come my 501PL accessory plate from my Manfrotto 577 rapid connect adapter gets stuck in my 701HDV fluid head? Doesn't slide freely like the plate that came with the 701HDV fluid head. The plates look identical to me otherwise. Can't figure it out why one slides through fine and the other gets stuck part way and requires ALOT of force to slide in or remove. Is it bad tolerances on one of the 501PL plates I have or am I missing something? :/

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Nice head for compact cameras

                          By Chris

                          from Washington, DC

                          About Me Pro Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Good Stability
                          • Large Range of Motion

                          Cons

                          • Heavy

                          Best Uses

                          • Video

                          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                          I bought this to use with a Canon XA-10 after getting and returning a Manfrotto 502 head, which turned out to be comically large compare to the camcorder. This on size make a lot more sense. Overall I quite like this head and it feels very well built. It's a bit stiff at the moment, but I expect that to loosen up over time. I wish it had tunable pan drag, but it's otherwise perfect.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Great value

                          By shooter

                          from Denver

                          About Me Pro Photographer

                          Pros

                          • Attaches Firmly
                          • Good Stability
                          • Large Range of Motion

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Video

                            Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                            This head supports my Nikon DSLR w/Battery Pack, external mic and 5"monitor very well. Movements are fluid. The base-plate ancor knob is sometimes hard to access. Very good value.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Sweetness

                            By BC

                            from Long Beach

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Attaches Firmly
                            • Good Stability
                            • Large Range of Motion
                            • Strong Clamp

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Video

                              Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                              Its everything Manfrotto, just mini. I am using for my K3 slider. Rare a product is all its suppose to be.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              5.0

                              It's larger than I expected. I like it.

                              By The guy with the hat

                              from Melbourne FL

                              About Me Casual Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Attaches Firmly
                              • Good Stability
                              • Large Range of Motion

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Portraits
                                • Sports/Action
                                • Wildlife

                                Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                                The fluid head is smooth and holds its position when you stop moving.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Perfect for my Slider

                                By wavereflections

                                from New Hampshire

                                About Me Pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attaches Firmly
                                • Good Stability
                                • Large Range of Motion
                                • Strong Clamp

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Video

                                  Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                                  Nice and smooth fluid head for use with my Cinevate 5 ft Atlas 10 Camera Slider and Panasonic HPX250. It's a perfect fit for this combination.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  Displaying reviews 1-20

                                  Back to top

                                  Previous | Next »

                                  Quick Release Plates

                                  Show more >
                                  Manfrotto -  501PL Sliding Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 & 3/8" Screws
                                  • Price: $24.95
                                   

                                  Handles & Accessories

                                  Manfrotto -  701HLV Pan Handle
                                  • Price: $24.00
                                   

                                  Head Accessories

                                  Manfrotto -  Pan Handle Locking Knob
                                  • Price: $11.05
                                  Usually ships in 2-4 weeks ? Estimated arrival at B&H is 2-4 weeks. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                  See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                  Close

                                  Close

                                  Close