Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg)

Designed especially for 35mm and medium format camera shooters who need both speed & precision, the Manfrotto 405 is a great three-way head with bubble levels easily seen in two axes no matter the orientation of the camera. Meaty rubberised knobs can either completely disengage the gear mechanism for a quick rough estimate of position or offer the finest exacting placement for even a macro shot. Cranks allow 360 degrees pans and +90 to -30 degrees of frontal or lateral tilt.

Maximum Camera Supported All medium format systems
Load Capacity 16.5 lb (7.5 kg)
Height 6.3" (16.0 cm)
Quick Release Yes
Spirit Level Yes
Tension Control No
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8"-16
Weight 5.3 lb (2.4 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

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Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg)
 
4.7

(based on 34 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (28)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (23)
  • Attaches firmly (18)
  • Large range of motion (17)
  • Strong clamp (16)
  • Improves tripod function (4)

Cons

  • Heavy (13)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (14)
  • Portraits (12)
  • Stabilization (12)
  • Long exposures (10)
  • Photography (9)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (11), Semi-pro photographer (7), Pro photographer (6), Enthusiast (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (17)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Great for heavy cameras/lenses

This is a fantastic camera head. I've owned one for 3 years and use it with a large MF film camera (Fuji GX-680III) with heavy glass. If it can handle that, it...Read complete review

This is a fantastic camera head. I've owned one for 3 years and use it with a large MF film camera (Fuji GX-680III) with heavy glass. If it can handle that, it can handle anything in the 35mm/telephoto range. All actions are smooth and easy to access. The large knobs are rubberized and easy to grip. The knobs each have an outer collar that serves as the axis "quick release" for gross adjustment, and an inner knob for fine adjustment. I've never had a problem with drift or uncontrolled camera movement with this head. With heavy cameras, it's important to always have 100% positive control. This head provides that. Even when using the "release" collars, control is instantly restored as these collars are spring loaded and return to a locked position when your hand is removed.

It is important, however, to keep the load somewhat balanced. If you change the lens, for example, you may need to change the camera/lens mount point to reestablish a reasonable balance. Gross imbalance makes the movements a little less smooth than desired. A balanced load not only keeps the gear movements smooth, it also reduces vibration and protects your equipment from tip-over accidents!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

A great disapointment

Got a new head, shot some architecture for a client, found out later, watching the photos on my imac, that they are out of level. Went back to the local distributor to check...Read complete review

Got a new head, shot some architecture for a client, found out later, watching the photos on my imac, that they are out of level. Went back to the local distributor to check the problem. The head technician brought 3 more new heads out of the box, all of them suffered from the same problem. they loose level while panning...

I was promised by Manfrotto Italy that my problem will be solved. Had to re-shoot the house, never heard from Manfrotto...

Great disappointment, both from the product and the company.

Reviewed by 34 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Manfrotto makes a great head

By Zak

from Toronto, Canada

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attaches Firmly
  • Fine adjustment
  • Good Stability
  • Large Range of Motion

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Heavy gear
  • Landscape/Scenery

Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

I have a couple of Manfrotto heads for different uses - general use, heavy gear, panoramas, etc. The 405 head is being used with a GigaPan Epic Pro, Nikon DSLR and 70-200 2.8 lens - a combined weight of about 13 lbs. The 405 handles it all easily.

The handles, with their integrated quick-release make it very easy to get the tripod positioned roughly and then the geared adjustments are great for fine positioning. Three bubble levels also assist in positioning.

A geared head isn't for everyone, the 405 is heavy and slower to use than a standard head but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

The only downsides to the 405... it uses a different mounting plate than my other Manfrotto tripod heads and swapping heads is a slow process (not that I do it often)

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

good but heavy

By hai le

from kentucky

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attaches Firmly
  • Good Stability

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Night Shots
  • Wildlife

Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

good ,steady head but it way to heavy

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Solid and precise

By DennisP

from Toronto Canada

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Night Shots
  • Portraits

Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

I use this head for macros and for extreme telephotos (1000mm). It's both fast and precise; a great combination. The quick release is stable, but it's large and proprietary. This will be the third quick release system for my cameras: wish there was some standardization.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

Love the accuracy!

By Morrie F

from Pennsylvania

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Good Stability
  • Heavy
  • Large Range of Motion

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Wildlife

    Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

    Precise control. Solid build head, makes leveling real easy.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Awesome

    By REJJ

    from Pembroke Pines, FL

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

      Best Uses

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

      Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

      I have a friend who introduced me the 400 Model. Although I decided on this one I was very impressed with the robust design and the large beefy knobs. The large quick release plate is a must. I wish some video heads made it as easy to attach and detach your equipment.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      This is the head!

      By Ulrich

      from Atlanta, GA

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Architecture
        • Interiors
        • Landscape/Scenery

        Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

        Precise control in all axis, solid build head, makes leveling real easy. Great for product, interior and architectural shots.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Excellent Head for Your Heavy Equipment

        By arw

        from Williamsburg, VA

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • Easy to adjust
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion
        • Strong Clamp

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Portraits
        • Travel

        Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

        I have a heavy medium format camera and lens. I've tried other heads, including other Manfrotto heads, and this beats them all going away. it locks down tight and makes the initial camera set-up secure and easy. The fine tuning aspect of the head is worth every penny. All controls are easy to use and intuitive. My camera sits on it rock solid with no movement. It is, without question, the best head I have used for this camera and I am gratified that my seemingly endless search for a good head is over.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        405 Pro Digital Geared Head

        By Rol

        from Fort Myers, Florida

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

            Love this geared head. I am a real estate photographer and this piece has been a huge benefit to my business. So simple to use and so accurate. No goofy handles to try and squeeze into position. I can shoot at any angle with this thing. Absolutely love it!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Bullet proof head

            By Ryan

            from Cincinnati

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

            • Heavy
            • Large

            Best Uses

            • Architecture
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Macro
            • Studio

            Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

            I bought this to replace an aging Manfrotto 410 geared head that started to have some play in the gears. I wasn't sure if this was going to be to big...while it is big and heavy, I am completely happy that I bought it. It is solid and the gearing is very smooth. I was also looking at the Arca Swiss cube, but could not justify the price. I use it with a medium format digital camera, architectural digital view camera and Canons.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            5.0

            This Geared Head is awsome. Very easy

            By bob

            from Houston, Tx.

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

            • Home
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Shots
            • Portraits
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

            I use it for outdoor wildlife shooting with a 500mm telephoto lense. I also use it indoor for certain low light shots and also for portraits.
            Switching from horisontal to vertical positioning is as quick as a twist of the knob.
            Great Product

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

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            (0 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

             
            1.0

            A great disapointment

            By i.n.

            from israel

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

              Cons

              • Unstable

              Best Uses

                Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                Got a new head, shot some architecture for a client, found out later, watching the photos on my imac, that they are out of level. Went back to the local distributor to check the problem. The head technician brought 3 more new heads out of the box, all of them suffered from the same problem. they loose level while panning...

                I was promised by Manfrotto Italy that my problem will be solved. Had to re-shoot the house, never heard from Manfrotto...

                Great disappointment, both from the product and the company.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Best Head I Have Ever Owned

                By Bwana_DC

                from South Africa

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Attaches Firmly
                • Easy fine adjustment
                • Good Stability
                • Large Range of Motion
                • Rock-solid platform
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Macro Photography
                  • Night Shots
                  • Wildlife

                  Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                  I received my Manfrotto 405 Pro head from B&H on 23 August, 2010 and have used it extensively since with camera/lens loads up to about 4 kg.

                  It is built like a tank and I think it will see me through to the end of my photographic days! It has perforemd flawlessly and I am absolutely satisfied with it. I have never owned/used a better head.

                  I have used it for anything from Macro, via landscape to wildlife photography.

                  Fine-tuning the level is very easy and absolutely positive. I have not noticed any shift in one axis, while I tune the other, unless the tripod hasn't been leveled properly! This is hardly a fault of the head, though.

                  Fine-tuning the lens adjustment (direction and angle) is equally easy and positive.

                  I use this head on my Manfrotto 458B Neo Tec tripod and while the combined weight of 10.6 lbs (4,8 kg) sans camera and lens doesn't lend itself to carrying it about much, it is a very solid platform for my expensive photogear!

                  I highly recommend this tripod for work with heavy camera/lens combinations.

                  While I am not a pro-photographer, I have worked with SLRs and tripods since 1964.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

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                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  High quality piece of equipment

                  By Jeff

                  from Atlanta

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

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

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Travel

                    Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                    used for landscape photography and panoramas
                    easy to use; intuitive; excellent construction
                    own Manfrotto tripods, monopods, and other heads -- a brand I trust

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    A centered clunky version of 410 Junior

                    By JILTKO

                    from Tokyo

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                    • Axis can shift
                    • Heavy

                    Best Uses

                    • Architecture interior
                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Night Shots

                    Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                    Mainly I rely on this head for its fine tuning ability in architectural photography. No ball head (nothing) can touch it or the 410.

                    I bought the 405 as an upgrade from the 410 Junior for one reason only. Because the mounting plate was center over tripod center. Something the 410 Junior didnt have due to having on offset mounting plate. (note to manufacturer: what is the logic for the 410s offset design?).

                    Aside from the sheer bulk of the 405, the only fault I found was that when I fine tuned one axis knob, there would be slight shift in another axis (similar to when you lock a ball head). Making me question whether or not each axis was not "truly" isolated. We are talking about 1mm here, but it was detectable. And at times very frustrating to have to tweak one axis every time I touched the other.

                    The 410 Junior does NOT have this problem. Perhaps my 405 is just weird...

                    Anyhow, 700$ later my conclusion is that if you must center your head you have no choice but the 405, if not the 410 is THE choice in a lot of ways (lighter, cheaper, and no axis shift) -its just off tripod center.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Manfrotto 405 Geared Head

                    By Robbie

                    from RAF Lakenheath

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                    • Heavy

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Macro
                    • Night Shots
                    • Wildlife

                    Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                    Nice feel and control although a bit heavy and bulky for carrying around for any period of time or packing for airline travel.

                    Share this review

                    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    It Does Not Shift

                    By Photo4Life

                    from Western Region of this great USA

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Macro
                      • Night Shots
                      • Portraits
                      • Travel

                      Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                      I bought this geared tripod head from BH years ago. I have used a few ballheads through the years, these included the Cullmann 40200 and the Manfrotto 229 Super Pro Head.

                      After just about two years of normal usage, the Cullman started to give a little under about 4 pounds or heavier of camera and lens combination and the Manfrotto 229 broke by the neck!! Luckily,none of my photo gears were damaged from them.

                      Now, the 405 Pro Digital Geared Head is a different story. It holds up well under heavy gears through the years. Regardless, if it is a small 4x5 or heavy lens like the Sigma 50mm-500mm, this head does it all. It offers rigidity and helps you to get a sharper image as compared to the ballheads. It is not a tripod head to take fast action pictures. If you are into macro and landscapes, you can do very well with this tripod head.

                      The gears are smooth and easy to adjust with the fine adjustments or with the big knobs to do faster coarse adjustments. No one tripod head will do everything for you but for what I do with it, it serves me well and it is a joy to use.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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                      4.0

                      Good stability but a bit heavy

                      By Kaoru

                      from Tokyo, Japan

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • Heavy

                      Best Uses

                      • Home
                      • Night Shots
                      • Portraits

                      Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                      good to have when you shoot in studios and steel life.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Incredibly precise studio gear head.

                      By jmistudio

                      from New York / New Jersey

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Reviewer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Portraits
                        • Still life
                        • Studio work

                        Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                        I am a commercial photographer who uses this gear head all the time in the studio and on location. I love it's precision. One quick set on each axis with the "course" control rings, and then the most critical fine control over final camera positioning with the fine tune control knobs. I do a lot of still life and close up product work and have never used a better gear head. It may not be the fastest head, but I have yet to find a head with greater precision control.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Great Product

                        By rjh71

                        from Ohio

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                          Cons

                          • Heavy

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                            The precision adjustment capability is perfect for architectural photography, both exterior and interior. It's better to take a perfectly aligned shot than to fix it in Photoshop.

                            The only caveats are:

                            1. It's very heavy. If your tripod isn't on a level surface, you may have to anchor it securely.

                            2. The quick release clamp is not the Arca-Swiss type. (Fortunately, it's larger.) If you want to use an L-plate that requires an Arca-Swiss clamp, it's possible to mount one on either the included camera plate or on the clamp itself.

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Very precise head.

                            By Zoom

                            from Japan

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Good Stability
                            • Strong Clamp

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Long Exposures
                              • Stabilization

                              Comments about Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.5 lbs (7.5kg):

                              Durability and precision by Manfrotto.

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                              Quick Release Plates

                              Manfrotto -  410PL Quick Release Plate - for RC4 Quick Release System
                              • Price: $15.90
                              • GBP 10.05
                               

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                              This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.

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