Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release - 13.2 lb (6 kg)

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

I use it for video mainly and photos with my Canon EOS 60D, other DSLRs (mainly Canon EOS 5D MKII) and my Sony HDR SR7 Camcorder. Good strong sturdy head with good balance great for photos and very fluid smooth movement and adjustment for video you just have to get used to the arms as you need to use them differently for photo or video. For video when they are loosened you have many options of smooth movement pans (like the said 3 ways) and for photography you would want to adjust your position then have the arms tightened and fully so it wouldn't move but once you understand the physics of it it is very simple to use in all applications. I was thinking of getting the Manfrotto 055 Photo-Movie head as it is built for DSLRs but it's out of the question as is just too expensive for my budget. With this one it suits my needs perfectly as my cameras are quite light and I usually just shoot very quickly and need to capture things spur of the moment. I just wanted something easy to suit my needs whether photography or videography where I don't have to carry multiple heads around with me and is easy to set up. I don't really understand why it seems to be marketed as a mainly for photography head as I haven't had any problems with it for video which is my main use of it and I've had this for over a year now, though perhaps it would not be suitable for heavier video cameras and yes it is a good pro-fluid head and the quick release is great.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

I bought this as a replacement for my older MH-5001 which was knocked against something without my knowing and broke, but that was after 4 years of having it; so I bought another one. It served me well for those 4 years, so I knew I had to get another and I have been happy, despite the $15 price increase since I bought the first.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

I bought this to replace my ball head. I prefer the control this head gives me over the ball head. It's not as fast to set it, but I feel like I can align my shot more precisely controlling only one angle at a time. Also, my ball head has a tendency to droop whereas this head is much sturdier and supports my camera with a 600mm lens with no problem.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

Nice beefy head for still photos. I have a Canon 5D Mark II which shoots HD video. I need to have a smooth start and stop when panning. [...]

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

!!!NOTE:!!! SAVE YOURSELF A FEW BUCKS - This head COMES WITH an adapter to fit to smaller threads, like on the Slik 'pods, as well.

I have this connected to Slik Master Classic tripod legs. They can both hold about the same amount of weight so they're a good match for each other. Plus the Giottos has the third movement that the Slik M.C. default head does not.


I use it for landscape and wildlife shots. It can hold a Sony A-850 with battery pack and 300mm f2.8 without issue.

I really like the way the quick release works. It lets you really know when the camera is latched on. The solid metal construction is confidence inspiring, yet it is relatively light weight and small enough to carry on a day hike. Also, the head doesn't go from unmoving to falling loose - there is a good range of variation to keep a heavy camera from falling forward or to the side as you loosen the controls.

Are there better heads? For the money and with these specific functions, I'd say no. Some people prefer ball heads, and there are certainly more expensive 3 way heads, but the best tend to be heavier (taking away weight from the legs max and adding weight to your back) and vastly more expensive.

!!This would not be the best head for very speedy adjustments, like sports or even weddings. I'd go with a good ball head for that. In fact, this head and the Slik tripod both are a bit slower to set up. They are matched well for moments where you have time for the shot. !!

Out of all the tilt/pan heads out there, I'd give this 4 stars, but for the application and "35mm type" cameras, this gets 5 stars all the way.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

Just started using this wonderful 3-way pan/tilt head. The construction is solid, but not bulky or heavy. It keeps my Canon 50D with a 170-500 mm tele-photo lens absolutely rock solid where ever I locate it for nature photography. Absolutely a great product.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

I bought giottos tripod and needed a head piece for my CanonT2i(550D) with 55-250mm zoom lens.
works well, very stable with 2 bubble level.
it's got a quick release as well. The look of it hmmm i would say it's little big, so other people might look at ur tripod+head piece, but who cares?

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

EASY TO USE WOULD RECOMMEND

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

Great head with few flaws, i use this head solely for landscape work, the pan feature is smooth and works very well. Head is pretty flexible, but had one feature that i find difficult to work with. when the camera is mounted to this head and one would like to shoot something vertically, the head will not move up and down, it will only pan from side to side, tilt in about any direction one would like, except one of the most important directions when vertically mounted. if one has a tripod with a vertical to horizontal center column then this problem is solves with a little shifting around of the center column. over all this is an excellent head for landscape work, locks in incredibly well and will not budge an inch until the tension is released
also the quick release on this head is fantastic, really speeds up getting your camera on and off in a time pinch.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

great pan head very smooth and easy to set; removable handles are a nice feature.well built and solid,little tricky working quick release with a heavy load on it. but with time I'm getting getting better.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

This pan/tilt head works well with my spotting scope. I use it to track, view and photograph wild life

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

I took this hiking thru Arizona and it withstood being dunked in water, rolled in dust and sand repeatedly, dropped and scrapped across rocks, freezing weather one day then sitting in the hot Arizona desert sun the next day, and being tossed in the back of a bouncing SUV for two weeks. Beyond a very minor chip to the finish it is as strong and as smooth as the day I first got it.
It's sturdy, it very easily handled my DSLR with a 400mm lens and teleconvertor and Speedlight flash. I liked the ease of tensioning, I didn't have to over-tighten the handles to get it to hold, and the tension progressed in a smooth fashion... it wasn't suddenly tight then suddenly loose.
The handles were comfy to my large hands and when the camera had to be mounted backward to shoot overhead shots they didn't get in the way of the shot like some long handles do.
The quick release plate is secure even after hundreds of on and offs. At first I was a little annoyed at the saftey catch on the release lever but I came to appreciate it during all the bumping and fumbling it got on the hike.
It comes in a nice little leatherette carrying case and also includes a thread adapter for coverting from 1/4 to 3/8 if needed.

Comments about Giottos MH-5001 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with Quick Release:

I purchased this head for a dual purpose. I needed a fluid type head for video and a 3-way for photo. This was the perfect solution for me as it was inexpensive, high quality and has demonstrated excellent performance.I shoot video of my daughters' gymnastics team as well as photograph with my DSLR and I put together several DVDs during the competition season complete with chapters, soundtrack, slideshows and menus using Sony Vegas 8. The 5001 head fits my needs perfectly. It has a nice secure and robust quick release which makes switching from camcorder to DSLR a breeze so I won't miss any moments for video or still. It is strong with its cast metal body and the finish, as advertised, is baked on and looks like it will wear well. The fluid movements (not sure it is "true" fluid) are very smooth and the drag, although friction, is easy to use and very effective. It does not stick anywhere in the pan or tilt travel. The handles can be combined end-to-end for better leverage for video - brilliant! This also makes it easier to pack up too as both handles can be positioned parallel with the legs. This head is fairly compact and comes with 2 bubble levels. The quick-release plate is of a very strong composite and I have no worries regarding its strength. I used cheap video tripods from the chain stores previously and this is night and day. I will never go back to those cheapos ever! This head combined with my Giottos MT-9251 legs makes for a very stable and versatile set and for [$], it is worth every penny. In fact, I think I [$] for the 3-way is a bargain for the features, quality and performance that you get.Now onto my nit to pick: it comes with two handles and a bolt for tightening the 3rd axis. However, when I use the handles together for the longer video pan bar, I have to use a hex bolt from the hardware store to lock the 3rd axis so I can use the bolt that comes with it to lock/tighten/loosen the panning. I just wish that 2 bolts were included if they designed the handles to be combined because the included bolt has a small handle/flange on it to ease tightening/loosening. Now I have to put a hex wrench in the included tool kit pouch. No biggy though.Overall, highly recommended!!!