Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head
Redesigned to accommodate evolving video technology, the Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head now features improved drag on both axes and switchable counterbalance for the latest ultralight high-definition camcorders. In addition, controls have been repositioned and reshaped for superior operational ergonomics. A sliding camera plate helps balance uneven payloads due to outboard batteries or matte boxes, dual rosettes permit left- or two-handed pan arm configurations, and the rear-mounted spirit level facilitates rapid setups. Naturally the 501HDV includes the unbeatable Bogen/Manfrotto 2-year warranty with an additional 3-years after registering online or by mail.
- Head features a secondary security lock so you can't accidentally release the plate (and camera). The lock stops the quick release lever from opening fully.
- Special Teflon-coated discs (used instead of fluid cartridges) ensure smooth movement and consistent friction of the head.
- With a separate lock on each axis of movement, this head can be precisely adjusted, and panning/tracking can be achieved on any axis.
- Two separate axes of movement - panoramic rotation and front-rear tilt
- The pan bar uses the principle of the lever to use less effort to support and move the weight of your camera and to iron out any jarring or shaking movement between your arm and the camera. Ideal for equipment used in movement - especially videocameras and sport optics / spotting scopes - but also very popular among sports and nature photographers who use long heavy lenses and need to smoothly track moving subjects.
| Load Capacity | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) |
| Diameter/Thread | 3/8"-16 |
| Counter Balance System | Fixed spring |
| Counter Balance Range | Optimized for 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| Center of Gravity | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Quick Release/Wedge Plate | Yes (501PL) |
| Balance Plate | Yes, with 58mm of travel |
| Tilt Drag | 1-Step |
| Tilt Range | -60 to +90° |
| Tilt Lock | Separate |
| Spring Loaded Counter Bal | 1-Step |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Pan Lock | Separate |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | Yes/Non |
| Temperature Range | 14 - 140°F (-10 - 60°C) |
| Height | 4.5" (11.5 cm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 276 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
96%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (227)
- Attaches firmly (179)
- Large range of motion (171)
- Strong clamp (137)
- Lightweight (17)
Cons
- Heavy (38)
- Complicated controls (3)
Best Uses
- Video (159)
- Weddings (95)
- Landscape/scenery (86)
- Sports/action (63)
- Home (59)
- How long have you owned it:
A month or less
50%
(7 reviews)
One-to-three months
Three-to-six months
More than six months
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (96), Semi-pro photographer (72), Photo enthusiast (22), Tech savvy (18), Film professional (16)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (147)
Most Liked Positive Review
I like it
I purchased the 501HDV to support a 6 pound Panasonic HVX200 camera and orginally placed it on an inexpensive but sturdy tripod. It panned very smoothly but I did notice some sticking when I tilted...Read complete review
I purchased the 501HDV to support a 6 pound Panasonic HVX200 camera and orginally placed it on an inexpensive but sturdy tripod. It panned very smoothly but I did notice some sticking when I tilted the head if it had not been moved for a short period of time (say 15 minutes). I recently purchased a more appropriate tripod, the Manfrotto 755XB, and spent some time adjusting the drags on the 501HDV. Today it worked like a dream during the church service. After balancing the camera by sliding the top plate into the correct position, I was able to move the head very smoothly in all directions with very little force and did not notice any sticking when changing the tilt of the 501HDV. I was amazed that I was able to very smoothly "tweak" my alignment with one finger. I also purchased and added a Varizoom Zoom/Iris/Focus controller to the handle and now thoroughly enjoy the control I have over the camera at my finger tips. I no longer have to take my eye off of the monitor to locate and adjust the iris and focus of the camera when panning from one side of the stage to the other or zooming in and out (I need to adjust the iris control due to varied lighting within the sanctuary). So far so good.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Save the extra money, get the 501 instead
I don't see any benefit over the 501, and actually, i think the 501 is a far superior product. If anything, i'd recommend this more for standard def cameras rather than high-def.The build ...Read complete review
I don't see any benefit over the 501, and actually, i think the 501 is a far superior product. If anything, i'd recommend this more for standard def cameras rather than high-def.The build quality is very shoddy. the controls that used to be metal are now plastic, and it feels very fragile. they added a feature called balance control, which does as it is expected and it won't let your camera fall forward or backwards. but with it on, you better not do any tilts with it recording, or you get an awful springy action at the start and end of your tilt. the pan is much less fluid than the 501, especially at the start and end of the pan. also, perhaps because it is new, but i've noticed a squeak when the pan/tilt friction is set a little high (although at a normal range, for a firm resistance).given manfrotto's reputation, it upsets me that a more expensive product has left me thinking i wish i bought the 501 instead.
Problems Encountered: Balance control creates springy feel to tilts, pans are not as fluid as i'd like, controls feel plasticy
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Manfrotto 501 head / 3021PRO tripod
Items I Recommend: 3021PRO tripod
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 276 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Interior Exterior
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
Nice solid head with smooth pans and tilt. Used with a camera crane provides stable support.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth action
Cons
- Pan lock is weak
Best Uses
- Jib
- Slider
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I got this head to use on my slider and jib arm. I already have a 501 HDV on my 351 legs and love using it.
I had tried to get a cheaper head, the popular 717AH, but the panning fluid on that was way too thick and I tried replacing it with several different substitutes, all of which were too thin. So I broke down and got the Manfrotto.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
This is the 2nd Manfrotto 501 series video head that I've bought in the last 4 years. The 1st was several years back, & since then there has been some 'improvement' on the 501 line itself. Regardless of the improvements, it still functions just as efficiently as before. I would buy another one again in a heartbeat!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Easy OnOff slide plate
- Easy to use locks
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- A little heavy
- Panhandle too long
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
The ON & OFF slide plate is Solid. Versatile to maneuver. Nice safety features. I know my camera is safe on this Kit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Easy OnOff slide plate
- Good Stability
- It's Solid
- Nice safety features
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Pan Handle too long
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I'm a pleasure photographer. This head is perfect for my needs. Easy on and off plate. The plate is extremely durable. It will last a long time. I know I'll be able to get the shots I want with ease now.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
It purchased in order to photo an animation with a single-lens reflex camera.
The price is made comparatively strongly.
It was a very good purchase.
However, it was somewhat large.
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
Works fine in most ways but "drifts" backwards after panning.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I was torn between the 501HDV and the 701HDV. After deciding on the 501HDV, I was glad I did. The head is a bit bulkier than expected, but I think that will serve me well with some of my heavier gear.
I currently use this with my Canon 7D, and it's been great. I plan to purchase a camcorder that weighs in at about 5 lbs (without accessories/battery), and I'm excited to try it out with this head.
This is the first fluid video head I have bought, and I'm quite pleased. We just got tired of trying to make smooth pans on cheap tripods. This has been a fantastic upgrade!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I use this video head with the 055BX legs, and the combination works well with a heavy DSLR setup. It is heavy, however, and you will need to make sure that you get a tripod bag that will fit the head - it's quite large. Otherwise, this is rock solid, and a great value for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
Hope you enjoyed my title, pun intended. This tripod head is really good, definitely worth the money. It's pan and tilt functions are super smooth, Haven't used it with a heavy camera yet, but I hypothesize that the tilt drag should compensate for any back or front heaviness. No negative comments, this product is really good.
- 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 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I use this for still photography and video with a Canon 7D and love it. Very sturdy, very easy to attach and easy to maneuver. I have used it for some outdoor, (moon) shots, portraits and interview videos and it has performed as expected each time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good camcorder stability
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
This head was purchased to upgrade a tripod used to tape high school sports with a mid-sized prosumer camcorder. The superior smoothness and control is noticable when recording zoom shots near the goal line. Even when the temperature drops into the 40 degree range there is no detectable loss in smoothness.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
This is a great head, solid build, I haven't had any problems with it. The only thing I would point out is that you are doing a lot of panning it is hard to get it smooth with smaller cameras. I have used this head with a Canon XA10, and besides dwarfing the tiny little camera it has too much resistance even with the tension turned all the way down. However, I mostly use this head with an old Canon XL2 for sermons. The head is perfectly suited for the larger camera and performs beautifully even when panning all over the place to follow the never ending "pastor walk"
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I have these head's on all my sticks and have never had any problems. Smooth pans and tilts. We have mounted everything from DSLR's to heavier set-ups and again, never had an issue. I would definitely recommend!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I recently purchased a Canon 7D, and am entirely new to video. I've shot stills for nearly 40 years, and this has been a real learning curve for me. I have used smaller tripods and heads in the past, so to shoot with something like this has been a real treat. I like how I'm able to just pan, let go, and the movement stop without any spring back or wobble. Since I have never used a tripod head of this caliber, I have nothing else to compare it to, but am certainly happy with what I've seen so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Rugge yet light for trans
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
we use as a head for ex3 shooting on a tree arm creating a hunt TV series- Superb value for the money
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I recently did a music video and was able to follow the artist with smooth pans to liven the action scenes in the shoot!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
Really awesome tripod head, nice and smooth. Lots of features from adjusting to locking to an auto balance to ensure you don't have the camera tip on you. Going to be an awesome hunting set up.
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
So much more than I was expecting. Pic does no justice. I actually thought they sent me the wrong one. Big & sturdy. Definitely worth the money. I use it with my Canon 5D/7D set ups. DO IT!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Complicated Controls
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV Pro Video Head:
I use this Head on a range of tripods for a long time. It's good enough I purchased it again.
For its price, it's an amazing piece of equipment.
Good fluid motion (required a bit tweaking the knobs). Maybe a bit confusing for someone using it for the first time.
Has counter weight for heavy equipment (I use it a lot)
The Cons are: flimsy rotation locking knob (wear out quite quickly)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Quick Release Plates
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $5.00
- Price: $19.95
- GBP 12.74
Handles & Accessories
-
- Original: $22.49
- Save: $2.54
- Price: $19.95
- GBP 12.74
- Price: $43.50
- GBP 27.77
What's in the Box
- 501PL Sliding Camera Plate
- 501HLV Fixed Length Pan Arm
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
