Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg)
- No Longer Available
Being very much aware of changing trends in the video world, Manfrotto revised their proven 503 fluid head taking into account the increasing performance demands of High Definition Mini-DV camcorders. The result is the 503HDV Pro.
With regard to ergonomics, the engineers at Manfrotto designed the 503HDV with entirely left-handed controls to enhance operational efficiency. Since camera controls are generally left-handed, every setting may be inspected and verified at a glance, facilitating rapid setups from shot to shot.
The greater resolution of High Definition video means that details as well as errors in movement are more apparent, and thereby demands a more refined means of support. The continuously-variable fluid drag system of the 503HDV provides just the right amount of dampening for any shot on your list-from whip pans to slow motion, just dial in drag to touch. This capability in conjunction with the 3-step counterbalance delivers the type of fingertip camera control normally reserved for much more costly production fluid heads.
ENG crews and independent filmmakers alike will appreciate the thoughtful, full-featured design of the 503HDV fluid head as it expands their shooting gamut without unnecessarily shrinking their budgets. As with all other Bogen/Manfrotto supports, it includes a two-year warranty and comprehensive online documentation.
- Continuously-variable fluid drag
- Multi-spring 3 step counterbalance
- Sliding balance plate with 58mm of travel
- Replaceable dual pan arm rosettes
- Illuminated bubble level
| Load Capacity | 17.6 lbs (8.0kg) |
| Diameter/Thread | 3/8-16 |
| Counter Balance System | 3-step |
| Counter Balance Range | 0 - 8.8 lbs (0 - 4kg) |
| Center of Gravity | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Quick Release/Wedge Plate | Yes, with 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 mounting screws |
| Balance Plate | Yes, with 58mm of travel |
| Tilt Drag | Continuously variable |
| Tilt Range | -60° to +90° |
| Tilt Lock | Independent |
| Spring Loaded Counter Bal | Continuously variable |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Pan Lock | Independent |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | Yes/Yes |
| Temperature Range | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) |
| Height | 4.5" (11.5cm) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 100 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (75)
- Attaches firmly (64)
- Large range of motion (63)
- Strong clamp (50)
- High quality (7)
Cons
- Heavy (18)
- Complicated controls (3)
Best Uses
- Video (41)
- Weddings (28)
- Stabilization (24)
- Sports/action (23)
- Landscape/scenery (16)
- How long have you owned it:
A month or less
One-to-three months
Three-to-six months
50%
(3 reviews)
More than six months
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (28), Semi-pro photographer (20), Photo enthusiast (9), Professional (9), Enthusiast (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (33)
Most Liked Positive Review
An improvement over the original 503.
I've shot about 15 weddings with the original 503 heads- I liked them a lot, and I was disappointed with some of the negative reviews I'd seen on the 503HDV.
Nevertheless,...Read complete review
I've shot about 15 weddings with the original 503 heads- I liked them a lot, and I was disappointed with some of the negative reviews I'd seen on the 503HDV.
Nevertheless, I ordered a 503HDV, as I needed another tripod/head. After working with the new 503HDV, I must say, I am VERY satisfied with the re-design. The control arm can be mounted on either the left or right side, contrary to what some have written.
It's incredibly smooth. Definitely worth it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Sticky pans
I use it making Wedding videos. I like the 3 tension settings for the vertical & the light on the leveling bulb. The horizontal panning is less than expected since it sticks at st...Read complete review
I use it making Wedding videos. I like the 3 tension settings for the vertical & the light on the leveling bulb. The horizontal panning is less than expected since it sticks at start of each pan, causing jerky movement in video. My 10 yr old 501 head does the same so I shouldn't have been surprised at the stickiness of horizontal motion in both directions.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 100 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I have been shooting short films with this and it is great. Very smooth but a little jerky on the start.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use it for birds picture
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Smooth Operation
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I have recently purchased the Manfrotto 503HDV fluid head tripod and love it. I was recently filming a wedding with my old head and it was so clunky that I had to use my tripod like a monopod to get any sort of camera movement. My new head however is really smooth and I can actually put a pan or tilt into my shots which of course has increased production quality!
There aren't too many negative things I can say about this fluid head. The only thing is that I wish it had a ball head so that I could level my shots without having to adjust the legs. Considering the price of the head though I think it's a great buy, the movement is very fluid and it's a big sturdy head with an illuminated bubble. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't have squillions of dollars to spend on a tripod head.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Great Design
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
The 504HDV was the best choice for my use.
I use my camera for a wide range of still photography and now video I like to maximize the versatility of my cameras and peripherals.
In this case the tripod/head.
With the 503HDV fluid video head I can now use my 600mm f/4 lens and DSLR @ (15 lbs) for video and stills. When needed I have a very good fluid head for easy panning with a smaller lens.
The 503HDV gets me a lot of versatility and at a good price. With that said, I must say I'm very impressed with the 503's design. The controls are very accessible and easily adjusted.
I give it five stars because I am so pleased and confident with it and that is rare.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
We're using this head this for a couple of full-sized broadcast cameras. I like the fact that it supports more than 17 lbs and is smooth as silk, once we dialed it in.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Play in the panning
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I was really hoping to pay the extra money to get a better preforming head, but instead I use it to support a Kanova slider on my wedding shoots. It just had a little too much play in the panning no matter what adjustment we made. 501 was much better for it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Smooth Operation
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Manfrotto in my mind always gave me a good product to use in my video business. This 503HDV video fluid head makes it easy, smooth, and comfortable to get great shots with my HDV cameras that I use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I'm using this head with my DVX-100a, and am simply amazed at the performance. The 501 QR plate adds simplicity to each job. I'm thankful that I made the investment in this quality head, which offers all the bells and whistles, including a lit level bubble, extending swivel arm for ease of panning and tension adjustment for ease of use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use 503HDV with my Canon 7D and EF-300 f/4 plus extender 1.4 for birds photography. It is well balanced and doesn't tilt even when it is not locked. This fluid head is very well built, and can be adjusted easily to fit my pan and tilt needs. Yes, it is heavy but that weight give the stability for some very sharp images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use this product to shoot weddings. It works great for what I need. The tilt lock is very sensitive but overall I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Well made and just the right combo for my Sony FS-100U. Shares the same base plate as the monopod - makes it easy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use 503HDV Professional Fluid Head with my Sony PMW EX1R and Canon 5D Mark II. It is a great product for the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor design
- Sloppy PanTilt
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Home
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars is becuase it works as advertised. But if you're a true operator or film professional, this head is completely worthless and sloppy.
The tilt is extremely difficult to unlock and a horrible design. After a day of shooting I think I sprained my wrist from unlocking it so many times.
The drag is worthless and not very smooth. And don't even bother with the counter weight, might work for a 5 pound camera but that's about it.
I mean maybe I got a bad one, but there is way too much slop in the pan and tilt.
Do yourself a favor and spend another $300 or so to get a better head. I'm going to sell this one on an auction site.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video your hunts
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
[...]...The 503HDV head is worth every penny, really provided some great shots, smooth pans.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I would buy this product again and again"
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
This is a smooth, very easy-to-use head that does everything you could ever want it to do. It's worth the price over the 501.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Awkward leveling
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
This may not be a super-expensive video head for a 100mm bowl mount, but it does offer very good professional-grade functionality for a reasonable price. Quick to mount, and coming with a panning handle, this head is just right for pro-level digital camcorders of the Sony PMW-EX/Panasonic HM170 style.
Easy to adjust friction, smooth panning and reliable QR mounting plate (that does not constantly get caught for no apparent reason) make this head a very worthwhile companion for the working professional.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
I use the 503HDV with an HVX200 that has an HD monitor, hard disc recorder and battery attached. I holds it all easily.
- 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
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Use with 7d to shot video - excellent one
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 503HDV Professional Video Fluid Head- Supports 17.6 lbs (8kg):
Used for videography. Smoothest panning head I've ever used. The adjustable balance wheel makes switching between cameras and rigs a breeze. The lighted bubble level is a great asset too. The adjustable and reversible handle have saved me in cramped quarters many a time. The only negative I've found is it is difficult to get my short thick fingers between the camera mounting plate and the base of the fluid head to adjust the pan friction knob. Italians must have long skinny fingers, I guess.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Quick Release Plates
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- Original: $24.95
- Save: $5.00
- Price: $19.95
- GBP 12.74
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- Original: $26.88
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What's in the Box
- Quick Release Plate
- Telescoping Pan Arm
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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