Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head
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 Bal | 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) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 251 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (202)
- Attaches firmly (181)
- Large range of motion (166)
- Strong clamp (119)
- Lightweight (13)
Cons
- Complicated controls (5)
- Heavy (4)
- Small range (4)
- Weak clamp (4)
- Unstable (3)
Best Uses
- Video (162)
- Weddings (87)
- Travel (86)
- Landscape/scenery (78)
- Wildlife (73)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (105), Semi-pro photographer (67), Photo enthusiast (40), Casual photographer (7), Enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (152)
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
A fine fluid head
I was hiking in Peru with this tripod head, which is as light as they get for real fluid heads. I was shooting with a Canon 7D.
Pros - small, transportabl...Read complete review
I was hiking in Peru with this tripod head, which is as light as they get for real fluid heads. I was shooting with a Canon 7D.
Pros - small, transportable, smooth on pans and tilts - the tilt lock mechanism works really well
Cons - really wish my 24-70 had an IS system for this tripod because it can jerk a bit when starting to move, but with some practice my shots came off rather clean. Also, when tightening the screw on the arm, the bolt just snapped - this was easily replaced.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 251 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
High quality mini tripod head that I use with a slider. I tried other mini tripod heads that was cheaper, but lacked quality. This item was a little expensive, but you get what you pay for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
The 701HDV works very well for my video projects. I put a Canon XF100 on top and get good stability and smooth paths through tilts and pans. For the price, this is an excellent choice. It's light, easy to cary, and does the job, especially with a camera that is not too heavy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I use it primarilly for both nikon d7000 with battery grip and 18-200 mm lens DSLR video and Panasonic GS 400 digital camcorder. I bought a Manfrotto 501 hdv but after using it for a week, It had pros and cons, the pro was the mount was the same as my manfrotto photo head so it was easy to shift from video to still head. However, when the DSLR camera was mounted to the 501, the lens and body was a bit to heavy so the camera was not balanced so at times the camera was facing up. There was no problem with the panasonic camcorder.
With the 701, the is cumbersome as you have to coin it in so the mount wont be loose, however when mounted, the camera is balanced. This is so as you can adjust the camera on the tripod head depending on the camera lens you have. For the price, it is a great video head. I compared to many brand of different head and tripod combination. I looked at slik photo video head which could have been nice as it has a vertical feature but since my set up was a Manfrotto to begin with, all I needed was a video head . The quality of the 701 is superb.I think this would be the last video head I am going to buy for a while, I had atleast 3-4 video tripod head and tripod before and all were thie cheapo ones. I could have gone to Manfrotto right away. Overall you won't regret the quality and price of this videohead.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I would have expected this head to have separate tilt and pan drag adjustments. It has locks, not real adjustments. That said, it does work pretty well and is well made. For not a lot more money I would have upgraded to the 501HDV to get the extra controls had I known.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
Great tool for having awesome quality smooth video...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Complicated Controls
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I bought this tripod to use with my Canon 7D. It is pretty good for the price. I also like that is light weight. I use it for documentary and back county shoots. My only real problems with it are that you have to adjust the legs to get it level which can take some time and it is hard to pan it smoothly. Other than that it is great for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
same plate as 501 small and light weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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've always loved the quality and durability of Manfrotto products and this baby doesn't disappoint. With my camcorder mounted on this head, the motion is incredibly fluid and smooth...no more amateurish jerky movements!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I needed a light weight tripod and head for filming Documentaries with a lot of travel where I could only take what I could carry. I used it with the 190CXPRO3 PRO CARBON FIBER TRIPOD, using DSLR. Does the job as expected, cost reasonable for what it is.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
This is a very nice tripod head for lighter camcorders and DSLRs. Overall very smooth for not being a "true" fluid head, though I do wish it gave more drag control. The tripod plate system used by Manfrotto makes it quick and easy to attach and detach your camera. Great head for a great price, I'm sure I'll get years of use out of this one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Price
- Smooth Operation
Cons
- Small knob
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
This is the best head I've used in this price range. I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it operated at different tension settings. And, also, it locks down very well. My one complaint is the small knob for pan lock.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I bought this because I have the Manfrotto 190cxpro3 tripod and a konova slider and needed something lightweight to mount my 7D on. I went to my local store and played around with it and the 501 and they seemed just as smooth as each other, but the 501 was insanely large and heavy. I have had some pretty good results with it so far......check out this pan in one of my youtube vids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8SK-_Cewgg
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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:
I bought it for my Pocket Dolly. It's great for my DSLR, I wouldn't use it with a larger camera. Great tripod head!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I bought this to use with my Nikon D7000 and my Manfrotto 290 series MK294A3 Tripod and replace the Manfrotto 3 way video head. To be honest, I think I might need a little heaver tripod(mine is 5.51lbs) because I do get a little movement because of the base line tention from the mini head when panning and the D7000 dosen't add much weight to counter this tention. The head is very smooth and works much better for SLR video applications than any other head I have used before.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
Smooth pan & tilt. Light weight & Compact. Works with my 685B Monopod also.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Small Range
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
On a medium duty tripod (Gitzo 1329) holds a scope
bracket, fieldscope (82mm ED) with a dSLR camera
and makes it easy to tilt & pan with the tension holding where it's stopped. Being Manfrotto, it doesn't have an Arca style quick release clamp & plate
- 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
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I own multiples and every one of them does what I want it to do, hold the camera steady.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
Love this head for working with my slider, makes shots look a lot more interesting without adding a lot weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fluid motion pantilt
- Light weight
- Long ajustment arm
Cons
- No resistance control
- Unscrews from tripod
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
I wanted something small and lightweight that was good enough to do smooth pans and tilts. For my Panasonic HDC-TM700 camcorder it was great. Not a pro but definitely god enough to do smooth video with practice. While small it is much bigger then I though. It is also lightweight so I can take it everywhere without breaking my back from all the gear. Maybe there are better heads out there, but why carry more when smooth pans and tilts is all I want. Yes it is constant resistance but using more or less muscle can easily compensate for that. This is a professional head for video from my point of view. It is small and light enough so I can take it every time, using tripod with fluid head is better than any freehand. If it was any heavier I would not use it enough because of the iconvenice. At 0.83 kg and 1.07 kg for my promaster tripod it is under 2 kg's for the whole thing. 2 kg's is the limit if you want to use it lots, 1kg would be better. For extra weigth I suspend camera bag from my tripod. Long adjustment arm is great for slow and percise tilts and pans. No resistance adjustment means quick pans are not really possible, but good video makers do not pan fast anyway. Can unscrew from tripod, not sure if head or tripod fault. Maybe I need to screw it in even tighter. Quick pans are not possible without resistance control, but good video makers never do quick pans anyway, gives makes people sea sick.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:
This is a great fluid head for shooting video. Cons is that it doesnt work portrait style for still photography
- 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
Handles & Accessories
-
- Original: $23.81
- Save: $5.31
- Price: $18.50
What's in the Box
- Fluid Head
- 501PL
- Pan Bar
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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