Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head

  • Price: $139.95
  • B&H # MA701HDV
  • Mfr# 701HDV

Product Highlights

  • 8.8 lbs Capacity
  • Improved Ergonomics
  • Solid Grip for Better Control

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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
Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head
 
4.6

(based on 266 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (179)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (75)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (11)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (216)
  • Attaches firmly (195)
  • Large range of motion (179)
  • Strong clamp (129)
  • Lightweight (13)

Cons

  • Complicated controls (5)
  • Heavy (4)
  • Small range (4)
  • Weak clamp (4)
  • Unstable (3)

Best Uses

  • Video (173)
  • Travel (92)
  • Weddings (92)
  • Landscape/scenery (85)
  • Wildlife (80)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Pro photographer (109), Semi-pro photographer (73), Photo enthusiast (44), Casual photographer (7), Enthusiast (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (163), Yes (3)

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 266 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

The illest

By Benji

from Boulder CO

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attaches Firmly
  • Good Stability
  • Great in the cold
  • Large Range of Motion
  • Small easy to pack
  • Strong Clamp

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Skiing
    • Sports/Action
    • Travel
    • Video

    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

    I use this product to film skiers. I have attached to it a T2i w/ corresponding battery handle. I use it in freezing cold, wet and unfriendly conditions and it works perfect. Smooth as can be and simple to use without a doubt. Perfect for DSLRs and perfect in the cold. Not to mention its not to high on the price list. You won't be disappointed.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    perfect for slider

    By Jonathan YOnkers

    from San Jose, Costa Rica

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Home
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Travel
      • Video

      Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

      I got this head to use with my new Konova slider. It works together like a charm. Wonderful little fluid head.

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Fantastic for DSLR's and cheap

      By Chard

      from Vancouver, BC

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Attaches Firmly
      • Good Stability
      • Large Range of Motion
      • Perfect for dslr
      • Strong Clamp

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Home
        • Night Shots
        • Sports/Action
        • Video
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife

        Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

        I have been using this head with my canon 60d and have had really great results. When set-up right it is perfectly balanced and produces very smooth pans and tilts, would definitely recommend this head to anyone looking for a very high quality yet inexpensive head.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Silky Smooth

        By timquij

        from Arroyo Grande, CA and Beijing, PR China

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Home
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Night Shots
          • Portraits
          • Travel
          • Video

          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

          I purchased this after using a standard (not fluid) head and struggling with jerky video. This had made things much easier. Feels very solid. One complaint is that the release tab on the right is obscured by the camera body unless the body is as far forward as it can go (at least with my Canon 60D). I knew this going into purchasing it but I purchased this, instead of the 501, because of its price and (light) weight.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Works great!

          By cnjvideo

          from Princeton, NJ

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Shots
            • Sports/Action
            • Video
            • Weddings/Events
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

            I needed a well constructed, reliable, smooth and professional quality fluid head for my Canon XA10 camcorder. This is it! I couldn't ask for a better functioning fluid head that doesn't dwarf my camcorder.

            It also works well for my standard SLR photography when panning for nature still shots.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Good Head

            By DAKVideo

            from Abilene, Texas

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Video

              Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

              I use the 701HDV Fluid Head on my Kessler Pocket Dolly. Having the head allows me to tilt and pan my camera more easily than having to adjust the tripod below the Pocket Dolly. The style of shooting I do requires a good deal of moving from location to location and having to setup fairly quickly. This head gives me the flexibility and speed I need.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Fluid head

              By Mikey

              from Sydney, Australia

              About Me Pro Photographer

              See all my reviews

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                  Great product, well priced and works a treat. I just needed it for a slider head. It's perfect.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Excellent Fluid Head

                  By David Damen

                  from Dayton, OH

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                        Exactly what I expected from a mid priced fluid head. Great control and functionality. Good addition to my rail system.

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Smooth as silk

                        By Nightprowler

                        from Kingsport Tennessee

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

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

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Portraits
                          • Sports/Action
                          • Travel
                          • Video
                          • Wildlife

                          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                          I needed a video head for my hikes in Zion and other canyonlands adventures...This head does the job OK...Not to heavy and the price isn't too bad either

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          Great Product

                          By Tammy

                          from Wisconsin

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

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

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Sports/Action
                            • Video
                            • Wildlife

                            Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                            Purchased this as a gift for my son, he LOVES it.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • Yes

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Perfect for DSLR

                            By rcawth

                            from Chicago, IL

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            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:

                              This would be to small for a full size video camera but for the DSLR shooters out there it's perfect! Sturdy and as smooth as can be.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              5.0

                              Amazing!! So Smooth and Quiet

                              By Hunter Man

                              from North Manchester, In

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

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

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Wildlife

                                Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                                Love how light weight it is but is sturdy enough to hold a big camera. Smooth and big range of motion.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Rest design and construction

                                By Pablo

                                from New york

                                About Me Pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                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 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                                  Great design and construction, it gives you the best options, everything works great.
                                  Your camera is secure, great product for smooth pans, and tilts, stability.
                                  Manfrotto makes the best tripods in my opinion for a great price !!!

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Exactly what I expected.

                                  By Liennypie

                                  from Stockton, CA

                                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

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

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Landscape/Scenery
                                    • Video
                                    • Weddings/Events

                                    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                                    Very good quality .

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Young Sol was amazing!

                                    By Mphoto7

                                    from Las Vegas

                                    About Me Pro Photographer

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Attaches Firmly
                                    • Good Stability
                                    • Great for the money
                                    • Large Range of Motion
                                    • Strong Clamp

                                    Cons

                                    • None so far

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Architecture
                                    • City life

                                    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

                                    It is a cheap video head as such it will suffice for now and then I will upgrade.
                                    Mostly I knew what head I wanted but Sol took the time to help me with this and one other purchase. His humor and professionalism made this purchase easy.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Great Product!

                                    By Aldous

                                    from Woodbridge, VA

                                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    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

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Good Unit!

                                      By SanNic44

                                      from Philadelphia

                                      About Me Pro Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      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

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Professional video head at prosumer pric

                                        By Jer

                                        from San Jose, CA

                                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        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

                                          Share this review

                                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                           
                                          3.0

                                          A few missing features

                                          By joel

                                          from St. Paul, MN

                                          About Me Pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          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.

                                                Share this review

                                                 
                                                5.0

                                                Great With the XHA1

                                                By Archery Shop Manager

                                                from West Des Moines, IA

                                                About Me Pro Photographer

                                                Verified Buyer

                                                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

                                                  Share this review

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                                                  Quick Release Plates

                                                  Manfrotto -  501PL Sliding Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 & 3/8" Screws
                                                  • Price: $24.95
                                                   

                                                  What's in the Box

                                                  Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head
                                                  • Fluid Head
                                                  • 501PL
                                                  • Pan Bar
                                                  • 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
                                                   
                                                   
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