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 271 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (183)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (76)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (11)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (221)
  • Attaches firmly (199)
  • Large range of motion (183)
  • Strong clamp (133)
  • Lightweight (13)

Cons

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

Best Uses

  • Video (177)
  • Travel (95)
  • Weddings (95)
  • Landscape/scenery (87)
  • Wildlife (82)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Pro photographer (110), Semi-pro photographer (74), Photo enthusiast (45), Casual photographer (7), Enthusiast (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (168), 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.

Reviewed by 271 customers

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5.0

Awesome Video Head

By thedvsmonkey

from Lake Zurich, IL

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

    Best Uses

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

    Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

    I got this video head to go with the Manfrotto legs I already own. I've been using a different head for still photography but it wasn't very good for when I'm shooting video. After researching I decided to go with this head rather than the more expensive 501 head. I couldn't be more pleased. It's easy to use and has made my videoing a pleasure. I highly recommend it!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Excellent tripod head

    By A Birder

    from Charlton, MA

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability
    • Light weight

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Travel
      • Wildlife

      Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

      I am a birder, and I bought this tripod head to support my spotting scope. The spotting scope is rather large and weighs about 4 pounds. This tripod head keeps the scope perfectly still and secure. The head plate has 2 screws that fit into the base of the scope, keeping the scope firmly in place even in high winds. The motion on the head is fluid and seamless, making it easy to track moving targets through the scope. The tension on the head is easily adjustable, which allows for smooth panning or a locked position. I would highly recommend this tripod head to any birder, photographer, or amateur astronomer.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Pro!!!

      By Tony

      from Lincoln, NE

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

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

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Home
        • Portraits
        • Travel
        • Video
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

        Opened the box and was a bit worried that the head wasn't as fluid. But after turning it and spinning all of the dials and knobs, the head is now fluid. Just needs a bit of turning and working to get the juices flowing. Good tripod head, wish it can support more weight.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Smooth operations

        By Stan the Man

        from Birmingham, Alabama

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Video
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

          Our church uses 701 HDV for our live streaming of the worship services. It has very smooth movements and allows our camera operators the ability to get good quality shots. It is well made with durable materials which should give many years of use.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          good for the money

          By Thorcis

          from Mexico

          About Me Photography Student

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion
          • Strong Clamp

          Cons

          • Hard to attach

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Portraits
          • Video

          Comments about Manfrotto 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head:

          it´s lightweight and good for a D7000 with 16-35 mm lens attached , I tried to use the 70-200mm VR and found it´s hard to attach it to the plate I guess is the screw is not big enough. I think this head is really good for video but not for photography.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          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

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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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