Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black)

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Getting a tripod that can extend beyond 7' is going to cost you extra, as does this model. However, as taller tripods go, this one is a decent value. The included head pan and tilts smoothly and the tripod itself is sturdy and rigid. It also includes a strap, which was a nice bonus, because it's a fairly heavy tripod.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

I up graded from the Stanford/Davis Pro Vista which I had problems with the legs not staying locked down and the flip latches breaking. This tripod is much better and I bought because of the Wing locking on the legs. Just used it for the first time and it worked great. Can't beat the height, almost 8 ft!
AS for the 501 head I Liked it very much, very smooth if you lock down the lock for the crank up center section. If not then there is a little play for a jerky start to pans. Lock it down and all is great. For not being a true "fluid " head it was very smooth. I bought 2 of these to replace my others which as I said before have given my trouble over the last 4 years. I video a lot of Weddings, Memorials and Church functions. I have Sony FX7's on top and they worked very well with this combo.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

This has been an excellent tripod system. I love it. It delivers smooth pans and tilting, and it is so affordable as well!

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

I have to shoot 84 - 90" off the floor. Instead of setting a tripod on a platform, I can extend this tripod to 93". Used Manfrotto's 028Bb legs at another church, so I'm familiar with what they can do. The 501 HDV head is very smooth both pan and tilt. I'd recommend these sticks to anyone!

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Love the crank to get the camera up higher. This tripod is a little easier to setup than my old one but need to get used to it since this is the first time purchasing this model.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

The fixed legs will proportion always that perfect triangle for a super steady ground which is totally necessary when using the tripod at its full extension.
Gave me a perfect and steady shot broadcasting a crowd of people.

The 501 head is really smooth to operate and the counterweight system allows you to operate the camera with less effort.

The only cons I've found it's the weight, it's kinda heavy if you are carrying it on your shoulders.

Used it with Canon XH series and Panasonics.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Yeah, okay, it's heavy for its performance leve. Decent tripods are usually pretty heavy to be steady. The thing with its weight is that it also gives you a whole lot of height in its price range. But rarely does one need to go that high, so it's easy to forget why it's so heavy.

We tend to shoot in some unusual, uncontrolled environments, and it matters that we always have at least one tripod with us that can get us above the fray. This one does it without being too cumbersome for one person to set and use. Overall, I'd say all our camera operators are happy with it.

I personally am not totally in love with the 501HDV head itself. Sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own. Most of that is due to the fact that (unlike some of the more expensive heads in product lines above it), the tension settings aren't numerical. You can't dial a number in, so if you have to relieve someone in mid-run, you don't really know what the tension is set to till you try to pan or tilt. And then you might be in for a surprise.

With this kit, the one thing that I would have liked to see them add to it is a spare plate. You get one, but wouldn't it be nice to have a spare too?

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Used this for my first few videos and works great. Have used it on windy days along a lake and 100-400mm zoomed out to 300mm with no shake at all. Very solid, but pretty heavy. Removed 501 fluid head and put it on a light carbon Gitzo with adapters. It was just too heavy for my hiking and walking around all day needs, and I had to put more money out for the lite legs to protect my back/health. The 501hdv still works well on my other legs. Buy it if you're not going to hike with it doing video. It did me very well.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Heavy, stable, solid

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

I am using this product in my church ministry,as a main camera setup.
I can get the right height to get the shot, it move very effortlessly as you follow the movement on stage

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

I'm 100% satified with my product,& all the other products we've have gotten . we buy 99% of my Video equipment for my Business with B&H
the Tripod is very easy to handle & I Love......
the fact that this tripod is for a Left hander or a Right Hander person because I'm Left handed
A good company to buy from

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

This tripod is very stable and all locks and clamps work and secure very well. The head is probably an 8 out of 10. To initiate a pan or tilt...there is a very minute stick before the move. You can decrease the tension, but before you get to the point of being too sloppy, is still wants to ever so slightly resist a plane change. I am satisfied though. I got what I paid for.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Very dependable smooth and easy to work with
a great friend to have close to do the job

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

We use it to run cameras for our church services. It has greatly improved the look of our video.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

The best tripod for its price.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Great tripod/head kit wish it was cheaper but you get what you pay for! It should come with a bag at least.

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Great kit wish it was cheaper but you get what you pay for!

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

The first thing I noticed when I received my new tripod was how heavy and solid it is. However this is a good thing, as stability with video cameras is important, especially outdoors on a breezy day. I like the wind-up turn handle for raising and lowering the centre column (as opposed to the non-handle tripods where you lift the whole column up and down yourself). All in all a very nice tripod!

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

I do simple video production for musicians for web and dvd. Tried cheaper tripod systems. Learned fast what's needed - solid construction and smooth head action. This system has all of that - and exceptional height. I need that to shoot over audience heads in small venues. I tried one to check it out, then immediately got a second for cam 2. Happy customer here!

Comments about Manfrotto 501HDV028B 028B Tripod System (Black):

Extremely solid Tripod.