The Professional's Source 866.276.1435 / 212.502.6357

Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head

  • Price: $129.95
  • GBP 82.77
  • B&H # BEMP101
  • Mfr# MP101

Product Highlights

  • Supports Up to 6 lbs
  • Rotates 170° in Either Direction
  • Remote Control

Protect Your Purchase

International Pricing Disclaimer
 

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.276.1435
Live Chat

The Bescor MP-101 motorized pan head fastens between any tripod head and video camera. Two motors allow independent smooth remote adjustment of vertical and horizontal panning motion. Auto Pan Mode allows continuous horizontal panning motion. Switch selector for either 45°, 90°, or 340° movements. Maximum horizontal angle is ±90 degrees; maximum vertical angle is ±15 degrees.

Power is supplied by 4x AA batteries or the optional PS-260 AC power supply.

Panning speed adjustable via the remote control.
The MP-101 pan head can support a camera weighing up to 6 lbs (2.72kg).
Power Source 4 1.5-volt "AA" batteries
(optional AC power supply PS-260)
Dimensions 5.8 x 4.5 x 4" (14.7 x 11.4 x 10.2 cm)
Weight 1.69 lbs (770g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
BescorMP-101 Motorized Pan Head
 
4.3

(based on 77 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (36)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (30)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (10)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Stable (48)
  • Attaches firmly (38)
  • Large range of motion (38)
  • Strong clamp (19)
  • Lightweight (5)

Cons

  • Heavy (5)

Best Uses

  • Video (33)
  • Weddings (22)
  • Landscape/scenery (21)
  • Home (14)
  • Sports/action (8)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (17), Pro photographer (16), Photo enthusiast (13), Tech savvy (6), Aspiring film maker (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (36), Yes (3)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Wonderful Unit!

I use this with a Panasonic DVX100B. It is very smooth and can pan pretty slowly if need be. The thing is, the heavier the camera, the slower the pan. The unit pans...Read complete review

I use this with a Panasonic DVX100B. It is very smooth and can pan pretty slowly if need be. The thing is, the heavier the camera, the slower the pan. The unit pans slower if I'm using my camera with a 35mm adapter and rod/rail system. Its perfect when shooting documentaries when dollies and cranes aren't possible. I do wish you could make it pan slower using a setting and that the remote control chord was longer without having to buy an extension.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Decent

Love this unit, but have had 2 go bad within a week of getting it, one right out of the box. I have 4 now and when they work love them, I also ...Read complete review

Love this unit, but have had 2 go bad within a week of getting it, one right out of the box. I have 4 now and when they work love them, I also have issue with the speed of the pan not being slow enough when zoomed in, also the tilt is slower than the pan (this also has to do with the weight of the camera) Overall, I wish they put a LITTLE more quality into the unit, otherwise I will have to stick with this unit. There is nothing close in the price range.

Reviewed by 77 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-20

Back to top

Previous | Next »

 
5.0

Fantastic Product

By Micka

from Brisbane, Australia

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attaches Firmly
  • Good Stability
  • Great Build
  • Large Range of Motion
  • Very smooth

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Home
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Night Shots
    • Real Estate

    Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

    I use this product on top of a 24ft manfrotto tripod for real estate high shots, its fantastic! Its very smooth and precise! works well with the extension cable. The Build is very solid and a great looking product!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    Just what I needed!

    By Joe

    from US Forces, Germany

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Home
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Video
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

      This motorized pan and tilt head is just what I needed to be able to control one of my video cameras in a multi-camera training presentation. I just need to be able to keep the camera pointed at a relatively localized area, so it doesn't need to move fast for me. If you need something to do fast pans or track action, this might not be what you need. I was also pleased to find that it will work with just batteries (4 AA) or the included A/C Adapter. I also bought the wired remote extensions. As always, I appreciate B&H's fast and dependable service. I'm especially grateful that they mail to overseas military addresses USPS Priority mail. I had my item within 10 days.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      3.0

      price its ok

      By Casanova

      from Sinaloa, Mexico.

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Good Stability

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

        THIS IS A VERY LIGHT CAMERA EQUIPMENT BUT IF YOU HAVE A LESS THAN 3 KG DESPITE GREAT WORK MAYBE that would change would be to put a button instead of Jostick

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        works good

        By rt

        from memphis

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Good Stability

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Video

          Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

          works good, but it doesnt tilt down far enoghh

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Lived up to expectations

          By Soufle

          from Bullhead City, AZ

          Verified Buyer

          Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

          Very useful to solve my unsteady hand

          Share this review

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          good project mount

          By aeroengineer

          from pasadena, ca

          Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

          Here's a few random notes about it, useful to any hacker types considering this mount:

          - Before modifying it it runs on 6V DC and is only controllable via the handheld remote.
          - It has variable speed (uses a linear regulator) but is pretty slow at its highest speed (my guess is that this is mostly to limit gear train noise for filming), though is plenty fast for most filming purposes.
          - It's also a bit asymmetric in terms of slewing speeds in different directions.
          - It's fairly smooth but the pan axis has a fair amount of inertia (the whole assembly rotates) and much more gear slop than the tilt.
          - It has an auto pan mode that moves it in 30,60,90 degree movements so I'm pretty sure it has some hall sensors that could be put to good use.
          - We broke out the motor leads and have directly controlled both motors with a 10V pwm (they're brushed DC motors obviously).
          - Overall its not bad for the cost, it has more muscle than the jinky pan tilt mounts people make with hobby servos and is easily modified.

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Impressive

          By rx1

          from Denver

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Video

            Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

            I would reccomend this to anyone who needs to remotely record an event. It's quiet, smoothly pans and it can pan and tilt at the same time which is immensely helpful when your subject is rapidly moving. Bravo USA!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Works well

            By Topbunk

            from Burlington, NJ

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Video
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

              I use this as part of a multicam setup and it works flawlessly! Pan and tilt action is very smooth and it stops without any jerk. I would pay twice as much for one like this that has more tilt range. This is well worth the price.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Good size, works well, price is right!

              By apobib

              from Newport, OR

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Attaches Firmly
              • Good Stability
              • Large Range of Motion

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Document panning
                • Studio work

                Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                I can't imagine using my manual pan head again. The action is so smooth and the results are much better than when panning by hand. It is well made and has an automatic mode where you don't have to be pressing a button. The only reason for a four star and not a five is it is a little too fast at the slowest speed. A lot of people complain about this, and I wrote Bescor and complained but they didn't return my email...boo! Too bad a better company doesn't market this device and listen to the customers. I couldn't find a fix to slow the pan down, although many people want such. But that is the only downside to the MP-101. I would highly recommend getting the extension and AC power unit which are reasonably priced and greatly enhance the video experience if more than a few feet away. With a remote extension and Canon Vixia HF M40 remote control it doesn't get any better. It seems that originally the MP-101 only did a 180 degree pan, but the one I got does a 340 degree pan...maybe an upgrade seeing that so many hacks were on the internet showing how to remove an internal clip to make it pan 360 degrees.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                great product

                By tekton

                from South Africa

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                      This is a great product, certainly affordable and easy to use. The only drawback i feel is that the remote cable is rather too short and needs an extension to go with it otherwise i love this product for the buck!

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      4.0

                      Functional and affordable

                      By Jim

                      from Fairfax, VA

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attaches Firmly
                      • Excellent value
                      • Good Stability
                      • Large Range of Motion

                      Cons

                      • Short control cord

                      Best Uses

                      • School and church program
                      • Video
                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                      Good choice for us. This unit has taken the jerkiness out of our amateur videos. I like the variable speed control. I like the battery option for non-studio work. I don't need more than its +/- 15 degree tilt. I don't mind the slight motor noise when panning (no one can hear it but me). With a good video switcher, 2 more HD camcorders, and two of these fine motorized pan heads, I'll be all set!

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      I love it

                      By Patrick G

                      from new York

                      About Me Photography Student

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Good Stability
                      • Large Range of Motion
                      • Strong Clamp

                      Cons

                      • Heavy

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Shots
                      • Video
                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                      It just works!!!

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      1.0

                      VERY GOOD ... WHEN IT WORKS !!!

                      By Clô!

                      from FRANCE, Bretagne

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Pros

                      • Large Range of Motion

                      Cons

                      • Very poor construction

                      Best Uses

                      • Home
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Portraits
                      • Video

                      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                      I just got one, the pan works but not the tilt. I have to send it back to USA, while I am in France. Costs for RMA, waist of time.

                      I cannot trust the gear even I want one! A pain...

                      Also, the remote is such a poor construction. The remote cables (extention)

                      are cheap quality. Too sad to have a wonderful product that is made of very cheap elements.

                      Very good when it works. Bescor should perform and work a bit more on it as it is a good product for that price... (No competitvity ?)

                      Would be very nice to able to carry to carry over 18 Ibs. (I can dream...)

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Works great

                      By freddyvc

                      from Moro, IL

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Reviewer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                      • No cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Video
                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                      I have 2 MP-101 Pan Heads that I use to video Church Services & Weddings. I use 3 cameras with a mixer & record to a DVD harddrive. One camera is hand operated & has a remote zoom on the handle. The to on the pan head also have remote zoom next to the pan head remote. I use the pan head cameras to set a scene then switch to them.
                      One man can do it all. The hand op camera is my follow cam, so I don't have to worry about the seed of the pan not being slow enough.
                      I would reccomend this unit. I am considering a 3rd one so I can have 4 camera's going at once.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great Gear!

                      By sapsounds

                      from Charlotte

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Large Range of Motion

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Video

                        Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                        Works better than expected. Using as pan/tilt head on my home made crane. Also bought the 20' extension cord for remote, it also comes in lenght of 50'. Good product, great price.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • Yes

                        Share this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Bescor runs like a charm

                        By cv church media dir

                        from La Crescenta, CA

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Good Stability
                        • Large Range of Motion

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Video
                          • Weddings/Events

                          Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                          We use this item to remotely record events each week.
                          The head is very responsive and smooth.
                          The remote set to reverse direction for tilt...so it takes some opposite logic to utilize.
                          Regardless, we're planning on purchasing two more in the near future.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          5.0

                          MP 101

                          By snapshot

                          from Baltimore, MD

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                                Good speed, smooth

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • Yes

                                Share this review

                                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Great value

                                By drkarras

                                from Riverwoods, IL

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                                      For the money, this is a great value. Works like a charm.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Good value, works Great !

                                      By Videoguy Mark

                                      from Utica, NY

                                      About Me Pro Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Attaches Firmly
                                      • Good Stability
                                      • Low weight
                                      • Smooth motion

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Video

                                        Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                                        Easy setup, works on battery or AC with adapter.
                                        We use it in conjunction with our Jib it works great.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        4.0

                                        Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head

                                        By roblewis56

                                        from Albany CA

                                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Attaches Firmly
                                        • Battery action
                                        • Good Stability
                                        • Large Range of Motion
                                        • Smooth action
                                        • Strong Clamp

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Following moving objects
                                          • Landscape/Scenery
                                          • Sports/Action
                                          • Travel
                                          • Video
                                          • Weddings/Events
                                          • Wide panorama scan in aut

                                          Comments about Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head:

                                          This device is very good. It mounts easily on my SLIK Video Sprint portable tripod. It is well made and smooth in operation. However, I have three minor issues. In order to start auto scan you need to move a switch on the unit. This can disturbs the unit, there should be a start/stop on the remote. The slow speed setting is not slow enough when the camera is zoomed. And three, there is no bubble to level the horizontal pan plane.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                          Displaying reviews 1-20

                                          Back to top

                                          Previous | Next »

                                          Batteries & Chargers

                                          Bescor -  PS-260 AC Power Supply for MP-101 Motorized Pan Head
                                          • Price: $16.50
                                          • GBP 10.51
                                           

                                          System Extensions

                                          Bescor -  Remote Control - for MP-101 Motorized Pan Head
                                          • Price: $35.95
                                          • GBP 22.90
                                           

                                          Cables & Cable Management

                                          Bescor -  RE-20 20' Extension Cord for MP-101 Pan Head Remote Control
                                          • Price: $14.95
                                          • GBP 9.52
                                           

                                          What's in the Box

                                          Bescor MP-101 Motorized Pan Head
                                           
                                           
                                          See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                          Close

                                          Close