The Velbon FHD-71Q Oil-Fluid 2-Way Pan Head is a video head that offers independent control over pan and tilt motions so you can lock down the tilt position of your camcorder as you pan. The FHD-71Q features a pan bar that can be operated from either a left-handed or right-handed position, and it offers an oil-fluid element that enables smooth, precise camera moves.
The FHD-71Q head supports up to 9.9 lb, so you can mount any of today's compact camcorders or DSLR camera models along with accessories such as on-camera lights and wireless audio receivers. The head includes a lockable quick-release camera platform that slides so you can achieve proper balance. The included QB-F51 plate features a 1/4"-20 screw and a video pin to keep your camcorder from twisting.
| Load Capacity | 9.9 lb (4.5 kg) |
| Quick Release | Yes, includes QB-F51 plate |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | No |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 |
| Height | 4.5" (11.4 cm) |
| Maximum Diameter | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Weight | 2.47 lb (1.12 kg) |
Reviewed by 1 customer
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Comments about Velbon FHD-71Q Oil-Fluid 2-Way Pan Head:
This pan head is the only pan head I have been able to find that allows very smooth panning horizontally, vertically, and diagonally for use with 1-2 pound camcorders. There is no jerk when starting a pan in any direction. By adjusting the vertical pan tightening knob, the head can be made to remain exactly where it is positioned without any drift when letting go of the handle, perfect for panning to a particular view and resting there for a while before panning to another view.
All other video heads less than $500 seem to use spring and/or sliding disks pan mechanisms and they all jerk when starting and/or drift rapidly when the handle is released. It is impossible to get high quality video involving panning with these heads when using camcorders.
There is moderately stiff resistance to panning in horizontal and vertical directions with the FHD-71Q fluid head which leads to extremely smooth panning motion. Velbon apparently makes several other video heads using the same technology that are designed for lighter camcorders (FHD-61Q, FHD-51Q, & FHD-41Q), but these do not seem to be available in the US.
If you use a consumer camcorder, in my opinion there is no better video head available.
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