Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection)
The Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection) is an affordable yet remarkably full-featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509HD and 504HD heads). The 502HD is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR video cameras.
The head supports up to 8.8 lb, and spring-loaded counter balance is set for that weight. The balance plate's 3.27" range allows you to correct for uneven payloads that might be due to matte boxes or exotic DSLR rig configurations.
The bridging technology ensures that the pan friction control is intuitive and easy to set, but also protected against knocks. There are of course independent locks for pan and tilt, and drag for both is selectable in a continuous range from zero to the max level. This allows you to operate the head in a confident, smooth manner using the included pan bar.
- Pan drag and tilt drag are continuously adjustable from 0 (no drag) to the maximum level
- Sliding quick-release place secured by secondary safety system
| Load Capacity | 8.8 lb (4 kg) |
| Diameter/Thread | 3/8"-16 thread |
| Counter Balance System | Spring-loaded |
| Counter Balance Range | One fixed spring for 8.8 lb (4 kg) camera weight |
| Center of Gravity | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Quick Release/Wedge Plate | 504PLONG plate with 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 screws |
| Balance Plate | 504PLONG plate slides 3.27" (83.0 mm) |
| Tilt Drag | Continuously adjustable from 0 to max level |
| Tilt Range | -80° to +90° tilt range front to back |
| Tilt Lock | Yes |
| Spring Loaded Counter Bal | Yes |
| Pan Drag | Continuously adjustable from 0 to max level |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Pan Lock | Yes |
| Pan Bar |
1 included 2 possible positions |
| Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | Yes/not specified by manufacturer |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Color | Black |
| Temperature Range | -4 to +104 °F (-20 to +60 °C) |
| Height | 5.12 in (13.0 cm) |
| Weight | 3.53 lb (1.6 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 29 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (26)
- Large range of motion (24)
- Attaches firmly (17)
- Strong clamp (10)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Video (25)
- Sports/action (10)
- Landscape/scenery (9)
- Night shots (6)
- Travel (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (13), Semi-pro photographer (6), Photo enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (27)
Most Liked Positive Review
Bridging Technology gets better!
The 502HD Head is a great addition to Manfrotto's Bridging Technology, improving upon some of the standards they set with the 504 & 509 Heads. The 502 is perfect for lightweight video cameras ...Read complete review
The 502HD Head is a great addition to Manfrotto's Bridging Technology, improving upon some of the standards they set with the 504 & 509 Heads. The 502 is perfect for lightweight video cameras and DSLRs, I mounted my 600D with Canon 70-200f/2.8L and it handled it great. Aslo for those who plan to mount this head to sliders or other devices, the pan lock is contained inside the head and won't interfere with mounting.
I've had plenty of experience with the 504HD, and the 502HD performs on par with its heavy weight counterpart. The Fluid Drag System (FDS) on the 502HD is outstanding, and one of the best I've worked with. Manfrotto improved the Pan FDS adjustment with an ergonomic 360 degree ring near the base of the head. This makes the pan FDS accessible no matter which way the camera is pointed, and even adjustable while panning.
Pros:
-Outstanding Fluid Drag System.
-Two Pan Bar mounting locations.
-Two 3/8 "Easy Link" with steel inserts.
-Quick Release - on rear facing operator.
-Leveling Bubble built in.
-504PLONG plate.
-Improved Pan Bar grip.
Cons:
-Non-illuminated leveling bubble.
-Pan Bar - no telescoping length adjustment.
-No step adjustments to counter balance.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good but not great
I loved how sturdy it was and how smooth the fluid motion was but I ultimately returned it for two reasons. 1. The tilt lock is on the right side! As a righty, ...Read complete review
I loved how sturdy it was and how smooth the fluid motion was but I ultimately returned it for two reasons. 1. The tilt lock is on the right side! As a righty, I am panning and titling using the handle in my right hand and when I want to lock off the shot or release the motion, I want to be able to do so immediately with my hand still on the handle which I could not do easily with this tripod. 2. The top of the head is too large and you have to slide the camera so far forward to release the plate from the tripod. Ultimately, I went with the 501HDV fluid head which more compact and user-friendly but just as good in terms of fluid motion.
Reviewed by 29 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
This product works well with the DSLR, the head is huge! It takes a little bit of getting use to, but works great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- High Build Quality
- Large Range of Motion
- Simple controls
- Wide adjustability range
Cons
- Little on the heavy side
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I purchased this head to upgrade from a lower end fluid head and tripod kit and i couldn't be happier!I use this for HDSLR video production and although I've only run a couple of test shots, i know this head is going to be a game changer. The previous fluid head setup i had was far too small and didn't offer the same support that the Manfrotto does. This made for exceptionally difficult focus pulls, zooms etc.The fluid drag controls are easy to use and feel solid and very well made. The range of friction adjustment is so huge, i think it would be hard to not dial in the perfect setup for your shoot.I wasn't expecting the 502HD to be quite as big as it is, but having sat my camera on there, the size makes sense as it makes the perfect stable platform. I have coupled this fluid head with a Manfrotto 055XPROB and i couldn't be happier. If you're looking for excellent fluid head performance without spending $ then this is perfect. The only reason i would ever change from this head would be to something that could handle a heavier camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Complicated Controls
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I loved how sturdy it was and how smooth the fluid motion was but I ultimately returned it for two reasons. 1. The tilt lock is on the right side! As a righty, I am panning and titling using the handle in my right hand and when I want to lock off the shot or release the motion, I want to be able to do so immediately with my hand still on the handle which I could not do easily with this tripod. 2. The top of the head is too large and you have to slide the camera so far forward to release the plate from the tripod. Ultimately, I went with the 501HDV fluid head which more compact and user-friendly but just as good in terms of fluid motion.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Manfrotton 501HDV fluid tripod head
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
very smooth, happy with this purchase
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I ordered the manfrotto 502 after trying a friends 501 maybe its because my friends was older but the 502 kills his copy. it is amazingly smooth and the built in bubble level is great for making pans of the horizon very simple to level. My only complaint and it is very minor is i had read a review that stated it had 1/4 20 threads on the sides for mounting accessories. they are not 1/4 20 they are 3/8 but manfrotto does make some low cost adapters which will make mounting external monitors or led lights right to the tripod head very simple.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Complicated Controls
- Heavy
- Unstable
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
Much bigger and heavier than I anticipated. Solid, but the fluid system seems over complicated which makes it fiddely without the results being amazing. Very shaky pan with a DSLR and 200mm. Definitely need a balance ring. If you are in a studio or indoors it will probably be fine but shooting outdoors in the mountains I would like it to be more simple and lighter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I got this product last week and used it on a video shoot with a 5D MKII two days later. It's larger than I expected (which I see as a good thing), and is very well built. I like the control placement and tension adjusters. This head is really smooth and easy to adjust. The only thing I had difficulty with was achieving a fairly stiff, fluid motion that stayed in position at the end of a pan move. It tended to spring back slightly, but I'm confident this can be tuned out with some more time with the head.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
The Manfrotto 502HD fluid video head is outstanding. VERY smooth operation, great stability and good level of adjustments. No hesitation recommending this fluid head to anyone wanting to shoot corporate videos and other commercial projects with a DSLR.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Manfrotto 055CXPRO3
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 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
Very smooth. Great for video. Larger then expected but exactly what i wanted.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I purchased this as a package with the glidetrack hybrid HD for studio production, I was almost more impressed with the head than the track! Very smooth and responsive. Has enough 'spring' that it will return gracefully to its neutral state unless locked down.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- GlideTrack Hybrid
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I am using this head with a Nikon HDSLR with a Zacuto Z-finder Pro. Balances well with pro wide and tele zooms. Great range of motion and the adjustable drag for the tilt and pan works great. Highly recommended for the quality and features for under $200.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I use this product with a slider. I fly a DSLR straight sholder rig which I quickly attach and detach.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
Used for Sony NX5 replacing the heavy Manfrotto 319.
Great control on tilt and pan
A stronger counter balance spring would have been better but I can live with it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
Very fluid tripod head with independent vertical/horizontal adjustments and locks. Super smooth. Not too heavy. If you plan to pan, don't settle for less than this. Independent locks are crucial for level pans, and the built-in bubble level assures that your pan will keep vertical lines vertical throughout the shot. The quick release mechanism could be better- sometimes the plate gets slightly stuck, and if you are using a lens hood on a d-SLR you must remove the hood to release the plate.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I've own a number of Manfrotto heads and they have performed well. This head is no exception. And since it is my second video head, I can tell you that in no uncertain terms this head is worth every penny you'll pay. The smoothness of this head is first rate. It's range of motion is outstanding and it handles my Canon XA 10 perfectly. Maybe the only downside is the leveling bubble is sometimes hard to see, but that is the only complaint I have and it is so minor.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I use this product on top of a slider. It's definitely a step above the 501HD... much more professional feel about it. It's similar to the 504HD in functionality and I feel it's a smoother than the 504HD as well.
I understand there are better heads, but everything comes at a price. Can you find a better head than the 502HD for the price? I haven't been able to.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
This head is really well made, and superior to Manfrotto's earlier line. It has buttery smooth, fluid movement, and really makes panning and tilting look fantastically smooth!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I am very happy with this purchase. I am using this head on a monopod with a Sony NX5U video camera. It works great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Different size baseplate
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I bought this to upgrade a very old Bogen head that has a very precarious camera fastener.
I am extremely please with this head - very smooth & functional.
I wish that there was some uniformity between Manfrotto products though. Is there any real reason for all the different width base plates? this baseplate doesn't match my more expensive bogen 100 mm bowl tripod which is unfortunate to have to swap them out...
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Placement of lever
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection):
I am giving it four stars for it's value to price ratio. I do understand that fluid heads can skyrocket and I was nervous purchasing this one. No regrets now that I've used it, granted only for a short time - so time will tell if it's durable to last years of use.
Two major draw backs are the placement of the tightening lever for the base plate, seems to be in an inconvenient location. And the packability of the unit the arm has to be unscrewed to place in bag, not a problem but an accompanying small bag or clip attachment for the arm would of been nice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Quick Release Plates
-
- Original: $64.90
- Save: $6.95
- Price: $57.95
Handles & Accessories
-
- Original: $34.95
- Save: $1.00
- Price: $33.95
What's in the Box
- Pan Bar
- 504PLONG Long Quick-Release Mounting Plate
- 2 Year Limited Warranty + 3 Year Extension upon Online Registration
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