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Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod with Carrying Bag

BH #MAMVK502AM1 • MFR #MVK502AM-1
 406 reviews
Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod with Carrying Bag
Key Features
  • MVH502A Pro Video Fluid Head
  • MVT502AM Tripod
  • 15.43 lb Weight Capacity
  • Counterbalance Supports 8.8 lb
The Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod with Carrying Bag is a lightweight tripod system designed for use with camcorders and HDSLR cameras. The system features the MVH502A 75mm half ball professional video head, and the telescopic aluminum twin-tube MVT502AM tripod. A padded carrying case is included for transport and storage.
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$549.95
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Manfrotto MVH502A Tripod System Overview

The Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod with Carrying Bag is a lightweight tripod system designed for use with camcorders and HDSLR cameras. The system features the MVH502A 75mm half ball professional video head, and the telescopic aluminum twin-tube MVT502AM tripod. A padded carrying case is included for transport and storage.

The MVH502A Pro Video Head is a professional fluid head with a 75mm half ball tripod mount. The head has a spring-loaded counterbalance system which supports up to 8.8 pounds, while the head has a payload capacity of 15.4 pounds. There are independent locks for pan and tilt, with drag continuously adjustable for both.

The MVT502AM video tripod is a lightweight 2-stage, aluminum twin-tube video tripod. It features telescopic aluminum legs for compactness and reduced weight, and its ellipse-profile tubing with redesigned leg locking collars and a mid-level spreader give it added levels of rigidity and stability. The tripod's rubber feet improve grip on all floor and ground surfaces.

Please see the links before for more information on the components of this bundle.

Manfrotto 502A Pro Video Head with 75mm Half Ball

The Manfrotto 502A Pro Video Head with 75mm Half Ball is an affordable yet remarkably fully featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and a half ball for precise leveling on a corresponding tripod. The 502A comes in two versions—the "A" ball-base version such as this one, and the "AH" flat-base version which is separately available.

Featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509 and 504 heads), the 502A is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR video cameras. The weight limit is 15.43 lb and counterbalance supports up to 8.8 lb. 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 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.

For video tripods with 75mm half balls
75mm half ball connects to the corresponding bowl in a tripod
Pan drag and tilt drag are continuously adjustable from 0 (no drag) to the maximum level
Sliding quick release plate secured by secondary safety system
Manfrotto MVT502AM Aluminum Telescopic Twin Leg Video Tripod

Manfrotto's MVT502AM Aluminum Telescopic Twin Leg Video Tripod is a lightweight support designed for DSLRs, camcorders and light video cameras. The telescopic twin-leg structure and ellipse-profile aluminum tubes provide a rigid and secure support, along with leg locking collars, first-stage spreader and high-grip rubber feet. The 2-stage/3-section MVT502AM has a 75mm bowl (with a 60 mm adapter) for compatibility with professional video heads.

Ideal high-performance tripod for HDSLRs and camcorders with accessories
Rigid and stable telescopic twin-leg design with mid-level spreader
Compact when closed, easy to transport with built-in carrying handle
Compatible with all professional 75mm/60mm half-ball video heads
Fast, simple and smooth set-up with ergonomic quick-release leg locking collars and new rubber feet that grip all surfaces and protect delicate floors
UPC: 719821338734

Manfrotto 502A Pro Video Head with 75mm Half Ball Specs

Camera Plate
Camera Mounting Screw
1 x 1/4"-20 Male
1 x 3/8"-16 Male
Balance Plate Sliding Range
3.27" / 83 mm
Counter Balance
Fixed (8.8 lb / 4 kg)
Load Capacity
15.43 lb / 7 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.695 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.2 x 8.7 x 8.6"

Manfrotto MVT502AM Aluminum Telescopic Twin Leg Video Tripod Specs

Key Specs
Head Mount Type
75 mm Bowl
Maximum Working Height
56.5" / 143.5 cm
Minimum Working Height
22.44" / 57 cm
Closed Length
24.21" / 61.5 cm
Materials
Aluminum
Leg Lock Type
Flip Lock
Leg Sections
3
Feet Features
Rubber
General
Head Mount Type
75 mm Bowl
Maximum Working Height
56.5" / 143.5 cm
Minimum Working Height
22.44" / 57 cm
Closed Length
24.21" / 61.5 cm
Materials
Aluminum
Weight
4.23 lb / 2 kg
Legs
Leg Lock Type
Flip Lock
Independent Leg Spread
No
Leg Sections
3
Feet Features
Rubber
Center Column
Center Column Features
Center Brace
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
24.5 x 6.7 x 6"

Manfrotto MVH502A Tripod System Reviews

Well built and beautiful

By Cecilio
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-14

I love tripods, they can be very useful and practical. This model caught my eye because of the word pro. I was looking for well built and steady tripods. I'm very glad with this purchase and the quality. I'm looking forward to buying another one soon.

Biggest waste of money ever

By Louis
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-10

This tripod was either sold to me defective lying or is just not a tripod. I've the pan tension knob was useless straight out of the box, the tilt lock is garbage and doesn't work unless you crank it all the way and it's just iverall way too light and not at all worth the money. I have a $150 libec that legitimately works better than this tripod and it a year older. Don't waste your money

Excellent Value

By Sean
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-29

I'm very satisfied with this tripod & head. When I first received it, everything seemed very stiff. But after a few minutes, I figured out that the head controls had just been locked down very tightly at the factory, and a little more force did the trick to get everything unlocked and operating butter smooth. I also watched the videos and spent about 30 minutes really understanding how to use the system, which was time well spent. I decided to also purchase the extendible/extra long pan bar. This was a great addition to the system. When the pan bar is fully extended, and your hand is holding the very end of the pan bar, you can achieve very slow and subtle camera movements (recall from you physics class the power of a lever!) I'm sure tripods costing thousands more are nicer and lighter than this. Or maybe they have the controls in a more convenient position. But I'm not willing to spend thousands more for slight improvements. This system delivers excellent value at an extremely reasonable price point.

Chef's kiss

By Jennifer
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-07-10

We recently started working with a chef on training videos and the 90-degree angle of the head is a game changer. We are also all woman crew so the lighter and more compact the gear, the better. Not in love with the leg clasps on this one but we'll adjust.

Solid Manfrotto Performance, but Questionable Build Quality

By Jordan
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2023-04-20

After about three months of use, overall I like this tripod. It seems fairly solid, and the head is very good, smooth and easy to adjust the balance. It's also really easy to adjust the height on the legs. However, the build quality just doesn't instill a lot of confidence. The locks and connections are mostly plastic and don't seem like they will hold up that well over time (although we will see). While the head does pan smoothly, I wish there were a harder stops for locking/unlocking the pan and tilt axes. Also the spreader locked up on me and broke when I first tried to close it up. Really cheaply made. At retail price this tripod costs $830, but frankly there are better options out there for that price. I got it on sale for $499, at which price I think it's a pretty good value.

Sturdy and Smooth

By Cameron
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-04-03

This tripod is a massive upgrade in terms of stability for me - and the fluid head has continuous tension adjustment, not stepped like I'm used to. Such a great system for the price!

Well built and beautiful

By Cecilio
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-14

I love tripods, they can be very useful and practical. This model caught my eye because of the word pro. I was looking for well built and steady tripods. I'm very glad with this purchase and the quality. I'm looking forward to buying another one soon.

Probably too much for too little

By Emily
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-13

I purchased this on a B&H daily deal because it was such a steal, (much less than an appropriately sized Manfrotto). In truth, I'm putting such a light payload on this, it's way overkill. I do have some bigger cameras that might find their way on this head.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Is the spreader removable? And what’s the lowest ...

Is the spreader removable? And what’s the lowest height?
Asked by: Oscar
The minimal working height for this tripod is 22.44". The spreader is removable.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2020-06-22

question

I just purchased the MVH502A. A review shows you can screw the 3/8-16 screw into the side. Of course I use that one. Any place to screw the 1/4-20 screw? Both sides only seem to fit the 3/8-16.
Asked by: Stephen S.
If you wanted to connect a product with a 1/4 to one of the 3/8 threadings on the side of this tripod you could look in to a reducer bushing. B&H number OB1039 is the Oben 3/8 -16 to 1/4 -20 Reducer Bushing and is a good choice for this function.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-25

What is the maximum height?

What is the maximum height?
Asked by: Zephan
The maximum working height on this is 56.5" / 143.5 cm.
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2020-05-11

question

Can take this head and use it on a slider? Does it disconnect from the part that fits in the bowl?
Asked by: Jim H.
Yes to both your questions. Just to let you know if I had to do this over again I would not buy this tripod. It is too light weight and there is movement in the plastic top bowl that the head mounts too. It twists and translates into my video footage if I'm not careful in moving the fluid head. Next I will buy a carbon fiber tripod to get the lightweight design but the strength of a full aluminum tripod. The bag is a tight fit with the head installed on the bowl.
Answered by: Michael B.
Date published: 2020-07-25

question

Is this tripod suitable to use with the Cinevate Inc 24 Duzi Camera Slider? Ill be shooting on a canon 6D. If not which manfrotto tripod is best?
Asked by: Anonymous
The MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod I think is an excellent choice. It actually has more capacity then needed for the job. However, having that extra capacity I find to be reassuring insurance in avoiding a tip over. This combination would be safe up to about 32 as well with that camera. Over that distance, we recommend a second stand or tripod. Not only for safety but for solid, stable support.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-25

What is the total weight of the head and legs ...

What is the total weight of the head and legs (without the bag)?
Asked by: david
This tripod system weighs 8.51 pounds.
Answered by: Joseph
Date published: 2020-11-03

Where is this unit manufactured please?

Where is this unit manufactured please?
Asked by: Cynthia
The country of origin for this item would be China.
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2020-04-23

question

I have a Manfrotto MVM 500A Monopod. Will the baseplate of that fluid head be interchangeable with this tripod's fluid head?
Asked by: Jane W.
Yes, the Manfrotto 500PLONG plate is compatible on the Manfrotto 502 head. Below is a link of which Manfrotto QR plates are compatible with which heads. <a href= http://www.fullcompass.com/common/files/21984-Manfrotto_Video_Plates_Compatibility_Chart.pdf target= _blank >http://www.fullcompass.com/common/files/21984-Manfrotto_Video_Plates_Compatibility_Chart.pdf</a>
Answered by: Muriel A.
Date published: 2018-08-25
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