The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
Ask Our Experts800.606.6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
Video Chat with a Pro Video Expert - Live

Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod with Carrying Bag

BH #MAMVK502AM1 • MFR #MVK502AM-1
Print
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.
More Details

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
Kit Contains:

Manfrotto 502A Pro Video Head with 75mm Half Ball

Counter Balance
Fixed (8.8 lb / 4 kg)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.695 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.2 x 8.7 x 8.6"

Manfrotto MVH502A Tripod System Reviews

A bit worried

By David
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2025-03-13

I'm not a video professional, but I play in that world. I have several different tripods/cameras that we use for corporate work. The crossbar on this thing is a bit tricky and seems a little on the cheap side. I assume with regular use that this crossbar is going to break pretty soon. I have another manfrotto tripod with a similar bag. The zipper broke and I had to have that fixed at local sewing shop. Both that bag and this bag are too tight. I don't understand this, they should make it a little easier to fit in the bag... My two cents.

Smooth tripod

By Rebekah
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-02-17

This tripod is super smooth and holds the weight of my canon dslr very well. I do a lot of videography and this is a major upgrade from my last tripod. It is about as smooth as working with a gimbal. It is heavy duty.

See any errors on this page?

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: Joe P
Date published: 2020-06-22

Can you put the head on a different tripod

Can you put the head on a different tripod
Asked by: Jesika
The Manfrotto 502A Pro Video Head with 75mm Half Ball can be mounted to any tripod with a 75mm bowl.
Answered by: John W
Date published: 2025-05-09

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

does the MVH502A Pro Video Fluid Head comes in ...

does the MVH502A Pro Video Fluid Head comes in different a box separated with the tripod? or all of it are in 1 packaging?
Asked by: gp
The Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head and MVT502AM Tripod with Carrying Bag comes in a single package.
Answered by: Tim Z
Date published: 2025-03-19

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: Joe P
Date published: 2020-11-03
  • y_2025, m_6, d_23, h_7CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_86
  • loc_en_US, sid_1044490, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It