The 504X Fluid Video Head with Flat Base from Manfrotto features an open bridge design that provides a stable, smooth performance while reducing weight. The head's patented bridge technology allows for a wider top surface and longer sliding plate that add stability and balance. The head features a flat base with a 3/8"-16 female mounting thread that allows compatibility with a wide range of tripods, monopods, sliders, jibs, and dollies, and a variety of rigs.
With its ability to support up to 26.5 lb, the 504X can be used with a variety of video and photo cameras and rigs. The pan and tilt counterbalance system includes four presets from 0 to 4.8 to 9.7 to 14.3 lb, enabling proper balance no matter what the camera's size or weight.
At the same time, variable friction components with clearly marked degree scales and vibration-free movement bring new levels of fine-tuning to your tilts and pans. A leveling bubble keeps horizons from tilting, even in the dark, while independent disc-brake locks make sure the head stays secure when at rest.
Whether you're using a pro camcorder or an accessorized DSLR, the 504X provides a 504PLONGR-1 sliding quick release plate with 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads to balance the camera properly on your rig. The head is made from durable aluminum and includes a pan bar that can be attached via rosettes on either the right or left side to help create smooth pan-and-tilt movements.
- 26.5 lb Maximum Safe Load
- Unique Bridge Architecture
- Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Thread
- 4-Step Counterbalance System
Manfrotto 504XAH Overview
Manfrotto 504XAH Specs
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Manfrotto 504XAH Reviews
A very bad tripod head, sorry Manfrotto.
This head is not good. Sorry Manfrotto. It just isn’t. And you would know that but you just didn’t tell anyone. For starters the adjustment knobs stick up so far from the sides it unwieldy in use and transport. Sachtler heads are flush on the sides for a reason. The spring in this head on barley does anything until the fullest setting then still barley holds an 8 pound C80 with zoom lens. Thats it on it! Not even a rig setup. Add some fluid and it still will not hold the camera in place at angles with no tension. The spec is rated for much higher. Then the locking design..its so odd. It pinches the two head halves in the tilt joint so the whole camera shifts. IF you find a frame and want to lock it your image moves because the head shifts to the side when it tightens and loosens. I honestly don’t know how this head was manufactured and no one at such a large tripod company like Manfrotto didn’t realize this stuff. It only took one setup to see that something wasn’t right with this. The 502 works fine and I keep those around for now and also have a Sachtler ACE XL. I also have had an Aktiv 8 before (no contest worth the money). Skip this head. Manfrotto needs to rework this one and give professionals a real head to use without these flaws.
REVIEW UPDATE
I have been using my 504x for some time now. The counterbalance, as others have noted, is not anywhere near the claimed level. My setup loads are moderate and I have taken care to balance them properly, but the counterbalance is simply insufficient to ensure that the setup stays in place when I release the panning arm. Further, it has become very difficult to achieve fluid drag for either the tilt function or the panning function. Having either drag function engaged at any resistance level leads to jerky movements upon starts. I wish I could update my prior review, which had been a good one at 4-stars. I like the overall design, but the build quality is very poor. I would not recommend this head.