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Manfrotto 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head with 410PL Quick Release Plate

BH #MA405 • MFR #405
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Manfrotto 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head with 410PL Quick Release Plate
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 16.5 lb
  • 3 Independent Movements with Locks
  • Snap-Lock Controls for Fast Movements
  • Integrated Incremental, Geared Movements
This 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head from Manfrotto has a load capacity of 16.5 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. It includes an integrated RC4 quick release cam lock and a 410PL Quick Release Plate. RC4 compatible quick release plates such as the 410PL can removed from the head by pulling the cam lock's spring-loaded lever, which also allows the plate to be instantly reattached.
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Manfrotto 405 Geared Head Overview

This 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head from Manfrotto has a load capacity of 16.5 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. It includes an integrated RC4 quick release cam lock and a 410PL Quick Release Plate. RC4 compatible quick release plates such as the 410PL can removed from the head by pulling the cam lock's spring-loaded lever, which also allows the plate to be instantly reattached.

Cameras or accessories that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 or 3/16"-20 mount can be connected to the 410PL Quick Release Plate, which measures 2.5 x 3.3 x 0.5" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface. The head can be rotated 360°, tilted 90° forwards or 30° backwards, as well as 90° sideways for portrait orientation. Each of these three movements function independently of each other and have individual, snap-lock knobs with easy-to-turn, fluted grips. Turning each snap-lock knob allows the corresponding movement to be rapidly adjusted, and once the knob is released, the adjustment is locked into place. An additional, rubberized knob set within each snap-lock knob allows incremental, geared adjustments, which help to ensure that any device mounted to this 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head is precisely positioned relative to the subject.

To further promote fast and repeatable device positioning, this 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head also includes dedicated angle scales for each movement that are designed for easy visibility.

405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head
  • 16.5 lb load capacity
  • Compatible with tripods or support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount
  • Can be rotated 360°, tilted 90° forwards or 30° backwards, as well as 90° sideways for portrait orientation
  • Rotation, backwards and forwards tilt, as well as portrait orientation tilt each function independently of each other and have individual snap-lock knobs with easy-to-turn, fluted grips
  • Turning each snap-lock knob allows the corresponding movement to be rapidly adjusted, and once the knob is released, the adjustment is locked into place
  • An additional, rubberized knob set within each snap-lock knob allows incremental, geared adjustments
  • Dedicated angle scales for each movement that are designed for easy visibility further promote fast, repeatable, and accurate device positioning
  • Integrated, RC4 quick release cam lock
  • Two bubble levels for landscape orientations and one bubble level for portrait orientations
  • Durable, aluminum-alloy construction
410PL Quick Release Plate
  • Compatible with Manfrotto RC4 quick release cam lock
  • Measures 2.5 x 3.3 x 0.5" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface
  • 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 mount
  • Durable, aluminum-alloy construction
UPC: 719821193500

Manfrotto 405 Geared Head Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Quick Release Plate: RC4)
Head Type
Pan & Tilt Head
Load Capacity
16.5 lb / 7.5 kg
Weight
3.53 lb / 1.6 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 Screws (Quick Release Plate: RC4)
Head Type
Pan & Tilt Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Pan & Tilt
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -30°
Lateral Tilt
-90° to +30°
General
Load Capacity
16.5 lb / 7.5 kg
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
3.53 lb / 1.6 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.685 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11 x 8.7 x 8.2"

Manfrotto 405 Geared Head Reviews

Manfrotto's quality control is non-existent

By Arturo
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-16

I buy gear for my studio every year ( see my review 2/2025). This year I bought 6x Manfrotto 405 heads. One of the heads was not working properly right out of the box. I sent it back to B&H and they swiftly sent me a replacement . The replacement was also NOT working well. ( Horizontal gear was jammed). I sent it back to B&H and asked for a refund. Today I noticed another 2 of the 1 month old heads were not working properly ( horizontal gear)…. I have over 20 Manfrotto heads in the studio and now it is too late to change brands, but , If I was starting a studio from scratch, I would be looking into other brands. Manfrotto used to make excellent products 30-20 even 10 years ago. Now , their quality control has declined to prosumer levels, yet their prices are still high. B&H as usual were amazing at listening and exchanging the broken heads with new ones. They even tested them before shipping them and then hand delivered them to me in person. Above and beyond service.

Manfrotto fall aparto

By Marsha
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2025-04-09

I thought it was simply this Manfrotto product (Geared Pan / Tilt Head) it no longer works - no can fix it... But then (about a year later) my Manfrotto tripod leg FELL OFF, naturally on the job site! I'm done with these cheap products. Thanks MANFROTTO!

See any errors on this page?

question

I need a padded bag for this very expensive head. Can you recommend one?
Asked by: Anonymous
I would suggest this holster case by Ruggard for the Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head - http://bhpho.to/1kcZri6. Additionally, the Adventura 140 shoulder bag by Lowepro will provide adequate padding for this tripod head: http://bhpho.to/1eqmsvt
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Can I determine Yaw, Pitch and Roll with this ...

Can I determine Yaw, Pitch and Roll with this head? I Need to set-up stationary shots at very specific angles.
Asked by: Stuart
The Manfrotto 405 3-Way, Geared Pan-and-Tilt Head with 410PL Quick Release Plate (B&H# MA405) is called "3-Way" because it offers the standard three axes of movement (yaw, pitch, and roll). Reviewing the photos of this product on this product page, you can see a scale on each axis with degrees marked for each axis. Should you need even greater measurement precision than it offers, a protractor could be used.
Answered by: Yoni S
Date published: 2026-01-20

question

I already have multiple lenses, a camera body and other accessories that use Arca-Swiss style plates. Manfrotto uses proprietary QR plates. Requesting a recommendation on specific adapters or other ideas to be able to continue using my current plate set up with this head.
Asked by: Anonymous
The 405 Pro Digital Geared Head uses the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system. In order to use Arca-Swiss plates with this head, you could look at the Kirk Quick Release Clamp for Arca-Type Plates (B&H # KISQRC3271 Mfr # SQRC-3271). This would allow you to use Arca-type plates on a head with the RC4 quick release system.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Is this product motorized ? I can't tell for ...

Is this product motorized ? I can't tell for sure.
Asked by: Bill
This is a manual geared tripod head and not motorized.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-07-23

question

Can this head be modified to accept arca-Swiss plates?
Asked by: Paul
Yes, it can. See answers to above question about Hejnar and Wimberley plates.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2021-11-29

question

Can I use this head on the Induro Carbon 8X CT214 Tripod leg system?
Asked by: Jennifer
The thread mount is 3/8 . It should fit.
Answered by: Vickie G.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Does this work well with the Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod, considering the head weighs almost as much as the legs?
Asked by: Anonymous
One of the advantages of Carbon Fiber is for less weight you get similar if not equal load capacity. For example if you compare the MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod to its similar aluminum version B&H # MA190XPRO4, they both have a maximum height of 63, can support 15.4 lbs 7.0 kg yet the CF version is lighter 3.6 lb (1.6 kg) vs 4.6 lb (2.1 kg). The MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod can use the 405 Geared Head without issue.
Answered by: Simon M.
Date published: 2019-10-17

question

Can this head be used on a Cambo U-29 Panning Camera Platform?
Asked by: Karen M.
I don't see why not. As long as you have a 3/8 thread it should work fine.
Answered by: Ricardo L.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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