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Vinten Vision blue Pan and Tilt Fluid Video Head

BH #VIV40920001 • MFR #V4092-0001
14 reviews
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Vinten Vision blue Pan and Tilt Fluid Video Head
Key Features
  • Payload: 4.6-11 lb
  • 75mm Ball
  • Infinitely Adjustable Perfect Balance
  • Lubricated Friction Drag Technology
For users desiring exacting control and support for the lightweight camcorders and DSLRs Vinten has developed the Vision blue Pan and Tilt Fluid Video Head. This model can hold a payload of 4.6-11 lb at a 2.2" center of gravity and has a 75mm ball for leveling when mounted on a tripod. Beyond those basic specifications, the Vision blue offers an infinitely adjustable Perfect Balance system that allows users to set the appropriate amount of counterbalance for their camera system. Combined with the calibrated and infinitely adjustable Lubricated Friction, or LF, Drag technology users will have the ultimate control over their pan and tilt movements.
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Vinten Vision blue Series Video Head Overview

For users desiring exacting control and support for the lightweight camcorders and DSLRs Vinten has developed the Vision blue Pan and Tilt Fluid Video Head. This model can hold a payload of 4.6-11 lb at a 2.2" center of gravity and has a 75mm ball for leveling when mounted on a tripod. Beyond those basic specifications, the Vision blue offers an infinitely adjustable Perfect Balance system that allows users to set the appropriate amount of counterbalance for their camera system. Combined with the calibrated and infinitely adjustable Lubricated Friction, or LF, Drag technology users will have the ultimate control over their pan and tilt movements.

The head can tilt upward or downward 90° and can pan a full 360°. Also, it comes with a two-way sliding plate with a 1/4" screw and pin assembly for quick mounting of your camera. A single fixed length pan handle is included and can be set up on either the left or right side of the head via rosettes. Additionally, the head weighs 5.3 lb and features an LED illuminated bubble level.

LF Drag technology using a unique lubricant fluid for fine adjustment of drag level to smooth movements as well as allow for a controlled whip pan at any setting.
Operating temperature range of 5 to 86°F.
Accepts optional blueBridge accessory to lower the range of payloads for the Vision blue system.
UPC: 183591820636

Vinten Vision blue Series Video Head Specs

Key Specs
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
11 lb / 5 kg
Weight
5.3 lb / 2.4 kg
Head
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
75 mm Half Ball
Counter Balance
Continuous
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -90°
General
Load Capacity
11 lb / 5 kg
Bubble Level
Yes (Illuminated)
Weight
5.3 lb / 2.4 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
9 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
18.1 x 10 x 8.2"

Vinten Vision blue Series Video Head Reviews

Heads leaking

By NewsPhotog
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-30

Our shop bought 6 of these a few years back. They are well counterbalanced and have smooth pan/tilt flow. These originally were our favorite tripod heads aside from the old Sachtlers we have. The issue is that after 3 years, 4 out of the 6 we bought have developed leaks. This led to oily messes in cars, ruined shirts from being toted on shoulders, and ultimately a loss in the smooth functioning of the head. Costs to repair them are upwards of $600 each. At this price point, there shouldn't be issues this early on with so many of them. I'm dreading and waiting for the day mine decides to spring a leak. It's a shame because initially these were great fluid heads for ENG. Buyer beware of the short average life span, and consider another brand instead.

Best in the price range for the right camera

By Rob
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-03-17

I have been on a search for a new for a Panasonic AG-UX180 I purchased. I have a few cheaper heads in my existing arsenal and while those can still work, I wanted to try stepping things up a bit. I was initially checking out an Sachlter FSB-8 but I was leary of the price. I liked that Sachtler's payload range but it was more head than I needed. My local camera/video supplier turned me on to Secced Video Heads and I tried out theirSC-DV10/75RP. The Secced's are almost a complete knockoff of the Sachtler heads, but unkike most knockoff's the construction was pretty good. I had a chance to compare the two heads side by side. The Secced head offered a much wider payload range but it's counter balance, while much better than my cheaper heads (Manfrotto 504HD & 502 HD, Benro S7) it was no match for the Vinten Vision Blue and their 'Perfect Balance' system. For some reason the Secced didn't have a light on their bubble level which is annoying for me as I am frequently in environments where I need a light on my bubble level. The downside to the Vinten bubble light, is that it uses a european battery which I don't think is going to be that easy to find in North America. Also, the battery cover seems a little flimsy and suspect to me, time will tell. It does not seem like a big deal now, but if it gets lost in the future, I can see a replacement being absurdly priced. Both the Secced and Vinten only came with a NON-telescopic pan pan bar arm. Both companies offer telescopic versions, with the Vinten Telescopic Pan Bar coming in at a whopping $270!! The nice touch about the Vinten was that the Rosette on the Pan bar which allows you to set the angle of the pan bar, is made out of metal. Another well thought out bonus is that that the rosette on the Vinten is finer than my other Video heads, thereby allowing you to make finer angle adjustments, nice touch. The bar itself is substantial and meaty and seems to be set at an ideal length. The bar with Secced was also non-telescopic but was much longer making it not as practical as the Vintens arm for many of my shooting situations. The Vision Blue comes with a 75mm ball just like all of my other heads but it seemed to me to have less levelling play than my other heads. I can't verify that 100% at this point, but it was just an observation. I will try to compare with more scrutiny when I have time. Movement on the Vinten is sublime. It's about as perfect as I would have hoped for. I am shooting a lot of action sports which requires constant head movement, so I am very sensitive to the 'feel' of the head. The movement on the Vision Blue just seems right, its very smooth and professional feeling. The pan and tilt drag, like the heads counter balance, are infinitely adjustable which allows you to dial in the PERFECT amount of drag. The Sachtler and Secced heads have the traditional, click marked settings, which are fine but just not as customizable as the Vinten. Overall, this is the smoothest feeling head I have ever used. The one knock on the Vinten seems to be with the mounting plate. The mounting plate is a proprietary size and will not fit Manfrotto's plates which all of my existing heads currently accommodate. Sachtler also comes with a head that can accomodate the Manfrotto Wedge mounting plate. There is the option of attaching theManfrotto577 Rapid Connect Adapter to the Vinten Plate but it is clumsy to tighten and loosen once the camera is mounted...it's not an ideal fix but it is an option if you absolutely need to use a Manfrotto mounting plate. For my purposes, I am just going to use the Vinten mounting plate and see how that goes. I just hope I don't run into a situation where I decide to use a different head and forget to bring a Manfrotto mounting plate. The other downside to the Vinten mounting plate, is that buying extras is very expensive unless you are fortunate to find aftermarket branded versions which I hear do exist. I think charging $112.50 for a mounting plate is egregious and borders on gouging. The Vision mounting plates are also not that readily available and will be special order for me if I buy locally in Canada. I once forgot to bring a mounting plate to an event and had enough time to go to my local camera store and was able to find a Manfrotto mounting plate. The only thing that made me think twice about buying the Vinten initially was the limited payload range that the Vision Blue supports (4.6-11 lbs). This head is not ideal for lighter camera payloads. I will be doing most of my work with the AG-UX180 and for that Camera and other Camera's in that payload range, I can't imagine finding a better head. This process taught me a valuable gear lesson. I sometimes buy gear based on what I might need in the future, and while that mindset is sometimes helpful....it has generally disappointed me as I am rarely in the situation I thought I was going to be in. For me, I chose the piece of gear that best suits the needs of my current situation. I could have bought the Secced which would have been 'better, than my current heads and offered more usability in terms of payload options, it was not the best option for my most used set up. I can't imagine there being a better option for camera's in the 5-11 lbs payload range at any price. The Vision Blue is an excellent fluid video head and an amazing value. Pro's - Perfect Balance system - infinitely variable drag settings - pan and tilt feel - Pan bar rosette for more settings - bubble level light Con's - Proprietary mounting plate, does not fit Manfrotto plates - limited payload range, but perfect for the range it covers - NON-telescoping pan bar - extras and replacement parts egregiously expensive - bubble level light battery cover flimsy

See any errors on this page?

question

Is the tripod plate on this head by chance compatible with the RH25D or RH45D Libec Heads? Or Vice Versa?
Asked by: Eleonora
There are no reports of that being possible. Hopefully, someone has these two heads and can test them.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Aside from the price what is the difference between this one at $877.50 AND the Vinten Vision blue3 Head (Black) B&H # VIV41060001 MFR # V4106-0001 at $1228.50 ?
Asked by: Clive
The difference between the two heads comes down to weight capacity. The the less expensive Vision Blue Pan and Tilt Head can handle 4.6 to 11 lb/2.1 to 5.0 kg while the Vision blue3 Head can handle 6.6 to 14.6 lb/3.0 to 6.6 kg. If you wish, you can extend the blue3's capacity by getting the Vinten bluebridge Small Camera Adapter which allows cameras starting at 4.63 lb/2.10 kg.
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Can you remove the half bowl, to mount this to a flat base?
Asked by: Michael H.
Sorry, no, you are not able to remove the ball base on this video head. There are methods of adapting it however. Please see the following suggestions. The Manfrotto Video Head Bowl Adapter offers no leveling but is rock solid, the ikan Hi-Hat Riser offers some leveling and the Alan Gordon Hi-Hat Support I recommend mounting to a board or other support immediately for it is not stable enough for camera use on it's own. The Plywood Mounting Board would be excellent for this purpose. (The mounting board image below is incorrect.)
Answered by: Dennis A L.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

How much weight can this head handle?
Asked by: cj l.
The Vision blue5 has a capacity of 12.1 - 26.5 lb at 100mm center of gravity.
Answered by: Dana G.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Is the tie down (bottom bowl clamp) thread on the blue5 M10, or 3/8 ?
Asked by: Weston
Most Vinten tie down threads are a "dual start" M10, which look very similar to a standard Metric M10 bolt, but aren't compatible. The advantage of a dual start thread is that it tightens / loosens faster with half the turning as a single start thread. The MAJOR disadvantage is that it's rare
Answered by: Zach
Date published: 2019-08-07

question

Can this head be converted to a flat base?
Asked by: Jeff L
Hi Jeffrey, Thank you for your enquiry. The Vision blue5 head can be converted to a flat base using Vinten's 75 to 100mm bowl adaptor and 100mm bowl to flat base adaptor, part numbers 3330-243 and 3330-16.
Answered by: Vinten Expert
Date published: 2018-08-28
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