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Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base

BH #MAMVH502AH • MFR #MVH502AH
 739 reviews
Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base
Key Features
  • Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Thread
  • 22 lb Weight Capacity
  • Counterbalance Supports 8.8 lb
  • Bridging Technology
The Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base is an affordable yet remarkably fully featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509 and 504 heads). This head is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR cameras. The 502AH comes in two versions—the "AH" flat base version with a 3/8"-16 mounting hole such as this one, and the "A" ball base version, which is separately available.
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Similar item at a lower price: Magnus FBVH-500 Video Head with Flat Base$229.00
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Manfrotto 502A Video Head Overview

The Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base is an affordable yet remarkably fully featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509 and 504 heads). This head is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR cameras. The 502AH comes in two versions—the "AH" flat base version with a 3/8"-16 mounting hole such as this one, and the "A" ball base version, which is separately available.

The weight capacity is 22 lb and the counterbalance supports 8.8 lb. The balance plate's 3.27" range allows you to correct for uneven payloads due to matte boxes or DSLR rig configurations.

The bridging technology ensures that the pan friction control is intuitive and easy to set but is 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 maximum level. This allows you to operate the head in a confident, smooth manner using the included pan bar.

Pan drag and tilt drag are continuously adjustable from 0 (no drag) to the maximum level
Sliding quick release plate secured by a secondary safety system
The flat base has a 3/8"-16 female threaded mounting hole for attaching to tripods, sliders, and other platforms
UPC: 719821334651

Manfrotto 502A Video Head Specs

Key Specs
Camera Plate Features
Quick Release
Camera Plate Type
504PLONG
Camera Mounting Screw
1 x 1/4"-20 Male
1 x 3/8"-16 Male
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Flat Base
Counter Balance
Fixed (8.82 lb / 4 kg)
Drag Type
Fluid
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Materials
Aluminum
Camera Plate
Camera Plate Features
Quick Release
Camera Plate Type
504PLONG
Camera Mounting Screw
1 x 1/4"-20 Male
1 x 3/8"-16 Male
Balance Plate Sliding Range
3.27" / 83 mm
Head
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Flat Base
Counter Balance
Fixed (8.82 lb / 4 kg)
Center of Gravity
2.17" / 5.51 cm
Pan Handle Fittings
2 x Rosette
Bubble Level
1
Accessory Mounting
1 x 3/8"-16 Female Thread
Base Diameter
2.95" / 7.49 cm
Height
5.12" / 13.00 cm
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Pan: Continuous Plus 0
Tilt: Continuous Plus 0
Drag Type
Fluid
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -80°
Panning Range
360°
General
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Materials
Aluminum
Operating Temperature
-4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C
Weight
3.73 lb / 1.69 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.15 x 8.65 x 8.55"

Manfrotto 502A Video Head Reviews

Great mechanics, hard to reach tighteners

By Jason
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-26

The fluid head mechanics do work really well and this is a sturdy and comfortable head to operate once the camera is mounted. The difficulties all lie within the setup prior to shooting video. The panning tightener knob is difficult to reach, due to it being placed beneath the head rails tucked deep inside. So it's awkward to reach in at any time and tighten or loosen it. The same goes for the tightener knob that tightens the mount rails. As soon as I mounted a camera to the head, I slid it to a center position and went to tighten the sliding tightener, but wasn't able to because the tip of the knob was obstructed by hitting the bottom of the camera. The only way I could tighten it down is if I slid the camera way far forward or backwards to make room for the knob to roll all the way around. Speaking of the rail slide system, once the camera was equipped with the detachable head, it was difficult to put on the head and take off the head, because the sliding process was rough and not so slippery smooth. I had to place both hands, one on the detachable mount and one on the head, then push it off the rails while holding down the button. This is to say that a single-handed removal of your mounted camera is just about impossible, so if you wanted to take your left hand to grab the camera and your right hand to dismount it with the button and slide it off, it wouldn't cooperate due to friction. Overall this is still a great head unit though.

Classic Tripod Head

By Nathan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-07-15

This tripod head is smooth, reliable, and iconic. For the price, it's unbeatable. I'm sure there are other tripods that have more features, but this head gets the job done and does it well. The pan and tilt is smooth and adjustable. It is unfortunate that they no longer sell the ball head version, but it's easy to find an adapter. Just be aware that you will need one for any tripod legs with a bowl.

GRATE BUT WHER'S THE BALL!

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-06-28

Got this to replace a broken 500. Much better and sturdier and the fluid resistance is smooth. But I am disappointed the version with a leveling ball head is not available. I'm using it with the Manfrotto red ball leveler which slips as its grip is not strong enough to hold position against the fluid head.

Manfrotto 502AH Tripod Head

By Bruce
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-16

Large, heavy and stable. Only flaw is when you change direction of a Pan, there is a clunk.

Some accessories

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-16

Already gave the 502AH a 5 star review. However I have a lot of doodads that I use with this head, so this is an update of the accessories that play nice with the 502AH: Sunwayfoto Discal Clamp 64mm With Long Handle Sunwayfoto DDC-110L Arca-Type Screw-Knob Clamp SmallRig Arca-Type Quick Release Baseplate Axler QRP-501S Quick Release Plate (Standard) All from B&H :)

First video head

By Isaac
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-03

Used this to capture the Heavy Falcon launch from Titusville. Having never used one if these I was very pleased with the outcome. Easy to track an object, nice smooth movements. I use it with a 200-500 lens and it seems just about perfect.

Solid and Smooth Tripod Head

By Mark
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-20

Solid and Smooth Tripod Head. I have purchased as a moderate priced solution for visual telescope use. It is much easier to center on target without sagging compared to normal heads, and it seems to have decent vibration control.

Great for less fluid needs.

By Bryan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-07-29

I use this for mounting my slider, very sturdy.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

I know this says the payload is 15 lbs but how ...

I know this says the payload is 15 lbs but how would it handle an 18 lb payload? The cheapest manfrotto head that supports that much is like $400 so I don't know if i should pay for that or just go with this.
Asked by: Gabe
We don't recommend going over the payload, since there may be issues with balancing and wear of the tripod.
Answered by: Geetika
Date published: 2021-03-05

question

Is it possible to set the counter balance to zero for very light cameras?
Asked by: Anonymous
If I get you correctly your asking how easily can you twist the head when you shot. If yes you can make super smooth movements with a iphone or gopro as well. So don't worry.
Answered by: David B.
Date published: 2022-05-16

where is this head made ?

where is this head made ?
Asked by: Larry
While the vast majority of Manfrotto products are made in Italy, this one is actually made in China.
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2020-12-07

I shoot videos with a small mirrorless camera ...

I shoot videos with a small mirrorless camera (Sony a6000) and I need a better tripod for camera movements (I currently own a much simpler manfrotto tripod and can't make smooth movements with it). This 502AH seems to be a great head, but I think it might be too big for my small camera. Can anyone give me an indication of a more suited tripod for the task?
Asked by: Erick
Hello. I pair the video head with this tripod B&H # IN2SCFT4S. I use them with a Canon XA10 and a Nikon D7000; they work very well together.
Answered by: Edgar
Date published: 2019-07-07

WILL THIS WORK WITH VILTROX VX-18M TRIPOD??

WILL THIS WORK WITH VILTROX VX-18M TRIPOD??
Asked by: Mateo
The head has a 3/8"-16 Female connection which will mate with the tripod .
Answered by: Edward R
Date published: 2021-04-17

Will this work with the iFootage C-180 II?

Will this work with the iFootage C-180 II?
Asked by: C. T.
Yes, the Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base is compatible with the iFootage Cobra 2 C180-II Carbon Fiber Monopod with Low-Profile Tripod.
Answered by: Paige K
Date published: 2022-07-26

question

Can the balance spring be removed?
Asked by: Philip
If you are referring to the Spring-Loaded Counter Balance I do not think it would be advisable to remove that, nor are we sure how that could be done. Feel free to email us directly at [email protected] if you require additional assistance with this product.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

will this mount on a shark s1 slider?
Asked by: Anonymous
As long as the slider has a 3/8 -16 connection on the carriage it will work with this 502HD Pro Video Head. The 3/8 -16 connection is standard on most sliders, so it should work.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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