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Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base

BH #MAMVH502AH • MFR #MVH502AH
753 reviews
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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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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 Mounting Screw
1x 1/4"-20 Male
1x 3/8"-16 Male
Camera Plate
Quick Release: 504PLONG
Head Type
Fluid Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Weight
3.73 lb / 1.69 kg
Camera Attachment
Camera Mounting Screw
1x 1/4"-20 Male
1x 3/8"-16 Male
Camera Plate
Quick Release: 504PLONG
Head
Head Type
Fluid Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
Fixed (8.82 lb / 4 kg)
Head Dimensions
Base Diameter: 2.95" / 7.49 cm
Height: 5.12" / 13.00 cm
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -80°
General
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Accessory Mounting
1x 3/8"-16 Female Thread
2x Pan Handle Fitting
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
3.73 lb / 1.69 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.15 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
15.1 x 8.6 x 8.6"

Manfrotto 502A Video Head Reviews

See any errors on this page? Let us know

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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