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Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base

BH #MAMVH500AH • MFR #MVH500AH
 328 reviews
Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 17.6 lb
  • Wide Platform for HDSLRs
  • Side Lock System for Safer Mounting
  • Aluminum Alloy Construction
The MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base from Manfrotto is designed with a wide platform, optimal for HDSLR camera bodies. Smooth and precise, it has a maximum load capacity of 17.6 lb and professional quality fluid cartridges on both its pan and tilt axes. It has a pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance of 5.3 lb, its lateral tilt range is -70°/+90° and it provides 360° panning rotation.
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Manfrotto 500A Video Head Overview

The MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base from Manfrotto is designed with a wide platform, optimal for HDSLR camera bodies. Smooth and precise, it has a maximum load capacity of 17.6 lb and professional quality fluid cartridges on both its pan and tilt axes. It has a pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance of 5.3 lb, its lateral tilt range is -70°/+90° and it provides 360° panning rotation.

The side lock system on the MVH500AH allows the camera and sliding QR plate to click quickly into the head from above, instead of needing to be aligned and slid in from the back. This makes it easier and safer to mount your camera on this head. The head attaches to a tripod via a 3/8"-16 thread and includes a 500PLONG sliding balance plate with a captive 1/4"-20 tie-down screw and a 3/8"-16 adapter bushing. It also provides an Easy Link 3/8" connector on the side of the head to attach accessories such as a video monitor.

The MVH500AH is made from aluminum alloy, measures 3.74" high and provides a bubble level and precision control handle.

Wide platform fluid pan video head ideal for HDSLR cameras
5.3 lb pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance system
Side-lock system for easier and safer camera mounting
Aluminum alloy construction
Includes long quick-release plate
17.6 lb maximum weight capacity
UPC: 719821346975

Manfrotto 500A Video Head Specs

Key Specs
Camera Plate Features
Quick Release, Sideload, Sliding Balance Plate
Camera Plate Type
500PLONG
Camera Mounting Screw
1 x 1/4"-20 Male
1 x 3/8"-16 Male
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
Fixed (5.3 lb / 2.4 kg)
Drag Type
Fluid
Load Capacity
17.6 lb / 8 kg
Materials
Aluminum
Camera Plate
Camera Plate Features
Quick Release, Sideload, Sliding Balance Plate
Camera Plate Type
500PLONG
Camera Mounting Screw
1 x 1/4"-20 Male
1 x 3/8"-16 Male
Head
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
Fixed (5.3 lb / 2.4 kg)
Bubble Level
1
Base Diameter
2.4" / 6 cm
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Fixed
Drag Type
Fluid
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -70°
Panning Range
360°
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
Yes
General
Load Capacity
17.6 lb / 8 kg
Materials
Aluminum
Operating Temperature
-4 to 140°F / -20 to 60°C
Weight
2 lb / 0.9 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.565 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
14.25 x 6.3 x 6.25"

Manfrotto 500A Video Head Reviews

Manufacture defect

By Bill
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-04

I am returning this for an exchange, but not feeling good about it. There is not much to these heads. One feature is constant tension on two axis that is non adjustable The only other features are the two holes, one on each side, for the handle. One hole was threaded and I could attach the arm, the other hole was not threaded and the arm could not be attached. Such a simple step in the manufacturing process leads me to believe the quality of the product is not dependable. This may end up being a total loss but I have learned a lesson. Would have rated a 1 but for B&H allowing me to return the defective unit.

Fantastic design and flexibility

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-16

I have had several tripods over the years and this one is among the best of them. It is a lot lighter than I though it would be and the flexibility of this one really impressive. The fluid head works just as expected. It has an adjustable tension setting for the weight of the camera which is nice. I added the Manfrotto MOVE quick release system and LOVE it.

Small compact

By Christopher
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-15

Light, compact and seems ready to go. The fluid head seems to be a great combination for this tripod. The only piece of the puzzle missing is an appropriately sized carrying bag to hold the tripod and fluid head- the bag that came with the tripod is a bit bigger than necessary.

Smooth as silk

By Peggy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-14

This fluid head makes using my scope for birding a delight. It moves effortlessly in all directions, making it easy to track birds in flight. Its light weight and ease of attachment to my tripod legs are also praiseworthy.

Extremely good

By Devendra
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-27

I purchased this tripod and video head primarily because I am visiting India (about 10 cities) and need to take tonnes of photographs and videos. This tripod is light enough to be carried around and stable plus solid enough to last with me for the next 10 years that is value for money for me. Little disappointed by the case as it is mainly for storage and not for travel. I would really love if B&H would have added the tripod strap as well so that I could hike easily with this tripod.

Very nice piece of equipment.

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-19

I dmhss been using a ball heap for my spotting scope and camera. I felt that that setup required three hands to operate. So I purchased both the Manfrotto 500AH and the 502AH to compare. The 500 worked fantastic so I sent the 502 back.. the 502 was heavier and a little too complicated for what I need. I'm a wildlife and bird photographer. Need to be quick and agile.

I'm keeping it.

By Tom
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-16

I bought this for my Befree tripod. The head that comes with it I believe it's called ah400. I find kind of useless for video. It's better then nothing and of course I'll keep it for when I go deep in to the bush or on and airplane. I did extensive testing with this 500 and it blows away my befree head. I'll be using this AH500 for most of the time when traveling. The AH500 is a bit bulky compared to my Befree head but I'm just going to put it in my back pack instead of leaving it attached. The Befree won't fit in its case unless I take the head off. It is half the price as it used to be. It's a winner. I don't mind not having control over the drag because it's real smooth considering.

Better with a replacement bridge

By Chuck
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-17

Because I shoot with Arca-Swiss L brackets on my cameras I initially didn't consider a Manfrotto head until coming across Hudson Henry's YouTube channel where I learned that Kirk makes an Arch-Swiss style replacement bridge which comes with a matching metal knob for the pan lock on the head. With the Kirk mod. the rating increases to five stars.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Can i use it with monopod manfrotto 681b?

Can i use it with monopod manfrotto 681b?
Asked by: Juan
Yes, the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base can be mounted and operated on the Manfrotto 681B Professional 3-Section Aluminum Monopod.
Answered by: Paige K
Date published: 2023-02-09

What are the recommended tripods that will work ...

What are the recommended tripods that will work with this Video Head?
Asked by: Alan
Recommended tripod legs for the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base should be able to handle 17.6 lb or less.
Answered by: JonathanS
Date published: 2023-09-05

question

After tightening tilt knob would this mvh500ah droop with celestron C5 spotter scope and DSLR total 9LB 2oz? mostly back heavy so I would slide the plate forward.I want to attach 2 3/8 screws that need to be 2-3/8 inches apart center to center is that possible with slot length?thanks
Asked by: frank o.
Amazing head for the money. Surprisingly smooth. Have used it with a Canon 7D MkII + 100-400MM Zoom (MkI). Approx. 5.5 pounds total. Tripod had vibration (due to wooden platform, people, sea breeze, who knows,) but got Sea Lions with acceptable pan smoothness later. I think you have 5.5 lb. spring, plus can compensate by tightening head rated for maybe 11 lbs.
Answered by: TERRY D.
Date published: 2018-08-28

Does the Manfrotto 520ballsh 75mm short half-ball ...

Does the Manfrotto 520ballsh 75mm short half-ball work on the MVH500AH fluid head?
Asked by: Charles
Yes. I have the Manfrotto MVH500AH flat base video head attached to a Manfrotto 520ballsh 75mm short half-ball mounted on a 75mm half-bowl tripod. I do not use any adapter between the video head and the half-ball. The video head flat base is slightly smaller in circumference than the flat top of the half- ball but the three set screws in the half-ball to prevent slipping anchor just fine against the flat base of the head. The video head stays securely on the half-ball with no twisting at all. When attached, you have to look very closely to even notice the slight difference in circumference. Works perfectly to level a camera for both video and photography.
Answered by: Tim
Date published: 2021-08-01

Does anyone know which skater dolly he use in the ...

Does anyone know which skater dolly he use in the video?
Asked by: leonardo
The slider used in the video is a Manfrotto product no longer made.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2022-09-01

Is this head suitable for monopod with feet like ...

Is this head suitable for monopod with feet like ifootage cobra or manfrotto mvmxpro? The head with mvmxpro500 does not pan fromhead
Asked by: Neeraj
Yes, the Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base is compatible with an iFootage monopod like the iFootage Cobra 3 Aluminum Monopod with Mini Tripod Base and the Manfrotto MVMXPROA4US Aluminum XPRO Video Monopod+. The Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head with Flat Base offers panning.
Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2023-07-06

question

Will this work with the Manfrotto MT055XPRO3?
Asked by: Jorge G.
Yes, the head will work with that tripod because it has a 3/8 base not a 1/4-20. I own this head and it is very good with my Canon XA20 and a short shotgun mic. The fluid head needs to be matched with the camera you plan to use. Weight and fluid movement must correspond.
Answered by: fred h.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

I have an Induro CLT 204 with a Manfrotto 496RC2 head. Can this fluid head be used with the <VH500Ah be used with this tripod?
Asked by: Eugene
Yes, you would be able to replace the 496RC2 head with the MVH500AH.
Answered by: Joseph P.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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