The Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod and Carry Bag features a fluid head with a wide platform to support the HDSLR form factor, and a 60mm half ball for quick leveling without adjusting the legs. The head supports a maximum weight load of 17.6 pounds and has a built-in, pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance of 5.3 pounds. It features a tilt range of -70°/+90° and provides a panning rotation of 360°. The head also features a side lock system for the sliding quick release plate, a pan handle, and an integrated bubble level.
The two-stage tripod features a 75mm bowl and includes a 75 to 60mm adapter for the MVH500A head. The legs are individually adjustable and feature a mid-level spreader for stability on uneven ground. The minimum height of the tripod and head is just over two feet, for getting low angle shots, and the maximum height is just over five feet. The legs feature non-removable feet suitable for exteriors and interiors, and are gentle on delicate floors. The included padded carry bag makes transporting your tripod and head simple and easy.
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Key Features
- Supports 17.6 Pounds
- Wide Platform for Camcorders & HDSLRs
- 60mm Half Ball for Leveling
- Spring-Loaded Counterbalance
The Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod and Carry Bag features a fluid head with a wide platform to support the HDSLR form factor, and a 60mm half ball for quick leveling without adjusting the legs. The head supports a maximum weight load of 17.6 pounds and has a built-in, pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance of 5.3 pounds. It features a tilt range of -70°/+90° and provides a panning rotation of 360°. The head also features a side lock system for the sliding quick release plate, a pan handle, and an integrated bubble level.
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$349.95
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Manfrotto MVH500A Tripod System Overview
Fluid Head
The wide camera platform provides support for DSLR cameras, making this head suitable for both camcorders and DSLR cameras.
The 60mm half ball allows you to quickly level the head without having to readjust the legs. It also makes it simpler to create Dutch angle shots without dangerously unbalancing the tripod.
The spring-loaded counterbalance is fixed at 5.3 pounds; however, the head supports 17.6 pounds, and the counterbalance will still provide assistance when using camera setups heavier than 5.3 pounds.
Professional fluid cartridges provide fixed fluid drag in both the pan and tilt axes.
The head features a tilt range of 90 degrees forward and 70 degrees back, allowing you to tilt the camera straight down, and tilt it almost straight up.
The head pans through 360 degrees, allowing you to take long panoramic shots or spin the camera around on the head.
The side lock system allows the sliding QR plate to click into the head from above, instead of needing to be aligned and slid in from the back. This gives you the speed of a touch and go quick release with the balance adjustment capability of a sliding plate.
An integrated bubble level on the head aids you in quickly leveling the fluid head.
The included 500PLONG sliding quick release plate includes both a 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 camera tie-down screws.
The head includes one pan bar and features two pan bar mounting rosettes, one on each side of the head, for left or right-handed operation. A second optional pan bar allows you to operate the head with two pan bars at the same time.
The Easy Link connector is a 3/8"-16 threaded hole in the side of the head that allows you to easily mount accessories to the fluid head itself, and not the camera.
Tripod legs
Featuring a 75mm bowl for attaching a fluid head, a 75 to 60mm adapter is included for using with the MVH500A head.
The tripod legs can support over 33 pounds, easily carrying the weight of the fluid head and camera. The closed length (without fluid head) is just over two feet, has a height range of 22.4 to 56.5 inches, and weighs only 4.3 pounds.
The legs are constructed out of oval aluminum tubes for strength and durability. Each leg can be independently raised and lowered when required.
The mid-level spreader helps prevent instability that a ground-level spreader can introduce when working on uneven surfaces.
Non-removable rubber feet provide secure grip and are gentle on delicate surfaces, such as interior floors.
An elastic leg strap helps keep the legs secured together during transportation and storage.
Padded Carry Bag
The padded carry bag keeps your tripod and head together during storage or transport.
UPC: 719821346982
Manfrotto MVH500A Tripod System Specs
Key Specs
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Drag Control | |
| Primary Material | |
| Load Capacity | |
| Maximum Working Height | |
| Minimum Working Height | |
| Closed Length | |
| Weight |
Head
| Camera Mounting | |
| Head Type | |
| Base Mount | |
| Counter Balance |
Pan & Tilt
| Drag Control | |
| Vertical Tilt |
Legs
| Primary Material | |
| Leg Lock | |
| Leg Sections | |
| Independent Leg Spread |
General
| Load Capacity | |
| Maximum Working Height | |
| Minimum Working Height | |
| Closed Length | |
| Bubble Level | |
| Spreader Support | |
| Weight |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
Manfrotto MVH500A Tripod System Reviews
See any errors on this page?
What is the screw size hole on the side of the ...
What is the screw size hole on the side of the plate?
Don't know the size but it fits my C300, 7D and C200
Date published: 2019-12-09
I have a Panasonic AGAC 160P. Will this support ...
I have a Panasonic AGAC 160P. Will this support the weight of this camera?
Yes, the Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod and Carry Bag will support the Panasonic AG-AC160 PAL AVCCAM HD Handheld Camcorder.
Date published: 2022-11-29
Is the half ball removable so that a flat plate ...
Is the half ball removable so that a flat plate is exposed if I want to mount this to a slider?
It is not. It is a 60mm ball head only, it cannot be converted to a flat base. What you could do instead is purchase the legs separate along with the flat base 500AH model and the 75mm Ball Adapter.
Manfrotto Legs Only - https://bhpho.to/2jODzMY
Flat Base Version of Head - https://bhpho.to/2drN3e3
75mm Ball Adapter - https://bhpho.to/2VoEN8w
Date published: 2019-05-08
question
Can I put the head upside down, so that I can shoot from lower angles?
I have tried this and it does work, although panning and tilted becomes limited due to the tripod legs.
Date published: 2018-08-28
What is the bag (size, model) that comes with ...
What is the bag (size, model) that comes with this kit?
The carry bag for the Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod and Carry Bag is just larger than 28.35" which is the closed length of the tripod. There is no model for the bag.
Date published: 2024-09-26
question
Can the fluid head be separated for use with other tripod or monopod?
It can as long as the tripod works with a 60mm ball or 75mm using the included adapter.
Date published: 2018-08-28
question
can you release the mid level spreader? I've heard you can't detach that at all. How much can you actually spread the legs?
Sorry, no you cannot remove the spreader on this tripod. The max spread is what you see here about 22.
Date published: 2018-08-28
Can this tilt to shoot perfectly vertical rather ...
Can this tilt to shoot perfectly vertical rather than horizontal?
Unfortunately, the MVH500A fluid head (and most professional video heads) do not offer this. If you would like to shoot vertical video, there are devices and accessories that will allow you to mount your camera vertically on the fluid head. I'd recommend reaching out to us and we can figure a solution out with you! :)
Date published: 2021-11-03