Why I Use Fluid Heads for Still Photography.

(Links Below) Please check out my 2020 updated fluid head system and setup video: • Approaching the Scene ... Fluid heads have a great number of advantages over ball heads. If you don't know about fluid heads, this will explain them. If you think they are too complicated, heavy, or expensive, this will debunk that. Here are links the gear in this video: www.hudsonhenr...
www.hudsonhenr...

[@Avidcomp]

5mins in and I subscribed. I haven't even seen the rest yet (just paused to write this) or any other video you've uploaded. Why? Because you've taken time to light and the sound is pretty good - plus your presentation is nice. If you've taken this much time, you must care and be passionate about your subject. So I subscribed that I will come back and check out more. Okay... watching the rest now. Thanks.

[@seamuswarren]

Me too.

[@garfieldirwin]

Just wanted to shout out a big THANK YOU Hudson! for turning me onto the fluid head option. After watching all of your videos and thinking hard about it, I consolidated all of my tripods into one set up - an RRS 24L + RRS Ta-2-LB leveling base + Manfrotto MVH501AH head + Kirk MVH500-BQRV2 A-S adapter. Yes it was expensive, but I use it for EVERYTHING -- landscape, long lens birding w/600mm and for video work. It works so well that I've sold my traveler, Series 3 and Series 5 tripods and Wimberley head. Shooting just got a little easier with less hassle thanks to you!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks so much for that feedback Gary! Makes my morning. :)

[@garfieldirwin]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto You're more than welcome! Oh yeah, and that suggestion of wrapping the tripod legs with cork handlebar tape is just brilliant! WAY better than the cheesy foam wraps. Handling my tripod has gone from a chore to a pleasure. Yeah, call me crazy.

[@makatron]

You just need an L-bracket and a good fluid head and that's it. Now I tend to shoot wedding formals with a tripod so to make every single photo level, and even if you didn't level perfectly you just fix the first one and then apply it to the rest in lightroom. I even got the same fluid head.

[@rschreck876]

I am soooooo happy I stumbled upon this video.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Be sure to check out this later one too. ;-)

[@tomashoste]

I use the MVH502A for both stills and video. I'm really pleased with the level of smoothness and quality of the head.

[@GarryBurgess]

I hear ya. I use the MVH500AH for mostly stills.

[@Kasilias]

U just solved my shopping research problem (Vertical fluid tilting) which almost no heads did it well. 'Why not just use an L cage and mount camera vertically to tripod from the start'. Brilliant, Thanks a lot!

[@batex3]

I'm a long time photographer new to video, and searching for a fluid head has brought up a bunch of questions for me. You just answered them all in 11 minutes! This makes so much sense and is exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for the helpful info, I'll be subscribing!

[@hudsonhenry9124]

So glad. Thanks so much!

[@hudsonhenry9124]

So Glad to help!

[@CGadney]

Just purchased a ball head and then considered returning it for a geared head..... Even with a geared head there is going to be a degree of re-composing, so I will be returning the ball head and just adding accessories to the fluid head....... Hmmmm I need a bigger bag now. I am glad I persuaded myself to watch your up-front and honest review... I am hungry to learn so have subscribed and also visited your website. Your gear page is full of helpful ideas for someone like myself and has taken some of the angst out of what fits what and the research of what to purchase.. Thank you for saving me a fortune!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I so appreciate that note Chris. Makes my night. I think you'll be really, really happy. :-)

[@MrOnegesius]

One can use this same Video Head on a "normal" tripod without the ball base. You will need to get a Levelling Base such as the Sunwayfoto (which I use), but the combination of your tripod and a levelling base will be a very cheap option.

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

I just got a like new one of these from mpb! Soooo happy I did. I spent the whole day using it today and it was a absolute pleasure compared to my ball head.

[@Pedrohramirez]

I have been trying to make up my mind about what head to get. This video answers my question. Thank you.

[@seabreezeof]

Hudson, I bet your responsible for many folks switching from the conventional ball head to a fluid head. You convinced me, and I have been shooting for years. Thank you for the tip.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Great to hear!

[@Isorivolta.48]

You’re so right! I do it for the last 40 years. Good video, thanks!

[@ACitizenOfOurWorld]

Thanks for the great demonstration. This is definitely going to make me reconsider my long time allegiance to ball heads for still photography. .Especially since I end up having to carry a separate tripod and fluid head for the camcorder.

[@narcismacau]

Thanks to your videos, I have renewed my 14 year old tripod and now I have a new Leofoto 284CEX and a fluid head with an L-bracket and an adapter to orient the camera correctly on its axis. Your videos have been of great help and now I just hope I can go out to test it properly.

[@Robert-ko6wr]

Baaed upon your series of videos on the subjest I purchased a Manfrotto 502 initially for my Nikon 200 - 500 tele. I cannot believe how a smoothly a heavy lens like this moves. I also use a Manfrotto grip head for my smaller lenses but am willing to try this head with them. Perhaps the fluid head is the one head to rule them all. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!

[@randomrazr]

u use a 502 video head for photos?

[@JaredRibic]

Thanks! I was about to pick up a gimbal setup, but now I'll go with the fluid head instead!

[@adammacsween3230]

Fantastic information in another very informative video. I was actually looking at getting a sidekick for my ballhead, now it looks like that whole thing may be changing. Thanks for the time and effort you put into producing content that actually helps still developing amateur photographers.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Adam. make sure you check out my later versions of this video and tripod updates from this fall. Also I have a guide with my latest thoughts at my links. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@SarahPoulin]

This is why I just bought a fluid head for our church's DSLR camera with an extended lens that we use to do a live stream. I have the camera on a mic stand 7 ft in the air (mic stand on a desk), and it was a huuuuuuge pain to adjust a ball head, which would want to flop all over the place. We're trying to get it level, and slightly tilted forward, but the ball head was exceedingly difficult to get just right. We just want to set it quickly, and leave it.

[@maricidevamega939]

I am not even an amateur photographer let alone professional one but I also thought of what Hudson said in this video and already got a fluid head for still photography.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Nice video - good points, knowledgeably presented. Subscribed. BTW just got a Monfrotto 502 fluid head and 546B legs - after 20 years with a cheap Cullmann it's like being on a different planet. Highly recommended. All the best, Rob

[@franciscopaulino6334]

Hey, you could not be more correct but you forgot to mention that it makes shooting event photography in low light conditions far easier. Whether the action is on the stage or in the audience, you can easily turn and frame your subject(s) and get the shot. I've always had all the problems you described when using a ball head. Luckily, I lost my monopod. During my research for a replacement, I ran into a monopod for video shooting that came with a fluid head. By reading the description of how the fluid head works, I knew this was the best way to get a free monopod. I photographed an event at a huge church where I could not use flash nor I could get close to the stage because the event was being filmed. So, from the back of the church, with a 70-200 and a 2x converter, I made amazing shots including close-ups of all member on the stage and awesome candid comments. No way I could have gotten the number of great shots with anything else than a fluid head.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Good point!

[@mgml]

Great rundown of the pros and cons of using a fluid head for stills, all my questions answered. Thanks.

[@Garacha222]

There is the added expense of the leveling adaptor. For my equipment, $135 for the head, plus $150 for the leveling base adaptor. The Arca Swiss are about the $30 each as mentioned in the video

[@GarryBurgess]

I do the same thing. I use a Manfroto MVH500AH fluid head because I like how easy it is to frame things.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Check out the updated setups. :) www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods this vid is well over 3 years old now.

[@matsudakodo]

I love it, however its main feature is also a drawback for astrophography: it doesn't allow any roll, which is important for framing astro objects.

[@seamuswarren]

Yeah, I'm having exactly that re-levelling problem with my ball-head every time I change the vertical angle. Looks like we need that ball-mount thingy to level it. I'll watch the video again. :) 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You really should consider bagging the ball head completely and go with the fluid head instead. You won't regret it.

[@barryinn1778]

I agree with you 100%. I hate ball heads, they are made for stills. The fluid heads are so versatile. You need to increase your audio, I have my volume cranked up and can barely hear you. Thanks

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey Barry, check out my much, much more recent video on a cool updated fluid head system to adapt arca that I helped KES design. My audio has been through multiple upgrades since the days I did this older video. My point is that ball heads makes zero sense for still photographers either. They just don't make much sense for anything really. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYrdh62gesZsjac

[@PaulKentSkates]

I'm a photographer, and I own two fluid heads. I am buying my first ballhead (acratech) psuedo gimbal hybrid to go on a studio camera stand, or to use on super light backpacking trips. But yeah the fluid heads are awesome for most use.

[@twoblink]

You sir; are the reason I bought a Manfrotto fluid head. Thank you.

[@hudsonhenry9124]

Nice! So glad to hear it!

[@US50s]

Thanks for the tip on the acratech leveling adapter. It's just what I needed.

[@gentleman0678]

After watching this again, I’m thinking about trying this with a phaseone camera!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Be sure and check out my updated system. I think you'll love it! Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@BigGoucho]

I came here from your feature on PetaPixel. I'm glad I did. Subscribed and looking forward to going through all your videos. Nice relaxed style. I have to ask, though; what are the up and down arrow buttons hanging from underneath your desk? :) That's one cool-looking editing suite you have there.

[@josecolon8143]

BigGoucho me too, God I'm glad I came here!!!

[@gixxerboy555]

nice revieuw...,is this a good tripod for the Nikon Coolpix P900 "the zoom-beast"? and can I also picture the moon and airplanes with it,high enough for me?I'm 6ft2...?sorry for all those questions...thnx in advance..because i'm very interested... ;)

[@roycefaggotter6860]

Wow I have fluid head tripods for video, but never thought of using on for DSLR's but I am sold. I have two ball head tripods, and they are a problem.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hit me up via email w/ questions. I work with Leofoto because they're the best I've found. shop.hudsonhenry.com/collections/tripods

[@lfeickert]

Good information! I am getting back into my photo (habit)/hobby after years of absence and was contemplating upgrading some (all) of my gear. On a whim, I purchased a Canon XF400 camcorder and a Manfrotto beFree video head tripod. I have and (old) Manfrotto 3011 tripod that I love to set up around my home and just plop a camera onto it and see what I can see. The old 3030 head HAD to go and this video convinced me to purchase a good fluid head as my main platform for the 3011. Thank you for sharing your insight!

[@AnthonyStromDesign]

Thanks for a thorough explanation of the fluid head. I'm sold!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Anthony. I hope you'll check out ATS31 from a couple of weeks ago in my feed. It's got much updated thoughts and a step by step guide to setting the fluid head up.

[@vyoufinder]

I'm using Manfrotto 608 and was able to sell my gimbal head in favor of the counterbalance on the Manfrotto.

[@masterstacker2833]

Tremendous video at just the right time! I hate ball heads and now I can put my languishing Bogen 3001 to good use. Saved me having to buy another tripod like the mediocre BeFree.

[@WalksandAll]

Brilliant video and you added the bits in the description. Star, SOLD

[@Evaquiel]

Only question is, how did you get verticual angles for photos?

[@marijanespeer2096]

Live that you talk about tripods. Nobody else does 😄 trying to use a tripod more

[@erichramone7812]

Thank you! I M glad I found this older video, you know I always thought it was stupid of me too see the value in those fluid heads for stills. Everyone shot me down at the camera stores saying it’s for video only. So I being very new at the time I quickly accepted what they said. But I always wanted to get one for still and too use for video as well. Thanks for this one.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Check out my later videos. I have many updated thoughts on legs and adapting the head for stills use. I can't imagine using a ball head for anything but special applications where you can't level below (tilted slider or star tracker top mount).

[@Globetrotter-1]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I've been using video heads for my stills photography for many decades, and its been really nice to watch your video and agree with all the advantages that you've mentioned. My favourite is a Vinten head with twin tube legs, and manfrotto quick release plates on all my cameras and lenses.

[@Devon-3point1]

I have an Manfrotto MHXPRO-3W. I love the same things you talk about though my head is smaller. The only problem I have is shooting high vertical (sky, clouds, birds,night sky ect.) It's so compact and the handles are short that I have to mount it backwards on the plate. PEACE

[@joshuathered1100]

With the tripod, this one doesn't seem to have a place for a weight, in case of wind, etc.

[@bobbyvwildlife]

Awesome video! to the point, informative, answered a lot of questions I had about the various setups.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks so much Bobby. Be sure to check out my later takes on setting up fluid heads. There are several in my feed much more recent. I will be announcing a cool new arca-clamp / panorama option for the top of the 500AH really soon that I've been testing for Kirk Enterprise Solutions too.

[@herbmailey2779]

I'm sold I will be getting this setup. great video

[@antonoat]

Just found your channnel and have subscribed. Thanks for this video, I've never considered a fluid head for my stills work before,I always assumed they were much more expensive than the one demonstrated here, think I need to look into it. cheers from the UK.

[@hudsonhenry9124]

That Manfrotto really changed how I view support. Light, cheap, durable, and dead simple. You do need an L-bracket though and some clamps to mount on it's plate.

[@elamperti]

Hey! After watching this video I bought the MVH502AH (with a 190XPRO3 tripod). Thanks for your video, it was really helpful. I'll try to use one of those amazon links in the future ;)

[@BS2Dos]

Didn’t recognize you for a second! 👍👍

[@aviatorman8]

Excellent video. Answered questions in mind. Thanks man!

[@Rascallucci]

Fantastic video!! I am glad that you covered bird photography use too. Right now I am using a gimbal head, but I am having issues with vibrations. Do you think a fluid head would be more stable and cure my vibration issues? My tripod legs are already quite heavy duty with 40mm diameter carbon fiber top legs, so my guess is the issue is with the gimbal head. You can already see it in the viewfinder when I want to press the shutter. Plus, it isn't even that heavy a setup, I am shooting with a Canon 90D paired up with a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. I am guessing together with the battery grip on the body, everything added up is probably about 7 lbs? Would really appreciate to hear your take on this. Thanks in advance!

[@boboliver3054]

I have spent the last 30 years of my life shooting video for broadcast TV. Not News but Production. I have been using 4-5 thousand dollar tripods with high end heads. I have always been involved with shooting stills as well. I have my own tripod but I am now about to buy a monopod for both stills and video. I have looked at Gitzo but I have been told by a number of my photographer friends that 90% of the price I would be paying is for the label and not the quality. I have decided to go with the Sirui P-204SR basically because of all the great reviews it gets. Now it comes time for the head. Both Sirui and Manfrotto make great quality heads without breaking the bank. Do you recommend one over the other. This will be used with a Cannon SLR camera so nothing over the top heavy. The truth is none of these mini heads are going to compare to what I use for broadcast TV but I was hoping you could put me in the right direction.

[@donsdavid]

Ball heads are great for taking portraiture, geared heads for almost everything and it is indispensable for applications that need precision, gimbals for super telephoto lenses, pano heads for panoramic stitching and fluid heads for smooth camera movements. The counter-balance of most fluid heads, except for the very expensive and extremely heavy ones, will not be able to handle heavy super-telephoto lenses such as a 400 f/2.8 or a 600 f/4. By comparison, a lightweight gimbal head such as a Mongoose head will have no problem. Also, fluid heads do not have the same wide range of motion as ball heads do. If you need a tripod head for stills that is both fast and accurate, you can try looking into a hybrid geared head such as a Swiss Arca D4 or something similar. I've seen a few cheaper Chinese knock-offs of that too.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

LMAO. Do yourself a favor and try a 500AH. You'll never use a ballhead again. Sure a gimbal is great if you're driving right to the scene or in the studio and using a monster 800. It's ONLY good for that though. The 500AH handles my 500mm great. There's just as much range of motion as any ballhead I've owned {including the BH55 and Z1) and the resistance is just right for tracking action. It could be light for video moves with a bigger rig, but it's designed for lighter mirrorless shooters to do moves. It's also only 2 pounds. With the new Kirk centered arca bridge it makes panos shockingly simple. There's not much it's bad at really. It does it all for me and dozens of my friends that use it. Read the other comments from people who've tried it. Do yourself a favor and actually try it too. Ballheads are such a pain now. I can never imagine going back. It'd be like trading my modern 4WD car in on a model A.

[@donsdavid]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto I wonder what made you think that I haven't already tried or own one? As a full-time professional photographer and studio owner for many years now, I own fluid, ball, panoramic and geared heads. I used to be a bird photographer too 10 years ago but I've since sold my gear. When Canon released the "monster" 800mm f/5.6, it was significantly lighter than the 600mm f/4 and 400 f/2.8 lenses available at that time. Which 500mm were you referring to? The Manfrotto 500AH alone does not have the same range of movements as a ball head because it has a flat base and you'd need a leveling base or flat to bowl adapter to make leveling adjustments. To some extent and with additional accessories, I agree that the 500AH can be used in many situations as a stills head but it isn't unique in this regard. However, for most of my needs, there are just better options like the Manfrotto 400 Studio Geared that that I use most of the time in the studio.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I assumed so because you were dismissive of it for stills in your comment. It's fabulous for stills and video. For me, trekking with everything on my back, there's no better solution. It absolutely has the same range of motion of any ballhead I've used. I can even do vertical 360s with a few extra lightweight parts. In a studio setting, geared is great. If not carrying gear with a huge lens, a gimbal is great. As an 'all in one, do everything and carry it trekking, the light fluid head does everything well. I can't think of anything the ball head does well for me. I'll agree to disagree with you on that. If you love it, have fun with it. Different tastes make the world go round. Aside: I've used it with a Nikon 400 2.8 (that's about the edge for it). My 500 5.6 PF is perfect on it. In this older video that you commented on, I put a 400 3.5 on and demo it. And yes in my studio I prefer a Sachtler FSB for the adjustability and heavier drag, but it's too heavy to add to my pack in the wild anymore.

[@donsdavid]

A fluid head truly is a wonderful tool and it is necessary for filmmaking but it has its limitations in stills. A flat-base fluid head will only move in 2 axes (pan and tilt) and the only way to level it (or use Dutch angles) is to adjust the tripod legs or use an accessory. However, that accessory is just as cumbersome and difficult to use as a ball head because it itself is like a ball head on the base of the fluid head. Ball heads have advantages and disadvantages too. Changing from landscape to portrait orientation and vice versa is effortless to do with a ball head and it can move in pretty much any direction you want. I opt to use ball heads to save my back when I'm shooting like a dozen or so models in half a day. The disadvantage of using a ball head is its lack of precision especially with longer lenses. This will often cause a longer setup time and lots of frustration which is why I recommend using different heads for different applications. It may be that because we are doing different types of photography that we have different needs. I am in the market for a fluid head with heavier load capabilities that isn't too expensive and I was looking for Manfrotto N12 vs Sachtler reviews on youtube when I came upon this video. I humbly apologize if I came off too strong. It was not my intention to provoke anyone but rather to also share my experience and knowledge.

[@aaronalbores3999]

I have that same manfrotto fluid head and a bunch of regular ball heads. The fluid head is indeed very bulky and heavy. Much more than any of my ball heads. Maybe if i had a tripod with a leveling base (wich i miss a lot) i should use the fluid head more, even for photography, but still it is a heavy weight and takes a lot of space on my backpack, so most of the times i stick to ball heads. I guess it all depends on your type of work and what works for you.

[@kolors101]

I tr tried it with a professional fluid head from o'conner and I never gone back. But I get a smaller one...

[@evelasq1]

Now they have the 502HD costing $149 and it could take a maximum weight of 15.4 pounds. I am thinking of getting one for myself. Peace, Flood!

[@peterwusc]

I knew many people prefer a video head over a gimbal and I agree with that. What I want to point out is that, out of all ball heads in the market, you picked that unique ball head from Acratech that totally invalidated your points on the additional benefits of a video head!! That Acratech ballhead, GP (or GP-SS), is a specially designed ballhead that you can convert it into a gimbal and do panoramic shots without an additional base. It is so funny that I was thinking you were going to say it can provide those functions but not as smooth/good as a video head.

[@peterwusc]

Sorry, I watched it carefully again and it is really not GP nor GV2.... so maybe some older models that I don't know but it is not that important anyway. I actually heard you said Ultimate in the video too but the Ultimate head I know is the 45 degree inclined one. But also talking about the Ultimate ball head (inclined one), it is extremely good for macro which is something video head will not be doing as good IMHO ;) Anyway, I really agree with most of the advantages you mentioned, as on some occasions I need to shoot videos and photos together and it is really enjoyable using a fluid head particularly with long lenses.

[@danieljohnston5306]

I have a ball head, I’ve never liked them. Someday I’m switching but I always assumed I would get laughed at for using something like this because nobody else does it, until now!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You'll never look back. :-)

[@richerifkind3506]

Great video, just got one with my Benro Video Monopod. Will also use it with my PlatyPod.

[@NikolajFreiesleben]

Thx. Looking forward to the nodelpoint video

[@MaryKayUlsamer]

Great explanation and you don’t sound like a salesman. :) I love my fluid head for real estate photography and video!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Mary!

[@thatspiritualhumane]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Even if you are a salesman, it doesn't matter, bcoz you let us think out of the box from the conventional ball heads..Now, that's good !

[@nitsan]

Interesting. I have used a video head a few for photography and it works much better IMO, especially for something like a bokehrama. For lightweight stuff I mostly use a tiny Joby BH1 ball head. Actually I use that a lot to make small videos.

[@peterwright650]

Amazing knowledge, thanks for sharing

[@hudsonhenry9124]

Thanks so much!

[@duderinojohnson5434]

Hi there Hudson, love your videos!! Which tripod are you using in this video? Also, what do you do if you want to have control over the other axis with a fluid head that only pans and tilts?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Look at my tripods page and you'll see the latest gear I use and how the leveling adapters work... www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods

[@bennetthall7955]

definitely in on fluid, and was reviewing Manfrotto; curious your thoughts on the best one to pair with my just received Fuji GFX100 - I have benro carbon legs, Linhof ball+ quick plates etc. but you are making me rethinking the kit - also adding a tbd monopod for places where form factor does not allow a tripod. - thanks for your thoughts cheers

[@alonsogarrote8898]

how would that manfrotto fluid head behave with a low weight equipment like a sony alpha 6700 + lens (800grs) ? is this head only oriented to heavy weight equipment?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@alonsogarrote8898 it works fabulously with my Leica Q3. It's great for whatever weight equipment you mount. This is an ancient video. For much updated info check out www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods

[@briancrummy]

I love this. I just bought the Manfrotto fluid head, the Acratech Level Base, and both clamps! I subscribed and thank you for making these videos. Forgot to mention I also threw down $115.00 on the Kirk "L" bracket. I hope you get a cut of this stuff!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Please be sure and watch the latest thoughts I have on Fluid Heads in ATS002. Yes, I do get a small cut from Amazon and B&H sales through my links. Thank you so much for using them. An aside, Kirk's products are incredible and they are also some of the nicest people you'll meet.

[@kipling1957]

Preaching to the choir regarding fluid heads, but I was fascinated how you flipped quickly the camera in portrait mode with some kind of Arca Swiss side clamp.What was that? I’ve been trying to find something like that but no idea what to Google. Thanks!

[@pino6061]

Best choice in my understanding.

[@josecolon8143]

Saw in peta pixel came here and oh Lord what a blessing!!!!! Looking forward to get schooled!!!!

[@MastAlade]

Very good video - very well thought out

[@gregoryjkane]

Hi. Great video. Please explain how/why you use 2 Arcs Swiss Clamps. Thank you.

[@hudsonhenry9124]

Funny you ask... I have the video for you right here. Hit me up on email off my site if you have any more questions.

[@hudsonhenry9124]

www.hudsonhenry.com/blog/video-fluid-heads-for-stills-part-ii-connecting-cameras Whoops, there's the link.

[@robertmatesic6328]

Great video. Does the plate comes with CP-39 clamp? What 1s the part number of the L-bracket? Thank you

[@patsweeney417]

Hudson, I recently set up a similar outfit with the Manfrotto head, Desmond adapter for the bowl, Benro COM37C legs. For doing panos, I was wondering if you have a horizontal click stop between the fluid head and the bowl adapter or are you just eyeballing it. Just something with degree markings would help if making a multi-row pano. Thanks

[@thinktank8389]

Just bought a p1000 Nikon, new to this. Having issues while zoomed over 1500, cant stay still, I'm old. Any ideas on sturdy head and tpod? Thanks

[@markcomputertech7997]

Great video, added it to my wish list. . .

[@phconsultationllc915]

This may be a stupid question but I have a fairly nice tripod with a ball head. I'm really getting interested in video...is it possible to just buy a fluid head and put it on my existing tripod (a Mefoto Globetrotter)

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

You need to watch my much newer video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGLLaYyomM-noLs where I walk you through that exact process. :-)

[@phconsultationllc915]

​@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks!

[@kirksfilms]

Does the fluid head work safely in the cold? Is it actual fluid in the head that could freeze and damage something?

[@dalhadop]

Hi Hudson, from here in the UK. Great videos, very informative. I have just bought equipment on your recommendation, waiting for it, as I have just ordered it. I needed a sturdier tripod and fluid head anyway but further impetus after watching your videos on landscape photography. I have been looking for dedicated equipment for panoramic multiple row shooting with degree markers. But I will now try the Manfrotto fluid head you have mentioned. Have I missed something or not understood something properly, you use the Manfrotto fluid head, on a stable and quality tripod, with a leveling base you mentioned, nodal slider, and quick release plate? And that is it? No other specific panoramic photography equipment, like a dedicated multiple row panoramic photography device? And if I have understood your method correctly, could you please explain why you would use this method or equipment opposed to a dedicated degree marked multiple row head? Please, ignore my stupidity, if I have misunderstood or I have not fully grasped your equipment choice. I am not a professional photographer, as you can probably tell from my questions, just someone with a passion for various genres of photography, including landscape photography. And someone who appreciates your videos and advise.

[@sebcastilho]

Do you have a quick way to switch the camera to portrait orientation when using a fluid head?

[@jennywang2755]

maybe you can choose a tripod with 90 degree center colume and you can change all the angle, you can add our facebook:@milibootripod.cn and maybe you will be lucky to get our free product due to our promotion.

[@gopiisha]

Can this be used for 600mm lenses ..

[@FarangLifestyle]

Awesome review of the head and so much more..... subbed

[@lightninginabottleuk]

Hi - great video and very inspirational. I have a RRS tripod, what do I need to attach this fluid head to a ArcaSwiss type plate to fit, without it falling off or becoming loose?

[@roresteen]

Glad I found this video. A fluid head it is! Brilliant!

[@RichPurdum]

Hudson, I have been studying your panorama course at ON1 and especially the no-parallax segment. I have acquired the MVH500AH fluid head and am wondering if that can be used in place of the panning clamp (assuming I can manage the mounting of the camera/lens). Haoge makes nodal slider that is compatible with the 500AH and I can mount an Arca Swiss clamp to that gadget for the L-bracket. It seems to me that the center panning axis of the video head would be the same as the panning clamp. I realize this won't allow the more advanced pano setup but it would allow me to get started. Your thoughts?

[@AtulSharmaPhotographer]

Very informative, thanks

[@gentleman0678]

Thank you for your excellent tutorial!! I just came across the manfrotto nitro 612 fluid head. Any experience with it?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey Charles. Thanks so much for the kind words. I've seen that head. It's 2.5 times heavier than the 500ah I recommend. I think people worry about the fluid head load ratings, but those ratings are for smooth movements with video (pans and tilts) not locking down for stills. The 500ah is really the perfect head for stills and light video work. I use it like a gimbal with my 500mm. These larger heads like the 612 are clumsy for what i do and far too large and heavy. For dedicated video work with a bigger video rig I prefer sachtler heads. Look through some of my more recent videos to see some of the custom adaptations I've helped Kirk design for the 500AH and still cameras. I have links to my current setup at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks thanks again for the kind words. Stay safe.

[@swishyyyyy]

was wondering which exact model number and size is the tripod you have in the video?

[@hudsonhenry9124]

It's an LBF533 but they don't make that anymore. I've linked the grand stealth version that's current on my blog post with this video. There's an assortment of heights, leg counts and widths to choose from there. Mine is a series 3 for width.

[@grzechkania]

Hi, I really like the idea myself. I was looking to do something like that myself and found your video and now I know it is possible and works. What is your experience with Haoge clamps, are they sturdy enough to trust them with Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II sort of a lens and 5D DSRL? I really like the idea of using them because they are not expensive and this way one can use that "L" bracket you have there and switch from vertical to horizontal that is so cool. Could you tell me what make is that "L" bracket (I don't know how to call, I see it for the first time here)? What sort of Arca Swiss plates do you use? Many thanks for the video, it was very helpful!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Those clamps have been great. But, please see my more recent food head video for an update. I'm pretty sure it's ATS #002. I detail the attachment system with some updates you'll want to see.

[@DogzDinette]

Great advice and presentation.

[@jordanfranck]

I apologize if this has already been asked but what is that very tall tripod in the background?

[@rolfoehen5435]

... and - is there a name for this basic piece which goes into the tripod? (The one you show in 2. nd film). The best would be a direkt link to purchase it at Amazon, because I'm not sure if I will get it in Switzerland. Therefore it's good to habe the exact names of all the parts. Thank you very much Hudson!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No worries. This is a 3 year old video. Check the one I posted today and my links: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks

[@satishkumarsahoo]

Haven't watched such a nice and useful video for a very long time. 👌🏻👌🏻

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Satish. Be sure to check out my more recent fluid head vids. I've worked with Kirk to really improve the arca connection to the 500ah

[@satishkumarsahoo]

I will definitely check them out. I am not spending a single penny on gear without watching your videos. 😃 You have a nice day sir!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ha. Thanks. :) I have links at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks too

[@peterebel7899]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto If you need something ultra light but sturdy for backpack: www.adorama.com/sisul20s.html It is just great as 2nd head beside a fluid head.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@peterebel7899 Having played with those and been a little underwhelmed. I found this solution for ultralight, that I vastly prefer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp2cc4WClLeejqM check it out. Links are in the description. It rocks.

[@JohnSmith-om3dk]

What are the advantages of this system over just a regular two axis head with the same bowl adapter for still photography? A regular one would be way cheaper, lighter and smaller, is it just the flop that you were talking about? Are there two axis heads that don't flop and don't use fluid? What are your thoughts on getting something like this as your first tripod?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The advantages are precision, smoothness, and the ability to do video captures with smooth movements if you ever decide to. A couple of counter points: 1) the head we are discussing is 2 pounds and my current fluid head system is less than 7 pounds complete with leveling adapter and 80 inch systematic legs. 2) the 500AH head costs about 1/3 what a RRS head costs if you go with a bare bones build, but the new modifications I worked with Kirk to make on it really enhance it. This is a very old video now. I've got much updated systems with descriptive videos at www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods One of those two systems does forego the fluid in a lovely pan and tilt head to save nearly 3 pounds, but I always miss the fluid when I don't have it. If you try it you'll see what I mean. The lighter system is also more expensive. When it comes to whether you should start with this... It's a better system. I think most serious photographers can tell you stories of spending 800-1500 dollars on tripods and camera support over a number of years none of which they found adequate. Rare is the person who starts out with adequate gear. My goal is to help some people do that. :-)

[@JohnSmith-om3dk]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto wow thanks so much for the reply. Honestly you've really sold me on this!

[@rgc904]

Hi Hudson - I like your idea of using an L-frame on the camera, a quick-release arca-Swiss clamp block (clamp on top and ¼" threaded hole on bottom) holding the L-frame, with the block attached to the long Manfrotto plate with a 'camera tripod screw'. It means you retain the forward/back movement on the tripod for attaining balance, yet your camera is free if the Manfrotto plate when you're not using the tripod. My question: where did you find the block that sits between your L-plate and the Manfrotto plate. I've looked on B&H and Amazon, but could find anything. Is it a RRS piece? Hope you can help me. By the way, enjoyed your video - made a lot of sense. Regards Robert

[@rgc904]

Many thanks for the reply, Hudson. I've accessed the links and found everything. Very helpful.

[@bennetthall7955]

Yes - fluids - and it would enable 4k panning as well -- I am keen to shift to this from my Linhof Ball - I am shooting Fuji GFX100 thus a bit hefty; The other driver on this is that unlike the PEntax 645z which has two threaded sockets, shifting to portrait is a pain with the GFX - I would love your thoughts on pulling the trigger on either this fluid head Manfrotto, or similar and ideally something light as possible for travel - my Benro Carbon is still a hefty load trucking through the "woods" so to speak - Goal is to "do this right one" thanks your thoughts... cheers

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think that the 500ah in my links www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks is really the perfect blend of strength to weight. I'd buy it from B&H or Amazon and see if you agree. If not return it in 30 days. Fitting or designing an L-bracket is just essential for me. I shoot predominantly vertical so I need the switch to be easy and bombproof.

[@bennetthall7955]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks for follow up - So agree on easy shift to vertical - totally spoiled by the 6455x double threaded... Patrick ( BH) pointed out the issue of the plate (interface) in between head - such as the Small rig (250ish) or lower cost one (Sunwayfoto DYH-90i Leveling Base $89) as well if I was not going ball. His point on the easy of quick leveling from set up to set up reasoned The Benro legs are OK - Patrick suggested I look at Induru unless I want to pop for your Gitzo idea which looks good but Tesla pricing..likely I need more than one as usually - one for serious studio location projects with Balcars/monolights - the other for international travel landscape, with adaption as needed for selected 4k pans...

[@bennetthall7955]

Meanwhile - we have this deal from BH on flash - not a 100% www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1368300-REG/manfrotto_mvhn12ahus_nitrotech_n12_fluid_video.html but I really liking your ideas that led me to this higher end leveling base www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1525413-REG/really_right_stuff_25203_series_2_leveling_base.html

[@themightygoose1]

Great video. I'm convinced. But I want to do a lot of portrait oriented shots. What L-Bracket do you use on the camera?

[@themightygoose1]

5DMKII. I did find a used L-Bracket on eBay. I picked up a Manfrotto MVH500A. So far it's great. I had to modify it for a flat base. When I have enough money saved up, I'll get myself a proper tripod. Thanks for the great video.

[@ralphmastrangelo4818]

I caught this video just in time! My Vanguard SBH-100 is just not up to the task for my Nikon D750 with Tamron 150-600 G2 and 1.4x TC. In your opinion, will the Manfrotto MVH500AH be able to handle that setup as you demonstrated in your video?

[@ralphmastrangelo4818]

Thank you for the reply! I appreciate it.

[@RichPurdum]

In watching the prices on the 500AH swing wildly over the past few weeks, it is now very close to the 502AH (from reputable sellers). In looking at the reviews it seems the adjustable pan and tilt drag on the 502 can be useful. The main issue I am struggling with is the added weight (32oz for the 500 versus 56 for the 502). With the Acratech leveler at 8oz, it's 40oz vs. 62oz or around 1-3/8 lbs heavier. Since the prices are basically equal, in your opinion is the 502 worth the weight penalty?

[@RichPurdum]

I am heading to the Marin coast next week so I took the plunge with the 502. At my age I am not looking at a big climb so weight won't be an issue. We'll be at Point Reyes area so I hope to try some pano's and BIF shoots. The gear arrives on Monday so I have two days to practice. Will report back on the weight issue later.

[@SusanneGeert]

Such a great video - thanks for sharing! You have a new subscriber;-) Hope you can help me out here;-) I have the Manfrotto 055XPRO3 with a center column that tilts 90 degrees for overhead shots. I have a standard ball head and am thinking about buying something else. I am looking for something to help me refine my food photographing as I find it takes way too much time. Both when I do overhead and straight on shots I find it difficult to get the lines straight and I find that once I tighten a screw in the setup and let go of hold the camera it drops a little and is not straight/in level anymore. Very annoying 😳 I have heard a bit about the Manfrotto Junior Geared Head and here about fluid heads. My questions: What equipment would I benefit from to fine adjust my setup to the manfrotto tripod? Would (how) I benefit from the Manfrotto 131D Overhead Arm? Any other tips on how to struggle less to setup both for straight on and overhead shots that never seem to be even/in level etc for me? Thanks a lot for any advice;-)