Manfrotto 502

[@brianrae1624]

something that makes this head even better for wildlife photography is the Bridge adapter that Kirk makes for this head which you remove the original mounting hardware from the top of the head and replace it with Kirk's bridge hardware that turns it into an Arca type mounting plate. then you can switch the orientation of the arca plate from front facing to left to right with a tool they provide that slides into the mounting clamp when not in use. So you can use your long lenses in one configuration and then switch it to horizontal orientation to mount the body in for landscapes or whatever. It also solves the problem of a standard arca clamp spinning on you when mounted to the manfrotto plate. pretty cool stuff!

[@johngunning2123]

I have followed all your videos. I suggest you respond to the comments more than you do, it encourages followers to continue following you. You have great practical knowledge that only comes with years of experience.

[@telkirton]

I'v converted to a video head for still's photography now since watching one of your videos a bit back, very happy with this type of head even though I never use or make video's, thanks Mike.

[@fgb3126]

What maker did you go with?

[@AdrianW.Photography]

A comprehensive and honest review. No hype, just plain impression of use case scenarios. I have been wanting n to transition to a video head for a while since I am now starting to take video as well as stills. I need these kind of reviews to help me narrow my choice.

[@ariomstudios7366]

Thanks Mr Lane, you've cleared a doubt I had for a fairly long time. Nice rubber band solution too!

[@ryandury]

That rubberband trick is brilliant

[@dreamworker3789]

Hi Mike, 1a Video thanks for it, the tip for the 501 was very good and just in time, i was lucky and buy one on ebay kleinanzeigen in Germany and he is like a new one, thanks again have a good time !!

[@JoeHTX]

I mounted a cheap Arca Swiss clamp onto my manfrotto quick release plate, then I put a nodal slider that has an arca swiss clamp on one end in that clamp so it slides and can be positioned a lot better than the manfrotto quick release plate by itself. I don't have any lens with a collar on them, I use an L bracket on my camera that I clamp into the nodal slider. Works like a charm.

[@CamillaI]

You have just reminded me to edit my fluid video head review on the Sirui VH - 10X. The Manfrotto 502 is certainly a firm favourite with video makers and youtubers. I don't think you can go wrong with one of these fluid heads! Great review👍

[@fgb3126]

Where would I see your video review?

[@MrBobbyklopp]

I have the Manfrotto head in this video and I use my Canon R5 with the battery grip but it will not slide forward it hits.Will the adapter you are showing bring it up high enough to clear ? Thanks for your help

[@madcat1007]

Nice video, thanks. Does a lens with an Arca Swiss tripod foot, fit on the Manfrotto head?

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

No, you have to have an adaptor.

[@madcat1007]

@@MikeLaneFRPS Do you have a link?

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

@@madcat1007 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204436495518?_skw=manfrotto+plate&itmmeta=01JDWXZBR96TJBN8X6QP6Y1H54&hash=item2f995d5c9e:g:H~EAAOSw9zVlQfmD&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKmoMK8Bbfup%2BcNrDKaJoCBItI%2BRTxuo%2BPzZaONptZkE8YUmkMZBzsEmTOnh1XsoKv8nxxHjzOfhEizgAptFPEZXVLtO%2FIUWBbq4d3CPr7ZlYRwbzyFf0A8BEAXWc751r5BrVdYWwXI6j5ZaV8Bmy2Q0enhEm1CUEmDSgjElHpf%2FKiyOnZIa1Xww%2BhApAB2vLfcfVh9iViKZ4l5fYfYaT%2Fv%2BmxlzdJ7Nq4fsGs0MJ2%2BLYOJcSE9mUdQ1nFW%2BxorA7sSoaPOtUeSgCRM6prUhKog3cmXQ2YaesTf63U6ZStiqAQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMorz9ne9k

[@AtletiHooligan]

Thank you very much for these educational videos. After this I have decided to purchase the Manfroto 500AH, instead of the 502AH that I had planned. It is much lighter and its more contained size will allow me to better balance the weight of my camera and MFT lenses.

[@robgerety]

The thing about the 500 is that you cannot lock and unlock without changing the pan and tilt drag setting - so you have to readjust that every time you unlock. Drives me nuts.

[@sks96816]

May need to add a rubber gasket between the metal when connecting the handle.....I will try that!

[@xbfotos]

For video, other than the shakes, when you pan the camera does it jump a bit from the first movement? I have a different brand that pans smoothly but with a heavy lens the video shows as jumping when I first push the handle to move it. Thanks

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

I no longer have this head, but no that was not an issue. I have a Miller Compass 12 now, which is dratically better. Less vibration and less creep. Creep is a major issue for me.

[@genemckeel1432]

You can balance your system with battery grip by using two Haoge cp-64 Arca Swiss adapter plates and two long Arca Swiss release plates. Screw in one adapter to the base plate and install a release plate with the other adapter screwed to it to the lower adapter. Then install the last plate to your lens. You’ll now have room to balance your system and rotate your camera for portrait shooting. I have a Promedia Gear L bracket on my gripped camera and still have enough clearance.

[@KGsPhotography]

Thanks Mike. I have been tempted to get a fluid head for a while and will take on board your review. Cheers Keith

[@GrandadsReviews]

Great honest review of the 502 for video I am now using the manfrotto Nitrotech N8 excellent for video but for stills and when I travel I use the XPro video head very light and good fluid action.

[@albertnebe8795]

Would you recommend the xpro over the 502 for Wildlife Photography and videography?

[@GrandadsReviews]

@@albertnebe8795 Yes but it would depend on what camera and lenses you use upto and including apsc camera it's more than adequate but once you get into full frame and the larger lenses then no it won't cope with the extra weight of those systems. I use Fuji and it's perfect for that.

[@albertnebe8795]

@@GrandadsReviews thanks for the quick answer! I use Sony A7 III and Sony 200-600. So you think the heavier fluid head (502) gives more stability.. Would you think the lighter head is also recommendable with this system?

[@GrandadsReviews]

@@albertnebe8795 It should be ok with that camera it can safely hold 4kg so as long as your combined weight is less than that it should be fine the 502 can hold 7kg and counterweight 4kg so is more stable with larger camera systems.

[@albertnebe8795]

@@GrandadsReviews thanks for the help :)

[@rogerhance5883]

Great video Mike

[@fusion-music]

Nice review Mike. Did you test the Manfrotto on the double braced tripod? And also test the Satchler on the other tripod? Balancing of the camera was essential for video cameras because many accidents & loss of equipment came about if the camera was left alone and the lens tilted forward. They also had a safety screw for the tilt, to stop it tilting too far. So you had to unlock it if for some reason you needed the extra tilt.

[@rickraub5448]

Hi. I bought a used 502AH and the red pan fluid drag control ring doesn't move. I can't adjust the drag . Any ideas? Hopefully simple? Thanks

[@fgb3126]

Have you considered looking at some other maker's fluid heads? You seem to have only considered the newer Manfrotto to your old model, without saying anything about any others.

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

I can only review gear that I have. I do not have access to a wide range.

[@SuperMorkstar]

I am being an idiot with my 502AH (I am assuming). I have a Canon 500mm f/4 prime + 2x converter attached to a EOS R5 + Grip. No matter how far I slide the plate forwards (all the way to the stopper) The camera is massivly back-heavy. If left unattended the camera swings backwards and if I'm not watching will tip. With my 1dx2 it's even worse as that's a brick. What am I doing wrong?

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

Would not a longer plate solve it so it sticks forward further. Plates come in various lengths. The next problem you hit though could be cameras with a grip (which is low) hit the tripod head as they come forward.

[@SuperMorkstar]

@@MikeLaneFRPS Thanks Mike. I'll have a look for a really long plate. It would need to be considerably longer so that the lens foot is well forward of the head channel. I'll watch out for the camera coming up against the head but there's quite a big gap to I think that'll be ok. Cheers

[@jean-lucdargent5031]

J'utilise encore mon vieux trépied manfrotto 351 et une tête video 136. C'est lourd mais remarquable fluide.

[@Axandrego]

When I saw this video I realized I wsn’t the only Olympus 4/3rds person to find accessories are hard to find. The lack of space for the EM1X camera body is problematic on tripods. I did find a solution that addressed all the problems you demonstrated. Perhaps some folks may find the work around useful. As I not sure if it is kosher to include urls below to pics of the solution so I will describe it. I have a Manafrotto MVH500AH. I attach a kirkphoto.com Arca plate with a 3/8 screw to the Manafrotto plate and then the ‘solution part’, Desmond Monopod Head With Clamp, DEDMH2X/DMH-2-X1 attachs with its Arca foot and voila the 300mm F4 clamps at the top arca clamp of the Desmond. Not ideal but workable and answers all your video’s points. The downside is the need to tighten everything up. All the items are available at B&H in the US.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

Why don't you simply dispense with the handle altogether? That way you just move the camera about (tilt and pan) as you would if it were on a ball head?

[@jawa747]

Hi i,m 5 ft 11 inches tall, might seem a silly question but what max height tripod do i require.

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

At least 6 feet. All too often you will be on a slight slope with the tripod below you.

[@jawa747]

@@MikeLaneFRPS thanks , maybe should have said minimum height, most tripods are 160-170cms in height, do not want to bend down to much. thanks again.

[@sambowks]

It may be your tripod that is giving you the vibration, not the head.

[@Axandrego]

PS Thanks for the videos.

[@jan-martinulvag1962]

I have an old SABA st100

[@SachinSawe]

Thanks for sharing! Have you considered Benro S8 Pro? This video describes how Benro head is a better video head: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGSYk2xuo7Keqrs

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

I have a Benro S8. Seems much the same as a Manfrotto. I prefer the more expensive Vintens or Sachtler heads for video. Much smother.

[@SachinSawe]

@@MikeLaneFRPS Oh ok. Do you mean that with Benro S8 again you would need the rubber-band trick like manfrotto 502? I was myself considering either of two but not sure. So far my wimberly gimbal works fine but that is mostly for stills. I do want to shoot more video when I can. May be I can try wimberly first and see if I really need any of these two. Thanks!

[@MikeLaneFRPS]

I have bungee rope attached to the pan handle of all my tripod heads. Only needed for video and long lenses .

[@markbutcher4100]

Alas manfrotto widely available but always crap

[@fgb3126]

Do you use a fluid head. If so which maker's?

[@puffingtonsmythe8690]

A non branded Manfrotto 😂🤣