Manfrotto MVH502AH Fluid Head Review - For Wildlife Photography & Filming

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

If you use this fluid head yourself, then please let me know your thoughts! Also check out Mike Lane Photography's KZbin review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6DKd4iBe6iqo7M

[@marchinderickx8193]

I am using a similar head and it's really the TOP. Usually, Manfrotto design very good and solid products. I have several tripods from them and I am very happy.

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

Really glad I found this video Paul as I’ve been thinking about investing in a fluid head and this one was recommended and I would agree after watching your video. I take it as this is one of your older videos the Amazon discount no longer applies. Thanks 👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

As far as I know the link still works. It's a decent head, but it is quite bulky. I got it partly because I do more filming now so it's great for that

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography ok thanks Paul I’ll try the link when I make the purchase. 👍

[@reghickin2250]

I have been using this head for about a year now, use it with a Benro Mach3 tripod, I have had no problems with it at all when using my 600f4 lens, It has completely taken over from my Gimble head, great value for the money.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Excellent. Thanks Reg.

[@paulbaldwin2290]

Another very informative video Paul keep the good work up👌

[@DJBastor]

i got the same with r6 and 100-400 ii plus extender. it works great. i taped the bright red parts with camo wrap

[@pahafx]

I've found that you can actually mount the camera on this head the other way around. The quick plate needs to be turned 180 degrees to do this, and IMO this brings several benefits: 1) Good balance can be found also with lightweight tele photos (fe. Nikon Z9 & 400/4.5S). 2) Yaw locking knob is now in easier position since it's straigh towards you. 3) The pan bar can be reversed and so becomes somewhat "shorter" which I find good for handling. 4) Pitch friction control is now on the right hand side which may be better for handling too.

[@murphyorama]

Thanks for the informative review Paul.

[@somd25]

Thanks Paul, good review and i am planning to buy now

[@michaelharvey4925]

Great review Paul. I've just bought one. Really impressed.

[@63rml]

Great video, would you still buy it today or would you go for the 504x or 608 nitrotech. I am trying to decide between the 3 price difference aside.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I don't know those heads. Yes, so far I do think it's good value.

[@brianthomas6500]

I got mine a few years ago, ex show stand, half price. Found the handle a little to long for my use so I made a shorter one. That front locking knob is not easy to use but dont often need to use it so no big deal. Use it for my scope/camera set up and sometimes Canon 500 + 1.4 ext. on 055 tripod, also have a gimbal and other heads. Happy with it, no problems.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I appreciate the info. thanks Brian.

[@ryanbiscobarnes]

I have been using the "Benro Aero4 Travel Angel Video Tripod Kit with S4 Video Head and Bag A2883FS4" but have been thinking of buying the Manfrotto MVH502AH Fluid Head with a bowl tripod. Thanks for the review.

[@TheBrandMechanic]

Good review and thank you, needed to know how this fluid head works, I’m new to video - I just purchased this last week primarily for videos, needs to hold a teleprompter and my camera so it’s perfect. Tripod arrives today so looking forward to getting this all set up.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Glad it helped. It's a good bead for video. Hope it works for you.

[@KevinNordstrom]

hey paul, i switched as well to those types of heads. they work better for my workflow over gymbals. thanks for a great show brother

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Glad it works for you my friend. Thank you.

[@laproradstudio]

Merci pour ces infos et cette vidéo très réussie sur le sujet. J'ai des plateaux rapides Manfrotto 501 (les plateaux moins longs), sont ils compatibles sur cette tête fluide ? Merci d'avance

[@chiwawa130]

This is one of the best tripod heads you can buy. It does everything a gimbal can do and you can use it for video too. I don’t use the handle at all. This tripod head is a hidden gem.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Great review there. I have a couple of gripes but it is really very good.

[@dblejax]

Great review. I look forward to your videos. Thank you!

[@peterbarby9251]

Thanks for this, Paul. I've thought about buying this tripod head but I think it might be overkill for the lens I have (Canon 100-400mm mk2) even with the 1.4 extender on. But if I ever got the chance to own the 600mm prime, well I would pick that tripod head. Any chance of a review of the tripod you use? Anyways, keep up the good work

[@jeffslade1892]

It should be possible to set up a video head so that it stays put when you take your hand off the tiller. If a gimbal is perfectly balanced it can stay put too, but they do tend to be looser. The 501 is also a fluid head but offers fixed drag where the 502 drag is variable. Both have brake/clutches that can be locked. They both need to be periodically dismantled and regreased. The white muck in there is lithium grease which is mostly lithium soap with a bit of oil, it dries up and becomes crusty (just like an old bar of soap)

[@masterstacker2833]

Good video. I have one and love it.

[@raymondorton4256]

Hi Paul have been looking for a new gimble type head this looks perfect thanks for the review just ordered it from your link,keep up the great videos.

[@hans6304]

Hi Paul, would you think that the 500AH be good enough for run and gun wildlife video/photography for big telephoto lenses? I prefer smaller and lighter fluid heads as opposed to this more bulkier and more expensive head. Cheers

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It's a bit heavy and bulky. I only use for planned set up stuff. Mostly anyway

[@hans6304]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography thank you for the reply.

[@HelenaMikas]

Interesting video Paul but weight is an issue for a person minus a car on public transport ( another issue ) lol This would all be too much for me to carry ..Fabulous , honest review ...👍

[@thebacons5943]

Specific question, maybe you can help… Would this work on the iFootage monopod, and if so, would that setup be successful for outdoor sports video? Doing some research, maybe you can advise. Thank you.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I'm sorry, I have no knowledge of that monopod.

[@KGsPhotography]

Great review Paul, I brought the same head at the end of last year. I previously used a gimbal head and a ball head and I just find that that this head is a great combination of the two when doing both stills and video. The other great thing is that even if you forget to lock it down when moving around, it doesn't tip violently and potentially risk damaging your gear. Only downside is I think it is large and heavy but assume that is something to do with the requirements of the internal workings. Cheers Keith

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I'd agree with all that. It's a good all round head. I really like it!

[@quedecree]

Cheers for the review, Paul. Have you tried this with a little telescope/spotting scope?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks. No, just a big lens.

[@FaithTechPhoto]

Hi Paul , nice review. My canon 500mm f4 IS USM lens has an ArcaSwiss plate foot, when i attach the manfrotto 502 head base plate, i can only utilize the larger threaded screw. And after a while it seems like the base plate on the lens foot shifts a little. How did you mount it? thanks, keep up the great content!

[@crazyleg2006]

Thanks for some good info.

[@edkaminski6355]

I checked it out... was expecting a pricetag of several thousand $$$, but was pleasantly surprised.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Yes, it's more of a 'budget' price, but I don't feel it's a budget product.

[@jfphotography69]

Get the new Manfrotto 608 nitrotech fluid video head, it's a bit more money, but worth it.

[@Springer5]

So... a head that's designed for smooth panning. But... it's better to use it hands off because you'll get vibration if you hold on to it. Now... I just need to find a way of panning without holding on to it!! Haha. Seriously though. Great review. Thanks for explaining all the features.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Not sure if I mentioned in the video.. you can use a rubber band to move tripod heads. A great way of getting smoother action. Just attach the band and when you pull it dampens everything - although this one might be a bit heavy for that. But I do it sometimes for vlogging work.

[@Springer5]

@PaulMiguelPhotography Thanks for that tip Paul! I haven't heard of it before but then I'm quite new to all this so it's no surprise. Great idea though. All the best.

[@peterb.7437]

Hi Paul great review. 1 question though, is it good for BIF or bird in flights? Thanks

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks Peter. Well.. I hate tripods for BIF. I've used it with 500mm - yes it's ok, but I think I would struggle with any head. I prefer to handhold

[@CamillaI]

I had a look at this head but I went for the Sirui VH10 x which I thought was slightly better ! But if your into video its worth trying both at your local store if they ever open again ! Even replaces my Gimbal head when I am in filming mode ! Good review 👍😍

[@clivebushnell8428]

Hi Paul, I think we can get too concerned with colour for wildlife. Deer for instance, don't see red, (its just a shade of grey). They do see blue, but, I using a monopod with a dark blue grip, I recently had a Roe buck approach me to within 10 metres (what a thrill). Movement seems to be far more significant in giving me away. As for birds: they seem to me to have x-ray vision, so I just assume they can see me and try to move in a way that is not threatening to them (or keep still altogether). Some articles I've read on bird vision says they see UV that we don't and that our clothes show up due to whiteners in our washing powders. On fluid heads - I've previously owned this one, its lighter brother (500AH) and the old 701RC2. My most used is the Leofoto BV10, which is very compact and light for stalking and long hikes, but I'm looking again for an adjustable one for when I don't have far to carry it. I really like them for wildlife stills, over gimbals, due to the pan drag, which I find helps me follow moving animals. Also, I like that with addition of an arc clamp and an L bracket, you can use them with short lenses in both portrait and landscape orientation - so you only have to carry one head. Only thing I don't like about this 502AH is that the counterbalance isn't strong enough to stop my 300 2.8 and 1Dx flopping, so I have to remember to lock the tilt before I let go. However, I'm not sure that there's a better option under £450. Thanks for doing these videos Paul. Clive

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for sharing the information Clive. I have read about Deer sight - it is very interesting. And yes, would full agree that movement is a much bigger factor! I can have the same issue with lens flop.. have to remember to lock it when I'm not shooting.

[@simoneardley]

I use the same head Paul, totally agree about the front locking toggle. Hard to think where else they'd put it though. I've gone over the red on mine with a permanent marker. Great bit of kit, like you say its a lump but any smaller and I dont think it'd cope with the big primes.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Simon. I saw you did a review too. I think we agree. I'm happy with it.

[@clivewelch1025]

Hi Paul great review but I will stick with my gimble I just like it

[@kriscu16]

Awesome review Paul! I was wondering if you use an nd filter for taking your wildlife videos?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks. No, never use any filter for wildlife.

[@jonnyanderson2271]

Which tripod would recommend for a sigma 150 to 600? Thank you for this video, I’d waiting for a similar video. 🤙😎👊

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Lots of options. I wouldn't spend a fortune. That lens isn't too heavy. Maybe a manfrotto one will do the job. Mine is an Induro CT404

[@Tonellacam]

I bought a used one and the red ring is stuck I can’t move it , is there something that I’m not doing correctly ?

[@snap-n-shoot]

I have this head and it is excellent. The only issue with it is that the Panning Red ring can get stuck and not move.

[@ianjamessmith4990]

Excellent Product, I have two of these on different tripods. However, I use a mirrorless camera with manual focus. Seeing that my camera's controls are mainly on its top right-hand, the two vertical controls are on the wrong sides of the head. The drag control ought to be on the right-hand side as it is not as often used as the locking knob to fix the head position rigidly in place, (I am assuming video use here). However everything mounts up nicely if the head is swapped back-to-front, which has the advantage of putting the horizontal pan-lock on the operator side. The pan lever is a bit of an abomination anyway, but there is ample length available with it still extending to the rear.

[@geethadhina9460]

Hi Paul, can this fluid head be attached to a monopod with three feet. Planning to get this head for a long telephoto lens. Thanks

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I've never thought of it on a monopod. It is a bit chunky maybe. But as long as the monopod screw is the bigger screw thread size, it will fit

[@geethadhina9460]

Thanks Paul. Will try it with the IFootage cobra 2 monopod. It is carbon fiber , so not sure if it handle this fluid head.

[@LIANG-OC]

Really helpful review

[@terryjones7636]

hi Paul, having watched your review, do you think a MT 190x pro 4 tripod would be a good match ?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Terry. Sorry, I don't know that tripod.

[@terryjones7636]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography hi Paul, should have put manfrotto MT 190x pro 4 tripod ! sorry.

[@terryjones7636]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography Hi Paul, sorry!!....should have stated that its a Manfrotto

[@mark19615]

I give in, I've just ordered mine from Wex five minutes ago. I've always used a gimble. If this goes tits up I'm a coming for yer,

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Well I hope it hasn't gone tits up yet... I'm still using it.

[@maireadorgan4455]

Hey Paul, not really related to this video but where do you buy the neoprone covers for your lens?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Wildlife Watching Suppllies, Devon.

[@steveloudon7491]

I wish you would have shown how it balances. After balancing you should be able to put it in any position and it won't move. In this video it's plain to see that you have to hold it to keep it from tilting. That means it isn't balanced. I had the Manfrotto 500AH and the balance spring wasn't strong enough for my rig.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Hi Steve. I am balancing it centrally without it locked.

[@bryanbarajasBB]

Maybe I must get one for filming.

[@mordavian]

Can i attach this head to a Sirui tripod?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It will attach to any tripod head with the larger screw thread.

[@mordavian]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography is there any jitter when panning and tilting at the same time?

[@andyheywoodsphotographya-h7913]

I have the manfrotto MVH500AH and i use it with the manfrotto 055 tripod but what i love about it is i bought the manfrotto hide clamp for about £60.00 which means i can just take the central column out with the head attached and leave the heavy legs behind if i know i'm going to be in a hide, its a great bit of kit.👍

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Sounds perfect!

[@lifewithleedy7413]

Paul, I have problems taking this head off my tripod, manfrotto 055. Yes, I feel pretty stupid. What could I possibly be doing wrong?

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

this can happen. Make sure the panning lock is completely locked. Keep the handle on - grip that and the base of the tripod head at same time. Good luck!

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

I use this tripod head. No issues for me.

[@philipwatson2443]

that is a really good price

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I think so.

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@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

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

It should move. Sounds like a problem to me.

[@chiwawa130]

Rightie tightee leftie loosee. Hope that helps.

[@anthonycollins1284]

Rick, I know this is a late response. My red pan ring was shipped very tight. Almost in a locked position. Give it a very firm twist to the left (

[@Soandnb]

Hey, I've been thinking about mounting a pretty hefty telescope on this. The Telescope weighs about 3kg, or 6.6lbs, and its Center of Mass is probably going to be about 10cm, or 4 inches, above the top surface of the mounting plate. Do you know if this would be able to effectively counterbalance it? I've tried a few from Amazon, including a Benro S6 Pro, but none of those had the counterbalance necessary to handle my scope.

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I think weight is ok. Not as sure about the balance.

[@Soandnb]

@@PaulMiguelPhotography 'preciate the response. I did some additional research and I doubt this mount could effectively counterbalance. I know the S8 Pro will be able to do that since I tried it out at a store with my scope.

[@hunchbacked5476]

Hello! No problem for Celestron C5+ (tube length - 30 cm, weight 3 kg without accessories), I use Manfrotto MVH502 AH and I have no complaints (this combination is only for observations, NOT astrophoto). For me it's perfect!

[@jamieoxenham1656]

I got mine off of amazon, and the whole tilt lock knob broke off the stud on the inside. No warranty, as it was bought through amazon. I liked it when it worked, but sadly, after opening it up, its junk aluminum casting, with air bubbles trapped in it. Hence the break. No thanks manfrotto, ill buy one from someone else.....

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

I'm sorry to hear this. I've heard very few issues like this.

[@cameraprepper7938]

You are annoyed of the red color, the wildlife do not care about the red color !

[@erdmx.]

Where are pan and tilt video examples man! C'mon!

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

will try to do some in a future video. Now I can track birds effectively with my R6.

[@VIDEOLPBLBP]

One of the worst heads ever, for left hand ppl only, ergonomics sucks..... why ive bought it? Why?????????

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Thanks for sharing your feedback, I appreciate that.