Really Obvious Manfrotto 502AH Fluid Head Tip

[@tvpierce1]

I've been using this tripod head for 5 years and the tilt lock on the right side (unlike every other video tripod since the beginning of time) has bugged me since the first day I laid hands on it. I never thought to reverse it like that... brilliantly simple. Gonna try it on my next shoot! Thanks!

[@MattSpaugh]

it took me a while to get used to mounting my cameras backwards on the quick release plate, but other than that, it's literally been a game changer in terms of usability. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@johnnewcomb5162]

I just picked up a new one of these heads with the legs. Learning what i can on it. $19.54 with the coupon, I scored and I'm grateful for it. Learning everything on it, thanks for the video.

[@MattSpaugh]

19.54???

[@johnnewcomb5162]

@MattSpaugh Yes, I was pretty lucky.

[@danielscott7627]

Literally did this the first day I got mine for the exact same reason. Occasionally I'll even mount the handle backwards if the camera has to be jammed up in a corner to get a shot. Welcome to the club. Loved your high volume videos, something I've considered for a while but the workflow always discouraged me. Your video helped a lot and I think I might try it with my daughter's ballet company.

[@MattSpaugh]

It never ceases to amaze me how the best solutions are usually the simplest. Very encouraging to hear the you're going to take the High-Volume leap after watching my video. It's a lot to keep up with for sure, but it's doable! The biggest thing I can say is get your files named properly. If you do that, any other issues can usually be taken care of without too much problem. Good luck with your shoot - my wife was a professional ballet dancer for 13 years. One thing to know: if you shoot full body shots - don't crop out the feet!!!!! Thanks for watching!

[@TheFaustianMan]

HA! I just finished watching all your "Tripod Trilogy" and now you hit us with this! Awesome!

[@MattSpaugh]

I know, right? I could've saved us all a TON of time and money. NOW, all that said, the GH06 is in a different class than the 502AH, but still...

[@Kp41161]

Thank you so much for pointing that simple work around out I’ve got the 502 coming as a Christmas gift and I was starting to think I should have got the 500 instead, now I’m looking forward to the big day so I can get my hands on it and attach it to my 055

[@MattSpaugh]

Merry Christmas. the 055/502 is so versatile, and so capable. I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks for watching!

[@thuytrinhnguyen8497]

You are not making way too big of a deal out of something so simple; in fact, you just helped me out with the same problem LOL

[@MattSpaugh]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching.

[@RenoLaringo]

Funny how things get together. I just purchased this head and was looking to confort myself and still watching reviews of it. I have a doublet ed80 apo and hoped l would use it for both astro and terrestrial stills and videos. Like a decent Jack of all trades in my present limited understanding. I was looking for a fluid head that was sturdy enough and not costing an eye either. I also thougt I would use it like I currently do with my old Gitzo head, which needs the tube to be mounted backwards to achieve zenith point and correct balance. And here you are, explaining that exact same configuration. Amazing 🙂. May the Great Spirit be with you 🙏. Thank you!

[@MattSpaugh]

It's a great head. From time to time I'll buy 'better' more expensive heads and I always come back to this one. I love my E-Image GH06, but the 502 is more versatile for my work. Thanks for watching!

[@makossamakossa7946]

omg! 3 years of using this and I did not think of it..... so obvious! thank you!

[@MattSpaugh]

Better late than never! Thanks for watching.

[@aaroncarroll2844]

Humility is great for the soul!! Nice vid.

[@MattSpaugh]

Tru dat. Thanks for watching!

[@kellybalkom7149]

I'm so glad I went to your homepage to find this video. I have watched the other 3 on this series but this one made me chuckle. I just ordered this fluid head about an hour ago and I'm sure I will be setting it up like you just did. I appreciate you making this one, thank you!

[@MattSpaugh]

Ha- glad you liked the videos. It really is a fantastic combo - especially for the money. Thanks for watching!

[@Ejonesvideo]

I already use my 502 in this configuration. I wanted a “fix” more or less for having such a long handle. And great to see another videographer from Atlanta 🤙🏻 I’m in Dallas, GA myself

[@MattSpaugh]

Hey neighbor! Thanks for watching.

[@Kp41161]

Thanks Matt and a merry Christmas to you

[@phillansticecardiff3948]

Thanks Matt. No hacks to talk about, but a snag that I cannot find the answer to. Maybe you know something that can help? My 502AH has about an inch of play to left and right when fully locked down. It's not much but it's quite loose and I had no joy when trying to get an insight from Manfrotto. It's my second head... the first suffered when the thread stripped despite lots of care and not much use.

[@MattSpaugh]

An inch each way? That seems like it would make it unusable. There are some videos out there that show how to disassemble the 502, clean, and re-grease it, but be warned, there are subtle variations in the 502 construction over the years, so if you go that route, make sure whatever you have matches whatever video you decide to follow. Honestly, it sounds like something is broken in there if you're getting that much wiggle. I'd consider replacing it. Hope that helps, thanks for watching.

[@phillansticecardiff3948]

@@MattSpaugh Thanks Matt. I suspect your advice is the way forward. It's unfortunate but the easy choice. Keep up the good work buddy! ✊

[@MattSpaugh]

@@phillansticecardiff3948 Thanks!

[@EloimMT]

Nice video! I have this head for several years and I've tryied everything, this tip included, but didn't adapt myself(also right handed). Things change when I start to have a heavier camera rig. I've learned that the lock knobs pan and tilt just came in use when I'm not operating it, because it's a video head! Everyday of use I total loose pan&tilt knobs AND fluid (counter?) totally to - minus side, then balance the baseplate with the camera rig. After finding the sweetspot I start to make pressure to the + fluid side of pan&tilt till I have a smooth movement. Lock knobs of pan&tilt only when I'm off hand. I hope that can help! Cheers! 🇧🇷

[@MattSpaugh]

GREAT TIP! I should've mentioned in this video about the importance of balancing your camera when using this (or any) tripod. It's so second-nature to me I didn't even think to bring it up. My rigs range from 4.5-9.5 lbs. and this tripod works well for all of them. Thanks for watching and sharing your comment!

[@TravisVarga]

I love the 'defeated' intro...."another tripod video. Oh boy"...hahah. I'll take 'em all day. Thanks for your work.

[@MattSpaugh]

Glad you liked it. It seemed like every video I made for a while was tripod-related. IT's funny, I'm actually working on a review for Manfrotto for a ball-adjustable center column for the 055... it never ends! Thanks for watching.

[@kevinallen6623]

Honestly I was not using this tripod for that very same fluid head mixup reason. And also one of my legs dented a little and there is tension now while pulling the legs out and pushing them back in. Thanks for the is video I am going to try it tomorrow. I’ll let you know and let you know how it goes do.

[@MattSpaugh]

Cool, I hope it works as well for you as it has for me. Thanks for watching.

[@MarceloFernandez1967]

I am also right handed, but I hold the pan bar with my left hand (the pan bar is placed on the left side). This way my right hand is free to work with the tripod head and the camera.

[@petermclennan6781]

Hilarious! My measure of your esteem just went up by two stops.

[@MattSpaugh]

Ha - nice. It really has been a huge improvement. I'm actually considering fabricating a custom extension arm that will wrap the tilt adjustment wheel. Have a good one, thanks for watching.

[@GrnXnham]

Do most right-handed people prefer the handle on the right side? If so that would make me different. I prefer the handle on the left side. That way I can do things that require more coordination (focusing, pushing buttons, twisting adjustment screws) with the hand that is more coordinated--my right hand. Moving a handle back and forth requires little coordination, so the handle is placed on the left side.

[@MattSpaugh]

Everybody's different. I'm right handed and prefer to focus with my left hand. The main issue for me was just the fact that the arm and the tightening knob were on the same side. Thanks for watching.

[@kevinbooth6865]

Good that you woke up and smelt the tripod.

[@pattonphotography2451]

Brilliant! Thank you! I just ordered mine on Amazon and am looking forward to making better videos.

[@MattSpaugh]

IN my experience, having a tripod you can rely on is a huge part of getting better. It's a solid piece of gear. Thanks for watching!

[@ROBFF-zi3zf]

Thanks for this. Just picked one of these up from Amazon for £121 delivered which is £70 off the normal price here in UK. The "shorter" & turn around trick for the handle works better for getting in closer. Im right handed also & gives a better control I found when tested it like this. Day 3 of using it & I put into YT "How to use Manfrotto MVH502AH smoothly" & your video came up from that. Im using a Nikon P1000 at 4k doing Aircraft Contrails at Altitude so having a smoother control over the pan & tilt when zoomed in at 2000/3000mm & keeping it smooth can be tricky. Switching the plate around works well. Ive used a Nikon D3200 & Sigma 150-600mm with 2x Teleconverter on it as well & works well for panning for Photography as well. Great Tripod Head. Thanks again.

[@MattSpaugh]

Sounds like some really interesting work. Any pan/tilt moves on long lenses can be challenging, 2-3000mm!!! Crazy stuff. I'm glad you found the video helpful. I have another one coming out next week on two options for getting your 055/502 setup perfectly level. Keep an eye out! Thanks for watching.

[@MADFISHINREELS]

😂 Good little fix to your problem! Thanks for sharing!

[@MattSpaugh]

It's the little things! Thanks for watching.

[@rickterry8148]

LOL... I have just sent for one and was wondering if you could swap the handle round, just as you said. answer is yes 🙂

[@MattSpaugh]

You'll dig it. For the money it cannot be beat IMHO. Thanks for watching!

[@jamskof]

great video! im about to buy my first head, ultimately i wanted to have full fluid control, but my camera is a zv-e1, small! but i do use it rigged with a mic and external monitor. but i dont see that i have much of a choice, i tried the new smallrig fluid head but didnt like the drag on the tilt at all and its not controllable. the only other head i like is the 500, but i feel i would like more drag than it has as i like very slow smooth pans and tilts.. do you think the 502 is the way to go with my camera? thanks!

[@MattSpaugh]

You really can't go wrong with the 502 - for the money, I still think it's the best option out there. Hope that helps - thanks for watching!

[@jamskof]

thanks matt!

[@theshortlist]

if i was in your shoes, i will the the GH-06 head on the manfrotto legs ! best of both worlds ! i have the manfrotto but don't like like... i believe mine is from a bad batch... i'm looking for a head smaller buy better... the GH-06 is the first on my list, but i'd like a smaller form factor... any idea ?

[@MattSpaugh]

No can do. The GH06 is a ball head - the base has a ball on it that will only fit a bowl-topped tripod. The 502AH head has a flat base that mounts to the center column on the 055. Take a look at the GH04 if you're looking for a smaller head. You won't get the amount of adjustment that you get with the GH06, but it's smaller and comes in either bowl or flat base. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@theshortlist]

@@MattSpaugh with the GH04, there is only variable fluid drag adjustment on tilt and is not variable on pan... I'm using my 502 with a 75mm bowl on a gitzo systematic, thank's to a Neewer 75mm Bowl Adapter (25 bucks).. much better for leveling !

[@theshortlist]

@@MattSpaugh GH-06F is the flat version from e-image

[@MattSpaugh]

@@theshortlist I knew they made a GH03F with the flat base, I didn't know they did the same for the 06 - good to know, thanks for sharing. And, thanks for watching!

[@MaurizioMoscatelli-photo]

Does the 502 head have dynamic counterbalance for adjustable fluid tilt?

[@MattSpaugh]

The pan and tilt resistance is adjustable - and they're adjusted via a wheel so there are no hard stops - no 1-2-3 settings, it's variable. The counterbalance is fixed. Hope that helps, thanks for watching.

[@xbfotos]

Can you mount the fluid head with that ranger ls tripod that you briefly showed? Thanks

[@MattSpaugh]

Yes. The receiver on the 502 is 3/8", as is the thread on the Ranger. That little Ranger is a great tripod. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@johnnewcomb5162]

Just figured out mine is the mvh502a head.

[@MattSpaugh]

That makes more sense. Thanks for watching.

[@moonrisepictures7623]

How does the pan/tilt smoothness and backlash compare to the gh06?

[@MattSpaugh]

They are similar though the GH06 is definitely better. It's adjustable in fixed increments so it's more repeatable, and has adjustable counter-balance which the 502 does not have. Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@kirstiecrawford1486]

Hello! I just bought this tripod for filming. How do you level this tripod? My old manfrotto had a dial on the bottom you moved around to level, but I haven’t been able to figure out how to do that with this tripod. TIA!!

[@MattSpaugh]

If you mount the 502AH to the 055 tripod like I do, you have to adjust the legs on the tripod to get it level - that's the only way because of the riser column. If you use this head with a tripod that has a leveling bowl you'd just mount it to the bowl. If you have fixed tripod (one without a bowl), you can add a leveling base like the Manfrotto 438. Hope that helps, ,thanks for watching.

[@CarreiroProduction]

Hi Matt, the students I work for do the same thing you did work around it then I show them you can not put it so high or switch sides and their minds get blown. I have you had any issues with the lock pin for the camera plate? We had one tripod the camera click in then the nob truns but the camera stays loose.

[@MattSpaugh]

NO issues here with the locking plate or with height adjustment. It may be that my camera cage is helping me out some with positioning.

[@frederickreed4604]

Thanks for this. Shame Manfrotto made a such a page 1 error in the first place as most of us are right handed.

[@MattSpaugh]

If there's one thing I've learned in this business its that there is no perfect piece of gear. I think the 502 comes pretty close though at this price point. Thanks for watching!

[@frederickreed4604]

@@MattSpaugh Not keen on the front safety catch now being at the rear of the head though as you tilt forwards.

[@MattSpaugh]

@@frederickreed4604 it's not ideal but having used my head this way for over a year now, you get used to it.

[@EdwardKilner]

Since I just bought my 502AH this very day, this is a nice hack to know. I had already figured the handle should be attached on the left because most of the buttons I need to operate my Z6ii are on the right of the camera, I didn’t think of reversing the handle direction. Must think on this idea, but don’t see any serious downside. If you discover one, please let me know. Subscribed, of course!

[@MattSpaugh]

Thanks for the sub. The only issue I've run into on this is that when using a cage on my camera, getting the camera to slide out of the quick release place can be a bit tricky. The way I have my cage configured, I have a handle on the side where the 502 handle is mounted. Once or twice the handle on the cage, has been positioned so that it wont slide past the handle on the tripod. It's easily remedied by loosening the tripod handle. Other than that, it's been great - oh, and I've had to re-train my muscle memory after 5+ years of using it the other way 'round! Enjoy your 502! Thanks for watching!

[@CasperLabuschagne]

This has been helpful to an ignoramus like myself that will put that tip to excellent use.

[@MattSpaugh]

WE idiots got to stick together... Thanks for watching!

[@acanthosaura7018]

which is the tripod at 0:53 ???

[@MattSpaugh]

Uh... did you miss 0:44? 😂 It's the Leofoto Ranger LS-233CEX. I did another video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIW3emCtndpooac Thanks for watching!

[@acanthosaura7018]

@@MattSpaugh a nice!!! i am deaf!!! xD thx a lot!!!

[@MattSpaugh]

@@acanthosaura7018 glad to help!

[@kifley19]

Does the head have a safety lock to protect the camera from falling?

[@MattSpaugh]

Yes. It's a great head - especially for the money. I picked up an additional one last week for less than $100 used just to have it around.

[@carlos-pratspratsonthebeat1145]

Thanks so Much

[@MattSpaugh]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching.

[@jdrummerdd]

oh my fucking god

[@fernandogcortes]

Nice and hilarious

[@MattSpaugh]

Thanks. Funny is the hardest part.

[@chiwawa130]

I just removed the handle. Problem solved.

[@MattSpaugh]

So how do you pan the camera? how do you get smooth starts and stops when panning? The handle serves a purpose - for most of us anyway. Glad you found a fix that works for you!

[@coffee.muggle]

Dang it..... I share your shame...

[@MattSpaugh]

It's amazing how the simplest solutions are always right there but sometimes so hard to see!

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks for this and the whole preceding series of three. I have the Manfrotto tripod, a Benro gimbal head and the more basic Manfrotto 402 fluid head. I am looking to upgrade the latter and have been looking at the alternatives. A friend uses the 512AH and recommends it but, before buying, I wanted to consider the potential alternatives. Your videos have convinced me that the 502 is the right solution for me - I am a retired, pensioner and enjoy making short videos as well as still photography (kzbin.infovideos) so budget is very central to my decision making, however, functionality and performance are equally important. The 502 certainly seems to tick all the boxes. Thanks again.

[@MattSpaugh]

Glad you found the videos helpful. The 055/502AH combo really is a workhorse and suitable for a wide range of applications. It is my go-to tripod combo for all my photography, and my number 2 pick for video work. Have a great day, thanks for watching!

[@MattSpaugh]

I just watched your "Ditchling Common Country Park in December" video. Great stuff! Looks like a nice place to shoot.

[@nunooliveira4257]

@@MattSpaugh Hi Matt, so what is your number one tripod combo for video? And why?

[@MattSpaugh]

@@nunooliveira4257 If I have to carry it around all day, the Manfrotto 055/502 is great. Lightweight, very capable and I don't mind abusing it. If I a have an assistant I can make carry my stuff, I use the E-Image GA752T with a GH06 head. The leg tension setting on 752T and ia really like having a ball to get things level. It's great but it can get heavy. If I'm in the studio I like Sachtler Ace XL head on anything that'll hold it because it's awesome. I'd really like to try the Sachtler Flowtech 75 Carbon Fiber Tripod but I'd rather spend money on glass than sticks. Being a big Philip Bloom fan, I'd also like to try the Miller Solo-Q 75 and the CX6 head or the maybe Air head. Hope that helps, thanks for chiming in!

[@marcinch3872]

OMG, 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👏👏👏👏

[@MattSpaugh]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Unleashed06]

was it designed that way? It really seems like a work around rather then a solution. This has bothered me forever, even with this fix you are limiting the handle adjustment downwards because of the tension knob. Even for lefthanded people cameras are generally set up for you to stand on the left with your right hand on the tripod handle and left hand focusing. WHY MANFROTTO WHY

[@MattSpaugh]

Why indeed. Overall, it's by far the best 'budget' option out there. I have two of them and use them on probably every shoot I do. Thanks for watching!

[@damianwyczakowski2491]

Hahahahahahhahahaha