Review: Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Tripod Head (502HD MVH502AH 502)

An unboxing and review of the Manfrotto 502AH Video Tripod Head.
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Link: www.manfrotto.c...
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[@realistindenial]

While this review is well over 4-years old, It's still very informative for those of us considering the MVH502AH in 2019. Thank you! 10:38 I believe the handle is reversible and can be mounted on the left-hand side. This would free-up the right hand to control the tilt lock.

[@TechIlliterate]

And in 2020! Just ordered one!

[@TheJeffChase]

@@TechIlliterate and in 2021! Good review.

[@dleblanc]

@@TheJeffChase and in 2022!

[@Springer5]

...and in 2024. Just ordered one. Great review.

[@danquan4808]

Very nice video. I appreciate the smooth presentation with no "uh"'s or other awkward vocal interruptions. I also appreciate the well thought out progression in the listing and explanation of features and the smooth hand movements. This is easily the best review I've seen to date. Thank you for taking the time.

[@MrJoJoJoJo]

i miss these old youtube videos

[@VintageHipDecor]

This is exactly the video I was looking for! Thank you for going step by step on exactly how to use it and what each knob does!

[@thagrintch]

Very thorough comprehensive video, best I've seen so far. Thanks for making this!

[@ModernCollector]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Nice job. Seems to be quite jerky at times when filming the airplane. Thanks

[@27chaz]

Here I thought this was another stupid un-boxing video. I was surprised on how professional this is. You went into great detail on everything and verbally explained more than what I expected. For those who may be new to tripods you may wanted to add how to mount it. I hit it lucky and just bought a used 502AH from B&H for $109.00. This was probably a display. Appears new with very little marks but works great. This is a very good head for video.

[@AhmadThabet-qw1kc]

Could this head be used for Still Photography as well, please advise.

[@shadowman3320]

This head is still available and I just bought one. You talked about the tilt being "self leveling," but it's really counterbalanced for an 8.8 lb camera and can handle up to a 15 lb camera. This was too much for my 3 lb camera since I will need to pan and tilt for live streaming and I can't have it moving when I let go of the handle. Luckily, I found a video of how to remove the counterbalance spring and that solved the problem. So far, I'm very happy with this head.

[@MikeMurphy-ev6hg]

here is a link to the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4DPm2WZjqiJf9k

[@chrisgrafil9462]

this is what unboxing and review should be like! very well done!

[@InterCity134]

So the TILT does not have 'memory to it' and isn't 'self leveling' per se. The head has a built in fixed COUNTERBALANCE of 4kg. What that fixed counterbalance means is that if your camera weights more than 4kg, then as you tilt it and let go, gravity will continue tilting the camera down. But in reverse, if the camera weights less than 4kg (as in your demo with 0kg on the head), then the counterbalance will rotate the camera back upward. Put a 4kg (@ 55mm center of gravity) camera on it and the tilt will stay perfectly where you leave it when you let go. To get that effect with a lighter camera (say a camcorder) one has to add weights to the camera/tripod head/plate to get it to the 4kg.

[@MarkPatten]

I've had one since 2013. Used it with Manfrotto crossbar on Manfrotto Pro4 Carbon tripod to film a dance concert. Worked beyond my expectations. Totally recommend. Great tutorial, by the way. Kudos...

[@video3dvd]

Well done...I would add that when adjusting the drags to only do so when actually moving the head in that motion. adjust horizontal drag while panning and tilt drag when tilting. Thus, there is no noise and you get full range of resistance.

[@Techusiast]

Though this video a little old, it's still being sold today - in 2018. This is the exact video I was looking for to decide if this would be the right tripod head for me. Thanks so much for the great, detailed and comprehensive review and demonstration! It helped me out a lot and I'll most likely pick this up myself to improve my video quality. All the best!

[@TomRichOld]

Gonna post this to my Google+, as this was a really useful video for me making my decision of purchase. Not to mention this is a very well done video considering you're just starting your channel out! Thanks!

[@ModernCollector]

Thanks for the kind words! And glad it helped!

[@TomRichOld]

ModernCollector Mind me asking what legs you're using?

[@ModernCollector]

Tom Rich Ah, it's my old school Manfrotto 055MF4. I bought it quite a number of years ago and it's a great, sturdy carbon fiber tripod.

[@Jpres]

This was a very well put together review. Also thank you very much for including the footage you recorded with it. Really shows off the stability of the head.

[@HayleSantella]

Still super helpful 3 years later! Thanks!!

[@m77ast]

Excellent video - just bought a fluid head for a community videography training programme we are going to be doing at our charity. This is the best online video that I have seen...

[@ChuckTipton]

Very helpful post-purchase to understand the various operations and applications of this pannning head. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this content together, very helpful.

[@Nada-Mal]

Excellent review: I've been researching various options, but this review has convinced me to go with this head. Thanks for taking the time to make the video, very clear and informative.

[@-Dragonfyr-]

Oh god, i thought i'd broke something when i heard that scrunch sound! lol Yea, first time using a fluid head, and i love it so far :) Great review, really helped understanding how to use it.

[@Toyrapy]

Just got mine today, it is used so I am abit worry when hearing that weird noise from adjustment. Feel much better now thanks to your very detailed and informative review. Still find this helpful early of 2019. Thanks!

[@tattotoro]

3:28 "So I had a full day to play around with the head" Quarantine description right there.

[@ROBERTKINGOFMAINE]

Excellent review! You were concise, clear and apparently accurate and comprehensive. This review is so much better than many that play annoying music. Thank you much!

[@ShanaSkyz]

I'm so glad you mentioned the tilt sound. I bought this and was hoping someone mentioned this. I thought I had a defective product. thanks!

[@Unomatocato]

BEST video review ever !!!

[@MrROCKMUZK]

This video's a lifesaver. Saved me hours on trying to figure out how to get the plate off. Thanks so much!

[@asahai2]

Where should the tripod head be rotating on horizontal shots? Mine only seems to rotate where I screwed it up in.

[@jkbdevel]

You did a great job. The video was very informative and showed that you had done your research on the specifics of the head. Looking forward to more videos.

[@sipapito]

Thanks for the upload. great detail and clear review,I just bought this for the second time.first time I thought too big and bulky but I had used others and they do not pan as soft so I got me another Manfrottto 502AH. Merry Christmas!

[@russellbell9123]

Thanks buddy. I just got mine in the mail and your video helped me to get set up right away.

[@zainabkhawaja92]

Thanks for making this! I appreciated the detail and the demo videos. Really informative.

[@MrOnegesius]

EXCELLENT review!

[@NicollesDreamsShop]

Great review, thank you so much! Just unboxed this bad boy and cannot wait to give it a proper try :)

[@luxorpyramid]

I bought one a few month ago in 2018. I am happy with my purchase.

[@sandrawhite3618]

Really helpful information, i just got this product as part of a kit, and i appreciate your discussion, which is clearer than the manual ;) I too was concerned about that weird kind of rattling noise when you turn the pan knob, thanks for mentioning it! I bought my kit used, and i thought there might be something loose in there. Many thanks, great review!!!

[@harrycallaghan22]

Great review & fantastic video clip. Not sure what head to get but think you've helped me decide. Thanks

[@ModernCollector]

No Prob! Been using it for ~2 months now and I'm still enjoying it. Very smooth.

[@paulthompson3156]

Great and useful video. Thanks very much for the thorough and easy to follow instructions. Keep up the great work !

[@Jwick1518]

Just got it, thanks for the review/video. This really helped in my purchase

[@MegaLeonidovich]

That pan lock knob under the bridge is pain in the butt to turn because its in a such a tight gap and i kinda hate it

[@johnger850305]

Nice review, after watching your video I went to the local store and tried for the first time, thinking about getting one as my Christmas gift!!

[@JTheAndroidFreak]

The best explanation so far on KZbin for the pro video head. Thanks a lot for the very informative video. Subbed 😉

[@RedFoxNewMedia]

Thanks for the comprehensive and clear review, very helpful.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

I just bought it and I must say, it’s impressive indeed.

[@digitaleyedesign7813]

Outstanding review and extremely helpful. You answered a lot of newbie questions right off the bat!! Now if i can only find out how to mount my Canon EO2 M4 to it

[@FrumPilot]

I wanted to thank you for your thorough review. Very clear and precise. I ultimately went with the new version of the 500. But i might just upgrade for a little more money and although the it's almost double the weight, if I get better results with it. it will be worth it. Thanks again! Jake

[@MikeMusto]

Thank you for this comprehensive review. I think I'm going to invest in one of these.

[@Samthesnake69]

Brilliant review. Enjoyed watching it and has helped me when deciding on a video head.

[@CharlonSerrano]

I have the same tripod head. My problem is the panning is not working anymore. There is no drag at all. And i dont know how to fix it.

[@keithnisbet]

Well cone. Informative, well organized and concise. Thanks

[@albertdesalvo7273]

Hideous T-shirt though an excellent video...clear, precise and detailed with first-class narration.

[@XLJagon]

Thanks for the great review, it should help me narrow down my choices. This head is now a top contender.

[@mikekeen9710]

awesome clear and precise easy to understand and follow gr8 job keep it up

[@finallyanime]

Hey! That's Toronto!!

[@fuglbird]

Pan drag setting is the most important thing for me in a fluid head. Could be OK for the 502AH Pro - not convinced though. Noise from tilt drag adjusting makes this useless. Nobody seems to produce an acceptable video head below $ 5.000.

[@communionhiphop]

Excellent review video! Thanks for making this

[@YonnBurgos]

Great information! Thank you

[@nilamonidaloi3713]

Now that's what I call a review , thanks a lot!

[@game-changer9803]

Fantastic, detailed review. Thanks!

[@sp7067]

Did it make a creaking-clicking sound when it was tilted forwards and backwards? Many people have experienced it and returned it. Some say it is normal and depends on the room temperature. Did you or anyone else here experience the same problem?

[@TeraLeighKenney22]

Very helpful. Great video quality too. Really great review!

[@christinehensley-robbins5891]

Great presentation! Slow and easy.

[@vladimirvopilin6922]

8:57 Почему вы показываете панорамы на широком угле? На широком угле любоя дешёвая голова покажет хороший результат, меня вот интересует какая будет панорама с объективом Sigma 150-600мм и именно на 600мм??????????????

[@uptownphotography]

Great in depth video...I may buy this one. Would on use a quick release plate attached to their DSLR or go direct to the long plate that comes with the head...I'd like to use a quick release if possible for a run and gun situation....Thanks...Philip

[@gianpaolocutrone]

Really an helpful review! Thanks!

[@madhu.devaji4397]

Very clear, professional, and comprehensive. Well done. Good review! One question left unresolved by the review, and a point of curiosity as a potential consumer is whether or not the head can tilt and lock at 90 degrees for portrait view stills. If you (or any other owners of the 502) can clarify here, or even provide still photos, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[@thebigitchy]

Yes, you can tilt it down/up 90 degrees. But why would you want to do that to take portrait view stills with this type of head? As it is, you'd have to loosen the plate from the camera, rotate the plate 90 degrees, then put it back on the head. Then you'd be unable to adjust your vertical orientation, just pan. On top of that, if you're using a heavy camera and lens combo, your center of gravity will be way off to the side, and you'll risk the tripod tipping over if you bump it. A far better solution is a ball head with an arca-swiss mount that allows a 90 degree tilt, because you'll still be able to adjust the vertical angle when tilted 90 degrees. If you use a heavy camera and lens combo, you can always put an L-plate on your camera, allowing you to mount the camera in portrait mode, with the center of gravity directly over the center of the tripod. Much safer.

[@andressalazar1458]

Mine has the same odd sound from the fluid drag system… 😢

[@leesasfavdad]

* * * I just found this video as well... Very well done... except you didn't show us the bottom - where the head connects to the tripod... I came looking for that... and didn't find it... (sigh) Until that time. . .

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

this is great review

[@vimalneha]

Very good review.

[@iphoneupdate]

this should a standard link for any purchase

[@zoltanfuzesi8866]

It has a built in counterweight, that is why it is trying to level itself...

[@krishmandal9769]

Very well done, and extremely informative, thank you.

[@dondouglas3673]

Excelente. Gracias !!!

[@barrygiddey9139]

Great video thanks very much

[@TechLineHD]

Thank you for a great review. This will be my upgrade from Amazon Basics fluid video head...

[@pedroemmett3509]

I know im randomly asking but does someone know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I was stupid lost the login password. I love any help you can give me

[@coltencoleman5513]

@Pedro Emmett Instablaster ;)

[@pedroemmett3509]

@Colten Coleman i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@pedroemmett3509]

@Colten Coleman it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my ass :D

[@coltencoleman5513]

@Pedro Emmett happy to help :D

[@AhmadThabet-qw1kc]

Many Thanks for the review, please advise if this Tripod Head could be used for still Photography as well.

[@Luigi13]

Great introduction video, thanks.

[@chiwawa130]

You don't need to "turn" the pan lock. Use it like a rocker arm to lock or unlock the pan. Good review though.

[@rajValath]

I was under the impression that when adjusted properly a fluid head when a heavy scope or camera pointing upwards will stay pointing where you leave them until you move them again. But here I see that we have to lock it just like a pan head?

[@anonymouse7074]

It depends on the camera weight, and how you balance it. This head has fixed counterbalance, so lightweight cameras will not work.

[@joellemorris5684]

Thanks for your review! I'm wondering how i can test this video head (I just bought from Amazon Warehouse) without a tripod with me.... Right now, i observed that the red drag ring only turns 90 degree and not more than that. Is it NORMAL when it's not the video head is not connected to a tripod?

[@rickraub5448]

Hi. I bought a used 502 and the red pan fluid adjustment ring is stuck on 0 resistance, not movable to add resistance. Any ideas on how I can get it functioning again? Hopefully something simple. Thanks.

[@PIXYBASHER]

GREAT REVIEW..the leveling bubble seams to be in a place where you cant get your head right over the top of it to see it properly. Is this the case.?

[@owenjennings8575]

Very nice review. Thanks

[@tarekmoussa3970]

Excellent review.. I have a question, Does the 502AH head,work with 60mm half ball ? Or just with 75mm Thank you.

[@udayakirankoorapati3049]

nice review.. how about the counter balance.. how does it work.. what does it do..

[@mike_spotter_cr]

Very informative! Thank you

[@UncleFeedle]

Is that an Aliens motion tracker on the bottom shelf? Useful review, I'm thinking of getting this head to combine with a carbon-fiber 755CX3. A bit pricey, but both seem pretty solidly built and should last for years.

[@richylovesmovies]

Awesome review. Thanks!

[@Vibrance_Visuals]

How do u put a fluid head on the tripod

[@JacobVoltarious]

I have a major issue with this head though. When I put the plate on my dslr and slide it in, the camera right grip blocked the locking switch from turning, so I had to place the plate a bit further back thus making the center gravity lean backwards.

[@chiwawa130]

Jacob Voltarious Just don't loosen the knob too much. Set it so you just need a quarter turn to tighten the knob. You can pull the knob out so it moves freely and place it where you can make that quarter turn. You should have no problem putting your camera anywhere on the head to balance it.

[@ElCineCasero]

where you got cap. america shield?

[@NewMogul]

Great video. Still super relevant!

[@sneakyghostfilms]

Great video! I'm at a loss as to what sort of tripod bag to use with this though. I have to detach it from the tripod whenever I transport it? It's rather difficult to get on and off the tripod for some reason.

[@dazchannelofficial5840]

Great video, what's the name of the tripod legs thanks 😊

[@huyked]

Great review! Thank you.

[@leandrosphotostudio]

i did purchase this video head to use with Sony HXR NX100 and manfrotto 028b. i must admit i am so dissapointed for the faulty video head, this is not worth purchasing knowing the fault indicated in this video.

[@gsguz9702]

Great review, thanks!!

[@yf502_01]

Awesome review video!

[@sahja324]

Good review, to the point and well spoken. I am looking for someone who has used this head for something like a dance recital from a close distance (i.e. 10-20 ft from state) where you have to pan and tilt quickly and frequently. What's the performance like with that? Anyone....?

[@sahja324]

*from stage

[@lgongalez]

Just bought this head and the damn red ring to control pan tension is stuck!!!! Sooo pissedd

[@jimmythegent9190]

I use it with a 5D Mark IV for video and it's sexy. Smooth pan and tilt. Strong and gets the job done. Do it!

[@kidsindustryprepllc492]

How do you twist the plate nob to tighten it? Mine is blocked by the width of the camera

[@speedmetalsimphony]

You can pull out the lever and adjust it so that you have half of a turn to tighten. It's a design flaw in my opinion, but it''s good that it only needs a half turn to lock the plate.

[@RayonWhittaker]

Nice video, extremely detailed man. Thanks for the info. Question, not sure if this was asked but what tripod was it mounted on? That sound may be due to where it's made. I thought they were all manufactured in Italy.