Battle of the Manfrotto Fluid Video Heads - MVH500AH vs MVH502AH - Which is BEST For Your Tripod?

[@MyPianoArchives]

Love this video - I was about to invest in the 502, but after seeing them side by side the 500 is much better for my use case. Thank you!! You’re a legend.

[@TravisVarga]

Haha thanks man. Yea the 500 rules - if you have a smaller rig and do more locked off stuff it’s perfect. Good luck with it.

[@MyPianoArchives]

@@TravisVarga Appreciate you - I got the 500 in and it’s perfect. Cheers!

[@TravisVarga]

@@MyPianoArchives oh yea sweeeet!

[@pahafx]

I've used the Manfrotto 502 for years without issues. It is sturdy and does its job. Tip: You can mount the quick place on camera turned 180 degrees and use the head other way around, which will solve most of the "problems" shown here. Pan lock is now directly towards you.

[@TravisVarga]

That’s awesome - stoked it’s worked for you. I see the 502 in the field way more, and putting it on ‘backwards’ like you said is what I suggest at the end of the video. It’s the best solution that does fix a lot of the issues. I enjoy the smaller size and weight of the 500 in the end - also how the plate goes on the head is heaps easier - both are great options that don’t break the bank in the end. Thanks for the comment.

[@Stoicstubbs]

Thanks so much for this bro!

[@TravisVarga]

No worries

[@jeb1246]

I could not help noticing your nervous and fiddling handle of both heads looked as if you have not seen a tripod and panoramahead before....It is painfull to watch and it touches to a comedy. Peter Sellers comes to mind

[@pjdilip]

He does look a bit distracted🙂

[@chiwawa130]

It’s like he purposely makes the simplest task look very difficult like he’s gets paid to make the product look bad. The 502 is very simple to use.

[@TravisVarga]

I love the Pink Panther!

[@TravisVarga]

500 Fa life

[@TravisVarga]

There was a lot going on that day..

[@andrijarancic6330]

thank you for this depth review. after this I went to the store, and noticed the exact same problems you talked about. So I I decided to buy 500. for my purpose it will be quite enough. thanks

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

The 500 it’s a perfect medium for medium weight set up it will drag super smooth with a 10 pound set up.

[@TravisVarga]

Agree all the way. Thanks for the feedback.

[@hans6304]

May I ask what kind of rig you have on top of the 500? I'm planning to do birding photo and video with a 200-600 lens, a mirrorless and a monitor on a fluid head. Cheers!

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

@@hans6304 canon r6 and a 600 f4 plus a cage and it works fantastic very smooth.

[@hans6304]

@@K9malinois_dog_love Thank you for responding! Beautiful dogs and beautiful lens!

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

@@hans6304 your welcome brother and thank you 🙏

[@b3arodactyl]

Thanks for the in depth video, good to hear your thoughts and see a direct comparison. Seems the 500 is a better choice for run and gun stuff, can’t imagine having such a large head as the 502 that’s even bigger than the camera

[@TravisVarga]

Appreciate the comment. Agreed, really dig the 500 - your spot on with the weight and size of the 502. If I wanted to adjust fluidity, I’d just look at the Nitro series or another option. Good luck if you pick up a 500!

[@chiwawa130]

@@TravisVarga This is the dumbest video I have ever seen . What is your iq? 1?

[@bwest6275]

After coming from these and switching to a Sachtler Ace, man I wish I saved more and started with Sachtler from the get go. There’s no comparison to how smooth a Sachtler is, let alone the counterbalance support.

[@TravisVarga]

Yea the Satchler’s are awesome - if I wasn’t a semi-Manfrotto fan boy I’d be down. Counterbalance control would be nice - I do majority lock off shots and with my current work flow the 500s work good for me.

[@bwest6275]

@@TravisVarga I feel you on that. I never wanted to move my 500s because I just couldn’t get the fluid motions without some backlash. So I moved them as little as possible. But I had to upgrade because it was pointless to have a fluid head that I didn’t want to use for actual movements. I’ve since picked up a Sachtler Aktiv6 and flowtech75 legs and it’s been transformative in my workflow now. So quick and easy.

[@TravisVarga]

@@bwest6275Awesome, glad you found something that works.

[@rithishkong5115]

For Sony 200 to 600mm lens which one is better ? 500 is easily available here in India so can I go with it or should I wait for 502ah

[@TravisVarga]

Hmm that's a tough one you're right on the border - I've used the 200-600 with the 500 and a Sony A7siii no problem for sure. I'd say that.

[@survivalist9818]

The front turn knob on the 502 will help your paying. It's in a weird place but tightens it down

[@TravisVarga]

For sure, thanks for the input.

[@gekalskip]

thanks for the indepth video, some time stamps would reallyyyyyyy be appreciated

[@TravisVarga]

Haha noted, yet I don’t want to mess up the sacred KZbin algo that currently has this video doing well lol. I would have thought TY would make auto time stamps by now, but I see it hasn’t (maybe this video came out right before they started doing that). I can answer any questions you have on the topic? I’d say bottom line get the 500 if you want a solid fluid head that’s easy to operate and great medium drag. If you really need more fluid control and also wanna edit the counterbalance, check out the Nitro head (expensive but prolly worth it) or a competitor brand that has those.

[@livingahumanlife2651]

Great video, thanks! I'll go with the 500 for my photography work✌🏼 it's just easier, and less fuss, and I know where I'm at every tinme I use it, and it's less money. Thanks again✌🏼

[@TravisVarga]

Hey HUMAN LIFE, thanks for watching and appreciate the comment. Yea I'd agree with your conclusion and choice on the matter. There's a photographer (Hudson Henry) where he talks about the 500 and him really digging it for photography. I think it's the perfect balance of size and function - enjoy!

[@Tonellacam]

Hey thanks for the video , do you think the 502ah would be too heavy for a cobra 3 monopod , I have a 502ah / tripod combo , but thinking I’m going to have to buy the 500 because it’s like 2 pounds lighter

[@TravisVarga]

Hey thanks for the comment. That’s a tough one, I’d say unscrew the 502 from your tripod and test it/ unless you have the bowel version and it won’t work. Weight wise it does look like it would work, but as you know, it’s size could make it a bit awkward. I think the 500 or one of the heads designed by iFootage for the monopod would be better. But if you have a beast camera and lens the 502 would work. Good luck!

[@lonnieclemens8028]

If the camera cannot be securely mounted onto the MVH502, it is a deal breaker. Why make the mount?

[@TravisVarga]

Haha right 🤷

[@chuckmac3994]

What happened to the 501?

[@TravisVarga]

Guess they skipped it? Their naming system if weird haha

[@MaurizioMoscatelli-photo]

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

[@TravisVarga]

Hey thanks for the comment / the 502 has a fixed counterbalance. And also the fluid head is set (at like a medium). With lighter cameras less aware of counterbalance issue so depends what our using.

[@MaurizioMoscatelli-photo]

@@TravisVarga I'm looking for a fluid head to which I can add a Nikon D850 + accessories but I need the counterbalance when I tilt the reflex up or down and it returns to the horizontal state on its own in a fluid way by adjusting the speed with the knob or by tightening it or loosening it. I don't know if I explained myself. I found a well-maintained 502 for 90 euros but before buying it I wanted to understand if it does the job I need, otherwise I will choose something else. Thank you

[@TravisVarga]

@@MaurizioMoscatelli-photo I understand what you’re saying. You may need to pay more and get the Nitro one or a different one - the 502 likely won’t do what your saying - but there’s a chance it’s near the set counterbalance (think it’s 8ish pounds).

[@TravisVarga]

@@MaurizioMoscatelli-photo if you can buy and resell if need/doesn’t work - could be a good option

[@MaurizioMoscatelli-photo]

@@TravisVarga I'll try in. in case you decide to take the 502. I'm evaluating a Benro alternative (the S6 pro)

[@cheekyoscar1353]

I think some of the problem" not all " is the camera you are using is too small and too light for the 502 head is made for much bigger cameras out with big lens .

[@TravisVarga]

Yup agreed - more camera/lens the 502 makes more sense and would operate better. Esp if you put it on the sticks ‘the backwards’ method lol.

[@panomsuk397]

The problem is for small camera to lock the base plate. I have been used the 502 since 2016 with supertelephoto lens like EF500 f4 and EF600f4. The good thing is it can move upright in the sky and fast manuever to follow the bird in flight. But with issue of locking of such hevy lens and camera assembly upto 6 kgs.

[@MassMediaArtistry]

That little button is designed to save your camera gear from falling

[@TravisVarga]

It’s saved me so many times…

[@coti9905]

for me its perfect much more than 500 model

[@jahfus]

Hahaha your funny bro 🤝 awesome review I appreciate it 🤘 just what I needed to learn.

[@TravisVarga]

Yoo appreciate it man haha - tripod heads can be funny too right. Glad I helped ya and thanks again for the comment and dropping in.

[@tata77888]

Oh, it's chaotic Move slowly

[@midha23]

the tripod that you are using with 500AH?

[@TravisVarga]

It’s a Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber. I’d recommend that setup all day!

[@larrybell1985]

502 is made for an ENG camera not a DSLR. You don’t have that problem with camera being the way of the screw.

[@TravisVarga]

That makes sense, thanks.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Hey buddy I love your humor. I just subscribed and hit the bell. I'm looking for a fluid head That has the half ball at the bottom that will mount on my tripod. The video camera I'm using is a Sony NX5U. Which one do you recommend. ? Don't break my bank now. KK Motion Pictures Also on KZbin

[@TravisVarga]

Haha what's up Keith! Appreciate the sub and checking out the video - seems your a filmmaker yourself. Cool - haha and per your request, even though I give some decent hate in this video towards the MVH502, it would work a bit better with a bigger camera like your Sony. There is a half ball version of it as well that exist. I don't think the MVH500 has a ball version, only flat. With the proper counterbalance, the 502 would work nice (check your camera weight against its 8ish lb counterbalance). BUT I would also recommend literally setting the 502 up backwards as this creates more ease of use due to the controls 'being in the right place.' Another option is a Nitro buy Manrotto (but near $600 and unsure your budget) or a Satchler ACE or ACE XL equivalent. Benro also has an S8 that is a Manfroto competitor, but can only find flat base for now. I like Manfrotto so I tend to stick to them (for now) but there does seem to be a big gap between their 'budget friendly like these two in my video, and their slightly more advanced that usually cost double. Their Nitro seems the best but still pricey. Leofoto VT-20 Fluid Video Head with 75mm Half-Ball is another I found - assure your ball head is 75mm (the normal I believe). And then there are fluid heads that are like $1500 hahah so its just a crazy world of panning and tilting. Good luck and keep me in touch with what you end up trying out.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@TravisVarga Hey Travis Thanks for the book that you wrote me. Ha Ha Just kidding I love the fact that you at least replied. I'm going to consider everything you said I have one more video for you that you might be interested in shot at NASA Near where I live. Just type in KK Motion Pictures NASA Good to meet you. Keith from Ohio

[@KTHKUHNKK]

I was just watching your video again. You know your stuff buddy. What editing software do you like ? I have used a few but right now I'm onto the one they call Power Director It's pretty nice. Keith

[@TravisVarga]

Haha thanks Keith. Yes been at this a minute, and the fun has begun. I use Final Cut Pro - on my phone I use LumaFusion. I’m an apple fanboy so I like final cut/ been using it forever. If that Power Dir you’re using works, stick with it. All editing systems are kinda the same - I’m good in Adobe Premier and iMovie/ whatever gets you to your end goal and works best for you. Final Cut you buy once and own forever if you wanna give it a shot.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@TravisVarga Hey Travis how you doing ? I am a PC guy not a Mac guy. But you're right about editing software most of it is close to being the same. Some are a little more user-friendly than others. I think I started out with Windows movie Maker years ago. Then try to bunch of different ones and ended up with Corel VSP. I USED THAT FOR MANY YEARS. But then it started getting a little buggy as the years went on and they were a lot of crashes. It does not like MOV files for one thing. I'm like you I like to buy it once and own it and that's the way Corel is and Power Director. I can't remember if I sent you a couple links to my videos or not. You may like KK Motion Pictures NASA Have a peek All my stuff is on KZbin as well. Keith Kuhn

[@TravisVarga]

@@KTHKUHNKK Will take a peak at your work Keith, thanks. And yea, Windows Movie Maker was the first editing program I learned on too way back. SD 480 was the thing haha - good times.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@TravisVarga Editing is a lot of fun when I first started using Windows movie Maker I wanted to see how long I can make a project. I was basically experimenting. I turned that experiment into a motion picture which I played in the theater. I named the motion picture the experiment which I made into a sci-fi I will send you a little clip. Keith

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@TravisVarga Here you go Travis. This is when I first started using Windows movie Maker I turned it into a experiment which led to a motion picture here is a clip Of it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ2wn5dnh7l3h8U

[@contentm3893]

Also the plate on the 500 isn't universal and fit on DJI gimbals. Other companies make better engineered heads for a lot less.

[@TravisVarga]

For sure, agreed lots of other options out there that suit certain needs better. I like how the plate of the 500 clips on sideways and it’s a smaller footprint in general. I do mostly tripod stuff so good for me. I’m kinda a Manfrotto fanboy so yeah better options out there but still think the 500 head and 055x in carbon fiber are a solid overall choice for lots of scenarios.

[@DonnaRodriguez-d2o]

Sauer Locks

[@contentm3893]

The 500 has a cheap way to pan left to right. It's just losing the head until it not all the way screwed on. The 502 actually has left to right pan. The 500 is base line amateurish.

[@TravisVarga]

Appreciate the feedback.

[@jamskof]

for the love of god SOMEBODY DESIGN A FLUID HEAD FOR MIRRORLESS CAMERAS!

[@TravisVarga]

Right lol

[@ExtremeSquared]

"Designed in Italy, Made in China" I'm not convinced the 502 was even designed in-house. Manfrotto is going to wreck up its reputation with cost-cutting decisions. Farming out fluid head manufacture is the last thing I would have expected from this company.

[@TravisVarga]

Hey D P, Yeah pretty crazy…I see a lot of people out with the 500 more these days, and less with the 502. Still like the company but can’t deny your comments on the matter. Have a good one.

[@m-stat9]

you could have solved half of your complaining with the simple 502 which you can find as one of the first results on KZbin.

[@Reason-fg4ik]

I have both the 500 and 502. I got to 3:10 and had to leave, couldn't watch further, sorry.

[@TravisVarga]

Haha no worries - it’s funny tho with this being one of my best performing videos..ever. An hour of rambling about Manfrotto heads - who would have thunk it lol.

[@Jameshhl]

Duh, just remove the handle and install it on the other side!!!! now the tilt lock is on the left and pan lock is also facing you.....

[@TravisVarga]

Yeah it’s the best way to do it…overall I prefer the 500

[@theshortlist]

but then you can't see the level !

[@TravisVarga]

@@theshortlisttrue, most cameras have a leveler now on the camera display - so it’s a bit obsolete unless you want a few vantage points to assure it’s leveled.

[@jamskof]

did you actually watch the video? thats what he did!

[@jamskof]

@@TravisVarga good point, its really the best way to level it

[@mariano500]

Nadie usaria el 502 para poner el cuerpo de la camara. Es para grandes teleobjetivos y los que va a la zapata es el soporte del lente, que en ese caso la perilla del ajuste de la zapata funciona perfecto y no estorba. Pero su critica me hace pensar más en lo torpe que es usted, que en los supuestos problemas del producto.

[@TravisVarga]

Haha fair enough - thanks for the comment. I just like the lightness and compactness of the 500 - esp as I go smaller and smaller with gear. When the iPhone 15 looks like Arri footage, we’ve reached a new height for filmmaking equipment.

[@midha23]

it's not a PAN lock it's a Pain Lock

[@TravisVarga]

Haha for sure

[@midha23]

22 mins and I am definitely not going for MVH502AH

[@TravisVarga]

500 is the way to go

[@TheNefastor]

Wow, the 502 is hot garbage... poor design, poor manufacturing. Thanks for this comparison !

[@TravisVarga]

Your welcome. Yes, and the 500s nice and easier to use in film settings.

[@javwildman]

Firstly when comparing the 2 heads why not just pick up the head and move it to the tripod and head, it took 3 of your attempts to actually see the comparisons in size. Secondly the heads are universal for left & right handed people, that's why they have a fitting on either side for the handle, plus you can then flip through 180 deg so the clamp is on the rear where you can use it the logical way. Finally a whole hour to do a 5 minute review, you should have gone to the shop and get the sales assistant to show you first how to operate it correctly.

[@TravisVarga]

Appreciate the feedback, all valid points.