⚙️ FLUID HEAD FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY | Benro S8 Pro 🆚 Manfrotto 502

[@robertlawrence7958]

A very good comparison Will. I have the Manfrotto 502 now as my main head and I also have the Benro S6 head. I find the S6 (smaller version of the S8 you have reviewed) is not as stable as the 502 and tend to only use it as a hide set up. I have access to the Manfrotto 504 via work but have found that, like the 502 the counterbalance is still insufficient for the outfit I use. I have to say that I am purely a stills photographer, mainly using a Canon body with 800mm and 100-400mm lenses.

[@Springer5]

Excellent review. Honest, calmly presented pros and cons of each model. Nicely done. Just a thought on levelling bubbles... I agree that they all seem to be awkward to use because you can't look directly over the top of them easily. My HC-X2 has an electronic leveller built in to the viewfinder, which works really well and negates the need for a level on the head. I can't understand why more cameras don't have that to be honest. Anyway, thanks again and I hope your Manfrotto is working well for you. Cheers.

[@christinepepper4053]

I really feel that you give an informed and detailed analysis when you do these kind of reviews and they are really useful. At the moment I have a tripod that I rarely use (I know - sacrilege) as I do most of my photography hand held. Here in the UK (not far from London) there aren't many situations from the car that would need camera support (unless you are photographing other cars!). But, keep them coming, Will and thank you. Hope you and family are ok.

[@JH-qv3xv]

Will, great comparison. As a stills versus video shooter the not being able to firmly locking down is a deal breaker for me. I just spent three days fighting that issue and decided I need to make an equipment upgrade. I'm now able to make a more informed decision. Thanks

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi, great to hear the vid was useful! If I had pooled the money I’ve wasted on cheap tripod heads I could afford a really good one by now :) such a good feeling to have confidence in ones gear

[@dannydanquah3681]

I was debating on these two about a month ago but ended up buying the Sirui VH-10X and have no regrets. Very light and smooth.

[@WillGoodlet]

Nice! We don’t get a lot of options - I was lucky to get the Manfrotto it was out of stock for 8 weeks. Sirui makes decent stuff - would be great to see more of it here

[@MamaLifeBre]

Great comparison! I have the 502 but was curious about the Benro

[@PaulGalea-zz1my]

For telephoto lenses the corect head from Manfrotto is Nitrotec 608 or 612

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Paul - I wish we had more choices here in SA, I can't find them for sale.. We are at the mercy of importers. Also, been looking at the Sachtler ACE XL (because of its flat base ability - but also wish I could see one first) but cannot persuade B&H to ship it.

[@ndro7068]

Fantastic breakdown comparing why benro might work for videography over manfrotto in this case. Thank you!

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@augustogomes_photo]

Very nice! Thanks for the carefull review and tips. Definitelly going to the Benro for video!

[@WillGoodlet]

Just watch that the pan is nice and smooth at different settings - that was the big issue for me

[@brettharrisphotography7463]

Definitely the Benro!

[@FilmRunnerMedia]

I have a Manfrotto 502 and I'm just not happy with its performance. I was looking at the Benro S8 Pro as a possible alternative. My C70 rig is a lot shorter than yours, however whenever I try to add an external monitor then it becomes top-heavy and very hard to balance, so I think an adjustable counterbalance will help with that. I think after watching your review I might wait and invest in something at a higher price point.

[@WillGoodlet]

Yes a good idea I think. Sachtler ACE xl? miller? For video and stills from a vehicle i like the flat base 502/504 low height but Im always holding the camera and dont beed the counterbalance

[@jahfus]

Holy guacamole 😳 that lens is gigantic. Awesome review my g 🤝

[@i003783]

Great video. I use Manfrotto Nitrotech N8 and 500A heads, I personally do not like the Manfrotto 502 head due to ergonomics. Both heads I use from Manfrotto are good, but Nitrotech N8 is a gem!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching Chris. I need a second head and am struggling with the choice due to shooting from a vehicle. I'd like something really good this time but they generally have a 75-100mm ball, which is not helpful. I will have to have a close look at the n8

[@madcat1007]

Nice video. Thanks. How do you attach the lens to the fluid head?

[@WillGoodlet]

With a manfrotto lens plate

[@madcat1007]

​@@WillGoodletWhat if the lens is arca swiss?

[@WillGoodlet]

@@madcat1007 you would need to screw it into the bottom or us an arca clamp screwed onto the lens plate

[@aaronmiles3846]

Been researching the S8 Pro and came across this video. It seems the non-linear pan with the S8 Pro is widely reported, but I've also seen some people in forums saying it is down to the fluid not being warmed up, with some claiming to workaround it by "spinning" the pan head around a few times before use. I know you mentioned you haven't seen any changes with use, but perhaps you need to brute force it a few times before use. I don't supposed that's something you tried?

[@WillGoodlet]

@@aaronmiles3846 I used it in the field and found it frustrating. I didn’t warm it up, just used it for full days and interchanged on the next day with the Manfrotto. Preferred the Manfrotto for my use which is not necessary to counterbalance. If it doesn’t pan nicely after a days use I don’t really see the point of the warming up.

[@aaronmiles3846]

@@WillGoodlet I think the idea is that it needs a few 360 degree spins so the fluid is evenly distributed. I have ordered it so we will see how it goes

[@aaronmiles3846]

@@WillGoodlet Thank you for the reply. I think the idea is that the fluid needs distributing equally hence why it needs "spinning" a few times 360 degrees. I have it on order, we'll see how it goes.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Nice seeing you again, if the only gripe you have is that cannot totally lock down I don’t think it’s a major obstacle for wildlife. If you are doing some long exposures or landscape where you really need things to lock down you can always use another simpler/cheaper/non-video head.

[@WillGoodlet]

My issue is more the distrust of the fluid pan. I just didn’t feel good and I don’t trust it to last. The Manfrotto has really nice fluid drags by comparison.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@WillGoodlet Tnx for the clarification

[@OlegAlferev]

Thank you for very usefull review!!!

[@african7498]

Thanks for your videos and advice - great video with clear reasons.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching glad you liked it :)

[@dotta4763]

Very insightful review. Have you tried the 608 and 612? That would have been a more similar price comparison maybe

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks. We have very limited options here you can’t get them

[@WillGoodlet]

The Benro s8 pro and manfrotto 502 are very similar in price here

[@dotta4763]

@@WillGoodlet I guess market prices are very different from UK. The 502AH is around 160£ while the 608 goes in between 400£ and 500£ depending on deals

[@WillGoodlet]

@@dotta4763 yes we get ripped off by the resellers here. The 502 is GBP 240 and Benro S8 pro is GBP 250 and benro is the only head widely available

[@dotta4763]

@@WillGoodlet Pure gauging. And EU is considered the most expensive market in the world as prices in US and Asia are much lower as they are considered countries where people are not willing to pay as much for goods.

[@MrOpeniam]

I just bought the Manfrotto 608 nitrotech fluid head - almost similar. Very happy with it.

[@nortondefaria]

I had to laugh out loud at the end of your video Will. The Benro had all the ingredients to qualify as the best of the two and at the end you choose the Manfrotto. One of those final twists of a story to make Brian the Palm happy. Great review anyway.

[@WillGoodlet]

Unreliable pan on the benro is a deal killer!

[@jcmendez1198]

Hey Will, great video. I own the Manfrotto and I'm very happy with it. Works great with my long glass and my C100 as well. Be well and stay safe.

[@kuau714]

Will what car mount are you using to mount the S8 Pro?

[@WillGoodlet]

It’s made here in SA by Ralph pollack at gimprogear kzbin.info

[@ephotosaver]

Thank you, Will, for this very in-depth and informative review. I also thought you were going for the Benro but your choice makes total sense for your shoot style. I am in the same place so I will probably end up with the Manfrotto since I shoot mainly stills with some occasional video.

[@antonoat]

Very informative review, thanks Will.

[@quentinfourie2173]

Will, thanks for the informative analysis of the Benro and Manfrotto heads. I am considering buying a fluid head for our self-drive African safari (when Covid is under control). Take care.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I use the excellent MANFROTTO VIDEO MVH502AH Flat Base which I highly can recommend.

[@Pharesm]

Great comparison, which speaks of things that are important beyond just those two heads. Its nice to hear from people who have really put that gear they are talking about to work for more than just a morning. Much thanks for that! I'm still looking for a really small run-and-gun video head, that can still do great video with slow and smooth movement... if that exists at low weight and size is yet unknown to me...

[@hans6304]

Hello, have you found one? Cheers

[@gcprost]

I think it is very interesting that as a video shooter, I use a gear head (on my wide shot) and you as still photographer use a fluid head. I have a 502 and a couple of 504's. I don't fault the performance of the 502 it is a bit awkward with the vertical lock on the right side. Because I shoot mainly live theater, concerts and dance shows. When it comes to getting the most out of these heads, we need to think old school when tripods were poor. Increase your shutter speed, increase the length of the arm on your tripod, and lastly rehearse your pan and cut out the start and stop. I have to admit, that even on my rigs the 502 doesn't have enough counter balance. My 504's are really only capable of coping with the loads I throw at it.

[@WillGoodlet]

It is interesting. If it was strictly stills for me, I'd prefer a gimbal but obviously that's for my subject matter! I have a constant debate in my mind over how to improve the quality of movement in my video. The 502 is still not ideal. As you say the vertical lock on the right is a pain and it would be much nicer to have a functional counterbalance on my long lens. I have a big problem with space, shooting from a vehicle, so I am not really able to use the arm (which as you mention makes a big difference) and added to that, the movement in the vehicle and sometimes from wind amplified by 400-800mm of glass makes for all sorts of unpleasant jerks in movement. I haven't got a solution. I've thought about moving up to a Sachtler or a Miller, but without the flat base the entire mounting system will need to change and this will significantly impact my ability to capture good stills when following a subject. I've thought about the 504 too, at least it has a flat base and is built for heavier loads. Even with a Sachtler, for arguments sake, I'm not convinced that movement from wind or the unsteady vehicle won't still be a problem and it's a very expensive experiment - we can't get the same return terms as people in US or UK. I'm relying on 120fps, electronic image stabilisation, cutting the start and finish (as you say :) ) and stabilisation in post. Also, static shots with hands off! I wish I could try a Miller CX6 and see if it solved my problems, but somehow I doubt it will.

[@stenman9106]

Important to also consider post sale customer support which varies greatly.

[@WillGoodlet]

Very true! Thank you

[@pauloliveira1989]

@@WillGoodlet Is it better on the manfrotto side?

[@WillGoodlet]

@@pauloliveira1989 it doesn’t exist for either in South Africa as far as I know

[@pauloliveira1989]

​@@WillGoodlet oh! That is a shame specialy for Manfrotto I think. Greetings from Portugal.

[@jasoncrane5851]

Great video.thanks

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching Jason :)

[@lutracanadensis101]

Will, do you use a leveling base with the Manfrotto or any other large, fluid heads? Thanks.

[@WillGoodlet]

I have one but very rarely use it because the horizon is almost never in my shot or the view is so tight with a long tele that it’s not evident that the level is out when panning with a running animal. If I did wider shots and more panning I’d use it more

[@WillGoodlet]

I’m also leaning more towards those ‘authentic’ shots with a bit of shake etc.. for my vlogs - it puts the viewer a little more in the moment I think

[@louisloffler1513]

Great video, thanks Will!

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks for watching it Louis :)

[@Banjmedina]

beautiful presentation of the differences.. but if i may ask? between Benro S8 vs Manfrotto 504X which one would you choose??? thank you

[@WillGoodlet]

Thank you, I haven’t used the 504. My problem with the benro was the pan drag. It is not smooth and so makes it unusable for panning (at least on my copy at < 6 on the scale) The Manfrotto 502 was much better at this. Note wolf crow rates the 504 as the best starter head for video in this post - wolfcrow.com/11-fluid-head-options-for-every-budget-from-80-to-5000/

[@Banjmedina]

@@WillGoodlet thanks for the reply, i ill put your input into consideration. :-)

[@bryanh.642]

@willngoodlet, great video comparison. I am on the market for one of these fluid heads ,planning to bring it around for wildlife travel photography, size is a major factor. What are the dimensions (w x h x l) of each of these heads with the pan arm detached? Have you used the manfrotto 504x or nitrotech 608? If so how does it compare to the s8pro in terms of dimension and cons

[@smurgy99]

Great review, Will. Just revisited this review. I have the Manfrotto and a Wimberley. For stills I generally prefer the Wimberley, which means the Manfrotto rarely gets used because of having to change plates, but like many people I'm doing more video now, and the Wimberley isn't so good for video. Anyone know if there is a friction head that uses Wimberley plates? We have a long trip to Kruger coming up next year and I'll have to decide which head to take, but I find Manfrotto plates to be slower to use and not so solid as Wimberley. But then I've been using Wimberley well over 20 years so maybe I'm just used to them.

[@WillGoodlet]

You can fit a clamp to the top of the manfrotto plate that takes the arca plate or there is the flex shooter head

[@smurgy99]

@@WillGoodlet Yes, been looking at plate conversions. I already have a UniqBall head of which the Flexshooter looks to be a copy. I do like it for some things, but again it seems better for stills. Maybe the FlexShooter pans better. I like the UniqBall's weight and size for travel and may end up bringing that to Kruger, but again it doesn't really have the fluidity of movement of either the Wimberley or indeed the Manfrotto. Nothings perfect though, always a trade off.

[@starshipbocachica]

Love comparison explained. Will go with the Benro. I chase rockets at BocaChica Texas at Starbase. BocaChicaMaria for @StarshipBocaChica.

[@ivanhendricks1412]

Thanks Will. Have you considered the Manfrotto 500AH as used by Hudson Henry on his channel?

[@WillGoodlet]

I have conflicting info on it’s weight capacity. I need 7kg minimum. It’s listed as a 5kg head here in SA. The 502 at 7kg. Ideally I would have gone for the 504x but can’t get them here without importing them specially.

[@ivanhendricks1412]

@@WillGoodlet Thanks for the quick reply. Love your channel BTW...I'm based in Cape Town. I'm also looking at the 502AH but was just wondering about the 500AH. My largest lens is the 500mm so almost equivalent weight to your 400mm.

[@SwanSycorax]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad it was helpful Brian :)

[@curlsbynat9763]

Brillant video❤ when you mentioned the price in South Africa I gasped😳

[@WillGoodlet]

Yeah it’s a problem!! We could get them cheaper on Amazon but if there is a battery (like in the benro) even a tiny one they can’t be shipped.

[@curlsbynat9763]

@@WillGoodlet, I just subscribed to your channel. I recently purchased my first digital camera. So excited to make YT videos and photography.

[@WillGoodlet]

@@curlsbynat9763 congratulations on the camera and thanks for the sub! I hope you find some other videos you like. I love photography, it’s been one of the best things in my life and I hope you enjoy the journey too. :)

[@markuslolen6127]

Very nice review! Can the Benro S8 Pro counterbalance up to the maximum payload of 8 kg?

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks! I’m sorry but it was so long ago that I can’t recall - I don’t have the benro so cannot test for you

[@markuslolen6127]

Thanks anyway!@@WillGoodlet

[@gollariddhi]

Great work Will, I have a question. Can I use the Manfrotto 500AH for videos? Thanks in advance :)

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi, yes that's the design intent. You can use it for photography as well. The only thing to note is that it is a flat base version, so it will need extra work to level the platform or tripod you are using in order to do level pans. There is another version with a levelling bowl for video tripods.

[@annaheya2109]

Spoilt for choice Very informative thank you

[@barryscully1820]

I went through much the same comparisons, ended up with the manfrotto 504hd that solves some of your issues with the 502 but is a bit heavier and more expensive. I do wish I could have a tripod setup like you do on your car but I tend to have to hike in for my photography most of the time anyways.

[@WillGoodlet]

I wouldn’t mind the 504, but the premium on the price is hard to swallow! You definitely wouldn’t want to lug that door mount around on your hike!!

[@barryscully1820]

@@WillGoodlet It is a beast, I've taken it on shorter (2-5 mile) hikes but only when I'm expecting to do both video and stills otherwise I switch to a benro ball head that is about 1/4 the weight. Hopefully it will continue working for a long time compared to the past fluid heads I have tried to make the price worth paying.

[@hamptonblues]

Hi Will, thanks for the review. Do you have any comments regarding the use of these without the panning bar / handle attached. Shooting from inside a smaller vehicle (like a Jeep Wrangler) is tight and the pan handle 'might' not work as well as in larger rigs or open typography.

[@WillGoodlet]

I almost never use the panning handle - the longer lens basically does the same job. Thanks for watching!

[@fluidmindorg]

Thanks for the detailed review; very helpful when trying to decide whether to get a Benro (it looks like it would be great for mainly video). To be fair to Manfrotto, though, comparing the Benro S8PRO to the Manfrotto 504X would have been a more apples-to-apples comparison.

[@WillGoodlet]

Wish I could have found a 504 to try. I chose to keep the Manfrotto even though it's a bit light for my lenses. Using the 100-400 for video and the 400 f2.8 for stills helps out quite a lot.

[@jensenbeer]

I couldn't agree more!!!! 502 an the 504X are totally different. I could watch this after a couple minutes!!!! @@WillGoodlet

[@WillGoodlet]

Not sure I understand. Do you mean you could NOT watch after a couple of minutes? The pan drag on the Benro was not uniform it catches - hence useless for me.

[@jensenbeer]

You can't really compare the S8 Pro to the 502 because it's not apples to apples like mentioned above. This is the second review I've ran across comparing the two. Get your hands on a 504X and check it out. I might lean towards the S8 because of the 8 step CB, but the top load on the the 504 is a hands down winner. Very nice video you've done, but just saying.... Thanks :)@@WillGoodlet

[@WillGoodlet]

Not easy to get larger heads here. We’ve just started to see the 504 on sale with legs. Also interested to try the ACE XL

[@lucky_luke_photography]

Hi. In your opinion, is this option better than gimbal head ?

[@WillGoodlet]

For photographs the gimbal should be a bit better. But the video head is nice for smooth pans in flight. It’s better to use a gimbal with adjustment on the vertical axis in a car to allow the lens to point into high tree branches. Very had to do that with a video head. Otherwise I don’t find much difference

[@rhiwderinraytube]

Thankfully I don’t have the problem. When I have that kind of dilemma, I study the specs, look for objective reviews and then buy the best I can afford. I am willing to bet that there are better fluid heads out there but the cost would be prohibitive and may not even be available in South Africa.

[@WillGoodlet]

There are most definitely better ones out there!

[@african7498]

Another question - I have seen a few videos that all say the Benro's do not lock properly in the vertical or tilting plane? There was a guy from Midwest that says his locks rock solid? I like having the knobs on one side - but slipping would be a problem. Do you think it would slip with less heavy zoom lenses like 150-600?

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. It doesn't 'slip' it locks and you can't move it from that position. But there is 'play' it wiggles a bit if you put any pressure on it. I don't know if this is a feature of the video head, to avoid backlash when starting a tilt movement. For my purposes, the real killer for me was the panning axis which had softer and harder sections in the pan - it just felt like it would only get worse with use. With the Manfrotto, the pan was smooth and offered the same friction throughout. Panning is my biggest problem with the large (definitely overweight) lenses I shoot. When every little movement is emphasised by the focal length, you don't want any change in friction at all. The Benro just didn't inspire confidence in the Pan and the lock mechanism felt weaker with the heavy lenses.

[@AlpeshPatel-jh5ti]

Will another amazing and objective video. Really appreciate this. Question: when you are in the car I see you seem to use the Gimpro bracket. Do you use the fluid head or do you use a gimbal. What’s your advice?

[@african7498]

What door mount do you use on Basil? I cannot find info on a mount for the door. Obviously looking for something that can take a compatible fluid head or gimbal. Thanks.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi, sorry for the late response - I use a Gimpro door mount. I have a video on it in the gear/reviews section of the channel.

[@african7498]

@@WillGoodlet how did I miss that. Thanks

[@cipisound]

I got 3x pieces. one is ok at panning. Two of them have issues at the panning ring: it passes over level zero on the ring, and all 3 passes over level 10. two of my heads have similar issues. my conclusion: BENRO S8 PRO is not good for panning. Tilt looks fine. I have also old cheap heads and new models for other brands (even no name brands) and works nice. Even the S4 pro works great for panning - but it has just one single friction option - there is no ring for adjusting pann friction. I am disappointed of S8 PRO. I want to make an upgrade (for adjusting friction for panning) but S8 is not ok. Sorry. update: all 3 heads (S8 pro) lock in 3 different positions at tilting lock knob (this locks dont have adjustable position like the lock plate or lock pann). another minus !!! update 2: at the panning ring, in the lowest value (below zero on two of them or zero at the single one that dont go below zero) the frictions are completely different. so 3 heads - 3 different friction force apply - with exactly same Panasonic camera on them - and the weight of the cameras is 3,5 Kg.

[@davidsherman3462]

Did the firmware update for Canon R5 fix any problems that you seen with this canon? thanks

[@WillGoodlet]

No nothing - but the second body was on the old firmware and had none of the issues of the first body on the new firmware

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

Very interesting review I am looking for a new head for video and also a spotting scope. The Benro not locking down is a deal breaker for the spotting scope use for me, as sometimes I digiscope. That said these are a bit too heavy for what I wanted anyway but very interesting and quality review.

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheGreatLoco]

Would a Gitzo 3-way fluid head be good to replace a ball head and a gimbal, for photography?

[@WillGoodlet]

Three-way heads are normally used for precise framing of photographs. Because this is a fluid head, it clearly allows for smooth movements - but I'd be hesitant to use a three-way myself without trying it out extensively. It's not normally what one would associate with the freedom of movement needed for capturing moving wildlife and it has an awkward shape too. As I have a traditional three-way head (a vast old Manfrotto) I use it as intended for things like landscape, architecture, macro -not that I do a lot of that these days... I wouldn't consider it for wildlife

[@mattgoodrum3424]

Hi Will, I've recently started trying to take my wildlife photography up a notch and watched a few of your videos. Everything I have shot so far has been handheld, but with a 2kg lens that's obviously proving quite tiresome and I don't always have the steadiest of hands. Would you recommend a fluid head or a gimbal head for stills?

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Matt, even a beanbag will do. But if you are using a tripod, you have loads of options depending on budget. Best all round option right now is probably the flexshooter. (Not for video though) Gimbal will offer a nice balanced rig but is heavy and large. It is also not the nicest for panning with birds in flight if that’s something you do. My preference is fluid as it’s nice for panning and a little easier to pack. It does have its downsides so if you haven’t watched my other video on heads it will point them out.

[@mattgoodrum3424]

@@WillGoodlet Thanks for the swift response! I'll definitely grab a beanbag as we have a number of local hides where that would be useful. I have a tripod with a ball head, if the ball is locked off then the panning axis does off some resistance which is nice but there's nothing with regards to the up/down axis. Flexshooter unfortunately doesn't appear to be easy to find in the UK. OK, understood, thank you. I do like to try and get some birds in flight so looks like a fluid head will be the way to go, but I'll checkout your additional video for a more informed decision. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[@LotetaCartel]

Thank you

[@KakNeru]

Is this recommended for aviation?

[@WillGoodlet]

I haven't shot aviation - but the smooth pan would be advantageous. I use it for birds in flight and prefer it to a Gimbal. If you also want to shoot video it's definitely better than a gimbal. If you work with slower shutter speeds (to blur the props) I think the fluid pans might be handy offering a less jerky motion.

[@KakNeru]

@@WillGoodlet thanks 👍

[@xiaofengliu5724]

When you use the long lens on the tripod, did you turn off image stability? Thank you!

[@headshotke]

Did you look into the Benro S6pro also? I have a hard time deciding between S6pro and s8pro, I would go for S6 mainly because of weight difference and smaller size, but currently using old Nikon 500mm and d850 weighing exactly 6kg

[@philipculbertson55]

Now this was a great review. I do have a question. It seems to me you shoot more from the vehicle which makes sense with dangerous species especially. If you were backpack hiking, and mainly shooting stills, would you still use a fluid head over something lighter and less bulky like a ball head? It seems to me the greatest benefit of a fluid head is the smooth video capability. I have always used a ball head since that is not important for me but I am considering changing to a geared head or fluid head and wondering if the added bulk is worth it.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Philip, for me the fluid head is a necessity for the video but I also prefer it for panning shots and birds in flight. For larger lenses, you need a relatively large head so I'm not sure if it's going to be practical hiking with it unless you specifically want to shoot some video (in which case there's not much else you can use). If you are primarily shooting stills maybe look at a flexshooter or similar? If you haven't seen my earlier video I go into a lot of the pros and cons (for me) on the other heads.

[@roamingyak]

Hi Will, are there any better options if you are primarily shooting video please? (From a Defender drivers seat, restricted space - up to $500 or so)

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi it depends where you are. We have very limited options here. But have heard good things about the e-image. There’s also a heavier version of the manfrotto (504) but this is mainly for video - stills it’s a flex shooter or gimpro door mount and gimbal

[@rhiwderinraytube]

Can you get Gitzo or Sachtler in S.A.?

[@WillGoodlet]

We are very limited by what the big retailers bring in. Normally that’s the cheapest thing they can find and the markup is 30-40%. Amazon has started shipping here now so maybe that will shake things up (but no recourse for faulty items - can’t really send them back so it’s risky) Heard good things about e-image

[@rhiwderinraytube]

@@WillGoodlet probably best to contact professional wildlife photographers in Africa (like Simon King in Kenya) and find out what they would recommend within your budget.

[@mordavian]

Can i attach this Benro head to a Sirui tripod?

[@WillGoodlet]

Depends on exactly what tripod you have. The head is a flat base (a lot of video tripods are 75mm or 100mm bowls) my guess is you have a normal photographic tripod? In which case, yes, the flat base heads will work. The tripod, depending on its size will have a 1/4 or 3/8 screw that fixes to the underside of the head. Most larger tripods use a 3/8 that screws directly into this head. If you have a small tripod with a 1/4 thread I would not advise using it with this head it will not be safe enough.

[@mordavian]

@@WillGoodlet Yes i have an old Sirui N2004 photography tripod.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

What on earth happened to the Rand? I remember when it was equal to the Australian Dollar.

[@WillGoodlet]

It used to be worth more than the Pound. Spiralling government debt, credit downgrades, rampant corruption, money printing, pressure to make the central bank an arm of government instead of independent, political threats to properly ownership (it is now nearly legal for government to take any land without paying for it), riots and ‘insurrection’. Bankrupt state utilities. And everyone knows the rand in their pocket today will be worth less tomorrow

[@dibi2503]

I had that manfrotto and sold it. It was a pain to use the button inside at the front. Manfrotto messed up on this head.

[@WillGoodlet]

The button for release or the clamp for horizontal rotation? I don’t find it too bad. But it’s always going to be a personal thing

[@williamgardner2739]

dibi2503 I have the manfrotto 502 head and if it`s any help, the button you mention is adjustable. it`s a little bit fiddly but doable, if you screw it out you will see two prongs that fit the holes on the bottom of the button. Turn the button to point forward or pointing left or right, replace it all back. you may try 2 or 3 times to get it to suit you`r likes.

[@pritamgurav4494]

Hi I am using nikon z6 + nikon 600 mm f/4 FL ED VR lens and my question is benro s6 pro can I use with this combo ?

[@WillGoodlet]

I think the s6 is a bit small for that

[@pritamgurav4494]

@@WillGoodlet thanks for your time and info👍

[@stanyduh5427]

502 compares more to S6 and 504HD to S8pro in my opinion

[@WillGoodlet]

The S6, or at least the one i have, does not have a variable pan drag so I find it almost useless. Especially as the drag is so small for bigger lenses. The S8 just didn’t have a reliable pan and I could not recommend it as a result

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Watching! I cant find that Benro head from a google search with that number buddy...

[@WillGoodlet]

I think you were searching from my project number. I forgot this video was scheduled and didn't have a title! Was busy working.

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

@@WillGoodlet 😂😂 and thats why lol 😂😂

[@Filmsimulation]

Can I use this benro on a flat manfrotto legs?

[@WillGoodlet]

It’s a flat base head, so it works on normal photo tripods and any tripod with a flat 1/4” top - if I understand your question

[@Filmsimulation]

@@WillGoodlet thanks! This the leg I have tho manfrotto mt055xpro3. Hope this works with the s8! I mainly gonna use these for videos.

[@WillGoodlet]

Yes you should be able to screw it into that. Remember with a photo tripod you will have to take time carefully leveling the legs - a video tripod with a bowl or leveling head is easier to use

[@Filmsimulation]

@@WillGoodlet thank you for these replies! I will be buying a video tripod soon but this is all I have atm. Thank you!

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Hello, my friend. How are you doing hope all is well with you. I am looking forward to your next video.

[@fgb3126]

Whoa there Will! I watched this video again for the third time. The first two times were several months ago. Third time was last night. I noticed what I am going to point out after my second viewing but never said anything about it. But after watching last night I've decided I can't ignore this. I was following along with you as you discussed both heads. As you finished discussing both, I was sure you were going to choose the Benro, given all of its features which you liked. It was therefore shocking when, at the very end, you say, in effect, "So, after all of these considerations I choose the Manfrotto". What?! You just gave a long list of the features of the Benro which you like, and by comparison, the same that you didn't of the Manfrotto, and then suddenly out of nowhere you say, "Therefore I chose the Manfrotto". This is just weird. I think you need to look at this video again and maybe you'll see what I saw. And, then maybe you'll add an addendum to this video explaining why you chose the Manfrotto AND why you DIDN'T choose the Benro. Because after listening to your analysis I am left wanting the Benro.

[@WillGoodlet]

Yes I know what you mean. The killer problem for the Benro was the poor quality of the pan - for me that means it is unusable for video. In my mind this was self evident, but I should have made it clearer.

[@fgb3126]

@@WillGoodlet yeah b/c what I heard was how bad the "sticktion" is on the Manfrotto. Also, I reckon for me, for what I will be doing with a tripod head, the amount of sticktion with the Benro is acceptable given its many pluses: like controls all on the same side, better counter-balance adjustment and a guide for tension, and other things I can't remember now.

[@benoistclouet409]

Yes, I had exactly the same feeling FGB3 : after watching 2 times, I was a bit disapointed. I was sure Will would choose the Benro...

[@WillGoodlet]

Sorry should have made it clearer how the unpredictable pan drag on the Benro made it virtually unusable for me. I am very happy with the manfrotto but if money allowed I would also look at the manfrotto 504 and if space allowed (shooting from my vehicle) the sachtler ace xL - but it’s very costly in comparison

[@benoistclouet409]

@@WillGoodlet I have exactly the same thing in my mind. Sachtler ACE XL looks very good. Why do you think you would need more space for that one ? Manfrotto 504 X is 2 kg which is quite heavy for me...

[@J_bar_S_Photography]

Geez, i just wish i had the money to afford to buy one of those fluid heads lol. i WILL have me one one day. i got a cheap gimbal witch works ok. its just to bulky to carry around. anyway, love your videos. keep em coming.

[@VIDEOLPBLBP]

I think its a one In a million review with real, honest content. Most of reviews are just lies, paid ones, adverts, fake reviews. I bought 502ah head and hate.it. its ergonomics is worst designed ever.... Even when you lock the plate it sometimes locks unleveled, skewed... Hate locking knobs positions.... I bought ot for my sony a7iii with external monitor (with heavy batteries) and sennheiser audio receiver but i hate it, i preffer to use older 701hd.... Never again.... Never. Worst head i had.

[@deanwigmore4451]

The exchange rate is ridiculous. I would never have been able to take up photography as a hobby if I still lived in SA. Thanks again for a very informative video

[@skakdosmer]

Double-T has always indicated a short vowel just before it. So lottery is not pronounced lo(w)tery. You don’t call pottery po(w)tery. So why on earth would you want to say Manfro(w)to? It makes absolutely no sense. And it sounds snobbish and fake posh. (And it drives me nuts).

[@rumorscameras]

using 5d for video,!