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Battle of the Manfrotto Fluid Video Heads - MVH500AH vs MVH502AH - Which is BEST For Your Tripod?
Рет қаралды 19,456
Күн бұрынProbably the deepest dive possible into @Manfrottoimaginemore Fluid Heads.
Manfrotto MVH500AH - amzn.to/4cQflwp
Manfrotto MVH502AH - amzn.to/3WeEZnp
Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Tripod - amzn.to/3zPHCo9
Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Tripod - amzn.to/3WeaKx0
In this Hero's Journey Ep 112, we take an extended look at the semi-pro, budget friendly MVH Series by Manfrotto - the 500AH and the 502AH. These Fluid Heads are some of the most popular on the market (B&H, Amazon, etc) and for good reason. They provided nice, smooth tilts and pans, and come in at a reasonable price of $150-250 (depending on sales).
BUT..many differences arise. The ergonomics, fluid adjust-ability, release plates, size and weight etc. differ vastly. We go into (probably too much) detail on these aspects and more to find out...which fluid video head is right for your tripod?
Thanks for watching. Please smash that SUBSCRIBE and enjoy your day.
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@MyPianoArchives 6 ай бұрын
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 5 ай бұрын
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 5 ай бұрын
@@TravisVarga Appreciate you - I got the 500 in and it’s perfect. Cheers!
@TravisVarga 5 ай бұрын
@@MyPianoArchives oh yea sweeeet!
@pahafx 9 ай бұрын
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 9 ай бұрын
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.
@andrijarancic6330 Жыл бұрын
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
@jeb1246 11 ай бұрын
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 5 ай бұрын
He does look a bit distracted🙂
@chiwawa130 5 ай бұрын
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 Ай бұрын
I love the Pink Panther!
@TravisVarga Ай бұрын
500 Fa life
@TravisVarga Ай бұрын
There was a lot going on that day..
@livingahumanlife2651 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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!
@javwildman Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Appreciate the feedback, all valid points.
@b3arodactyl Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@TravisVarga This is the dumbest video I have ever seen . What is your iq? 1?
@m-stat9 Жыл бұрын
you could have solved half of your complaining with the simple 502 which you can find as one of the first results on KZfaq.
@K9malinois_dog_love 7 ай бұрын
The 500 it’s a perfect medium for medium weight set up it will drag super smooth with a 10 pound set up.
@TravisVarga 6 ай бұрын
Agree all the way. Thanks for the feedback.
@hans6304 4 ай бұрын
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 4 ай бұрын
@@hans6304 canon r6 and a 600 f4 plus a cage and it works fantastic very smooth.
@hans6304 4 ай бұрын
@@K9malinois_dog_love Thank you for responding! Beautiful dogs and beautiful lens!
@K9malinois_dog_love 4 ай бұрын
@@hans6304 your welcome brother and thank you 🙏
@king-stubbs 5 ай бұрын
Thanks so much for this bro!
@TravisVarga 4 ай бұрын
No worries
@survivalist9818 Жыл бұрын
The front turn knob on the 502 will help your paying. It's in a weird place but tightens it down
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
For sure, thanks for the input.
@Tonellacam Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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!
@gekalskip Жыл бұрын
thanks for the indepth video, some time stamps would reallyyyyyyy be appreciated
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
Haha noted, yet I don’t want to mess up the sacred KZfaq 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.
@bwest6275 11 ай бұрын
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 10 ай бұрын
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 10 ай бұрын
@@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 5 ай бұрын
@@bwest6275Awesome, glad you found something that works.
@MassMediaArtistry 7 ай бұрын
That little button is designed to save your camera gear from falling
@TravisVarga 6 ай бұрын
It’s saved me so many times…
@larrybell1985 2 ай бұрын
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 2 ай бұрын
That makes sense, thanks.
@lonnieclemens8028 Жыл бұрын
If the camera cannot be securely mounted onto the MVH502, it is a deal breaker. Why make the mount?
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
Haha right 🤷
@cheekyoscar1353 11 ай бұрын
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 11 ай бұрын
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 11 ай бұрын
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.
@tata77888 Жыл бұрын
Oh, it's chaotic Move slowly
@coti9905 5 ай бұрын
for me its perfect much more than 500 model
@jahfus Жыл бұрын
Hahaha your funny bro 🤝 awesome review I appreciate it 🤘 just what I needed to learn.
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
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.
@KTHKUHNKK Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@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 KZfaq as well. Keith Kuhn
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@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. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/edJ9ocdit7qogZc.html
@jamskof Жыл бұрын
for the love of god SOMEBODY DESIGN A FLUID HEAD FOR MIRRORLESS CAMERAS!
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
Right lol
@chuckmac3994 10 ай бұрын
What happened to the 501?
@TravisVarga 10 ай бұрын
Guess they skipped it? Their naming system if weird haha
@contentm3893 7 ай бұрын
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 6 ай бұрын
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.
@KTHKUHNKK Жыл бұрын
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 KZfaq
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@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
@contentm3893 7 ай бұрын
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 6 ай бұрын
Appreciate the feedback.
@midha23 Жыл бұрын
the tripod that you are using with 500AH?
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
It’s a Manfrotto 055 Carbon Fiber. I’d recommend that setup all day!
@mariano500 4 ай бұрын
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 Ай бұрын
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.
@ExtremeSquared Жыл бұрын
"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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@Jameshhl Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Yeah it’s the best way to do it…overall I prefer the 500
@theshortlist Жыл бұрын
but then you can't see the level !
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
did you actually watch the video? thats what he did!
@jamskof Жыл бұрын
@@TravisVarga good point, its really the best way to level it
@Reason-fg4ik 7 ай бұрын
I have both the 500 and 502. I got to 3:10 and had to leave, couldn't watch further, sorry.
@TravisVarga Ай бұрын
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.
@midha23 Жыл бұрын
22 mins and I am definitely not going for MVH502AH
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
500 is the way to go
@midha23 Жыл бұрын
it's not a PAN lock it's a Pain Lock
@TravisVarga Жыл бұрын
Haha for sure
@TheNefastor 3 ай бұрын
Wow, the 502 is hot garbage... poor design, poor manufacturing. Thanks for this comparison !
@TravisVarga 2 ай бұрын
Your welcome. Yes, and the 500s nice and easier to use in film settings.
Hudson Henry Photography
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