Fluid video head?

[Oliviero]

As you might have seen/guessed I'm soon getting my 5D II and would like to start experimenting with video. I've seen quite a few samples and there's nothing more annoying than camera shake. Hence my need for a fluid video head. I'm not looking for any top-of-the-line products as they tend to be very high priced.

I read that Manfrotto's 701HDV is a nice and still affordable head. Anyone using this one? Other suggestions?

[Daniel W.]

Depends on what lenses you will be using. If it weren't to exceed a 70-200/2.8, I've been a fan of the 3126 head, we use it with smaller DV cameras. The step up would be the 501, which although isn't a true fluid (just viscous friction), does the job too. The 503, after that.

Don't disregard the off-shoot brands, I've played with a few Libec heads that weren't too bad. I think one "Impact" (BH house brand), the head was great (the legs were crap.)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/472706-REG/Impact_VT2500C_VT2500_Video_Tripod.html

To date, my favorite head has been the 3066, I've put it through a large number of ... well I've put it through hell - including rain for a few hours doing time lapse, sand, little kids, big kids acting like little kids, and loading it down with three CRT monitors.

[yokotas13]

i have a bogen 3126 i used for a little bit. worked like a champ, but i have a 1dmk3 now :)

if you want you can have it for 50 bucks

[Oliviero]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'd still like to get some info on the 701HDV though before I decide.

[SkipD]

I do believe that this Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head (http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=128RC&productDescription=MICRO%20FLUID%20VIDEO%20HEAD%20 W/QRCP&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true) will be more than enough for your purpose. I've used its predecessor, the Manfrotto 3130, for years and it's a very nice yet compact and not too expensive head. Its movement is VERY smooth with my EOS camera on it.

Here is information on the Manfrotto 701HDV head (http://www.bogenimaging.us/Jahia/site/bius/pid/6780?kindOfProductCollectionRequest=productDetail&productCode=701HDV&productDescription=701HDV%20Pro%20Fluid%20Video%20 Mini%20Head&curBrandId=MAN&market=MKT1&product_from_search=true) to use as a comparison.

The 128RC uses the same quick-release system as the 488RC2 we keep recommending around here all the time. I don't recognize the quick-release system that the 701HDV uses, but I do not believe that it is compatible with any of the standard Manfrotto still-photo quick release systems (RC0, RC2, or RC4, of which the RC2 is the best choice for use with EOS cameras).

[Oliviero]

Thanks Skip!

I'm not sure what the difference is between the various quick release systems but I found this:

The Bogen/Manfrotto's 501PL Quick Release Plate is a 4.7" long sliding quick release plate compatible with heads that use the RC5 quick release system. It comes supplied with one 1/4"-20 and one 3/8" camera screw each, and features a location (video) pin.

The 501PL plate is apparently the one used on the 701HDV. I assume tells you more than it tells me.

I don't know much about video heads so I can't really tell which of those two that are "better". However they are both within my price range.

[SkipD]

The 701HDV and its quick-release system are obviously designed for video camera use and not for still camera use. I would suggest strongly that you consider the 128RC for your purpose. You will not be unhappy with it.

[salexande867]

I recently started using the 503HDV and I really like it. It is not too expensive (for a video head) and will easily handle longer lenses with its adjustable counter-balance system. I use it for my Canon XL2, so handling an SLR would be no problem.

[Oliviero]

The 503HDV looks like a nice head but unfortunately a bit out of my price range.

Right now I'm choosing between either a 128RC or a 701RC2. According to a review I read HERE (http://www.digiscoped.com/manfrotto701RC2.html) the 701 is supposed to be slightly better than the 128.

Advantages of the 701 over the 128:
+ Lighter
+ Smaller
+ Sliding plate

The only negative thing I could find, apart from the slightly higher price, was the lack of a locking mechanism for the quick release plate.