Manfrotto 502HD vs 501HDV

Looking to upgrade my current "video" head (not sure if its categorized as a video head or just a fluid head) and not sure which to go with. Tried looking online for a comparison between the two but couldn't find anything. Both got great reviews on B&H and there's only a $22 price difference. So I'm hoping someone has some insight on these heads If it matters, they'll be mounted to my Manfrotto/Bogen tripod (I can get the exact model if necessary) until I can afford a tripod dedicated to video. Main difference I can tell is that the 501HDV can handle more weight. Other than that not exactly sure how much different or better one is over the other. Thanks!

Manfrotto 501HDV:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …01HDV_Pro_Video​_Head.html

Manfrotto 502HD:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …502AH_75Mm_Flat​_Head.html

The 502 head is actually supposed to be an upgrade to the 501, and although the 501 is rated to handle more total weight, the counter-balance is actually weaker (rated to 2.5kg/5.5lbs), while the 502 can counter balance up to it's maximum load. Also, the 502 has a wider tilt range, a continuous drag adjustment and the balance plate has 25mm more travel distance.

Considering the price difference, the 502 sounds like a much better deal.

^ Correct, but I should warn you that having a 4kg counterbalance with a lighter rig won't be good as you'll have a lot of bounce-back. If you're just putting a stock 5D2 + your heaviest lens (70-200) without any rigs or stuff like that, you're better off buying a used 501HDV (which is what I use for slider work).

Thanks for the info guys, I mainly don't want to buy something now then within a year replacing it because it didn't work out. One other thing (and I believe I already know the answer), is that both heads use the same style quick release plate with the 502 head having the longer plate(504). Would you guys happen to know if the 504 plate will work with the 577 Rapid Connect Adapter?

Headshotzx- What exactly is "bounce-back"? I searched online for a quick minute and didn't see an exact break down on it but saw a post by someone saying it has to do with friction and panning when you come down to the end of the pan??

Too little spring is easier to accommodate than too much spring. The spring is there to remove the weight of the camera/lens to make moving it as effortless and smooth as possible.

With the right amount of ballance spring you can let go and the head stays where you left it. Too much spring and you will fight against it. Too little will make the camera/ lens feel lighter than no spring but will mean you have to lock it off before you let go. I think the latter is the lesser of the two evils.

Note also that because the camera/lens is above the pivot point, while it might ballance when horizontal it may not when tilted at 45deg because of the change in position of the CoG.

Thank you John Sims, really appreciate the info Right now it sounds like the 501HDV would be perfect, but my concern is when I plan on adding accessories and a rig setup how it'll hold up along with bigger and heavier lenses (if I'm ever that lucky). Would it be worth the fight to get something that will accommodate me better down the road?

I know this is way more than your implied budget, but I just picked up a Sachtler Ace head and tripod. I had a Manfrotto 504HD, which even though it was probably too much head for my minimal 5DII rig, was very unimpressive. I haven't had a chance to put the Sachtler through its paces yet but first impressions are very positive, esp. for a lighter weight set-up. It's a true fluid head, not a hybrid, as I understand the Manfrotto is.

I don't know if you've considered a video bowl (75mm) for the tripod, but it didn't take me very long at all to consider it a necessity, unless you're only working on an interior level surface. I actually will be selling the sticks as I have something I consider better, but the Ace tripod looks better than the only competition (Libec T68). I think Sachtler knocked it out of the park with this set-up for that price.

Trout Bum, one of my next questions was going to be if anyone had any recommendations instead of the two I had listed. Do I dare ask which head/tripod Sachtler Ace combo you picked up? I actually haven't thought about a video bowl because I don't know what exactly it is or does. When I was looking at heads I thought it was just some specific mount for tripods with the same mount. I definitely need to do my homework on this topic

I really wish I had a couple video friends with these different heads that I could try out, but the only person I know locally doesn't do too much filming from a tripod/slider.

Thank you for the info and personal experience Trout Bum

Glad to help. Understand, I'm not a video pro, but a professional artist and advanced amateur photographer, still getting my feet under me with moving pictures. I do, however have very high standards for all of my work.

I think you'd do well to do some homework before plunking down dollars. I can highly recommend the primer (about $20) : Digital Photographer's Complete Guide to HD Video, Rob Sheppard & Michael Guncheon. While it doesn't go into great depth on any one subject, it's beauty is that it touches all the bases from a newb's perspective: cameras, supports, audio, software, etc. A great starting point.

The heads you mentioned are used by a lot of amateurs, many of whom find them totally adequate. Other folks, not so much. The bowl mount video tripods can only be used for that, unless it's a very expensive Gitzo or ReallyRightStuff that has a replaceable plate (flat or bowl). You can also use an adapter that allows a bowl video head to be mounted on a flat plate tripod, but you loose a lot of functionality. The whole point of the bowl is it allows you to very quickly and easily level the video head (a must!) without fiddling with the legs-- a frustrating and time consuming experience on uneven terrain.

Of the two Sachtler Ace tripod/head systems for sale, the mid-level spreader one is by far the more practical of the two. The other would be useless outdoors.
As for the reviews at B&H, consider the source of each, and take with a grain of salt.

Thank you for that book suggestion and video bowl info. I'm definitely going to be checking out that book cause I have plenty to learn Would the Sachtler Ace combo be the one with the CinemaScope head?

There is a Chinese copy of a Schatler head and sticks on eBay. Winmeau or something. Obviously it isn't going to be the real deal but it is 1/10 of the price. The head can be a bit stiff but this can be alleviated by regreasing it (clip on YouTube).

For £130 I am considering giving it a punt for the tripod alone. I could use the head on my slider perhaps.

Amen to that! If the head isn't absolutely level, it will throw off the counter-balance system, even on $$$$ tripod heads. You wouldn't want the angle to skew as you pan around either.

+1 Mid-level spreader is definitely preferable for most things, but floor spreaders tend to let you splay the legs out further, and some people argue that they're more stable.

Right, IMO, a tripod worth less than a grand isn't even worth considering if you're remotely serious about quality. If I wanted a video tripod for my SLR, I'd probably go with something like the Vinten Blue

GOA510 wrote in post #13860318
Thank you for that book suggestion and video bowl info. I'm definitely going to be checking out that book cause I have plenty to learn Would the Sachtler Ace combo be the one with the CinemaScope head?

It's this one.

I have to tell you that after fooling with it a bit, I'm sending it back. For the money, I still think it's an excellent combo and has to be better than anything else out there in that price range. It pans and tilts very smoothly, but my rig is at it's upper weight limit and I'm looking for even better counter-balancing. I'm breaking the bank and getting a Sachtler Cine DSLR. Not upgrading again...