Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM

Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod and Carry Bag

The Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head pairs with the MVT502AM tripod for a complete, professional video support system. It features a fluid head with a wide platform built for the HDSLR form factor. In addition, a 60mm half ball allows quick leveling without adjusting the legs.

This head supports a maximum weight load of 17.6 pounds. It also includes a built-in, pre-set spring-loaded counterbalance of 5.3 pounds. As a result, you get smooth, controlled movement even with heavier setups. The head offers a tilt range of -70°/+90° and a full 360° panning rotation.

Additionally, it features a side lock system for the sliding quick release plate, a pan handle, and an integrated bubble level. Meanwhile, the two-stage tripod includes a 75mm bowl and a 75 to 60mm adapter for the MVH500A head. So, setup is quick and compatible right out of the box.

The tripod legs are individually adjustable. They also feature a mid-level spreader for added stability on uneven ground. The minimum height of the tripod and head is just over two feet, which is great for low-angle shots. The maximum height reaches just over five feet.

Furthermore, the legs feature non-removable feet suitable for both exteriors and interiors. They’re gentle on delicate floors, too. Finally, the included padded carry bag makes transporting your tripod and head simple and easy.

Fluid Head

The wide camera platform supports DSLR cameras. Therefore, this head works well for both camcorders and DSLR setups.

The 60mm half ball lets you quickly level the head, so you won’t need to readjust the legs. It also makes Dutch angle shots easier to create, without unbalancing the tripod.

The spring-loaded counterbalance is fixed at 5.3 pounds. However, the head still supports up to 17.6 pounds. So, the counterbalance continues to provide assistance even with heavier camera setups.

Professional fluid cartridges deliver fixed fluid drag on both the pan and tilt axes. In addition, the head offers a tilt range of 90 degrees forward and 70 degrees back. This means you can tilt the camera straight down, or nearly straight up.

The head pans through a full 360 degrees. As a result, you can capture long panoramic shots or spin the camera freely.

The side lock system lets the sliding QR plate click into the head from above. So, you don’t need to align and slide it in from the back. This gives you the speed of a touch-and-go quick release, plus the balance adjustment of a sliding plate.

An integrated bubble level helps you level the fluid head quickly and accurately.

The included 500PLONG sliding quick release plate features both 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 camera tie-down screws.

This head includes one pan bar. It also features two pan bar mounting rosettes — one on each side — for left- or right-handed operation. Plus, a second optional pan bar lets you operate the head with two pan bars at once.

Finally, the Easy Link connector is a 3/8″-16 threaded hole on the side of the head. This lets you mount accessories directly to the fluid head, rather than the camera.

Tripod Legs

The tripod features a 75mm bowl for attaching a fluid head. A 75 to 60mm adapter is included, so it works seamlessly with the MVH500A head.

These tripod legs support over 33 pounds. As a result, they easily carry the weight of the fluid head and camera. The closed length (without the fluid head) is just over two feet. The height range spans 22.4 to 56.5 inches, and the legs weigh only 4.3 pounds.

The legs are constructed from oval aluminum tubes for strength and durability. Each leg can also be independently raised or lowered as needed.

The mid-level spreader helps prevent instability, which is especially useful on uneven surfaces. Meanwhile, non-removable rubber feet provide a secure grip. They’re also gentle on delicate surfaces, such as interior floors.

Finally, an elastic leg strap keeps the legs secured together during transportation and storage.

Padded Carry Bag

The padded carry bag keeps your tripod and head together during storage or transport, making the whole system easy to move between locations.