The Manfrotto 502HD Pro Video Head with Flat Base (3/8"-16 Connection) is an affordable yet remarkably full-featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509HD and 504HD heads). The 502HD is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR video cameras.
Weight capacity is 12.2 lb and counterbalance supports 8.8 lb. It can support 13 lb as a static weight. The balance plate's 3.27" range allows you to correct for uneven payloads that might be due to matte boxes or exotic DSLR rig configurations.
The bridging technology ensures that the pan friction control is intuitive and easy to set, but also protected against knocks. There are of course independent locks for pan and tilt, and drag for both is selectable in a continuous range from zero to the max level. This allows you to operate the head in a confident, smooth manner using the included pan bar.
Load Capacity | 12.2 lb static (5.5 kg) Counterbalance supports 8.8 lb (4 kg) |
Diameter/Thread | 3/8"-16 thread |
Counter Balance System | Spring-loaded |
Counter Balance Range | One fixed spring for 8.8 lb (4 kg) camera weight |
Center of Gravity | Not specified by manufacturer |
Quick Release/Wedge Plate | 504PLONG plate with 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 screws |
Balance Plate | 504PLONG plate slides 3.27" (83.0 mm) |
Tilt Drag | Continuously adjustable from 0 to max level |
Tilt Range | -80° to +90° tilt range front to back |
Tilt Lock | Yes |
Spring Loaded Counter Balance | Yes |
Pan Drag | Continuously adjustable from 0 to max level |
Pan Range | 360° |
Pan Lock | Yes |
Pan Bar | 1 included 2 possible positions |
Leveling Bubble/Illuminated | Yes/not specified by manufacturer |
Material | Aluminum |
Color | Black |
Temperature Range | -4 to 104 °F (-20 to 40 °C) |
Height | 5.12 in (13.0 cm) |
Weight | 3.53 lb (1.6 kg) |
Reviews Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base