Manfrotto 501 Tripod

This is a low-cost and relatively well-made head and legs combination, which will take a reasonable amount of weight. I think the fluid drag on this head isn’t quite as good as the Sachtler heads. Having said that, it’s entirely usable and does the job; you get what you pay for.

Taking its inspiration from our top professional video head models, the 501HDV features a fixed counterbalance spring set for a typical weight of camera and accessories of 2.5kg that helps ensure both smoother tilt movements and greater equipment safety even when tilt locks are inadvertently left off. The easy-to-reach on/off switch allows the counterbalance system to be disengaged or re-engaged for different filming setups. With its improved design, the 501HDV head offers more ergonomics with locks and knobs that allow a more solid grip and better fingertip control.

501HDV

Material Aluminium

Plate Type 501PL

Head Type Video/Fluid Head

Base Type Ball

Colour Black

Safety Payload 6 KG

Weight 1600 g

Working Height 11,5 cm

Independent Pan Lock yes

Independent Tilt Lock yes

Panoramic Rotation 360

Front Tilt -60° / +90°

Pan Bar Included 1

Pan Drag continuously adjustable from 0 to max level

Top Attachment 1/4″ screw, 3/8″ screw

Tilt Drag continuously adjustable from 0 to max level

Maximum Working Temperature 60 C

Minimum Working Temperature -20 C

Center of gravity 55 mm