The Manfrotto MVH502A Fluid Head MVT502AM Tripod Bagis an affordable yet remarkably fully featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and a half ball for precise leveling on a corresponding tripod. The 502A comes in two versions—the "A" ball-base version such as this one, and the "AH" flat-base version which is separately available.

Featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509 and 504 heads), the 502A is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR video cameras. The weight limit is 15.43 lb and counterbalance supports up to 8.8 lb. 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 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.

MVH502A Pro Video Fluid Head    MVT502AM Tripod    15.43 lb Weight Capacity    Counterbalance Supports 8.8 lb    Continuously Adjustable Pan/Tilt Drag    Telescopic Aluminum Twin Tubes    Mid-Level Spreader    Padded Carrying Case

For video tripods with 75mm half balls

75mm half ball connects to the corresponding bowl in a tripod

Pan drag and tilt drag are continuously adjustable from 0 (no drag) to the maximum level

Sliding quick release plate secured by secondary safety system

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. If I wanted an unpadded Manfrotto bag, which size would be ideal for this tripod?

A: I purchased a padded 31.5 manfrotto bag and it fits perfectly. In my opinion, it's worth it to spend more on a padded bag. Manfrotto MBAG80PN Padded Tripod Bag.

Q: 2. If I choose to add a secondary pan handle to this unit, will both pan handles be symmetrical to one another?

A: It's a nice trpode and works well

Q: 3. Can i use this tripod with the ursa mini?

A: This tripod would support a basic URSA mini kit but if you add larger lenses or other rigging a higher end tripod would be better.

Q: 4. Does the Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head works with the tripod and fluid head offering in this kit?

A: Yes it does. You can install B&H # MA438 between the Tripod and Head in this kit.

Q: 5. How wide do the legs spread?

A: Those specs are not listed by Manfrotto at this time. However we can tell you that this tripod works with the Manfrotto 165MV On-Ground Tripod Spreader, which accommodates a leg spread between 31 to 51 inches.

Q: 6. it is a half ball system? or is complete?

A: The 502HD Fluid Head has a ball base that is a hemisphere. It fits into the concave bowl that's atop the tripod legs. Thus they they work together in complete coordination. It is our preferred combination for video tripods.

Q: 7. Does this tripod work well with a Sony a7rii? Does it include a compatible quick release plate?

A: It works well with DSLRs. I use it for bigger cameras to great effect. It doesn't have a quick release place, just a typical tripod plate. We use VCT plates though so that gives it a quick-release functionality. The tripod plate connects into the VCT baseplate.

Q: 8. What is the height of the tripod with head? And any suggestion on what Manfrotto bag I should get for it

A: The head is 5.12 inches tall. While the tripod has a folded length of 24 inches. The total folded length will be a bit over 29 inches. The Ruggard Deluxe Padded 35" is a great choice, it will offer plenty of room. https://bhpho.to/2yWCtr8

Q: 9. What quick-release plate would work with this head?

A: This does not use a quick release plate in the same sense as one a photo tripod. This uses a sliding plate, which is part number 504PLONG. One is included with the head.

Q: 10. Is the pan/tilt mechanism truly fluid damped with a cartridge, or is this a friction head with smooth movement?

A: This is a true fluid head