The Manfrotto 502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base is an affordable yet remarkably fully featured professional head that represents an advance over the popular 501HDV, with sturdier construction and featuring Manfrotto's patented bridging technology (inherited from the 509 and 504 heads). This head is designed for executing cinematic moves with compact camcorders and DSLR cameras. The 502AH comes in two versions—the "AH" flat base version with a 3/8"-16 mounting hole such as this one, and the "A" ball base version, which is separately available.

The weight capacity is 22 lb and the counterbalance supports 8.8 lb. The balance plate's 3.27" range allows you to correct for uneven payloads due to matte boxes or DSLR rig configurations.

The bridging technology ensures that the pan friction control is intuitive and easy to set but is 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 maximum level. This allows you to operate the head in a confident, smooth manner using the included pan bar.

502AH Pro Video Head with Flat Base    MT055XPRO3 Tripod with Center Column    22 lb Payload, 8.8 lb Counterbalance    67" Max Height with Column Raised    55" Standard Max Height

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

Sliding quick release plate secured by a secondary safety system

The flat base has a 3/8"-16 female threaded mounting hole for attaching to tripods, sliders, and other platforms

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. We just got this tripod and the instructions that came with it lists two things that have perplexed us. Under KEY FEATURES , they list two rubber made leg warmers as well as Quick power lock levers that allow to easily open all levers simultaneously. What are they talking about? Is this just a bad translation from Italian or...?

A: Just received mine and I also was confused by the term Leg Warmers . Two of the legs have heavy rubber insulators surrounding the columns about a foot long at the top to keep your hands from freezing by grabbing bare metal in cold weather.

Q: 2. What is the legs radius/diameter on the Manfrotto MT190X3 tripod when one leg is open/extended, 2 legs are open/extended and when all 3 legs are open/extended? Thank you

A: The length of each leg from the center is as follows: One stage: 11 inches Two stage: 18 inches Three stage: 26 inches

Q: 3. Does it work well with a full shoulder rig? Im used to ball head tripods with wider legs.

A: The determining factor is the weight of the full shoulder rig you have or are considering. This will take 13 lbs with 8 lbs counterbalancing ability. If you rig weighs in that range, it is a good choice. If not, you must consider a video head and tripod of greater capacity.

Q: 4. Does this tripod extend to 72 inches or not?

A: This tripod kit has a maximum height of 72 inches. The max height of the legs alone are 66.9 inches, with the head adding another 5.1 inches.

Q: 5. Is there an optional strap that attaches to this Manfrotto tripod legs to carry over my shoulders? What is the part and link?

A: Absolutely. They make a lot of tripod straps that could work this way, and the Manfrotto tripods have a tripod strap clip that's on the apex/spider of the legs. One side of the strap will clip in while the velcro straps will wrap over the other end's three legs. https://bhpho.to/3y53x4e https://bhpho.to/37Zcb9H Alternatively, you could get a tripod bag which has shoulder straps that's padded to prevent bumps and bruises when the tripod swings around.

Q: 6. What is the radius/diameter of the Manfrotto MT190X3 tripod when one leg is open, 2 legs are open, and when all 3 legs are open?

A: one leg: 17 in two legs: 29 in three legs: 43 in

Q: 7. Will this tripod fit inside this case? B&H # NATP0729

A: This tripod and head does fit in the bag that comes with it. However, it is a tight fit. It would be helpful if the bag were an inch or two longer to make it easier to fit in the bag. The tripod and head itself is great but the bag needs to be a bit bigger for those times when you are in a hurry to break down the gear and you don't want to fight with the zipper on the bag.

Q: 8. I bought this kit about a year ago (and I LOVE IT), and now I would like to use the head for a slider, BUT I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT OFF. Man I feel like a rookie. Can someone help please? I'm dying in my patheticness over here.

A: Just tighten the swivel ability down and give the head a quick spin to the right. It should loosen off.

Q: 9. Can you level the camera using the center mono leg, or have to adjust using the three legs. And which Manfrotto tripod can do that?

A: No, its not meant for that. You are only able to adjust the height. What you are referring to is called a ball head.

Q: 10. Will this tripod and head hold my Nikon D750 or GH5 with my 200-500mm Nikkor lens?

A: Yes, definitely - and remember to use the lens collar to attach your kit to the tripod, instead of your camera's tripod mounting hole