The last of their ‘Bridging Technology’ series, Manfrotto’s new lightweight fluid video tripod head was released during NAB 2013. The new 500 tripod heads will come with four different tripods, two carbon fiber and two aluminum, and is able to hold up to 11 pounds, over five times its own weight of just two pounds. They are intended to replace Manfrotto’s 701HDV video heads.
The 500 heads are targeted towards the growing number of still photographers coming into the video world, and share some features of Manfrotto’s photo tripod heads. For example, the base plate clips on and off as well as slides out as we are used to. The heads are made for video through and through however, and allow for super smooth video capture with precision stops and starts. The head supports a number of cameras and camera sizes, from the 5D to the F55, and even has one Easy Link 3/8″ connector that provides another place for any accessories to latch on to.
The 500 comes in two models, the MVH500A with a 60mm half ball mount, and the MVH500AH with flat base. Beyond that and a $10 difference in price they’re identical.
We also talked a little bit about Manfrotto’s 561BHDV fluid video monopod, which is now packaged with the 500 head. The monopod provides smooth pan and tilt movements that partner perfectly with the 500’s own fluid movements.
The 500 tripod heads retail for $200 for the ball mount MVH500A, and $190 for the flat base MVH500AH. The package with the 561BHDV monopod retails at $345. They are available now at Manfrotto.us