Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum Tripod with 502HD Fluid Head Hybrid Video Kit

I had been using and old Bogen tripod from 30 years ago. This Manfrotto unit is simply amazing. The adjustments for moving are easy. I am using this with a Swarovski 95 mm spotting scope with attached Nikon D7200 camera. The weight of this setup was easily balanced by the sliding head.

I have just shot an industrial video with mySony HDR-AX2000 using this head. The movements are smooth, and I was able to set my resistance using the adjustment wheels to a just-right feel. I was on a scissors lift, about 40 feet in the air photographing workers performing their tasks.

Worth more than the price. Very sturdy, well constructed seems like it would hold a heavier camera mount if needed.The fluid pan takes some getting use to. You need to twist the head clockwise to tighten the resistance so the fluid pan will work correctly. This is a constant issue.

We have several previous model 055 with 501 heads. This new 055 with the 502 head is one pound heavier than the old 055/501 , at about 10.2 lbs with generic case and the manfrotto telescopic pan bar. But, the fluid action is smoother and the tripod slightly heavier duty.

I had been using a video head purchased years ago which began squeaking. After researching several models, I decided on the Manfrotto which bigger than I had imagined. I used it with my little Canon Vixia. I was concerned that it would not work with the lighter camera.

I purchased this video head for several reasons.First, I had to replace a cheap one that was not a Manfrotto. Secondly, I am standardizing all of my tripods with Manfrotto so I need only 1 style of camera plate.

Excellent video fluid head, sooo smooth, adjustable drag, friction, good camera balance, solid construction like all manfrotto products. A little bit heavy, about 4pounds but still portable.

I am a professional videographer and photographer and just wanted to say that the 502 base head rocks! It is super smooth and the build is stellar. I use this for my Sony Z 150 all the time now. I am on happy customer.

Ive been using a 502A for a couple of years, long enough to wish I had something else. This is a great looking head, and the adapter plate is really good, but it has several serious disadvantages.First, good luck finding or using the bubble level.

This is my second 502 head with these legs. I had thought about getting a different set of legs with the same head but ultimately landed on these legs again because they work so well and havent failed me. You cant go wrong with this combination.