---
product_id: 1201937
title: "Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming"
brand: "manfrotto"
price: "$692.90"
currency: USD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Manfrotto"
url: https://www.desertcart.us/products/1201937-manfrotto-video-head-with-flat-base-video-head-for-compact
store_origin: US
region: United States of America
---

# Fluid drag system - buttery smooth pan & tilt Easy Link connectors - versatile accessory setup Max payload 13.2 lbs - rock-solid support Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming

**Brand:** manfrotto
**Price:** $692.90
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎬 Elevate your content game with buttery-smooth precision and rock-solid reliability!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming by manfrotto
- **How much does it cost?** $692.90 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.us](https://www.desertcart.us/products/1201937-manfrotto-video-head-with-flat-base-video-head-for-compact)

## Best For

- manfrotto enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted manfrotto brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Lightweight Yet Durable:** Crafted from premium aluminum for a perfect balance of portability and toughness.
- • **Accessory-Ready Flexibility:** Built-in Easy Link connectors let you customize your rig with lights, monitors, and more.
- • **Silky Smooth Fluid Movements:** Variable fluid drag on pan and tilt ensures cinematic precision and effortless control.
- • **Ergonomic Bridge Architecture:** Innovative design delivers enhanced balance and rigidity for flawless filming.
- • **Unmatched Stability & Strength:** Supports up to 13.2 lbs for heavy DSLR and video rigs without compromise.

## Overview

The Manfrotto MVH502AH Video Head is a professional-grade pan head designed for compact video, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras. Featuring a maximum payload of 13.2 lbs, it offers variable fluid drag systems on both pan and tilt for smooth, precise movements. Its innovative Bridge Architecture enhances stability and balance, while Easy Link connectors provide versatile accessory mounting options. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, this video head balances durability with portability, making it ideal for videographers, vloggers, and live streamers seeking dependable, high-performance gear.

## Description

This head is the perfect synthesis between and innovative "Bridge Architecture" and manfrotto's Cutting edge engineering. A pan fluid drag system gives more ergonomic operation while a wider top plate and longer sliding plate offer extra stability and balance. This head offlbs @mmers an even more rigid structure for maximum precision and improved responsiveness. The built in easy link connectors offer extreme flexibility for accessory attachments. The counterbalance system and ball bearing drag sysem both offer precision and smoothness of operation. This head has been carefully constructed from lightweight modern materials for optimal balance of strength and size. Technical Specifications: Max Payload 13.2lbs; CSB 8.8lbs@55mm; FDS pan variable cartridge; FDS tilt variable cartridge; Tilt range +90° / -85°; Camera fixing quick release; Top plate 140mm 5.5 inches; Height 5.1in.; weight 3.5lbs.

Review: BUTTERY SMOOTH HEAD, SHADY 3RD PARTY SUPPLIER - READ THIS: Be cautious about who you order this head from. I ordered it from Ornem first and the 502 I received was obviously used and scratched up by the previous owner or maybe it was a demo/showroom model. I feel like Ornem was hoping some schmuck wouldn't have cared about the condition and I ended up receiving it. When you order something that is described as BRAND NEW, that is what you should expect and what you should receive, no questions ask. I returned it that same day and ordered it again through CaMan and the new one I received was, you guessed it, brand new. Before I sent them my negative seller feedback, I noticed that they had a couple negative reviews in the past 30 days. So I went ahead and put together my review and it was live in about 10 minutes. NOT EVEN 15 MINUTES LATER, my review as well as the other reviews left by unhappy customers had been deleted! How is this possible? desertcart should be the only one that is capable of deleting reviews because now, Ornem has a 100% unblemished record and customers will never know about situations like mine. THE ACTUAL REVIEW: This head is a beast. It's a solid build and the fluid drag system will give you buttery smooth panning and tilt footage. The only concern I had going into buying this head was the fact that it's made in China. Not to say that stuff made in China is bad, I've purchased plenty of great products made in China, it's just that Manfrotto chose to have it manufactured in China vs. Italy like the majority of their products that got me thinkin. I also ordered the 190 go tripod which is made in Italy so I was able to get a good idea of the build quality between the two. The 190 is flawless 5/5 no problem. The 502 is a 4/5, it's constructed very well but it appears they took some shortcuts on the finish. The one thing I noticed about the 502 is that as you're adjusting the fluid dials, there is this odd popping sound. My guess is it's the fluid within the head as you adjust it accordingly. Not a huge deal breaker as the head pans and tilts consistently in all directions but I am hoping that it will eventually go away. There is some play in the dials too but I was aware of that when I was doing my research on this head. VERDICT: In the end, I'm super stoked to have added the 502 and 190 to my setup and I highly suggest ordering either of these products if you are in the market for some sweet gear. Once again, BE AWARE OF WHO YOU ORDER THIS THROUGH.
Review: Reliable, quality, heavy duty ... - I've always owned Manfrotto tripods. I've only owned 1 tripod. I bought a Manfrotto back in early 1990s. Loved it. Quality, heavy duty, versatile, no issues. And I've never needed to buy another ... until now. Lost that first one in a house fire earlier this year (2025). So I bought the Manfrotto 055 Video Tripod w/502 Video Fluid Head this time. I needed something sturdy, rugged, that can handle a video camera with some heavy glass on it, a digital audio recorder, a lithium battery pack, and occasionally 2 condenser mics. It's a heavy tripod in itself. It's not something you'll want to carry around all day if you're out sight seeing. There's some bulk to it. But I like it. I do not fear putting some expensive gear atop of this tripod. And it's quick and easy to deploy. As for the functionality of the fluid head, it's functional. It works. It's not what I'd call ideal. If I was doing a lot of panning in videos, I'd want something more, better, professional. But I'm sure that would cost plenty more. I give this tripod 5 stars because of the dependable sturdy build, and because of my last Manfrotto tripod experience.

## Features

- PROFESSIONAL: The 502 video head has a robust construction nad a maximum capacity of 10Kg
- COMPATIBILITY: The Manfrotto video head is designed for compact video cameras, DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The slide plate connects it easily to cameras, and easily combines with accessories
- FLUID MOVEMENTS: Thanks to the variable fluid drag system, on both pan and tilt, movements are fluid and adjustable

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B006TZE0UQ |
| Aspect Ratio | Unknown |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Best Sellers Rank | #99 in Tripod Heads |
| Brand | Manfrotto |
| Built-In Media | video head |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Camera |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,355 Reviews |
| Exposure Control Type | Manual |
| Features | apochromatic |
| Folded Size | 15 inches (l) x 5 inches (w) x 5 inches (h) |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00719821334651 |
| Head Type | Pan Heads |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 8.5"D x 8.5"W x 15.7"H |
| Item Length | 15.7 Inches |
| Item Weight | 3.7 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Manfrotto |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Material Type | Aluminum |
| Maximum Height | 5.1 Inches |
| Media Type | ProductImage |
| Minimum Height | 13 Centimeters |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 0.02 seconds |
| Model Name | MVH502AH |
| Model Number | MVH502AH |
| Special Feature | apochromatic |
| UPC | 719821334651 632709979952 |
| Unit Count | 1.00 Count |
| Video Capture Format | MP4 |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) or LCD Screen |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Weight Limit | 8.8 Pounds |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Manfrotto
- **Color:** Black
- **Compatible Devices:** Camera
- **Item Weight:** 3.75 Pounds
- **Material:** Aluminum
- **Maximum Height:** 5.1 Inches
- **Model Name:** MVH502AH
- **Special Feature:** apochromatic
- **Tripod Head Type:** Pan Heads
- **Weight Limit:** 8.8 Pounds

## Images

![Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21ntoqfI28L.jpg)
![Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21yYC1yLY5L.jpg)
![Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cWud5OUgL.jpg)
![Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51B-0H3ZDvL.jpg)
![Manfrotto Video Head with Flat Base, Video Head for Compact Video Cameras and DSLR Cameras, for Filming, Videography, Content Creation, Vlogging, Live Streaming - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51VJkFaMVlL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Style** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BUTTERY SMOOTH HEAD, SHADY 3RD PARTY SUPPLIER
*by P***K on July 1, 2016*

READ THIS: Be cautious about who you order this head from. I ordered it from Ornem first and the 502 I received was obviously used and scratched up by the previous owner or maybe it was a demo/showroom model. I feel like Ornem was hoping some schmuck wouldn't have cared about the condition and I ended up receiving it. When you order something that is described as BRAND NEW, that is what you should expect and what you should receive, no questions ask. I returned it that same day and ordered it again through CaMan and the new one I received was, you guessed it, brand new. Before I sent them my negative seller feedback, I noticed that they had a couple negative reviews in the past 30 days. So I went ahead and put together my review and it was live in about 10 minutes. NOT EVEN 15 MINUTES LATER, my review as well as the other reviews left by unhappy customers had been deleted! How is this possible? Amazon should be the only one that is capable of deleting reviews because now, Ornem has a 100% unblemished record and customers will never know about situations like mine. THE ACTUAL REVIEW: This head is a beast. It's a solid build and the fluid drag system will give you buttery smooth panning and tilt footage. The only concern I had going into buying this head was the fact that it's made in China. Not to say that stuff made in China is bad, I've purchased plenty of great products made in China, it's just that Manfrotto chose to have it manufactured in China vs. Italy like the majority of their products that got me thinkin. I also ordered the 190 go tripod which is made in Italy so I was able to get a good idea of the build quality between the two. The 190 is flawless 5/5 no problem. The 502 is a 4/5, it's constructed very well but it appears they took some shortcuts on the finish. The one thing I noticed about the 502 is that as you're adjusting the fluid dials, there is this odd popping sound. My guess is it's the fluid within the head as you adjust it accordingly. Not a huge deal breaker as the head pans and tilts consistently in all directions but I am hoping that it will eventually go away. There is some play in the dials too but I was aware of that when I was doing my research on this head. VERDICT: In the end, I'm super stoked to have added the 502 and 190 to my setup and I highly suggest ordering either of these products if you are in the market for some sweet gear. Once again, BE AWARE OF WHO YOU ORDER THIS THROUGH.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reliable, quality, heavy duty ...
*by M***. on July 2, 2025*

I've always owned Manfrotto tripods. I've only owned 1 tripod. I bought a Manfrotto back in early 1990s. Loved it. Quality, heavy duty, versatile, no issues. And I've never needed to buy another ... until now. Lost that first one in a house fire earlier this year (2025). So I bought the Manfrotto 055 Video Tripod w/502 Video Fluid Head this time. I needed something sturdy, rugged, that can handle a video camera with some heavy glass on it, a digital audio recorder, a lithium battery pack, and occasionally 2 condenser mics. It's a heavy tripod in itself. It's not something you'll want to carry around all day if you're out sight seeing. There's some bulk to it. But I like it. I do not fear putting some expensive gear atop of this tripod. And it's quick and easy to deploy. As for the functionality of the fluid head, it's functional. It works. It's not what I'd call ideal. If I was doing a lot of panning in videos, I'd want something more, better, professional. But I'm sure that would cost plenty more. I give this tripod 5 stars because of the dependable sturdy build, and because of my last Manfrotto tripod experience.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You get more than you pay for!
*by K***A on July 4, 2020*

I've seen a bit of griping about this head being 'clunky', not smooth. I've used it for taking video of birds and natural surroundings and it not only was smooth as silk, but noiseless as well. However, I think I understand the complaints on its clunkiness; it comes (or mine came) pretty well tightened down (perhaps to keep it from flexing too much during shipping...?), and you need to loosen the bindings that cinch the ball bearing mounts which I believe are only on the pan mechanism, and use the fluid mount adjustments to fine-tune the fluidity of movement instead. Once I did this, that little choppy, clunky chatter (which you skateboarders, or anyone familiar with ball bearing joints, will recognize as problematic if tightened too tightly) will go away. The result is a nice, smooth, quiet movement. I had it too loose at first, and was having trouble keeping the movement fluid, but after adjusting a few times I found it to be awesome! I got really nice movement on the pan, the rise and lowering, and both in unison, as it should be. At this point, you're on your own to develop the feel it takes to make those smooth movements. As a fledgling filmmaker, I'm working on my control of all things involved in my filmmaking, but this help immensely in making what would otherwise look like a handheld, YouTube vlog video look very professional. One suggestion would be to always allow a second or so to begin and end your movement so that the jerky beginning or ends of your clip, if any, can be edited out in post. Other than that, I find this to be the perfect tool for what I need to make my videos look really nice! Like anything else, it's not something that will do all the work for you, and since you'll most likely use it to smooth out DSLR/Mirrorless footage, you aren't going to have the added weight of a big, heavy camera to help slow erratic movements. It is capable of holding one of those cameras; there are two mounting screws included, a 1/4" and a 3/8", so attaching any DSLR-type camera is a breeze, and either screw can be removed so it's not in the way or rattling around on the slider plate. The slider plate allows for easy balancing of your camera on the head so whatever lens you're using, it'll balance nicely. I've used it on a Peak Designs Travel Tripod with a Canon EOS R and a Canon 70-200 zoom with spectacular results, even without using the lens' mount for additional balancing! For the price, I'm really pleased with this purchase!

## Frequently Bought Together

- Manfrotto 502 Pro Video Head with 504PLONG Long Quick Release Mounting Plate and Flat Base
- Benro 75mm Hi-Hat (HH75AV)
- NEEWER 75mm Bowl Adapter, Metal Half Ball Flat to Bowl Adapter Convert with 3/8-inch Screws Mount on Tripod and Fluid Head TA60/2500/3500

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*Product available on Desertcart United States of America*
*Store origin: US*
*Last updated: 2026-03-02*