Hudson, if you ever need me to model various lenses for you, let me know. I have all the software for optical design and modeling. Only thing I need is the optical prescription. Just offering something for the time you spent helping me. Paul
Hudson...you are without a doubt the most giving teacher going! Love your attitude and knowledge. Your delivery speaks volumes about your character. Thanks for giving 100% every time you share!
Hudson, I’ve been using your fluid head system for about 18 months. I love it and will never go back to ball heads. Your system keeps the camera absolutely level and avoids the dreaded “flop,” which I always hated. Thanks so much.
As a photographer for 55 years, few videos really present the new information I need but your tripod video really opened my eyes to options in tripods. As a new Z6 and soon to add a Z7, while my D850 and D800 mostly sit on the shelf. A landscape shooter gave me several new heads he bought just to try including 2 fluid heads and a precision ball-head. Now with an interest in time-lapse and video sparked by the Z cameras, this video came at just the right time. My only tripod was less than $200 14 years ago and its ball-head made panning on video a pain for smooth panning and particularly level panning. Your advice on the levelers was the answer. Now out to replace the tripod. Almost all my work is handheld, mostly studio portraiture, product, fashion and some events such as ballet and theater so a tripod was never a priority. My travel photography was handheld because traveling with a tripod was not an option to many of the 91 countries visited. I bought the Z6 after the most recent month-long winter visit to Turkey and the D850 and lenses exceeded the overhead bin size/weight limit once again so had to use my lightest camera, a D7000 and kit 18-105 lens. It did well but the Z6 made shooting for fun...fun again. I love it and even do most of my studio and environmental sessions with it while the wonderful D850 sits on the shelf. The Z6 with 50 18 S and 24-70 f/4 S are with me daily in a small sling bag. They work great with my F lenses even the D and AIS lenses with a fantastic Focus Peaking function. I was never tempted by mirrorless, a gripped D8x0 body was the definition of a camera to me, with great feel. My friends with Sony a7II and III joked I was a Luddite but I never liked their cameras and the felt terrible in hand, the menus were terrible and they never got the shots I did on our outings. All the resistance to the mirrorless evaporated the second I used the Z6 EVF. That was 5 months ago and love it even more now. The AF rework has been brilliant and for action, matches the D850 but focuses into deeper shadows. In the studio from day one, I doubt there was one shot using AF-S pinpoint that missed focus but after 2.0, AF-C and Auto Area is now just as dependable.
Was able to get this Fluid Head on Amazon for $105 dollars its on sale right now, ordered yesterday got it today, still waiting for some of the other parts from B&H tried it out today and it works great, I like it a lot better than the various ballheads I've used. One thing I noticed right off the bat is there is no lens creep using the fluid head when you tighten it down like I would always get using ballheads. Don't think I'll be using my ballheads much anymore! Ok been using the fluid head the last few days, its fantastic for macro, just bought another fluid head for my other tripod. Can't beat the price.
Thanks for your insight into this topic, very nicely presented. I love that little Kirk clamp that you showed at the end of the system tripod presentation, subscribed!
Hudson Henry Photography I carried around an old Miller system for years when I was working for the town news paper along with my F1 canon my first pro camera those were the days. Keep up the good work!📷
Wow! After drowning in more than 50 videos with experts quickly over-viewing tripods/heads only to be followed by dozens of user comments where other experts are disputing everything that was said about $400 (EACH!) parts... thank you for this video! Now I have some reasonable direction for equipment that spans more than one photo specialty, how-to assemble, and keeping a little bit of money in the bank. A great weight has just lifted from my depressed shoulders and I will use the buying links that will return credit to you. Not that you need it, but I just sub'd and rang the bell too.
I just got into a PENTAX Q with a 50-200 lens. I wanted to shoot Charleston Peak (a grueling 14-mile round trip hike to 12,000 ft). My old ball head simply failed the resulting 1250 mm equivalent field of view, because the lens was so much heavier than the camera. A SmallRig Fluid Head and a 120 mm Arca Swiss QR Plate made it work great, and not significantly heavier.
Great and interesting vid. thanks and stay safe. Best wishes for new year. Been using same system for some time now, never did like ball heads. But even attached Ball heads to long plates to just drop into fluid head. My gimbal head is attached to a plate so I can just drop that in any time I want to use it. Most of my equipment even cameras are on plates for ease of use.
Thank you reacting to my comment and recommending this video. I will move to this for the whole bang...I was wanting to move to a stable platform for panorama photography and I found it ! Thanks Hudson.
Hi. Good video thank you. I am looking for the cheap adapter you mentioned for properly aligning a dslr to the head. I know you've moved onto the Kirk one but I have the older M701HDV model and I don't want to spend so much on it. Please are you able to tell me where you can get the one you first mention? Thank you very much.
Thank you very much for the detailed setup video. Awesome work. I am checking B&H and come across 502AH is actually $20 cheaper than 500AH while more capable and drag adjustable. Which one to go for? Also hunting for a budget bowl type tripod is really difficult. Manfrotto itself has anything worth recommend? I too lean towards the iFootage TC7 $299 with included 75mm fastbowl.
Portland, right on.Just caught on to you recently, didn't know you were from the neighborhood.I'm in Milwaukie, close enough.Love your stuff.I do a lot of vids of area wildlife if you care to take a look.I have the manfrotto 502AH and have a heck of a time getting perfect balance with GH5 and 150-600 lens.Been experimenting with gimbal head which keeps position but not as smooth movement.More practice will hopefully yeild smoother results.
Ha, fun stuff Jim. I"m surprised you have trouble with the 502 and that rig. I run much heavier on the 500AH, maybe a bit more practice. I think gimbals are better suited to action specific still shooters in general. I was happy to ditch mine for the Sachtler FSB-6 I have, and now the 500AH has pretty much replaced that outside my studio. It's just so compact, light and versatile.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Yeah at least I think I know what I'm doing.Make all the micro adjustments and still end up with a little creep on the far ends of the tilt one way or another.Rarely can I let go and it stays still.
Oh sure, yeah the fluid head will always have a wee bit of creep if tilted. It has to be level to let go, without turning the tilt lock, but it won't flop and crash it's slow-mo creep and it's so much more versatile than the gimbal. Do yourself and your back a favor and try out the 500ah. It's plenty for your rig, way lighter, less bulky and simpler to operate.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Ok hopefully last question.Your thoughts on clamp vs knob arca adapter.I have arca with short knob stem that doesn't clear my mount.I see the Haoge has a longer stem which looks like it would work but also considering smallrig with clamp as it looks like it would be flush.So question is would I be better off either way.clamp seems easier but wonder about safety/reliability.Thanks
Tripods & Fluid Heads 101...thank you Hudson. I learned a lot. I am still a little sketchy on how to adapt a fluid head to my Vanguard ABEO Plus 324CT tripod which doesn't have a bowl, but instead a center shaft that I can remove, if needed. The center hole is probably 30 to 34mm, which would not adapt to a bowl type configuration. That said I noticed in the second part of your video you talk about a Benro Tripod. If adapting this type of system, how would you level the fluid head? Or did I miss something you may have mention or it flew past me. Anyway, thanks again. I am definitely looking to other videos.
Hey Bo, yes, that's the part to watch. You just leave the center column and the little plate with the threads coming up to screw your ball head on to. That's where you attach the leveling adaptor. The Kirk part. It has 30 degrees of bowl like movement to get the head level above it. The spot to watch is right here in the video: ruclips.net/video/j1h8YrcjtjY/видео.html
Hudson, your entire story makes total sense, I just find all the components you use (together) looking less elegant. Several tripods and heads in my possession for different use cases, I cannot say I have the most elegant bunch, b.t.w. Looking at B&H website, I saw this "Sirui FD-01 Four-Way Head" which is $297 and combines all functions with the top mounting plate having Arca style quick mount.
That's your call JP. It's funny. the Sirui looks like it would wind up in my rubbish bin fast. Light duty, frustrating controls and just generally awkward to use. I could care less about looks personally. I just want 3 things in this order. 1) dead simple to level and compose, 2) rock solid with absolutely not slip, and 3) as light as possible without sacrificing an inch to #1 or #2. Nothing I've used does that as well as the 500AH. I'm helping test a new arca prototype top for it that Kirk is producing that adds a certain elegance, lightens it and makes it a dream pano machine. Stand by for that.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto- thank you for the illumination. My experience, long time ago, was back then I would only trust Gitzo and Linhof in the tripod domain. And Manfrotto - meh. At the time, for car travel, I bought a Slik Master that was actually really good, but not small enough for air travel IMO. Very reliable, after 40 years I could take it apart, clean the threads and leg clamps, spray some silicone in the theads and it would be ready for the next 40. I never bought a Gitzo for private use, but frequently regret not having bought the carbon System 5 Oceanic when I could have bought it with 50% discount a couple years ago. 7 years ago, I bought a Manfrotto carbon travel tripod for a two day shoot that I needed to air travel to, as lightweight as possible. It is really OK, but the quick release head I bought with it required me to borrow a hex screw driver in order to lock a screw in the quick plate lock. My prejudice confirmed. A couple relatively new players from Asia and the US look promising, but I have no direct personal experience with them. I bought some magic arms for studio use. Yes they could easily carry the advertised weight. Beautifully made. But after 5 times lock/unlock use they fell apart. Flimsy circlip in the locking mechanism should have been spring steel but was not. Cheap brand looking good on the outside.
Ha. Sounds right. You know manfrotto and gitzo are all part of one company. I love gitzo's 3543xls legs. The Manfrotto 500ah may not be the greatest work of art to top a tripod, but it's a joy to carry and use. :)
Any suggestions for a lightweight setup (fluidhead plus levelling base) for travel tripods. As much as I like the Manfrotto, I find it too bulky for traveling lightweight or longer hikes.
after watching your videos i totally agree on fluid heads for stills. i don't feel comfortable using a ball head with a $3,000 tele lens and a $2,000 body and stressing about composition and it falling due to being top heavy so im looking at a benrokh25p for a starter setup.
Hudson Henry I have a Novoflex tripod bowl head. very small and I wish to buy fluid head and give it a try . Thanks for your tons of practical informations.
You think you can getaway with an A0 size with Sony A7S III? Using my 55" screen as a reference (A0 is roughly 57") and zoom in on 8.29MP 4K stills like 4x and still very good, let alone 12.1MP, but never printed. Aiming for a 44" printer.
Hi Hudson! great video!! do you think this fluid head can handle a 2kg Tamron 150 - 600 on a Nikon 850 1kg for making long exposures? sometimes you have to tilt it and I'm not sure if the fluid head will stay in place for a long time! thanks for your comment !!
Hudson- thanks for these informative videos on using the 500AH HEAD. Can I assume that since I own a Gitzo leveling tripod that I don’t need any sort of leveling adapter? Also before I convert to Arca Swiss can you elaborate a little more on what you are making with Kirk? Looks like we might be able to slide this into the manfrotto plate? I’m holding off spending $$$ on a clamp system until I see what you have up your sleeve. Might invest in a Haoge CP-64 clamp for my Z6 L Bracket in the meantime. Your thoughts?
Diane, Kirk already has V1 on their website. It replaces the entire top assembly of the 500AH so you loose the manfrotto plate altogether. The sturdy Arca clamp included rotates with a simple built in allen wrench and in V2 that I'm working on with them the center of rotation is right under the clamp. To get balanced you use a nodal slider and it also helps you hit the no paralax point for advanced panoramas without a lower panning clamp. It's pretty awesome and I think I'll be pointing links to it in about 10 days. Which Gitzo leveling tripod do you mean?
Hudson Henry Photography -Thanks for the info. I use a Gitzo 1227 LVL w RRS BH 40 ll ball head. Not sure what “V1” part you are referring to on Kirk site. Assume it’s not the QR universal clamp kit. I’ll take a look if you can lead me in the right direction. Thanks - Diane
Yeah. I have an fsb-6 too fast I love. I prefer the 500AH in the field and the sachtler in the studio these days. I use that Kirk clamp on a manfrotto plate for the sachtler. Works great. :)
Hi Hudson, thank you so much for your great videos!! Question, is the fluid head also better than a 3-way tripod head if you want accuracy (for instance for product photography)?
Man, Hudson, I love your videos. Always full of simple but effective solutions to common photographic problems, explained and demo'd in an easy down to earth style, based on yrs of hands on experience. If I were an aftermarket accessory mfg., providing good eqpt., I'd beg for your address, send you one of everything I had and pray you'd review it. Great video, as usual.
I like Kirk's the best. Great camera. All the brands really rock these days. My later thoughts on tripods are reflected at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks. Thanks for the kind words!
Thanks for the video, very useful. If I want to mount a small refractor to this head, looking for an object in the sky is easy because the pan and tilt is sooo smooth. But once I find an object, it would be essential that, the head stays put, no drifting upwards or downwards from that position. Can it do that? Will it stay perfectly still in that position? Will it depend on the weight of the refractor? The 500AH has a 2.4 kg pre-set counterbalance system. Thanks
I was just ready to buy a fluid head for panoramas and glad I found this link. My question is can you set a lens nodal point with the fluid head setup?
Thanks for all your ATS videos - all good stuff. So I'm in the process of converting from ball head to fluid head, and I have one question. I've shot panos for quite awhile now, and have measured, recorded, and always use the no-parallaxl point(s) for each of my lenses while shooting. But, while it's easy to determine the "zero point" - i.e., the center of horizontal rotation when panning - on a ball head, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to do so with the fluid head, especially considering that one may be moving the camera back and forth to balance it on the head. Some have suggested eyeballing it, which I'm sure gets an approximation of its location. I've actually played with sort of a homemade plumb-bob suspended from the ceiling (hard to explain) and may be able to make use of that, with the idea that I would keep the mount over that marked point whenever shooting panos. Am I missing something? Problem is there are a lot of moving parts - balance slide on the mount, nodal rail, etc.. Suggestions? Is the eyeball method what most folks use? Should I patent my plumb bob method (joking…)?
Hi Hudson. I have been watching your videos for a few days, one thing i can say is you really put your deep analysis in choosing gear. Nice videos. Subscribed. My only concern is that RRS BH55 is meant to support 50 lb load, and this fluid head is rated for 11 lb weight capacity, doesn't it matter when you put a bit longer lens with polarizer and ND filter system and take long exposures. Would this fluid head stay rock solid like BH55 ball head? Also what do you think about Acratech Long Lens Head? Also, did you never felt the need to tilt (not turn) the camera a bit more to the left or right (can be done with ball head) on uneven grounds like if you have to rest one or two legs horizontally on a side rock, if that makes sense? :P
Hey Haider. Somehow I didn't see a notification for this comment. Yes, it's ROCK solid. That weight limit seems suspect to me. I think that given the ability to balance fore and aft, the 500AH is safer with big loads. definitely stable. Try it. I have several friends who I've convinced to try the 500AH and all of them sold their BH55s. True story. The tilt is accomplished beneath the head with the half ball leveling adaptor in situations like you describe. No problem. :-)
Hello Hudson, I have just adopt your fluid head style (manfrotto plate+arca swiss plate adapter with longer handle) and I have a question: I'm using a Nikon Z6 (+ L-bracket) with a cable timer remote control for long exposures. When I want to shoot in vertical mode it's a little hassle because of the cable and the larger size of the fluid head. I can slide the L-brackt to compensate for the cable, but, I looking for a solution that wouldn't involve using tools. Do you have any suggestions?
I use exposure delay instead of a cable now 99%of the time. You can program it to wait between a fraction of a second and multiple seconds before shooting. For bulb work longer than 30 seconds, I use a Pluto trigger that plugs in and is a bit of fuss verticle, but not bad really. Another thing that helps is Kirk's new 500AH top plate and rotating clamp, see the video I just did on the Nikon Sony adapter for that. It gives you lots more room to work with.
Hudson thanks for all the great information. The printer were helpful too at the end. I do have a rookie question...is the fluid head system more portable than a gimbal? What are the differences I should be looking at besides pricing?
The gimbal is solely for using a long lens tracking action. It will not work for landscape or other applications and yes it is larger and more bulky to boot. The great thing about the fluid head is that it really does everything well, from landscape to tracking action to video. In this older video I showed the difference ruclips.net/video/epPSQaYnU8M/видео.html.
Hi Hudson, I have a Manfrotto Globetrotter, Canon D60 1.3kg and macro lens 500g. My Globetrotter just isn't cut for vertical photography when I shoot my food. I am considering the affordable lightweight alternative package that you suggest on your website, but it seems to me the S4 series tripod has been discontinued already. Would the Benro S4 video head fit with my Manfroto Globetrotter ?
Just bought the gitzo gt4543LS with gitzo bowl and 75mm ball leveler. I attached the fluid head to the leveler and set it in the bowl with nothing holding the fluid head and the leveler to the bowl. Is that what should happen? The fluid head attached to the leveler just rest in the bowl with nothing to secure them to the bowl. I am rigorously following your video and thank you.
I've been away on a trip. You should screw the bottom handle of your leveling adaptor beneath the bowl. When you loosen it you can move the half ball of the adapter in the bowl and when you tighten it it locks. I show that in the video pretty clearly I think.
Thanks for sharing. I have a question Hudson, was thinking to avoid buying a RRS BH-55 and a Wimberley SK-100, to be replaced by a single Manfrotto 500AH. But I recently saw a Gitzo 3-way fluid head, that already has Arca Swiss clamp. Another benefit is that it can rotate the camera between portrait and landscape modes, when using collarless lenses. And it's not heavier than the 500AH. It can be set to greater or lesser fluid resistance and has much higher weight rating. Would it make sense to lock either the landscape or portrait orientation, then after balancing, unlock the panning and tilting to desired resistance and move around the camera, like the 500AH would? Because after adding the bridge and slider to a 500AH, the L-plate to the camera, the setup gets complicated, heavier and more expensive than the Gitzo.
If I could convince you to trust me on this... You'll toss that gitzo head in less than a year. It's much much more complicated to use. It's an old school pan and tilt design with some fluid added. The obnoxious way those operate and "balance" a camera led still photographers to embrace ball heads instead. Only videographers still used them in the day as they needed to stay level. Now you won't catch a good video guy dead with one of those anymore. Get the 500AH and see what ease and versatility really feel like. Skip the step where you buy a bunch of stuff that's frustrating along the way. ;)
Hey, Hudson! Been watching this series and really enjoying the content. I even asked for a fluid head for Christmas and mounted it with the Acratech leveling head. My question for you is to find out if you have ever had any issues with a fluid head in colder temps? I live in the Northeast region of the country and have seen that the temperature range is good to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, but would like to get your take on the fluid and cold temps. Thanks for the great information and tips!
I have not. I've used a Sachtler head up high on Denali (14,000 camp) filming a documentary and it worked great. It even worked fine when we dug it up after being buried in a cache as we made our 3 day trip higher to the summit. I haven't tested the Manfrotto to really cold temps, but I'd not hesitate to. I can't imagine they'd use a fluid that freezes easily. Let me know asap if you have any issues though.
This video contains a wealth of knowledge! I think I've watched it three times now to make sure that I'm setting things up right :) I just received my Robus RC-5570 tripod and Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head from B&H. Wow, this is a solid setup! Thank you for your fantastic recommendations! I noticed something about the fluid head that I didn't expect though. After properly balancing my Canon EOS Rebel T5i on the fluid head, I expected that the head would stay positioned wherever I placed it without the flop that you mention in your video. With the tension knob loose, I tilted the camera down to focus on something "below eye level" if you will. When I let go of the camera, the fluid head tilted back up all on its own. It sort of leveled itself out without my help. Is this normal behavior for a fluid head?
Yes. If you had a heavier setup, then that would be less noticeable. The return spring helps when doing video or tracking movements and also reduces the tendency to flop if tilted down. To override it in that kind of situation, just lock the big tilt control knob on the side (gently snug is adequate). So glad you're enjoying!
Hudson, thank you so much! I wondered if my rather light camera had something to do with it. I’m just glad to know that it’s all working properly! Keep these wonderful videos coming!
What do you think about the Manfrotto Nitrotech N8? Heavier...yes. But if you want to do both stills and have the option for buttery smooth video work it seems like it may be the better option over the 500. Or would the N8 just be overkill all the way around? I'm seriously considering the fluid head after watching your videos. I want stability and flexibility to do both stills and video. I just have a hard time trusting a ball head fully and you have got me thinking the fluid could be my new BFF. The amazing counterbalance of the N8 seems a safer bet against accidental & catastrophic dropping forward or aft. What are your thoughts?
Use it daily in the studio (like when recording these vids), but no not an Ace. It's a bit light duty. I have the FSB-6. It's wonderful and I carried it everywhere for years, but the 500AH does everything I need it to do at a much lighter weight. The biggest thing I miss to be honest is the LCD lit bubble level on the side. ;-)
Ha, this video is about 150 weeks old. :) look here www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods for what I'm building and using now. It's changed a lot. Leofoto has the best leveling adapter design yet. Very innovative and much easier to use. Individual links are still at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Tis true. For single row without a lot of tilt, it works great with no extra gear. If you want multi row or to shoot down or up on a scene, then tilting shifts no parallax point, so I then set up a panning clamp and advanced rig atop the locked down level head which is one helluva stable platform.
I can't recommend either of those. They're just not stable. I'd personally prefer to leave optics or some other thing behind and bring my full size setup. It's only 7 pounds and I check it in my large rolling duffle. Heck I carried it up Kilimanjaro and Denali even. If you must go small, I do list a smaller complete fluid head kit from benro in my links. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Hudson, Great video. Thank you gor all the info. I just became aware of the ifootage gazelle t7, carbon fiber tripod with buit in bkwl leveler,$299 US. Any opinion?
I'd worry a bit till I saw reviews. I've looked at thier Komodo head, but I need more info before considering trying it. I have heard good things about these legs though bhpho.to/2IqF2tt and the reviews are all looking pretty stellar. Maybe they are coming in cheap to get market share. More than $299, but pretty crazy looking quality. :-)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for feedback. I will check for reviews. Right now leaning towards Induro, but the price point of ifootage is attractive. I do heed your advice though in making the right investment even if it cost more
Hi Hudson, quick question about fluid heads. The Manfrotto MVH500AH head is $150 at B&H, but the Manfrotto MVH502AH head is only $145. You seem to really like the MVH500AH, but the MVH502AH has a larger weight capacity and is a few dollars cheaper. Do you still recommend the MVH500AH over the MVH502AH and why?
Very much so. The 502 is really video centric. It's much bigger, bulkier and more awkward with the gear we use as still and hybrid shooters. Everyone I've had on a workshop that went that route, took 5 minutes using my 500, swore under their breath and ordered the 500 afterwards. It's just much more awkward and cumbersome to carry and use. The 500 is just right. That's a big reason why Kirk chose to build the bridge assembly for the 500AH. It's the right one for still shooters.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto, thank you so much! That's very helpful information for those of us who don't have the ability to try out the gear before we buy it. I appreciate your quick response!
Check my links. I link the more versatile flat base model with a 75mm half ball leveling adapter. Easy peasy. All links are in the videos and at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Hi Hudson and thanks for sharing your experience and tips. I am a bit confused though since the MVH500AH has a 60 mm base plate and is usually sold with a 60 mm half ball leveling adapter. On the other hand the tripods you recommand (like the Benro in you video) are mounted with a 75 mm video bowl and therefore require a 75 mm leveling adapter (same for all your linked items). What I do not understant is how the 60 mm base plate of the Manfrotto fluid head seem to fit just nicely to the 75 mm adapter? Thank you in advance for your reply I just want to make sure before investing in some new gear.
@@denisdezest9599 I'd definitely skip the half ball if you're systematic and go with the new Leofoto leveling adapter in my links. It's so much nicer to use. You can lock it with your pinky with both hands on the head and it doesn't keep you off the ground at all since nothing sticks out below. Check out the fluid head section of www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks The 60 vs 75 thing is no big deal. It would be weird to but a giant head on a 60mm, but you'll find the flat bottomed 500AH actually fits nicer on a 75mm than a 60. ;-)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you so much Hudson for your quick reply. So if I understood correctly to mount the MVH500AH fluid head on a systematic tripod such as the Leofoto LM-324CL, you go either with the tripod flat platform on top of which you screw the Leofoto leveling base LB-75S, or either with a 75mm video bowl plus a 75mm half ball leveler such as the Manfrotto 520BALL or the Leofoto YB-75LP. You do recommand the 1st configuration though. I am very tempted by the 2nd option since the hook under the bowl knob gives you the ability to hang your camera bag or an accessory pouch. Thanks again I really appreciate your work and your feedback 🙏
@@denisdezest9599 No, that leveling base, the 75S drops in in place of the flat plate or the bowl. It is so much nicer than a half ball. Make sure you choose that. Most of my frequent workshop fliers and friends are upgrading now that they've seen and tried mine. It's so simple. Now I just pull the head to pack for travel, by popping the 75S out of the legs with the head on it and tossing it in the bag.
The weight designations are for smooth fluid video moves not locking down for stills. The 500AH handles a D5 with a 400 2.8. The 502 is big, clunky, heavy and just flat out awkward. Not a great head. I've had people show up to workshops with them, try mine and order one instantly. I even did a much more recent video explaining that... ruclips.net/video/qVZLDfq-mEo/видео.html
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Hudson, if you ever need me to model various lenses for you, let me know. I have all the software for optical design and modeling. Only thing I need is the optical prescription.
Just offering something for the time you spent helping me.
Paul
Hudson...you are without a doubt the most giving teacher going! Love your attitude and knowledge. Your delivery speaks volumes about your character. Thanks for giving 100% every time you share!
thanks Ernie. That makes my Sunday!
Thanks!
All these components are very new to me. Felt like I was listening to a foreign language but learned a lot.
Hudson, I’ve been using your fluid head system for about 18 months. I love it and will never go back to ball heads. Your system keeps the camera absolutely level and avoids the dreaded “flop,” which I always hated. Thanks so much.
That is so great to hear! Thanks for the feedback.
As a photographer for 55 years, few videos really present the new information I need but your tripod video really opened my eyes to options in tripods. As a new Z6 and soon to add a Z7, while my D850 and D800 mostly sit on the shelf. A landscape shooter gave me several new heads he bought just to try including 2 fluid heads and a precision ball-head. Now with an interest in time-lapse and video sparked by the Z cameras, this video came at just the right time. My only tripod was less than $200 14 years ago and its ball-head made panning on video a pain for smooth panning and particularly level panning. Your advice on the levelers was the answer. Now out to replace the tripod. Almost all my work is handheld, mostly studio portraiture, product, fashion and some events such as ballet and theater so a tripod was never a priority. My travel photography was handheld because traveling with a tripod was not an option to many of the 91 countries visited.
I bought the Z6 after the most recent month-long winter visit to Turkey and the D850 and lenses exceeded the overhead bin size/weight limit once again so had to use my lightest camera, a D7000 and kit 18-105 lens. It did well but the Z6 made shooting for fun...fun again. I love it and even do most of my studio and environmental sessions with it while the wonderful D850 sits on the shelf. The Z6 with 50 18 S and 24-70 f/4 S are with me daily in a small sling bag. They work great with my F lenses even the D and AIS lenses with a fantastic Focus Peaking function. I was never tempted by mirrorless, a gripped D8x0 body was the definition of a camera to me, with great feel. My friends with Sony a7II and III joked I was a Luddite but I never liked their cameras and the felt terrible in hand, the menus were terrible and they never got the shots I did on our outings. All the resistance to the mirrorless evaporated the second I used the Z6 EVF. That was 5 months ago and love it even more now. The AF rework has been brilliant and for action, matches the D850 but focuses into deeper shadows. In the studio from day one, I doubt there was one shot using AF-S pinpoint that missed focus but after 2.0, AF-C and Auto Area is now just as dependable.
I used to just hate pan and tilt heads and stuck exclusively to ball heads. I got talked into using this system and it is great. I will never go back.
Nice.
Was able to get this Fluid Head on Amazon for $105 dollars its on sale right now, ordered yesterday got it today, still waiting for some of the other parts from B&H tried it out today and it works great, I like it a lot better than the various ballheads I've used. One thing I noticed right off the bat is there is no lens creep using the fluid head when you tighten it down like I would always get using ballheads. Don't think I'll be using my ballheads much anymore! Ok been using the fluid head the last few days, its fantastic for macro, just bought another fluid head for my other tripod. Can't beat the price.
Thanks for your insight into this topic, very nicely presented. I love that little Kirk clamp that you showed at the end of the system tripod presentation, subscribed!
Hello Hudson, Nice to see some one else likes fluid heads been using the them since the early 70's. Outstanding videos.
That's awesome. It makes so much more sense. Thanks!
Hudson Henry Photography I carried around an old Miller system for years when I was working for the town news paper along with my F1 canon my first pro camera those were the days. Keep up the good work!📷
Wow! After drowning in more than 50 videos with experts quickly over-viewing tripods/heads only to be followed by dozens of user comments where other experts are disputing everything that was said about $400 (EACH!) parts... thank you for this video! Now I have some reasonable direction for equipment that spans more than one photo specialty, how-to assemble, and keeping a little bit of money in the bank. A great weight has just lifted from my depressed shoulders and I will use the buying links that will return credit to you. Not that you need it, but I just sub'd and rang the bell too.
I just got into a PENTAX Q with a 50-200 lens. I wanted to shoot Charleston Peak (a grueling 14-mile round trip hike to 12,000 ft). My old ball head simply failed the resulting 1250 mm equivalent field of view, because the lens was so much heavier than the camera. A SmallRig Fluid Head and a 120 mm Arca Swiss QR Plate made it work great, and not significantly heavier.
Great and interesting vid. thanks and stay safe. Best wishes for new year. Been using same system for some time now, never did like ball heads. But even attached Ball heads to long plates to just drop into fluid head. My gimbal head is attached to a plate so I can just drop that in any time I want to use it. Most of my equipment even cameras are on plates for ease of use.
Thank you reacting to my comment and recommending this video. I will move to this for the whole bang...I was wanting to move to a stable platform for panorama photography and I found it ! Thanks Hudson.
Thank you Hudson! All my questions are answered. Loving Manfrotto's MVH500AH fluid head paired with RRS's leveling base.
Awesome!
Hi. Good video thank you. I am looking for the cheap adapter you mentioned for properly aligning a dslr to the head. I know you've moved onto the Kirk one but I have the older M701HDV model and I don't want to spend so much on it. Please are you able to tell me where you can get the one you first mention? Thank you very much.
This is so perfect! I've been using a fluid head for both videos and stills to save money - now I know better. Thank you for this video!
Thank you very much for the detailed setup video. Awesome work. I am checking B&H and come across 502AH is actually $20 cheaper than 500AH while more capable and drag adjustable. Which one to go for? Also hunting for a budget bowl type tripod is really difficult. Manfrotto itself has anything worth recommend? I too lean towards the iFootage TC7 $299 with included 75mm fastbowl.
Portland, right on.Just caught on to you recently, didn't know you were from the neighborhood.I'm in Milwaukie, close enough.Love your stuff.I do a lot of vids of area wildlife if you care to take a look.I have the manfrotto 502AH and have a heck of a time getting perfect balance with GH5 and 150-600 lens.Been experimenting with gimbal head which keeps position but not as smooth movement.More practice will hopefully yeild smoother results.
Ha, fun stuff Jim. I"m surprised you have trouble with the 502 and that rig. I run much heavier on the 500AH, maybe a bit more practice. I think gimbals are better suited to action specific still shooters in general. I was happy to ditch mine for the Sachtler FSB-6 I have, and now the 500AH has pretty much replaced that outside my studio. It's just so compact, light and versatile.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Yeah at least I think I know what I'm doing.Make all the micro adjustments and still end up with a little creep on the far ends of the tilt one way or another.Rarely can I let go and it stays still.
Oh sure, yeah the fluid head will always have a wee bit of creep if tilted. It has to be level to let go, without turning the tilt lock, but it won't flop and crash it's slow-mo creep and it's so much more versatile than the gimbal. Do yourself and your back a favor and try out the 500ah. It's plenty for your rig, way lighter, less bulky and simpler to operate.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I had thought about that.I'll check out the 500.Thanks man for the advice, and prompt reply.👍
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Ok hopefully last question.Your thoughts on clamp vs knob arca adapter.I have arca with short knob stem that doesn't clear my mount.I see the Haoge has a longer stem which looks like it would work but also considering smallrig with clamp as it looks like it would be flush.So question is would I be better off either way.clamp seems easier but wonder about safety/reliability.Thanks
Great presentation, like the style and the approach
Thanks Roy!
Tripods & Fluid Heads 101...thank you Hudson. I learned a lot. I am still a little sketchy on how to adapt a fluid head to my Vanguard ABEO Plus 324CT tripod which doesn't have a bowl, but instead a center shaft that I can remove, if needed. The center hole is probably 30 to 34mm, which would not adapt to a bowl type configuration. That said I noticed in the second part of your video you talk about a Benro Tripod. If adapting this type of system, how would you level the fluid head? Or did I miss something you may have mention or it flew past me. Anyway, thanks again. I am definitely looking to other videos.
Hey Bo, yes, that's the part to watch. You just leave the center column and the little plate with the threads coming up to screw your ball head on to. That's where you attach the leveling adaptor. The Kirk part. It has 30 degrees of bowl like movement to get the head level above it. The spot to watch is right here in the video: ruclips.net/video/j1h8YrcjtjY/видео.html
Hudson, your entire story makes total sense, I just find all the components you use (together) looking less elegant. Several tripods and heads in my possession for different use cases, I cannot say I have the most elegant bunch, b.t.w. Looking at B&H website, I saw this "Sirui FD-01 Four-Way Head" which is $297 and combines all functions with the top mounting plate having Arca style quick mount.
That's your call JP. It's funny. the Sirui looks like it would wind up in my rubbish bin fast. Light duty, frustrating controls and just generally awkward to use. I could care less about looks personally. I just want 3 things in this order. 1) dead simple to level and compose, 2) rock solid with absolutely not slip, and 3) as light as possible without sacrificing an inch to #1 or #2. Nothing I've used does that as well as the 500AH. I'm helping test a new arca prototype top for it that Kirk is producing that adds a certain elegance, lightens it and makes it a dream pano machine. Stand by for that.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto- thank you for the illumination. My experience, long time ago, was back then I would only trust Gitzo and Linhof in the tripod domain. And Manfrotto - meh. At the time, for car travel, I bought a Slik Master that was actually really good, but not small enough for air travel IMO. Very reliable, after 40 years I could take it apart, clean the threads and leg clamps, spray some silicone in the theads and it would be ready for the next 40. I never bought a Gitzo for private use, but frequently regret not having bought the carbon System 5 Oceanic when I could have bought it with 50% discount a couple years ago. 7 years ago, I bought a Manfrotto carbon travel tripod for a two day shoot that I needed to air travel to, as lightweight as possible. It is really OK, but the quick release head I bought with it required me to borrow a hex screw driver in order to lock a screw in the quick plate lock. My prejudice confirmed. A couple relatively new players from Asia and the US look promising, but I have no direct personal experience with them. I bought some magic arms for studio use. Yes they could easily carry the advertised weight. Beautifully made. But after 5 times lock/unlock use they fell apart. Flimsy circlip in the locking mechanism should have been spring steel but was not. Cheap brand looking good on the outside.
Ha. Sounds right. You know manfrotto and gitzo are all part of one company. I love gitzo's 3543xls legs. The Manfrotto 500ah may not be the greatest work of art to top a tripod, but it's a joy to carry and use. :)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto- I know. Way back they competed in different quality/price segments. And yes, today, most MF products are really good.
Any suggestions for a lightweight setup (fluidhead plus levelling base) for travel tripods. As much as I like the Manfrotto, I find it too bulky for traveling lightweight or longer hikes.
after watching your videos i totally agree on fluid heads for stills. i don't feel comfortable using a ball head with a $3,000 tele lens and a $2,000 body and stressing about composition and it falling due to being top heavy so im looking at a benrokh25p for a starter setup.
I've got a link to great benro starter system at my links page : www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
@@HudsonHenryPhoto awesome thank you!
Hudson Henry I have a Novoflex tripod bowl head. very small and I wish to buy fluid head and give it a try . Thanks for your tons of practical informations.
I think you'll love it. Please consider using my links. Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
You think you can getaway with an A0 size with Sony A7S III? Using my 55" screen as a reference (A0 is roughly 57") and zoom in on 8.29MP 4K stills like 4x and still very good, let alone 12.1MP, but never printed. Aiming for a 44" printer.
Hi Hudson! great video!! do you think this fluid head can handle a 2kg Tamron 150 - 600 on a Nikon 850 1kg for making long exposures? sometimes you have to tilt it and I'm not sure if the fluid head will stay in place for a long time! thanks for your comment !!
Thank you, mine arrived today and I love it.
Hudson- thanks for these informative videos on using the 500AH HEAD. Can I assume that since I own a Gitzo leveling tripod that I don’t need any sort of leveling adapter? Also before I convert to Arca Swiss can you elaborate a little more on what you are making with Kirk? Looks like we might be able to slide this into the manfrotto plate? I’m holding off spending $$$ on a clamp system until I see what you have up your sleeve. Might invest in a Haoge CP-64 clamp for my Z6 L Bracket in the meantime. Your thoughts?
Diane, Kirk already has V1 on their website. It replaces the entire top assembly of the 500AH so you loose the manfrotto plate altogether. The sturdy Arca clamp included rotates with a simple built in allen wrench and in V2 that I'm working on with them the center of rotation is right under the clamp. To get balanced you use a nodal slider and it also helps you hit the no paralax point for advanced panoramas without a lower panning clamp. It's pretty awesome and I think I'll be pointing links to it in about 10 days. Which Gitzo leveling tripod do you mean?
Hudson Henry Photography -Thanks for the info. I use a Gitzo 1227 LVL w RRS BH 40 ll ball head. Not sure what “V1” part you are referring to on Kirk site. Assume it’s not the QR universal clamp kit.
I’ll take a look if you can lead me in the right direction. Thanks - Diane
The Kirk clamp looks like what I need to adapt my Z6ii to my Sachtler. Does that sub-plate come with the clamp?
Yeah. I have an fsb-6 too fast I love. I prefer the 500AH in the field and the sachtler in the studio these days. I use that Kirk clamp on a manfrotto plate for the sachtler. Works great. :)
Hi Hudson, thank you so much for your great videos!! Question, is the fluid head also better than a 3-way tripod head if you want accuracy (for instance for product photography)?
Just as good if not better in my opinion. It's not geared, but it's very precise.
Man, Hudson, I love your videos. Always full of simple but effective solutions to common photographic problems, explained and demo'd in an easy down to earth style, based on yrs of hands on experience. If I were an aftermarket accessory mfg., providing good eqpt., I'd beg for your address, send you one of everything I had and pray you'd review it. Great video, as usual.
Great video! Simple, informative, and instructional as always!👍🏽
Thanks Patrick.
Have just discovered the channel and I'm digging the info.
Curious if you have a recommendation for an L Bracket for an A7rii? Thanks!
I like Kirk's the best. Great camera. All the brands really rock these days. My later thoughts on tripods are reflected at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks. Thanks for the kind words!
@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the video, very useful. If I want to mount a small refractor to this head, looking for an object in the sky is easy because the pan and tilt is sooo smooth. But once I find an object, it would be essential that, the head stays put, no drifting upwards or downwards from that position. Can it do that? Will it stay perfectly still in that position? Will it depend on the weight of the refractor? The 500AH has a 2.4 kg pre-set counterbalance system. Thanks
I was just ready to buy a fluid head for panoramas and glad I found this link. My question is can you set a lens nodal point with the fluid head setup?
Thanks for all your ATS videos - all good stuff. So I'm in the process of converting from ball head to fluid head, and I have one question. I've shot panos for quite awhile now, and have measured, recorded, and always use the no-parallaxl point(s) for each of my lenses while shooting. But, while it's easy to determine the "zero point" - i.e., the center of horizontal rotation when panning - on a ball head, I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to do so with the fluid head, especially considering that one may be moving the camera back and forth to balance it on the head. Some have suggested eyeballing it, which I'm sure gets an approximation of its location. I've actually played with sort of a homemade plumb-bob suspended from the ceiling (hard to explain) and may be able to make use of that, with the idea that I would keep the mount over that marked point whenever shooting panos. Am I missing something? Problem is there are a lot of moving parts - balance slide on the mount, nodal rail, etc.. Suggestions? Is the eyeball method what most folks use? Should I patent my plumb bob method (joking…)?
Hi Hudson. I have been watching your videos for a few days, one thing i can say is you really put your deep analysis in choosing gear. Nice videos. Subscribed. My only concern is that RRS BH55 is meant to support 50 lb load, and this fluid head is rated for 11 lb weight capacity, doesn't it matter when you put a bit longer lens with polarizer and ND filter system and take long exposures. Would this fluid head stay rock solid like BH55 ball head? Also what do you think about Acratech Long Lens Head? Also, did you never felt the need to tilt (not turn) the camera a bit more to the left or right (can be done with ball head) on uneven grounds like if you have to rest one or two legs horizontally on a side rock, if that makes sense? :P
Hey Haider. Somehow I didn't see a notification for this comment. Yes, it's ROCK solid. That weight limit seems suspect to me. I think that given the ability to balance fore and aft, the 500AH is safer with big loads. definitely stable. Try it. I have several friends who I've convinced to try the 500AH and all of them sold their BH55s. True story. The tilt is accomplished beneath the head with the half ball leveling adaptor in situations like you describe. No problem. :-)
Hello Hudson,
I have just adopt your fluid head style (manfrotto plate+arca swiss plate adapter with longer handle) and I have a question: I'm using a Nikon Z6 (+ L-bracket) with a cable timer remote control for long exposures. When I want to shoot in vertical mode it's a little hassle because of the cable and the larger size of the fluid head. I can slide the L-brackt to compensate for the cable, but, I looking for a solution that wouldn't involve using tools. Do you have any suggestions?
I use exposure delay instead of a cable now 99%of the time. You can program it to wait between a fraction of a second and multiple seconds before shooting. For bulb work longer than 30 seconds, I use a Pluto trigger that plugs in and is a bit of fuss verticle, but not bad really. Another thing that helps is Kirk's new 500AH top plate and rotating clamp, see the video I just did on the Nikon Sony adapter for that. It gives you lots more room to work with.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks a lot. I''ll look the Kirk's top plate.
Hudson thanks for all the great information. The printer were helpful too at the end. I do have a rookie question...is the fluid head system more portable than a gimbal? What are the differences I should be looking at besides pricing?
The gimbal is solely for using a long lens tracking action. It will not work for landscape or other applications and yes it is larger and more bulky to boot. The great thing about the fluid head is that it really does everything well, from landscape to tracking action to video. In this older video I showed the difference ruclips.net/video/epPSQaYnU8M/видео.html.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks so much for the reply and information!
Hi Hudson, I have a Manfrotto Globetrotter, Canon D60 1.3kg and macro lens 500g. My Globetrotter just isn't cut for vertical photography when I shoot my food. I am considering the affordable lightweight alternative package that you suggest on your website, but it seems to me the S4 series tripod has been discontinued already. Would the Benro S4 video head fit with my Manfroto Globetrotter ?
Great video. Thanks so much. I have learned a great deal from you videos.
Move to min 4, there the content really starts. :-)
Thankful new subscriber here. Greatly helpful!
Lots of great tips!
Just bought the gitzo gt4543LS with gitzo bowl and 75mm ball leveler. I attached the fluid head to the leveler and set it in the bowl with nothing holding the fluid head and the leveler to the bowl. Is that what should happen? The fluid head attached to the leveler just rest in the bowl with nothing to secure them to the bowl. I am rigorously following your video and thank you.
I've been away on a trip. You should screw the bottom handle of your leveling adaptor beneath the bowl. When you loosen it you can move the half ball of the adapter in the bowl and when you tighten it it locks. I show that in the video pretty clearly I think.
Thanks for sharing. I have a question Hudson, was thinking to avoid buying a RRS BH-55 and a Wimberley SK-100, to be replaced by a single Manfrotto 500AH.
But I recently saw a Gitzo 3-way fluid head, that already has Arca Swiss clamp. Another benefit is that it can rotate the camera between portrait and landscape modes, when using collarless lenses. And it's not heavier than the 500AH. It can be set to greater or lesser fluid resistance and has much higher weight rating.
Would it make sense to lock either the landscape or portrait orientation, then after balancing, unlock the panning and tilting to desired resistance and move around the camera, like the 500AH would?
Because after adding the bridge and slider to a 500AH, the L-plate to the camera, the setup gets complicated, heavier and more expensive than the Gitzo.
If I could convince you to trust me on this... You'll toss that gitzo head in less than a year. It's much much more complicated to use. It's an old school pan and tilt design with some fluid added. The obnoxious way those operate and "balance" a camera led still photographers to embrace ball heads instead. Only videographers still used them in the day as they needed to stay level. Now you won't catch a good video guy dead with one of those anymore. Get the 500AH and see what ease and versatility really feel like. Skip the step where you buy a bunch of stuff that's frustrating along the way. ;)
Hey, Hudson! Been watching this series and really enjoying the content. I even asked for a fluid head for Christmas and mounted it with the Acratech leveling head. My question for you is to find out if you have ever had any issues with a fluid head in colder temps? I live in the Northeast region of the country and have seen that the temperature range is good to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, but would like to get your take on the fluid and cold temps. Thanks for the great information and tips!
I have not. I've used a Sachtler head up high on Denali (14,000 camp) filming a documentary and it worked great. It even worked fine when we dug it up after being buried in a cache as we made our 3 day trip higher to the summit. I haven't tested the Manfrotto to really cold temps, but I'd not hesitate to. I can't imagine they'd use a fluid that freezes easily. Let me know asap if you have any issues though.
This video contains a wealth of knowledge! I think I've watched it three times now to make sure that I'm setting things up right :) I just received my Robus RC-5570 tripod and Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head from B&H. Wow, this is a solid setup! Thank you for your fantastic recommendations! I noticed something about the fluid head that I didn't expect though. After properly balancing my Canon EOS Rebel T5i on the fluid head, I expected that the head would stay positioned wherever I placed it without the flop that you mention in your video. With the tension knob loose, I tilted the camera down to focus on something "below eye level" if you will. When I let go of the camera, the fluid head tilted back up all on its own. It sort of leveled itself out without my help. Is this normal behavior for a fluid head?
Yes. If you had a heavier setup, then that would be less noticeable. The return spring helps when doing video or tracking movements and also reduces the tendency to flop if tilted down. To override it in that kind of situation, just lock the big tilt control knob on the side (gently snug is adequate). So glad you're enjoying!
Hudson, thank you so much! I wondered if my rather light camera had something to do with it. I’m just glad to know that it’s all working properly! Keep these wonderful videos coming!
I really wish I saw this video before buying a bunch of tripod gear. Not too late to return I guess.
What do you think about the Manfrotto Nitrotech N8? Heavier...yes. But if you want to do both stills and have the option for buttery smooth video work it seems like it may be the better option over the 500. Or would the N8 just be overkill all the way around? I'm seriously considering the fluid head after watching your videos. I want stability and flexibility to do both stills and video. I just have a hard time trusting a ball head fully and you have got me thinking the fluid could be my new BFF. The amazing counterbalance of the N8 seems a safer bet against accidental & catastrophic dropping forward or aft. What are your thoughts?
Do you still have the Satchtler head (Ace, I am guessing)? Do you like that one? Thanks.
Use it daily in the studio (like when recording these vids), but no not an Ace. It's a bit light duty. I have the FSB-6. It's wonderful and I carried it everywhere for years, but the 500AH does everything I need it to do at a much lighter weight. The biggest thing I miss to be honest is the LCD lit bubble level on the side. ;-)
Hudson, do you have a link or a part number for the Manfrotto leveling base?
Ha, this video is about 150 weeks old. :) look here www.hudsonhenry.com/tripods for what I'm building and using now. It's changed a lot. Leofoto has the best leveling adapter design yet. Very innovative and much easier to use. Individual links are still at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I guess I have a lot of catching up to do!
Hudson, with the pan and shift fluid head, it looks as if you can find your nodal point of your lenses? It looks like it can slide pretty well.
Tis true. For single row without a lot of tilt, it works great with no extra gear. If you want multi row or to shoot down or up on a scene, then tilting shifts no parallax point, so I then set up a panning clamp and advanced rig atop the locked down level head which is one helluva stable platform.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto which pano rig do you recommmend for multirows
The gear I use is on my links page here :www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Thanks for such a helpful video
Hi Henry, would you recomend to use a manfrotto xpro monopod with fluid head or a beefree live tripod. for traveling?
I can't recommend either of those. They're just not stable. I'd personally prefer to leave optics or some other thing behind and bring my full size setup. It's only 7 pounds and I check it in my large rolling duffle. Heck I carried it up Kilimanjaro and Denali even. If you must go small, I do list a smaller complete fluid head kit from benro in my links. www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Hudson,
Great video. Thank you gor all the info. I just became aware of the ifootage gazelle t7, carbon fiber tripod with buit in bkwl leveler,$299 US. Any opinion?
I'd worry a bit till I saw reviews. I've looked at thier Komodo head, but I need more info before considering trying it. I have heard good things about these legs though bhpho.to/2IqF2tt and the reviews are all looking pretty stellar. Maybe they are coming in cheap to get market share. More than $299, but pretty crazy looking quality. :-)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for feedback. I will check for reviews. Right now leaning towards Induro, but the price point of ifootage is attractive. I do heed your advice though in making the right investment even if it cost more
Thanks Lew! If you shop Amazon or B&H using my links is a big help. :)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Will do
Hi Hudson, quick question about fluid heads. The Manfrotto MVH500AH head is $150 at B&H, but the Manfrotto MVH502AH head is only $145. You seem to really like the MVH500AH, but the MVH502AH has a larger weight capacity and is a few dollars cheaper. Do you still recommend the MVH500AH over the MVH502AH and why?
Very much so. The 502 is really video centric. It's much bigger, bulkier and more awkward with the gear we use as still and hybrid shooters. Everyone I've had on a workshop that went that route, took 5 minutes using my 500, swore under their breath and ordered the 500 afterwards. It's just much more awkward and cumbersome to carry and use. The 500 is just right. That's a big reason why Kirk chose to build the bridge assembly for the 500AH. It's the right one for still shooters.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto, thank you so much! That's very helpful information for those of us who don't have the ability to try out the gear before we buy it. I appreciate your quick response!
What is a good L-Bracket for canon 90D?
Goonies. 👍🏼
How much was the printer behind you? and what kind of ink you use?
I responded to another of your comments with this link: bhpho.to/2CQRlcx Only Epson ink.
What is the reference of your Indoor tripod ???
Will the MVH500AH fluid head work with Manfrotto 190L
sure I lay out multiple methods to adapt it on my links page: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
The Manfrotto 500AH is a 65 MM bowl, how do you adapt it to the 75 MM bowls that you show in your links
Check my links. I link the more versatile flat base model with a 75mm half ball leveling adapter. Easy peasy. All links are in the videos and at www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Hi Hudson and thanks for sharing your experience and tips. I am a bit confused though since the MVH500AH has a 60 mm base plate and is usually sold with a 60 mm half ball leveling adapter. On the other hand the tripods you recommand (like the Benro in you video) are mounted with a 75 mm video bowl and therefore require a 75 mm leveling adapter (same for all your linked items). What I do not understant is how the 60 mm base plate of the Manfrotto fluid head seem to fit just nicely to the 75 mm adapter? Thank you in advance for your reply I just want to make sure before investing in some new gear.
@@denisdezest9599 I'd definitely skip the half ball if you're systematic and go with the new Leofoto leveling adapter in my links. It's so much nicer to use. You can lock it with your pinky with both hands on the head and it doesn't keep you off the ground at all since nothing sticks out below. Check out the fluid head section of www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks The 60 vs 75 thing is no big deal. It would be weird to but a giant head on a 60mm, but you'll find the flat bottomed 500AH actually fits nicer on a 75mm than a 60. ;-)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you so much Hudson for your quick reply. So if I understood correctly to mount the MVH500AH fluid head on a systematic tripod such as the Leofoto LM-324CL, you go either with the tripod flat platform on top of which you screw the Leofoto leveling base LB-75S, or either with a 75mm video bowl plus a 75mm half ball leveler such as the Manfrotto 520BALL or the Leofoto YB-75LP. You do recommand the 1st configuration though. I am very tempted by the 2nd option since the hook under the bowl knob gives you the ability to hang your camera bag or an accessory pouch. Thanks again I really appreciate your work and your feedback 🙏
@@denisdezest9599 No, that leveling base, the 75S drops in in place of the flat plate or the bowl. It is so much nicer than a half ball. Make sure you choose that. Most of my frequent workshop fliers and friends are upgrading now that they've seen and tried mine. It's so simple. Now I just pull the head to pack for travel, by popping the 75S out of the legs with the head on it and tossing it in the bag.
👍👍
Can it replace a geared head for shooting real estate?
Absolutely
Why not the 502AH?
The weight designations are for smooth fluid video moves not locking down for stills. The 500AH handles a D5 with a 400 2.8. The 502 is big, clunky, heavy and just flat out awkward. Not a great head. I've had people show up to workshops with them, try mine and order one instantly. I even did a much more recent video explaining that... ruclips.net/video/qVZLDfq-mEo/видео.html
Tripod forest ㅋㅋ