How smooth is the head? I plan on doing a lot of panning and tilting, will this work for that?
1238915
I just got mine, so I'm hoping it works itself out ... but while it is very smooth during the motion, it is NOT smooth at all from a dead still start. It always jerks if the head has been setting for more than 5 or so seconds ... no matter how loose the screws.
1238916
I think it's very stiff for a video head. You'll have to apply extra force to get it started from a stationary position, and it has too much resistance to pan smoothly. There isn't any way to reduce the panning friction enough to allow for smooth video panning.
1238917
it is very good tripod, your head could be softer is sometimes a bit stiff and does not offer a good move, but the price is reasonable, its construction is also very solid and professional projects
1238918
It's very stiff. If you want to make any camera moves at all I would chose something else.
1238919
The head is moderately stiff but it moves smoothly, both pan and tilt, as long as you have a little muscle behind it. It would probably be a little jerky if you were trying to move it with your little finger. It's definitely not going to drift when you're not pushing it.
1238920
I think it is very smooth, but I guess something like that is a matter of personal opinion.
1658171
Side panning is beautiful. Up and down is not so smooth but it can work alright. Diagonal panning is horrible. Just be aware.
1605747
Not really; its a harder head so its more for back and legs; you'd want to find something with a squishier/more flexible head for feet
51246
I am pretty sure it can handle the load. I have put mine through a lot but mostly in going up and down tree stands. A shot of wd improved my pan head movement as far as smoothness goes but there seems to be a little problem with mine written trying to shoot some pictures I still see slight movement. Part of this is due to my. 6 year old grandson over tightening and cracking the plastic. Looks like I will be replacing mine. But it will be another just like this.
366259
I T's not the best but yes it can . As far as panning left to right up and down it's a little stiff.But for the price I guess it's worth it
2075856
There is no bearing for the pan axis. I have to say it is not that smooth. It gets the job done. It however is not like the expensive ones. My friend has has a really nice gimbal head I forget then brand but it cost like 560 smackers. It is a dream compared to mine. I however only have at current a 300mm f/4. He has a 600mm f/4 and if weights as much as a small child. So he needs the ball bearing pan. I can get away with it. Just depends on what lens you will be using.
528703
No reason not to, I don't, but the head is reversible, can hang down, so could get close. My only criticism of the tripod is the head, once released it flops, making panning almost impossible.
2167772
The head articulation is awesome! The is not wobbly at all. I am sure you won't have any problem with it at all!
681244
On mine, the pan motion is fairly smooth, while the tilt is slightly abrupt at first. It is still not bad overall though, and I would recommend it if you need a lightweight tripod for travel for its overall sturdiness.
1584022
I would say no. I have a friend who bought this same head. We did not know we had each bought it. We compared notes after I returned the one I bought. He had his modified because he uses a Mamiya 645 with a digital back and it causes the head to droop. I plan on buying something like this head in the future, http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-303SPH-Spherical-Panoramic-Black/dp/B00017LRDQ. Unfortunately we get what we pay for. The Cowboy studio head might be ok for a light weight DSLR with a short lens.
1938140
Ruben, there is a learning curve, but well worth it. It seems a bit awkward working the tilt-shift knobs. Sometimes I wish I had another hand! It is a great lens - almost magical...Fred
669020
I would not recommend this tripod for.this type of work. The stability of the head is a problem and you can't get a clean 90 degree angle for shooting straight down.
746564
The panning is performed by a fluid cylinder near the bottom of the monopod. It's not a fluid head but it's quite smooth.
800027
This is NOT a good video head. I use it only as a table top dolly head for product, for which it is just fine in holding a 5D Mk3 w/up to 3lbs of glass. Look at a Manfrotto 501 or 701 head if you are serious about smooth moves, Colombo. (I say that with respect & camaraderie!)
766907
That is the frustrating thing about this set up if you're just starting out building your gear kit. Its great together but taking that head off is pointless- however, you have options. While I reccomend buckling down, saving your cash, and buying the 502HD ($200) or 500ah ($170) to use on a tripod or slider, there are pan bases you can attach to the bottom of the 500 head like the feisol Pb-70. It has a 70 mm base which I believe will work with the 500 head you've got. However, it's clumsy and unreliable. Trust me. Appreciate that you have a great monopod setup, the best in fact. And that if you're considering a separate pan head for other video rigging, you'll want the 502HD, or the 500AH if you really must save $30.
1187586
It goes up and down and side to side, and very smooth... not jumpy, very good head for the price, we use ours for hunting up in a tree, its been out in all kinds of weather and still preforms awesome!
54898
Absolutely! I replaced the monopod tilt head that I bought at the same time I originally bought my Manfrotto monopod. I have a Sigma 120-400mm zoom which was hard to stabilize while perched on top of the monopod. I saw a YouTube video where the narrator suggested using a ball head. I tilt the ball head to a horizontal position and then I rotate the lens collar 90 degrees and then mount to the ball head quick connect plate. This allows me to grip the monopod in my left hand and stabilize the camera with my right as I shoot. This is the most stable shooting technique I have found.