What is the Difference Between 501 and 503

C

corywdavis

Member
hey im getting ready to buy a quality tripod and after doing some research here it seems that bogen is recommended for fluid heads

i was wondering what the difference is between the 501 and the 503 heads?

im in the market for either

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=410680&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

with the 501

or...

http://www.evsonline.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=503351MVB2

with the 503

if theres no difference i could save 130 bucks

thanks
 
The 503 is far more smooth and it has a counter balance spring to keep your camera from nose diving when you take your hand off the pan handle.
 
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501 is nose dive crazy. I have the 501 and I lock it when I move the tripod and if I don't lock it then it scares me when my mic hits my shoulder.
 
I was wondering the same thing. Sounds like it is worth it to spend the extra cash and get a better product. thanks again for the info guys.
 
AFAIK, it goes like this:

501 = friction head
503 = friction head
516 = fluid head
526 = fluid head

The 526 is simply the most amazing fluid head for that price range. Although it likes heavy cams better...
 
I struggled over this one myself. Living in the ass-end of nowhere I didn't have a chance to put my hands on either head, so I had to read reviews and make a decision from there.

Since I'm not using anything in front of the lens (mattebox, adapters, etc.), I decided that I didn't need a counter-balance. So, I got a 501, saved $120 and bought a DVXuser battery.

"The 501 is a solid head"--Jarred - That reply sold me more than anything.:dankk2:

I agree with Jarred-- it's a solid piece of kit.

It takes some practice, but smooth pans and tilts are possible.

As far as nose-diving, the plate is adjustable and my dvx balances out nicely.

If you're using pro equipment every day at work or at school, you may find the 501 somewhat of a step-down, but if you're just starting out I think you'll dig it as much as I do. And I dig it, a lot.

Hope this helps- Chris:)
 
I bought the 503 and it is a great tripod to work with. It gives nice panning shots overall.
 
501 and 503 are fluid on the vertical axis (tilt), but friction on the horizontal axis (pan). I had the 501, and now have the 503. They both respond the about same, but the 503 is probably slightly better for tilting (probably due to the sping that prevents it from noze diving). In retrospect, I probably should have gone with a 516 instead.
 
hmm..

im kind of confused what to get now since you guys said that the 501 and 503 arent fluid for panning

the tripod i have now was a 50 dollar tripod that i got when i first started out and when i pan it is horrible and drags like crazy


will the 501 or 503 still give me smooth panning ?


thanks
 
corywdavis said:
hmm..

im kind of confused what to get now since you guys said that the 501 and 503 arent fluid for panning

the tripod i have now was a 50 dollar tripod that i got when i first started out and when i pan it is horrible and drags like crazy


will the 501 or 503 still give me smooth panning ?


thanks
Click to expand...

Cartoni Focus. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
 
I've got the 503.
Many times when I want to make a subtle frame adjustment, it'll stick and ruin the shot. So most times I just leave it.

I'm getting an OConnor 1030B. (I wish)
It's made out of butter.
Sooooo smoooth.



-BillP
 
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i have the first system you have linked with the 501 head. yes, it's not fluid, but in my book its fluid enough. i've pulled off some great pans and tilts without any major hangups (but i've only had it a few months). that system for that price is pretty unbelievable if you ask me.
 
Yeah, for the price, it's fluid enough. I wasn't ready to go for the 516 and above. But I know I'll eventually change. But for now, it will do. My only recommendation is not to thighten the head when storing it, leave it loose. This will reduce somewhat the chances of sezing or sticking.
 
501

501

I bught my 501 2 days ago!!
I was using a U$50 tripod!
All I say is....
It worth the price.... is amazing, for me 501 is fluid, if its not, no problem, it work like fluid...



corywdavis said:
hmm..

im kind of confused what to get now since you guys said that the 501 and 503 arent fluid for panning

the tripod i have now was a 50 dollar tripod that i got when i first started out and when i pan it is horrible and drags like crazy


will the 501 or 503 still give me smooth panning ?

thanks
Click to expand...
 
I'm happy with my 501 - no complaints. Like most of my gear, it won't impress anyone but gets the job done with little to no compromise.
 
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