701HDV smoother than 501HDV? (bogen / manfrotto)

salils

salils

Well-known member
I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong here, but I tried my friend's 701HDV a few days ago and it seemed smoother than my 501HDV? This is with the DVX100B on both tripods (no accessories). I also tried another head -- bogen/manfrotto 3130 micro fluid head. I could get smoother starts and stops with these smaller tripod heads that are half the price. What's up with that? Any ideas?
501HDV
701HDV
3130 (link is to newer version of this, basically the same)

PS: Especially when I tighten the tilt lock/friction knob a lot the 501HDV can't seem to compete with the others. When I tighten the tilt knob I can get really smooth pans.
 
Last edited:
I have a 701HDV
and it is, really smooth. It's the only one that can give me the slow smoothness that I need for my shots. Haven't tried the 501HDV though.
 
I own the 501 (old one, not the HDV). I tried out the 701HDV over at FilmTools and I must say that Bogen has been doing their homework. For a cheapo head, the 701HDV impressed me with it's smoothness though. In a whole other league than my old 501 POS.

Never thought I would buy another Bogen product because I generally think that most of their stuff is a little low end, I will probably get a 701HDV head for my new little Canon Vixia HFS100. The camera only costs a grand, I can't justify buying a Sachtler for it and my DV-6SB already works great with my HPX170, I need something really small and light for the Canon.

Dan
 
My Thoughts on the 501 & 701....

My Thoughts on the 501 & 701....

Hey there,

From most of the research I have found, either head is ideal for a great pan. Here is what I concluded:

I was contracted to film a 8 hour dance competition today. This was a great chance to really try out both heads. I originally purchased the 701 because of the size and $40 difference. After glancing at the 501hdv in the store, it seemed a little to big for my Canon xh-a1s. I brought the 701 with me to the contest and ended up borrowing a 501 from the company that contracted me out so that I could compare the two.

I started with the 701 and it worked like a charm. Considering that the head was being used for the first time, the pan was a little stiff but in a good way. With the dancers jumping from one side of the stage to the other, the transition was smooth to stay with the dancers and more then sturdy enough to support the weight of my camera. It originally came with only one pan handle, so I added a second one from a cheaper Manfrotto 700rc2 head for dual control. Totally awesome. (Note: Servo Controller help make this possible!)

So now was the 501's turn. Using similar tripod legs, I snapped my camera in and gave it a try. Definitely designed for a heavy camera, the base of the mount being 1.5 the size of the 701. Same great horizontal pan but a little stiffer with the vertical possibly to resist the weight of a bigger camera. The studio had a extendable handle (not sure if this was an upgrade) that was twice the size of the 701's stock one. I hated it. I found that i kept on bumping into it when going in for a closer look and having to sit back and pan from farther away making it harder to crop the dancers jumping all over the place.

The funny thing is that I compare the two setups to a steering wheel and a outboard boat throttle. The 701 would have great control due to the two hands and the controller upgrade, while with the 501 I had to awkwardly hold one hand low and reach up with the other to zoom when not using the controller. Im sure with a similar setup as the 701, i would of enjoyed the more costly head, but i just wasn't having it.

BHphotovideo suggest a 501HDV head w/manfrotto tripod under their accessories for my camera, however this could just be a marketing plot to buy a $450 tripod set up. when it comes down to it, I think it all depends on what you are doing and the weight of your camera. Lots of panning and constant hand, eye coordination i'd go lighter. Studio rig with matte box, red rock micro adapter system, mounted monitor you would probably want the bigger head to support the shifting weight.

That being said, I am satisfied with the Manfrotto 701hdv fluid head, however would probably like to own both. The 501 staying at the studio for green screen and in-house production. The 701 on the road for just the camera, shotgun mic, Frezzi micro sun lighting. It definitely wouldn't hurt you to go bigger. But for smaller, more consumer camera's it would be just silly to bust out a 501 head close to its size :)

I hope my rambling was of some usefulness. In this industry, there are so many affordable options to get what you need. Take care!

-Nate

Included: 701 head with Canon Xh-A1s for comparison of size

IMG_3892.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top